Daddy's Girl

Dear Mary Evelyn,
Though you are a mommy's girl most of the time, you really love your daddy too. You especially like his funny noises. He was the first person to get you to laugh out loud with his horse impression (you will have to watch the video some day). You always smile at him when he walks into the room, especially when he returns home from work. When you were a little baby he could always get you to sleep when you were crying by bouncing you up and down. He is also the person who gives you your bath most nights and the two of you laugh and play with your squeeky fish, while he sings your favorite funny songs. He is a very special daddy and I know your life will be truly blessed by his presence and influence. He read a book before you were born about having a great father/daughter relationship. I know he will not be a perfect father, but you will know he loves you very much. Some things he likes: Chik-fil-a ice cream, DQ blizzards, Mix magazine, anything Mac, being on the river, listening to really loud sound systems :), anything with beef, Josh Turner, Taylor Swift, your smile. He does not like: casseroles, Sunday night church, you grunting, me blowing my nose, reading (although it is growing on him), disorganization. This is his favorite image of the two of you from your six month session.

Love you always,
Mom

Half Birthday

Dear Mary Evelyn,
Today is your half birthday! I cannot believe you are six months old. Wow have you changed over the past six month. You are a beautiful little girl with a captivating smile. I absolutely love to hear you "talk" and laugh, which you are doing so much more of lately. I can hardly remember the little baby that was placed in my arms at the hospital as new memories of rolling over, eating baby food and jumping in your jump-a-roo have pushed those memories aside. It is amazing how much the present pushes out the past. People will tell you to remember these moments and try as you may to hold onto them it is impossible to remember everything. So there are very few things that I have repeatedly tried to lock away in my heart. The sight of you sleeping in my arms is at the top of the list. You are so precious with your little rose-colored checks and your lips slightly separated. I hope I never forget that sight. Another is something you have already outgrown. When you were an infant I would sometimes sit you up straight in my lap to burp you. I loved the way your little checks would get smushed up in my hand. You would normally be asleep and you would relax completely in my hand. That has been my favorite face you make so far. Another memory I hope to keep forever is the sound of your little voice when you "talk". It is so little and sweet. You are especially fond of talking in the morning when you wake up. You must have a lot to say about your dreams.
With every day you are growing into the beautiful girl I know God has created you to be. I hope I can continue to remember each of these special things about you even when you are grown and a mom yourself.
Love you always,
Mom

Before you came...

Mary Evelyn,
Before you came life was very different. Different is neutral, neither good or bad. Your dad and I were very happy together but we hoped that God would bless us with children one day. We were so excited last October (07) when we realized you were coming. Much anticipation filled my heart on that day. I was excited but also very disconnected from the reality that you would one day be the little girl you are today. There was really no way to understand at that time everything you would bring into my life. So much happiness and great joy, deep joy. But at the same time so much uncertainty and fear. Being a mother is something I always wanted to do but I truly never knew what was in store for me when I discovered you would be coming into my life. There is really no way to explain this new title I now own, Mother.
Love you always,
Mom