A Birthday Letter to My Baby Girl

Dear Sweet Audra Leigh,

It seems just a few months ago, I was looking at a positive pregnancy test. I was scared, excited, nervous, an emotional roller coaster thinking of how life was about to change.

The first time I saw you on the sonogram screen... I was overwhelmed with happiness and I cried. I loved you instantly more than I can explain. I was full of joy about this little gift beginning to grow inside me. I remember you moving inside me. You were so active and strong. I couldn't wait to meet you, hold you, cuddle you.

I read to you and sang every night while you were inside me. I cherished those times when it was just you and I. Then the day came you entered into the world. The love I had for you grew a million times. I sang to you when they laid you on my chest and I cried... again. I kissed you and I thanked God that you were perfect. You were beautiful. You were mine.

Today as it marks your fifth birthday I am excited for you, but at the same time sad at how quickly these years have flown. I don't want to forget any moment of your childhood. I am constantly taking what you like to call "click" moments. I take the mental pictures and burn them to my heart.

You take your first step. "click"

You say your first word. "click"

You look at me and smile saying I'm the best mommy you ever had just because. "click"

You turn to me and say how much you love me. "click"

You tell me you will always have dates with me and always live with me. "click"

You play with your brother and make him happy when he was crying. "click"

You dance around care free and happily to Taylor Swift. "click"

You tell me I'm the best mother in the world. "click"

You sleep soundly in your bed, surrounded by a hundred books and stuffed animals. "click"

I have clicked a thousand moments, and hold them close. I love the glimpse of innocent perspective that you have of life. The pureness of your heart. As you grow you and I may not always see eye to eye on everything. In fact sometimes you will think I am overprotective, but that is OK and I don't mind, because I want you to enjoy your childhood, enjoy the innocence, enjoy the sheltered view of the world. The pressures and worries of this life will be on your shoulders before you want them to be. I know we won't be able to always protect you. One day you will have to spread your wings and make your own decisions,  which is a part of growing up and discovering who you are as an individual, but for now we will.

You are my pride and joy. You are my baby girl, my monkey moo, my sunshine. I treasure these past years and the little sweet girl you have become. I know that the future holds great things for you. God has made you for a special purpose. Seek it wholeheartedly. You are going to take this world by fire.

Always keep your passion and tender heart.
Always be confident in who you are.
Always keep your love for learning and knowledge.

Always share your humor.

Always stand firm in your beliefs.

And as you say, "No matter what, Always trust God."

Happy Birthday! I love you, baby! You light up my life. You are one of the biggest blessings in my life and couldn't be more proud of you. 

Always and Forever,

Mommy

Picture taken by J. Noel Photography