Dear Big Brothers,

I am writing to apologize. It grieves me to tell you this, but I think it is better that you know now, so there are no misguided hopes: we will not be able to pay for your college education. Education is important to your father and me, as you know, but we just couldn't predict the factors that would arise in our life to get in the way of our saving for your education.  Such as, having a baby girl.

You see, until your sister was born, I had only ever bought clothes for you, my sons. I was perfectly content to build your wardrobe from hand-me-downs, consignment sales, and the clearance rack at Target. And I think I managed to keep you looking relatively decent (until recently when you started dressing yourselves). But now there's a baby girl, and though you will probably never understand this, the lure of adorable clothing is simply too hard for me to overcome. Cute baby clothes are my crank, my smack, my crack. If there were a 12 step program, I might consider signing up. Alas, there is not.

Here is the bright side. You will grow up always having a well-dressed darling little sister to admire. Also, when you are working your way through college, you will certainly learn a great deal about resourcefulness, gratitude, and frugality.

Until then, please understand that as long as this



and this



exist in the world, it is your duty to sacrifice so we may bring them into our household, adorn your sister in them, and take many pictures. And maybe, just maybe, if I one day consign her gorgeous wardrobe, I can earn enough to help buy your textbooks in the first semester of your freshman year.

Love,
Mommy