A Letter to my Daughter a Year Later

To my daughter:

You were born on June 27, 2010 at 8:09 p.m. I have no hard labor story to guilt you with. You were born quick and easy and the worst part of the whole experience was the anticipation for you to make your entrance. Your father and I were surrounded by our wonderful families and the instant you came into this world you were loved more than you will ever know. When I saw your father hold you I was overrun with the most intense emotion I have ever felt and at that moment I was so proud to have chosen him as your daddy.

You are this fantastic snoogler. It is my favorite thing about you. I use to complain about the fact that you hate your crib but secretly loved that you needed me so much. That you just love to lay in my arms. I love feeling you breath and the little grunts and coos you make. You lay in my arms and just fit perfectly, so humble and so innocent. When you first smiled, the light I saw in your face made me cry. I will forever carry that image in my thoughts.

Don't get me wrong, however, you are as feisty as you are sweet. I can already tell you will be much like me. You go from zero to sixty in a heartbeat. You are impatient. You grab at your face and make the most dramatic poses. You fake cry. And already have your father hooked. I will never discourage you from being this person. You are a cancer baby and those born under this sign wear their hearts on their sleeves. Please always be stubborn and even when you might be wrong, if you think you are right, please fight! Please be loving and nurture those who need it. Please stay true to whoever you will be and wear your emotions proud.

It took me awhile to come to terms with the fact that I was going to be your mother. I was so scared at the prospect of the idea of being responsible for you. For making decisions that will have an everlasting effect on who you will be or how you will act. But not I have a feeling of fulfillment beyond words. On your birth day I was amazed and overwhelmed at what a little miracle you are. I knew at that moment that I have always wanted you. That I have always needed you. And although I can not be sure that I will be the greatest mother, I promise you that I will do my best.

Your father and I dream  about your future. How you will act. What your first words will be. What you will sound like. I have all these great hopes for you. But more than anything I want you to be happy. Please always remember that. Even when you think I don't, and it will happen eventually, please remember that I love you. Please remember that I will always be proud of you and that you should never fear me. Please have faith and remember that life is a wonderful gift. Please remember that we live our lives in phases, when one ends another begins. Change is constant and that only this is certain in life. Life is short so please remember to seize all of your precious moments, live life to the fullest and have no regrets.

Forever Young

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.