*the title is translated as “Happy Birthday, (female) Cousin”

My darling Arianna, I remember when you were first born and you were so delicate and gorgeous, like a doll. Not much has changed, except you are now much taller than me. I liked holding you and as you grew, you never wanted me to put you down. You were a mighty hair puller, the twist-a-chunk-around-the-fist-and-yank type, and I was relieved when you grew out of that. Your gorgeous curls were/are the envy of everyone you meet, and your eyes are so clear and glowing, with a special light within.

As you have grown I haven’t got to spend as much time with you as I would have liked, but I feel the Universe made us cousins because no matter how long it’s been, we fall back into a groove like we never left each other’s sides!

You are an amazing young lady, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for you.

Happy Birthday and many joyous returns!