A Love Letter

Dear Reagan,

Today you are one, baby girl.  It seems like only yesterday I was jumping for joy in our tiny one bedroom apartment seeing those 2 pink lines.  Or crying tears of joy when I heard the words, "It's a girl!"  Or groaning in pain with those last few pushes.  Or falling in love seeing your beautiful face for the first time.

But yesterday is gone and today you are big.  You are crawling and climbing everywhere!  You are jibber jabbering all day long.  And smiling and laughing.  You love it when we chase you.  You love to cuddle when I feed you.  You love to splash in the bath and throw food to the dog.  You love to read books, your favorite is the Glitter Castle book.  You love to play dress up.  Everything is a hat or a necklace, and you look like a princess, even with a diaper on your head.  You are so patient with me, but know when to make yourself heard.  You love your big brother, but you do not let him push you around.  I think that's what I love most about you... you are kind and loving and gentle, but stand up for yourself and do not settle for things as they are.  Please, please, please never lose those wonderful qualities.  You can change the world, but I know you will do it with a happy disposition and a kind heart.

From day one, you and I have shared a special bond.  I love that you are mommy's little girl.  I've dreamed my whole life of having a little girl, and it's everything I've ever wanted and more.  Even if you won't let me put bows on your head anymore!  I want you to know you can trust me.  For now, you trust me to feed you, clothe you, teach you, and protect you.  Later you can trust me with your secrets and desires and problems.  And please don't ever forget that I love you.  And I will always love you no matter what.

I thank God everyday for the opportunity to be your mother and that He entrusted me with such a special little girl.  But how do I thank someone for the perfect gift?  The only thing I can think of is to treat you like the precious treasure that you are.  To try to be the best mother that I can be.  And you have my word that I will try everyday to do that.  Because you deserve only the best.

So here's to you, Little Miss.  You've had us all wrapped around your finger since day one.  We love you to the moon and back.  Thank you for joining our family and filling the void we had no idea was so big.

Love forever and always,

Mommy