I want you to know that you have brought your daddy and me so much happiness, laughter and sunshine.
When we first found out that you were in Mommy's tummy we were, quite honestly, petrified. But, as you'll find out in the years to come, Daddy and I can accomplish ANYTHING together. One of my biggest hopes for your life is that you can find a man as wonderful as he is. We are incredibly lucky to have him. His ability to love has no end, and we are so very fortunate to be on the receiving end of that.
You are the smartest little girl I've ever met. I'm not just saying that cause I'm your mom and it's my job to say it. You really are. Never lose sight of that, and never, EVER let someone make you believe that that's not the case. Daddy's new favorite thing to say about you is that by 16 you'll think you're smarter than us (like every other teenager out there), but by the time you're 18 you'll actually be smarter than us. Just don't forget your old mom and dad when you're out curing cancer, okay?
It has been an honor to be your mommy. You have taught me so much, about me, about the world, about random things like how to make a volcano out of baking soda and vinegar (Daddy is STILL amazed by that). You have such a pure heart. You also, I think, inherited your capacity to love from Daddy, because you love everyone so wholly and unconditionally. It's amazing to watch you, whether it's playing with me or your cousins or your friends. You're like a little mommy walking around, making sure everyone is happy and feels part of the "cool kids."
I have so many hopes and dreams for you. The first, and most important, is that you choose your friends wisely, therefore surrounding yourself with people who love you as much as I do (or at least ALMOST as much as I do, cause I love you a whole lot). Friends are the extended family you get to choose, so choose carefully. If you do, you'll be surrounded by happiness and laughter everyday. I also hope you pick a career that makes you happy to go to work everyday. It doesn't matter if you are a garbage collector, bartender, or actually DO cure cancer. All that matters is that when you walk through the doors to that place, you have a smile on your face, at the beginning and end of your day.
I cannot WAIT to watch you grow older and learn new things. Though, I have to admit, I'm so sad to see you grow up too. You've become so independent and I tear up a little when you use the words "I can do it myself." I immediately flash back to the days when you relied on me for everything. I miss that sweet baby face. I can tell you, as much as I miss your dependance, it's also wonderful to see that you're going to turn into a strong independent woman. Each time you do something I've never seen you do, I swell with pride. All I can think is, "That's my baby."
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God for give you to me. I must have done something pretty amazing to deserve you. You are my first thought in the morning, and my last thought at night. Each and every time I look at a picture of you (and let's face it, I could spend the whole weekend doing nothing BUT that I have so many) I flash back to that moment in time and smile. That is one of your greatest gifts to me, no matter what my mood, what's happened in a day, the MOMENT I see your beautiful blue eyes and amazing smile, it's like nothing bad has ever happened.
Thank you baby. Thank you for being my little JuJubean, my Junebug, my princess. You have made my life complete and helped me and Daddy become the luckiest Mommy and Daddy in the world.
I love you....to the moon and back.....900 BJILLION times.
Mommy
