Here it is.

Dear Hannah Eve,

Welcome to the world.  I don't know if any child born of a non celebrity
parent that was ever so eagerly looked forward to.  You see, your mommy
loves cats.  She loves cats so much that she goes onto the computer and
reads and posts messages to a cat news group called rec.pets.cats.anecdotes.
She loves you and your daddy and sister so much that when she found out that
she was pregnant with you, she told us all.  And we love her so much, and
want her to have the best, that we celebrated with her and your daddy.
You've come into the world as a little girl with a big name and a bigger fan
club.

I remember how excited your mommy was when she told us that she was going to
give birth to you.  One could feel the sun shining through her words and
feel her excitement.  When you first moved and your mommy let us know, we
all rejoiced, you were alive and well.  As you grew and became stronger, we
were there, teasing, encouraging, and hoping for the best for you, your
mommy, daddy and big sister Abi.  We wrote words of encouragement and our
cats purred for you to be born healthy and strong.  Cat purrs are not a
thing to be taken lightly.

People in Australia, New Zealand, England, Finland, Norway, Germany, Sweden,
Slovenia, Italy, and in most of the states of America have eagerly waited
for this moment.  And now it's come.  You're here.  You're beautiful, with
dark hair and a proud but tired mommy and daddy.  What can we tell you other
than welcome?

Well, enjoy your life. You have a great family and live with some wonderful
people.

Study and do well in school. Everyone will tell you this one, but it never
hurts to hear it over and over again.  Good grades are the basis of your
future in life.  Just remember that learning doesn't have to be hard or
boring.  It can be a fun and fantastic process of discovery.  You have smart
parents,  you'll do well.

Always be kind to yourself as well as to others.  Too many of us are
unfairly hard on ourselves, its easier than forgiving our mistakes and
trying not to make them again. That doesn't mean that you should never own
up to making mistakes or hurting others.  Being kind doesn't mean that you
have to be irresponsible, just understand that you aren't and can't be
perfect.  After all, making mistakes is part of learning.

Never think little of yourself.  This means that you KNOW that no one has
the right hurt you or make you feel bad about yourself.  You are a fine
person and anyone who hurts you will be greeted by a bag of dirty cat litter
sent by hundreds of cats from all over the world.  Just let us know who and
what their mailing address is.

Love yourself as well as others.  This means that you do your best to ignore
all those things that we tend to say to ourselves when we are unsure of
ourselves.  Just remember that there is no such thing as too fat, thin,
tall, short, ugly, pretty, smart, stupid, selfish, selfless, or any of the
other self doubts we tend to bombard ourselves with on a daily basis.

Love animals.  They don't do anything to be mean, it just seems like it at
times.  The trust of an animal is never gained lightly, or given to just
anyone.  Animals won't lie, cheat, belittle, flatter, or be anything but
honest.  Most animals want to be friends, it's unkind people who make unkind
pets.  Wild animals are wary for a good reason, and should be treated with
respect and a wariness of your own.

Have fun.  That should say it all, but of course I've got to toss my
opinions in.  Just be yourself and you'll have a good life.  Trust your
parents and you can't go wrong.  I know your mommy and I've met your daddy
online.  They're fine people and they'll raise fine daughters.

Remember that all your honorary kitty and human uncles and aunts all over
the world love you and have eagerly awaited your arrival into this world.

Pam S. your honorary aunt in North Carolina, USA.

Amen.

Yowie
(I"m missing so many posts here at home, sorry for the piggyback)