Look At You Grow Up
Dear Sweet Pea,
You’re ten months now. Look at you grow up! Leading up to your birth, I had no idea what I was getting myself into or what you would be like. And my goodness, have you exceeded my expectations.
In a little under two months, you’ll be one and have already grown by leaps and bounds. You’re so determined, so happy, such a light, and have the silliest personality. All things I prayed for while you were growing in my belly.
These days, you’re clapping, crawling, teething, pulling yourself up to stand, and jumping. You’re saying , “Hi,” “Mama,” “Dada,” “Yayy,” “Yeah,” and “Okay.” You’re even waving “Hello,” “Bye-Bye,” and “See you later.” And maybe it’s just me, but I could have sworn I heard you attempt to say, “Good morning” and “No thank you.”
You eat better than most adults I know. Even have your own favorite foods. It’s such a joy, watching you enjoy the meals I prepare for you. Seeing your openness to trying new dishes makes my heart smile. And I especially love how you push my hand away when you’re done. Oh, and when you shake your head, “No,” it tickles me to no end.
I marvel at how your existence has single-handedly changed lives, brought families together, repaired relationships, and healed what felt like irreparable wounds. My little love, you are truly something special.
My love for you is greater than anything I could have ever imagined, and I am so grateful for your light. You have turned my life around and transformed me into a version of myself I never knew existed. A version of myself that I was unsure of in the beginning, but I am learning how to love and nurture each day.
You’ve made me look forward to mornings. Eagerly listening out for your coos, giggles, and babbles to signify the start of a new day. And knowing you’re just as happy to see me as I am to see you is, the absolute best. I can’t think of a better way to get my day started.
You’ve taught me how to trust myself more, and to be more patient, more compassionate, and more carefree. You’ve shown me what it means to not be bound by limitations and how to be brave. I thought I knew bravery before you, but you have taken it up a notch. The sheer act of bringing you into this world has been the bravest thing I have ever done. And if I had to, I would gladly go through another 29 hours of labor for you.
You didn’t cry when you were born. You came out with your eyes wide open, looking directly at me, and haven’t taken your eyes off me since. You instantly knew who I was, and we have been like two peas in a pod ever since.
You are the true embodiment of God’s grace, His love, His promises, and His forgiveness. You have shown me that there is no such thing as a missed opportunity when you are living in His perfect will. You have also shown me why God chose this time in our lives for us to embark on this journey together.
You are my purpose, my why, and my motivation. You are everything that I never knew I needed and inspire me to dream bigger, and believe that ANYTHING and ALL THINGS are possible. You are my greatest manifestation, my biggest blessing, and my world.
Thank you for choosing me, for trusting me, for loving me unconditionally, and for reminding me every day that good things really do come to those who wait.
It is because of you I have exceeded my own expectations and have grown into someone who I hope you will be proud to call your mom.
With Love,
Mommy