My Best Girl

Dear Emma, my best girl.

From the moment you cry out in the morning until the minute you fall asleep for naps and bedtime, you’re on the move, exploring the world around you, imitating your big brother, finding new ways to see the world.

Right now your spirit of adventure knows no bounds. Every day I watch you running toward new things and never away. Hold on to that fearlessness and bravery. Be bold. This is one of my wishes for you.

Take chances. Swing the proverbial bat. Adapt when life throws you curve balls. Don’t be afraid to strike out. (P.S. One day I will teach you about metaphors. Learn to love them.)

Everything about you right now explodes with curiosity. Keep learning, baby girl. Never, ever stop learning. Mama says it’s okay to ask a lot of questions. (Just ask your brother.) Make sure you get your answers.

Every day you make a new discovery and every discovery you make is as cool and important to you as when the first caveman discovered fire. (Or Tivo.) You want so desperately to share your new knowledge with all of us, but the words aren’t quite there yet so sometimes life gets frustrating. Those words will be here soon. I know they’re hiding just around the corner. (And if you’re anything like me, then Heaven help us all when you find them.)

You do this silly thing lately where you lean your head to one side and squint and then you run full tilt toward me and crash into me with a hug. You ask to be tickled by trying to tickle yourself and then you grin and belly laugh. People who get to experience that sort of happiness from you can’t help but be happy themselves and you have a knack for knowing when people need some help finding their happiness.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to say just how much I love you, Little. But I do.

I love you so much my heart almost bursts trying to hold it all. And there is nothing that you can or will do that will ever change how much I love you.

You are one of my most perfect gifts.

Always and forever,

Mama