A Letter to my Daughter on her First Birthday

May 27, 2020

Dear Arielle Marie,

I blinked and now you are one.

Where did the year go? When did that tiny newborn who was unable to even hold up her head become a walking, talking force of nature? When did the little baby I held so tightly begin to sing and dance and laugh?

I know it’s a parent’s job to teach their children. At first it’s milestones like how to talk and walk, then later on the difference between right and wrong. But in just the past year you have taught me so much about life and about myself. 

You make me feel like the most important person in the world when you look at me with your smiling eyes. You break my heart when I hear your tears. 

Even as you grow, somehow my arms become stronger so I can hold you. And I wish I could hold you forever because you give the best hugs. 

If I had written this note a year ago, I would have said I can’t wait to show you the world.

But now I want to see everything through your eyes because life is more beautiful now that you’re in the world.

It has been the single greatest honor of my life to be your mama. 

Thank you for being my daughter.