For the first year of my niece's life, I was an integral part of her world. I was three hours away and I commuted regularly (at least once a month- usually more) to see her. I was there for so many firsts, and as it was a very difficult phase in my life she was like therapy for me.

Just after she turned one, she moved to Boston with her parents and over the past year and a half I have only seen her two or three times. It's heartbreaking for me to be missing so much of her life. I send packages regularly.

But for her third birthday in July, I am planning to make her a "book of love." It will be a combination of scrapbook and story book. I am putting together some of my favorite stories of moments we shared and will record them, along with pictures. Her parents read to her regularly, and they will read her this as well- to remind her that she is loved and cherished. At three, she may only understand it to an extent. But as she gets older, and we can add to it together, I hope it will grow into a keepsake for her showing her how much I adore her.