Sweet Baby Girl

I have a niece named Danielle and I have been very lucky in that I have been included in her life since she was born. 

What do I like about you?
Why do I love you so much?
What are your positive aspects?

I like that you were a completely unexpected part of my life and yet I could not possibly imagine it now without you.

I like the way your face radiates happiness when I see you.  I like that you express yourself so well and that you are pursuing your dream of being a writer.  I like that you see the stories in your imagination and (seemingly) so easily transfer them to the written word.

I love that I got the opportunity to live the wonder that is Santa Claus for another dozen years because of you.  I find Christmas so magical and love that you gave us all a newfound reason to make it special again.

I like you that gently but unswervingly defend your friends and your convictions.  I like that you stand up for yourself and will not bend to social standards if it doesn't feel right to you.  I like that you feel the right thing inside of yourself and that you act upon it so often.

I love that you have such compassion for animals.  The fact that you so naturally defend the most defenseless among us resonates with me that your place in heaven in assured.  Sometimes I feel God acts through you.  I see selfless acts through you and it washes away the cynicism that sometimes splashes upon me.

I love that you include me in your life.  I love that we draw together or play Mario together or watch movies together or go to the fair together.  I love that when we spend time together, more often than not, my cheeks usually end up aching from all the laughing we have done together.

I love that you are so kind to my dogs Otis and Stanley.  I love how Otis looks around me for you when you come through my front door.  I love that when you're here, you're the first person he wants to see in the morning and that you're the last person he wants to wake up before he goes to bed at night.  I love that you are so playful and loving with both Otis and Stanley.

Your positive aspects are your patience, your kindness, your gentleness, your creativity, your loyalty, how much you love and that you're willing to let people know how much you love them.

I'm so very grateful to God for you; that He put you in our family.  My heart swells close to bursting when I think of all the reasons why it is so easy to like you and just how much I love you.