Seven

7 years ago today, Adia Perea was born.

My brother became a father, I became an uncle, Taylor Swift gained a new fan, and we crowned a new brunt of brotherly jokes.

Not that I’d ever forget the date, but she’s smart and sent a subtle reminder…

So, happy birthday to my favorite little Asian! I hope that year seven brings a lot of happiness, growth, learning, and accomplishments to her life. And kudos to my brother for seven years of being a fantastic father, despite the immense challenges inherent to splitting custody with Mother of the Year.

I’ve truly & thoroughly enjoyed the #unclelife, and all the joys and responsibilities, or lack of the latter, rather, that come with it.

And though I haven’t spent much time in Vegas since she was born, the occasional visit, technology, and a loving grandmother who always fills my apartment’s mailbox with happiness, have enabled me to be a part of her life and helped me become her favorite uncle.*

In honor of her seventh birthday, here are my favorite seven cards/drawings she’s sent (because my mom is an absolute sweetheart!) during the last 365 days…

I love getting these and am enjoying them while they last because I know that, not too long from now, they’ll be replaced by texts, snaps, or silence.  No matter what, I’ll always love her to death, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her in Seattle next week. It’s going to be awesome, for sure.

* self-proclaimed title, but I’m damn sure it’s not even close!