Good Night, My Angel

Sophia,

I put you to bed tonight and I stayed a little longer than usual, just watching you sleep.  As I listened to you breathing while you dreamed sweet baby dreams, I thought about how this would be the last time I would put my "baby" to bed.  Tomorrow you will be one and we will start a brand new chapter of our lives.

I cannot even begin to describe how one year has changed my life.  I didn't know it was possible to be capable of this much love.  I think any parent of more than one child worries that it will be impossible to love another child as much as your first. You, my dear, would not have allowed such a thing to happen. It would be impossible to love you less.

I should have known from the start that you would shake up our whole world.  You were born to be a rule breaker; someone who veers off the beaten path and blazes through life to make your own path.  At one year old, you have more personality in your itty-bitty baby finger than many people have in their entire being.

My sweet Sophia is a lover, a hugger, a grab-your-face-and-give-me-kiss cuddler.  I live for your sweetness.  It feeds my soul.  When you seek me out in a crowded room and lift up your arms in your pick me up NOW way, it makes my mommy heart full and complete. Please don't ever stop loving. Love as much as you can and with all that you have.

My sassy Sophia does not want to listen, do what I ask, and Mom, DO NOT even think about stopping me from doing what I want.  This is the Sophia that I will battle with.  I get a kick out you when you get mad.  I will have to remind myself of that when you are older and this Sophia shows up more often.  I will also have to remember that even though I will be frustrated, deep down, I will be fiercely proud of you, because I know that you won't be anyone's fool. Use this passion.  Fight for what is right and speak for those that cannot.  Don't be afraid to be heard if you are speaking from your heart.

I always wonder if I'm living right and in a way that pleases God.  Then I look at you and your sister and I know that I am. He thought I was worthy of YOU and made me your mom. How lucky I am, little one.  You have blessed my life so extraordinarily in one short year,  and I can't wait to see what you do with the rest of your life.

Thank you, baby girl.  Thank you for loving me, for being who you are, and for being mine. I am so proud of you and love you so much more than you will ever know.

Love,

Mommy