Welcome to our little corner of the world, Lillian Marie. We’re really happy to meet you. Your mom and dad – and all of us, really – have been waiting for you – not just for the several months you grew inside your mom, but much much longer.

Your dad will tell you one day all about the woman you’re named after, how much we love her and what an impact she had on his life, and mine. And on your grandma’s life. And on the lives of so many others. She was a great lady, and we’re so happy its you who gets to embody that name going forward. You’re not even a week old and you have so much to be proud of.

Your mother is as genuine as they come, and if she has anything to say about it (which she does, of course), two things will be a priority in your life: kindness and Hello Kitty.

You’ve got two wonderful big brothers who will, no doubt, be a constant source of torment and frustration. But also, I’m confident, a source of security and strength, too. They are the smartest two kids you’ll ever know, though I have no doubt you’ll give them a run for their money.

You’ve found yourself as part of an extended family that, though spread across the country and separated just as much by ages as locations, is as connected as the roads that lead us to each other throughout the year.

I cried like crazy when your dad texted to say you’d finally arrived, sitting at my desk working late that Tuesday night, scared to get in the subway and lose signal should I miss the news. But you’ll find that I cry pretty easily, and if you take after your namesake in more ways than one, you probably will, too. When the time comes, invest in waterproof mascara.

You’ll want to brush up on your puns, as we’ve got a penchant for bad jokes around here (ask your mom if she’d like a shake sometime). You’ll play dress up with your aunt and video games with your uncle (and probably video games with your aunt, too).

One day we’ll watch Gene Kelly movies together, and you’ll decorate the Christmas tree cookies I press from the cookie press your grandma used. Just the way your namesake and I used to.

There’s so much I want to share with you. So many wishes and hopes and thoughts and stories. But it can wait. There’s time. For now, settle in. Make yourself at home. We’re glad you’re here.