Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Dear Baby Girl,

This month, we mark your first 12 months on this earth. For being so young, you have now lived in two states and three homes. You have learned to sit up on your own, roll over, walk, and climb. You have learned to feed the dogs your food, learned your brother’s toys are more fun than yours, and learned your voice carries further as a screech in the quiet stillness of any venue.

Your favorites include your big brother, your daddy, your dogs, and Zootopia’s theme song “Try Everything.”

And, I’m pretty sure that is going to be the motto in your life – try everything. But, I hope “everything” only extends to healthy, legal activities…

Baby Girl, you are taking this world by storm!

And, you are so much fun to watch.

The other day, I chuckled as you were dancing, and remembered the song that became popular when I was in high school – “I Hope You Dance.”

And, baby girl, I do hope you dance in life.

Furthermore, there is a quote I heard, which as a mother to a little girl, struck me to the core.

We live in a world which will try to typecast you before you even open your mouth. My fervent prayer for you is that you defy expectation. Continue to leave others amazed by your personality, your wit, your enthusiasm for life, and your intelligence.

I pray you will encounter only love, peace, and solidarity in your life. And, when life gets tough – because, Baby Girl, it will – you will know to Whom to turn to find true solace, consolation, and complete acceptance – God, Himself.

You are my daughter, in whom I am pleased. But, you are first the daughter of the most magnificent King – you are a daughter of God. And, He loves you more than I ever can…

…And, He delights in you.

I pray you know just how beautiful you are, both inside and out, as His daughter.  

You have been beautifully, wonderfully, and AWE-somely made in God’s image and likeness.

Above everything, I pray you know Him, you love Him, and you choose to follow Him throughout every day of your life.

I pray you feel HIS love for everything about you, all the days of your life.

Baby girl, keep on singing. Keep on dancing. Keep that light of love, happiness, and joy radiating from you. Keep your innocence, your carefree nature, and your inquisitiveness. Keep the wonder and awe you express in everything you do, and keep the sensitive nature toward yourself and others.

I am so proud of you!

I am in awe of you!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy