A Letter to My Daughter on Her 1st Birthday

March 14, 2017 3 Comments

Category: Motherhood, Parenting, Personal
Tags: 1st birthday, Chloe Renee

Our baby girl is one today! What an incredible year it’s been!

In honor of my daughter Chloe’s 1st birthday, I wanted to do something special to celebrate. Yes, we will have a big party on Saturday but more importantly, I wanted to give her a sentimental gift that she could cherish forever. We asked our family and friends to forgo traditional gifts and instead bring a piece of advice, card or letter that Chloe could open on her 18th birthday. I cannot wait for the day that she will open them and know how much love surrounded her at even such a young age.

I debated sharing my own letter to her since it’s so personal but my love for her is something I’m so proud of. She is the biggest blessing in my life..

My Precious Chloe,

In just a few days you, my baby girl, will be 1 year old! It feels like yesterday I was anxiously awaiting your arrival and now, a whole year has passed and soon you’ll be walking and talking. It’s been the best year watching you grow up before my eyes.You, my Chloe, are the light of my life. You always hear parents talk about their children and how much they mean to them, but until you become a parent you don’t realize just how real those words are. Since having you, our world has changed and I never knew how much I could love another person until I met you.The truth is that I always dreamed of becoming a mother, but I never really knew what it would mean to me or how it would change my life. I can now say with certainty that you have made me a better person and I also know with confidence that I was meant to be your mom. I’ve never loved a role more, or felt more at ease than when I’m with you. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift I’ll ever receive.You, my Chloe, are something special. So, so very special. And not special like you have to be because you’re my daughter, but because there’s something so unique and magical about you. You have the ability to lighten up every room and you make every situation brighter. You are quite possibly the “angel baby” that every parent dreams of, but not just because you’re easy, but because you’re wonderful to be around. You’re easy going, oh so very happy, constantly smiling and always looking for your next adventure. You’re curious and inquisitive, sweet yet determined and resourceful when you need to be. Every day I watch you develop into a new, more mature version of yourself and I’m in awe of what you’re accomplishing.After you were born I made one of the toughest decisions of my life and that was to leave my job and stay home with you. I couldn’t stand being away from you. Between you and I, I am not the best “baby person” in the traditional sense, but I loved you and I loved being with you. I didn’t want you to be with anyone else all day. I spent the first year of your life with you, taking you to the park, to music classes, and on play dates. What an incredible gift to watch you grow. I hope you always know how much this time together has meant to me and how I’m going to continue to do everything in my power to be with you as much as possible. I love spending our days together.I hope to always be there with you every step of the way as you grow up and mature into the wonderful woman I know you’ll become. I also wish for you to keep a few things in mind… I want you to know that you’re capable of anything. No matter how unrealistic or how difficult, please always know that you can do anything you set your mind to. I believe in you, and I hope you’ll always believe in you too. I pray that you’re always humble, courageous and that you take care of yourself and those around you. Accept others who are different from you and try to learn from them and never judge. Always call your grandparents, tell them you love them and be there for your family. At the end of the day, it’s family and relationships that matter. I hope you’ll stand up for your beliefs, follow your dreams and find a career that you LOVE. If you don’t love it, don’t do it. Remember, money will never buy you happiness. Always make time to laugh and to have fun. Be kind, be compassionate, be loyal and honest. Be someone who helps other people.I will always do my best to be there for you and to be the best parent I know how to be. I may screw up from time to time but know that my intentions are always to love, protect you and to raise you well. You’re my greatest accomplishment. My greatest gift. I love you more than words.My mom always sang to me this song…  “I love you more today than I loved you yesterday, but I must confess, that I love you less, then I love you tomorrow…” The truth is, I never thought I’d love you more than the day you were born, but it’s true.. I do love you more with every day that passes. Every day you teach me, inspire me, excite me and make me prouder than I ever knew I could be. I can’t wait to see who you become.. I know I’ll love her tremendously too.

Love always,

Your mom