My dear daughter,

Today is your first Valentine’s Day and even though you don’t understand my words yet, I want you to know how very much I love you. Most of the time, I can’t find the words and tears often spring to my eyes just thinking about it. But I will try to write down today.

Your papa and I starting praying for you before you were conceived. When you started growing in my belly, we took turns putting a hand on it while we dreamed about you. We tried to guess what color your hair or eyes would be. We wondered if you’d have momma’s eyes or papa’s nose. We challenged ourselves to start learning everything we could so that we would be the best possible parents for you.

It has been almost four months since you came into the world. Since then, every single day has been better than the one before it. I love the Lord, and I love Papa, but the love I have for you is different and special just for you. Someone (without kids) asked me how my life was different post-baby. I told him it was different in every single way possible and I couldn’t be happier about it. Before you were born, I knew I would love you, but I had no idea that I would fasten my seatbelt because I want to do everything I can to be around to be your momma.

Every time you hit a growth milestone, I am filled with awe. When you are able to do something you’ve been trying so hard to do, like roll toward your toy or kick your dangling rattle, my heart feels like it is going to burst. I am 99.9 percent filled with joy, with just the tiniest bit of me mourning the fact that you are growing so fast and will never roll over for your first time again. Every time you give me your gummy grin, I feel like supermom. When I rub my nose over your soft cheek, I can’t imagine God making a more perfect creation.

I pray for you every day. I pray that the first time you give your heart away, it will be to Jesus, and you will love Him with all of it. I pray that you will grow strong, healthy and confident. I pray that you will become wise. Sometimes, I stroke your tiny fourth finger on your left hand while I pray for the man who will someday put a ring on it. I pray for the grandbabies you will give us someday. I pray that our family bonds of love grow greater and stronger with time.

I promise that I will always be proud of you. I will always love you no matter what.

Love, your momma