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Dear Moonie ,

They say to sleep when the baby sleeps—which is what I should be doing. But I’m not like other moms. (I’m a cool mom!) Someday, you’ll see.

For now, you’re fast asleep in the same bassinet your two older sisters used and I’m wide awake, writing you this letter. Will I regret it later when I can hardly keep my eyes open during your midnight feed? No. I won’t. Especially because this might be my only chance.

My only chance to welcome you to womanhood .

When it’s time to read this letter, you will be 26 years old.

You will officially be a woman. If you thought that was when you got your period or when you lost your virginity (PS: it’s okay if you haven’t yet, don’t rush.

In fact, I repeat, DO NOT RUSH), you were mistaken.

It is now —on your 26 th birthday—by definition of my family lineage, at least.

Most people grow up celebrating just the milestone years: 1, 13, 16, 18, 21. Then, the anti-wrinkle serums start and the fun stops. But not for us. In fact, life is only just beginning for the Miller girls at 26.

In this family, there is no greater milestone than your 26 th birthday. And no gift as special as the one you’re about to unwrap.

Twenty. Six. Years. That is how long I’ll have to wait for this letter to mean anything to you. But forever is how long I’ll have to wait to actually sendit to you.

When we found out another girl was on the way, your dad made me promise to stop with all this. I guess it was getting...a bit much? I need your father to stick around. I don’t think I can do this on my own. Three girls? Solo? With our gift? That’s a lot to manage, even I can admit that.

Once I finish this letter, I will be done. I will seal it but never send it because you deserve to have him in your life. For what it’s worth, let me leave youwith these two things:

One: Sometimes, there are glitches with our gift. I can’t go into much detail, because, well...a promise is a promise! All I can say is: roll with them.

Two: Speaking of glitches, the first time I held your hand at the hospital, I saw something.

I shouldn’t have. But I did. Because of the promise I made your dad, I won’t get into it.

But I will say this: you’re going to fall in love.

I don’t know if it will last, but I do know thatFrench fries will be involved.

The magic is officially within you,Moonie Miller. Always has been, always will be.

Love you to the moon and back.

Mom