Dear Daughter,

As an ever-adjusting mother of two and a working mother at that, I don’t get to spend as much time one-on-one with you as I’d like. But I need you to know, I still love you. I still notice you. I’m still in awe of you and everything you do. I’ll always be your biggest fan, and you’ll always be my first love… And these are a few of my favorite things…

1. Your Sense of Humor

You are the silliest girl I’ve ever known, and you will do anything for a laugh. Some of the stuff you come up with keeps us laughing for days. I love that you are so inventive with your antics and the jokes you make. You are quite the prankster and love to elicit laughs from everyone: family, friends, strangers, and especially brother. (Your favorite person to prank is your papa, you silly girl).

In addition, you have the most beautiful laugh in the entire world. I’m not talking about your fake laugh that you offer when something really isn’t that funny (though it’s cute too)... I’m talking about your sincere laugh that comes out when you are totally ecstatic, truly happy, or have just pulled off a new prank… I love that laugh, and I love you.

Romans 15:13 May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.

2. Your curls

Though they are a nightmare to brush and tame, your luscious, curly locks are absolutely stunning. You say you have yellow hair, and I know one day it will darken. But I love your long ringlets of yellow hair.

Song of Solomon 4:7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

3. Your Beauty and Brains

Not only are you beautiful, but you are brilliant as well (and I’m not just saying this because I’m your momma). Everyone that meets you sees how your beauty radiates from within… They also think you’re older than you are, because you’re pretty advanced verbally and academically… (I like to think I had a hand in that with how adamant I was with your schedule and all of the books I’ve bought for you along the way 😉 ). At two years old, we got you enrolled in a Pre-K 3 class, and I think you could probably hold your own in the Pre-K 4 class… (but maybe I’m bias?) I’m so excited to watch you learn and grow even more this year (and so are you)! (P.S. You can count to 35, spell Mason, Mattox, and Papa, and write your name (with help on the ‘s’)).

Psalm 139:14 You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

4. Your Tenderness

While I often tell people you are my fearless, wild child. That is not all of who you are. You also have an extremely soft side and are so full of love and pure sweetness and spirit. And though you are brave and daring, you still get hurt… You used to always want me… and I love being the one you need(ed). But sometimes now, you look for brother to comfort you instead… and that’s okay with me.

There was a time a couple of months after we brought your brother home that you were climbing or jumping, as usual, despite our warnings and reprimands. And you fell off the chair and busted your mouth on our tile floor… I just knew you had busted your teeth out. Blood was gushing everywhere, it was all over the floor, it was all over you, it was all over me… I cradled you, cleaned you up, got you an ice pack, assessed the damage… and do you know who you asked for?

Crying, you asked for “Bubby.” You wanted him to console you. We got him out of his swing and brought him to you, and you just hugged him and cried and showed him your mouth, “See, bubby, see” and hugged him some more. I couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. Though I hated you got hurt, I loved that it showed me more depth to your tenderness towards your brother.

And despite how forceful you can be, you always have the best intentions. Anytime your brother is hurt or crying or not getting something he needs, you immediately try to figure it out. You assure him, “I’m right here, bub, I’m right here,” while searching for his paci or telling someone he needs milk. You are the most caring, and I love this side of you. (& I love how you two need each other).

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another…

5. You’re My Rock

You are so strong. When I am hurt or upset, you can always tell… no matter how hard I try to act like I’m okay. I remember one instance when I was severely sick, in pain, trying to hold it together, and I just told you, “Mommy’s hurting right now.” And you came to me, and held me… you held me… That’s my job: to hold you. But you held me, and gently rubbed my back, and you said, “It’s okay, mom, I’ve got you… I’ve got you, mom.” You are my rock, my strong force.

Luke 1:80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit.

