18 Months.

My precious baby girl,

In just a few months you have gone from a baby to my little girl. You are the person I spend all day with. I put all of my energy into making sure that I am being a warm loving but guiding parent and you are nurtured to the fullest potential. Everyday in some way you show me how much you appreciate it. Nothing is sweeter than your random kisses.. on my arm, on my knee, on my nose... you make my heart happy. I never could fathom the amazing gift of parenthood God has given me before now. I find that I have this spiritual connection with you. When you hurt, my soul aches. When you are happy, I can't find a reason not to smile. When you are upset, it invokes the deepest level of sympathy that makes my heart tear between teaching you and giving you the hugs you desire. I constantly seek to find a way to teach you in a way that nurtures your loving kindness and zest for life. I feel like so many people view discipline as course and rigid. I try to view it as more fluid so that you know that my love extends through teaching you.

In your experiencing the world, you have reignited a desire to hear the birds chirp and the plane go over head like its the first time every time. I watch in awe through your eyes. The sounds of a train, the cry of a baby, the smell of dinner. All of these things are so powerful and undeniably present. You are seeing all of these things, people, places

and looking for words and ways to define them. Your brain is constantly absorbing words. You desire to know, "what's that" every waking moment. Nothing brings me more joy than to teach you about all of these "thats". I constantly am researching ways to broaden your knowledge only to realize that play and the world is your greatest teacher. This same world that is teaching you I find this mother-bear instinct to protect you. I have a huge burden to teach you about Jesus. I want you to have a passion for God, a burden for those in need, and a desire to do big things for Jesus.

With every leap and bound you make in life I feel that much more excited about your capabilities and desire to teach you to your greatest potential.

Little girl, I love you so much! You are really the best! I am so proud of you.

Mommy