For my daughter

Madeline,

If I ever turn this blog into a book for our shelf or if you ever read back through my posts, know that this post is for you.

You've been in our lives for two and a half months. Your personality is really starting to show. You're "determined" (erm, stubborn) like me. Wake up extremely happy and refuse to go down at night. There's just too much for you to take in!

There is something amazing about your first child. I am now seeing the world through a different set of lenses. Nothing is the same as it was prior to becoming your Mama. The world is truly different place! As I watch you experience your firsts, it's almost like I am experiencing things all over again. Greens are greener, smells are more vibrant, textures are new again, and sounds are always musical. You turned me into something I always knew I wanted to be, a mother. When you smile, I light up with tremendous joy. When you hurt, I feel pain I've never felt before. To say I want to give you the world is an understatement. The reality is that I cannot give you the world, but I will try. Your father mentioned to me while I was pregnant with you that this will probably be the closest we will feel to what God feels for us. Through you, our eyes have been opened even further to the love the Lord feels for us. It's impossible for me to imagine His love for us...because it's even more than what we feel for you. That concept is difficult for me to grasp. In fact, the Lord loves you more than we do. That's another concept I cannot fully wrap my head around, but I know it's true.

I look forward to experiencing all your firsts with you, the good and the bad. Thank you for making me a mother.

I love you!

Mama