A Letter to My Daughter for Her 1st Birthday

My darling Adeline,

I have been wanting to write you this letter for two months, since your first birthday. But we sold our condo right after your birthday (the only home you have known) and, until now, I had only written the words in my head…

Adeline, you are such a joy. My whole life, I have yearned for a daughter. And every day I thank God for the miracle of you.

You have the biggest grin. It lights up a room – and our lives. You are playful and chatty.

You are also incredibly beautiful. People stop us often to comment on your eyes, your curls and your sweet cheeks. I pray that God uses your beauty for good, like He did with Esther. I also hope you grow to love yourself and know that at the end of the day, having a beautiful heart matters more.

Even at just 14 months, it is clear you are very smart. You are constantly trying to keep up with your big brother and discover new things. You never took to crawling, I think because you didn’t like being so low to the ground, away from what was going on. Instead, you taught yourself to scoot, sitting up, on your bottom. It is hilarious. You recently started taking steps and are getting surer of yourself every day.

Despite your sweetness, you can also be quite the fuss. You are determined and want your way no matter what! I pray that your determination will serve you well later in life– and that you grow out of that whine! ☺

Unlike Elias, you are not a great sleeper, often getting up once or twice a night. We have tried to break the habit, but somehow it always rears its head again. And so, for the time being, we are embracing it. You are only little once and I know I will someday miss those tender 3 am moments when you are snuggled into me, breathing quietly.

You are an amazing little girl, Adeline. I love you.

Love,

Mommy