Dear Mommy and Daddy,

Though I'm almost a year and a half old, grown-ups still like to call me "baby brother" or "the little one." My grandparents will probably call me "baby" until I am in my 30s. I think it has something to do with my being the youngest in my ohana. Those people at universities who like statistics have a fancy term for it: the "birth order effect."

"Disproportional representation" has too many syllables for me to pronounce, but I know what it means: If there are a certain number of toys in the sandbox, the firstborns and only children tend to end up with more of them.

However, there are many later borns who break the mold. And most importantly, there is more than one way to define success. Is it overachieving? The ability to love and be loved? Or something else for which birth order is not a factor?

Personally, I am enjoying being No. 2. Mommy and Daddy already have some child care experience, so whereas they had to learn how to burp or swaddle my sister, those skills were second nature when it came to me. Instead of being as anxious, they have more time to enjoy me, at least when I'm willing to stay still for a minute.

My parents' attention is divided between my sister and me, so I take advantage of this by doing things like climbing furniture. When they catch me, I simply give them a big melt-your-heart smile.

As the youngest, I attract the lion's share of attention and cuddles. And with a sibling to play with since birth, I sure do enjoy company. I love to make other people laugh with my antics, like yesterday when I showed my auntie how I could stick rice all over my hair and clothes. Since my 3-year-old sister also has her own quirky sense of humor, between the two of us our parents hardly ever need to watch any sitcoms.

With an older sibling to follow, I learn quickly. My sister was over a year old when she started walking, but I, motivated to rescue my playthings from her, took my first step at nine months. Now I love teasing her by grabbing her toys and running away (though she doesn't always think it's funny).

Speaking of fun, it's time for me to get back to enjoying life as a second born.

Love,

Baby Brother

P.S. Tutu, I love being No. 2 and you can call me "baby" for as long as you want.