This is a letter I’d written to my unborn niece back in May 2021. She’s over seven months old now, but I wanted to preserve this right here on my blog.

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Dear Pixie,

How tiny you must be right now! How petite your little fingers and toes. You’re as big as a pineapple, Google says. Don’t worry, you’ll find out what Google is one day. And machine learning, and ice skating, and paragliding, and everything in between. And knowing your parents, you’re already in for a life that’s full of road trips, nomnom food and travel plans. How lucky you are. You’ll have a dad that spoils you, and a mom that prevents that. It’s the perfect tug-of-war every child deserves. 

As I sit here today, I’m engulfed by a whirlwind of emotions. You’re coming into this world at a very strange time. While I’m excited at the thought of our growing family, I think about the pain and turmoil so many other families are going through right now. They’re away from the people they love. They’re losing people they’ve grown up with. I can’t imagine what that suffering is like, nor do I ever want to know it.

When I think of the day you’ll come into this world, I dream of air that’s fresh. I dream of a world that’s less divided by borders of geography, cultures and religions. I think of you as a big girl and already feel a wave of emotion. I’m going to be the best Maasi you could have ever hoped for. Okay, maybe not the best, but I’ll be there through thick and thin for whatever you may need in life. I want to be the one person you can go to no matter what. I want you to tell me all about the latest music and lingo that my brain will be too old to comprehend. Your cool aunt Astha will always be there. 

If your Mom gives you a hard time, you come to me, ok? We’ll go out for brunch, and then hit a bookstore and discuss the latest in science fiction. We’ll spend time basking under the sun in a park on a Sunday afternoon. The swings will be your favourite, and I’ll be perched under a tree reading a book. Then we’ll take a nap together. 

I can’t wait to hold you, my special little girl. I love you so much already. Come out quick! 

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I had written this letter to you when you were still in your Mom’s tummy and weren’t supposed to come out for a few more weeks. And then suddenly one day, your face popped up on our phone screens and we yelped with joy! You had come out early, all bundled up like a nice little surprise. It’s going to be three months soon, and I still haven’t held you, touched you, and kissed your tiny nose. All because of a stupid invisible microorganism. 

In a way, we’ve seen you grow up from a teeny newborn to an energetic, wriggly little duckling who laughs in her sleep. How damn cute you are! Hold on tight, we’ll meet you soon enough and make up for all this lost time. Your uncle and I are sending you a bunch of little gifts that we hope you and your Mummy and Papa will enjoy. Wishing you loads of love and joy! 

Kisses and hugs, 

Chinky Maasi and Vinnie Uncle

P.S. Didoo, I’m sorry but I think Pixie has replaced you as my number one girl. I hope you won’t mind :*