A Letter to My Daughter

Dear Daughter,

You aren't even here yet and I love you so much.  As I sit here writing this I can feel your movements and see my belly moving as you do what baby's in the womb do.  I can't wait to see your sweet face and kiss your downy head.  I have waited for this for so long and the time seems to drag some days.  Other days it seems like this pregnancy is flying by and I desperately try to enjoy each and every moment of it.  I don't know if I will get to ever experience this again and I have been so joyful in my happiness that I even get to experience this at all. I wonder what you will look like and what your personality will be.  I know already that you are probably going to be stubborn, but at least I know you come by it honestly.

Someday your dad and I will tell you all about the long road we traveled to get where we are, but for now, just know that you have always been wanted and have been loved from the first moment, maybe even before.  And because I love you so much already, I worry that I will not be good enough.  Will I be able to give you all of the love and attention that you need? Will you know how much I want you to be happy and only want what is best for you?

I look forward to all of your years and the adventures we will have.  I can't wait to play dress up and with dollhouses.  To play baseball and soccer and go swimming in the summer.  I look forward to your first day of school, your first boyfriend, your prom, your graduation, your wedding and everything else in between.  But even while looking forward to those things, I worry.  I want you to be a strong, independent person.  I want you to be compassionate and understanding and tolerant.  I want you to do what makes you the happiest in life, the thing you have the most passion for.  I want you to love and be loved. I want you to have a confidence in yourself and to love yourself for who you are.

But how? How do I raise a daughter? How do I help you become the person you are meant to be? How do I help you be all of these things?

I know I will make mistakes and that our relationship will not be perfect.  Because let's face it - nothing in life is perfect.  But that's ok.  I promise to tell you I'm sorry when I have made a mistake.  I promise to love you unconditionally no matter what.  I promise to listen to you and try to understand your point of view.  I promise to always be here for you, for the good and the bad.  I promise to listen with an open mind and heart. I promise to do the best that I can.

For now I just love you and your kicks and squirms.  I love knowing that in 10 weeks I will be holding you in my arms.  For now I just hold on to the idea that we have time, time to figure out all of the little stuff and time to enjoy the every day.

I love you baby girl.  I can't wait to meet you.

Love,
Mom