Dear Kid,

Well, look at you. Aren’t you adorable!

You’re all spic and span and new, with your tiny little self smiling.

I’m not sure if the stork brought you last night or if you just showed up by magic, but I’m awfully glad to see you. I think a lot of us are.

We love babies. We give brand new babies the benefit of the doubt. We know you have a lot to grow into, a lot to learn.

Twelve months from now you’ll be different. Exhausted, worn out, probably jaded. But right now, you’re new, full of hope and possibilities.

And we need that very badly.

So even though the weather isn’t fabulous, and the news is a bit scary, and we all stayed up a bit too late last night to greet you, we’re delighted to say welcome.

We’re happy to have you here, 2017. Happy New Year!

Love, Mom