6. You Include Others

You never leave your brother out. If I tell you, “I love you bigger than the world,” you add, “and bubby.” When I ask you what you want to be when you grow up, right now you say, “An asternaut…” So you can “go to the moon… and bubby can go to the moon too.” You never want to go too far without him, you always want him to go where you’re going (school, nana’s, etc.), and you even plan to take him with you to the moon… He is also the first one you ask about when I pick you up from school. You are the most caring sister, and I love that so much.

Then recently at the mall, Daddy let you play a game that dispensed rubber ducks. You shared with the other kids, and even gave them yours. You weren’t even going to keep one for yourself… You share, you include, you don’t discriminate, you can be so selfless… and this makes me beam with pride.

Ephesians 2:10 For you are God’s masterpiece, created and made new in Jesus Christ to do good works which God prepared in advance for you to do.

7. You’re My Helper

Somehow you’ve managed to sort out brother’s many cries, deciphering whether he’s hurt, wet, hungry, or sleepy. And when he is sleepy, you go to him and you sing to him. You and your angelic, little voice offer immediate comfort to our cranky brother. You can actually sing him to sleep better than the rest of us.

And now, even when you get your cup of water, you also make brother his own sippy cup too. You also try to share your snacks… (like M&Ms… good intentions). You are always prepared and always fair. You love to help me with the laundry, cooking, and dishes… You have a heart of service.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.

8. Your Independence

You begged me all summer to go to school. I wasn’t going to let you go this year, because you’ll already go to preschool two years with the way your birthday falls… but you are determined to go to school to “do your ABCs” and you even promise to “take naps with the kids.” 

I was worried about you fitting in socially and crying when I left, but you absolutely soar. You are a leader, baby girl, and I hope you always use this quality in the best way.

You’ve always been able to figure things out on your own and insist on doing everything by yourself. Sometimes we disagree on things, but I really am so proud to see how confidentyou are… I pray that never changes. Your sense of wonder, curious nature, and willingness to explore enhances my fascination with you. You are one of kind, my big girl. There is no stopping you. And I pray that you always stay as true to your values, your opinions, and yourself as you are now.

Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart.

9. You Never Meet a Stranger

You are the most outgoing being I know… and you force me to be more outgoing, even when I really don’t want to be. You say “hi” to everyone in passing. During your preschool open house, you were the one running up to the principal (in front of the auditorium) giving her hugs… You even decided to pull up your own chair and sit by the secretary. Front and center,of course. Everyone was asking if you were related to them… Nope, just met. Somehow, you already knew who to butter up… You continue to amaze me, challenge me, and make me a better me… 

Psalm 46:5 God is within her. She will not fall. God will help her at the break of day.

10. You Are Fearless

You afraid of nothing and no one. Monsters, strangers, water, reprimands… You give me a run for my money, brave girl. And the fact you are so brave and so independent, quite frankly, scares me to death. Not all strangers are nice. Water can hurt you really bad. Some rules are in place to keep you safe. However, I love that you are a protector. I love that you are loyal, and I love that you are fierce (you are so fierce). I hope you always see the best in others. I hope you always explore the world around you. I hope you always challenge the rules that you don’t think are fair (just not my rules 😉 ). And I hope you always take up for your brother and protect him like the little mama lion you are. Honestly, I wish I were more like you…

Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.

10+ Your Heart

Looking back through this, it’s apparent that most of these qualities relate directly to your heart. You have the biggest, kindest, purest heart. This is what makes you you and gives you that personality that absolutely shines. You are so, very special, my sweet girl. I hope you know that. And I pray that you embrace everything that you are and become all that you are meant to be. Let your light shine. 

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

You truly do make my days brighter, my laugh louder, and my heart fuller. I could talk about you forever… and the things I love could go on and on (and on and on), because you are a wonder… You are amazing… You are my best girl… I love you more than the sun, the moon, and all of the stars in the sky. I hope you always know how much you are loved.

Happy 3rd Birthday, my love. I’m so glad you’re mine.

XOXO,

Mommy

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Proverbs 3:15 “She more precious than rubies: and all things desired do not compare to her.”