I can’t believe this day is here – today you are one year old.

When you were in my belly, I wondered what you would be like. I wondered what color eyes you’d have, how big you would be when you were born, and what your voice would sound like. I wondered if you’d be quiet and thoughtful like me or loud and outgoing like your daddy. Most of all, I wondered what it would be like to be your momma.

I didn’t know what true love was until I met your daddy. I never wanted us to be apart. I wondered if anyone else in the world had what we had – if anyone felt as happy and safe as I did. This past year you gave me the gift of motherhood – an adventure that stretches me every day. You have taught me what real selfless, unconditional love is. Each day I let go of my selfish tendencies and tend to your needs. Thank you for giving me a reason to become a better me.

You’re still so little and new to the world, but I look up to you. You’re adventurous, resilient, fearless and fun-loving even in the midst of experiencing some of your first life challenges, like learning how to self-soothe when you’re in your crib and I’m not with you, or getting through the pain of a double ear infection and teething!

Baby girl, in this world, you may not always feel happy or successful, because its portrayal of what it means to live a fulfilling life is so incredibly skewed. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed or sad or scared. Don’t worry, sweetheart. We have a God who is bigger than our deepest heartaches and our worst pain. He sacrificed Himself for us so that we may live. Life doesn’t end here. He gives us a chance to live with Him forever. I know it’s confusing, but I will do my best to teach you about Him, because it’s the most important story I will tell you. It’s a true story, and I will tell it over and over again.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, I began to pray the same prayer every day. That my deep love for you would be a reflection of Christ’s love. I hope you will always feel loved because my love for you is boundless, wholehearted, and unreserved, but I know it is a mere star in the sky of unconditional, patient, kind, and eternal love your Heavenly Father has for you.

Thank you for making your daddy and I smile each day. You love to dance to Michael Jackson and your favorite toys are your books and stuffed animals. We love your messy kisses and warm cuddles. Your first word was “uh oh” and you have begun pointing at things, waiting for us to name them for you so you can try to sound them out. You are going to be walking any day now. We love watching you grow and thrive!

Every morning I wake and am amazed and thankful that I get to be your momma. I will never leave you!

With lots of love,

Mommy