To My Daughter

To my daughter,

As I sit here, less than one day before you are due to make your grand entrance, I’m finding it hard believe that this is real. I’m about to become a mommy. The man I have loved and supported for all of my adult life (and most of my teenage years) is about to become a daddy. We’re your parents.

Your daddy and I have been challenged a lot over the last eight years, but I can’t help but admit that this next adventure for our family is making us both overly anxious. Every decision we have made in our married lives, regardless if we knew it at the time or not, has been in preparation for you. We always knew that we wanted a baby, but we also knew that we wanted to be able to provide our child with the best life and the best opportunities possible before we brought you into this world. While I can’t say we were ever 100 percent ready, we have never regretted you for a minute.

You, in every essence of the meaning, were fearfully and wonderfully made.

I can’t promise you that we won’t make mistakes. Honestly, we’re going to mess up (so try to not hold it against us, too much). But, even before we make a formal introduction, I know that we can promise you these three things:

We will raise you to be a strong girl. To me, being strong means more than physical strength. I hope that you will have the confidence to stand up for yourself. I hope you have the bravery to do what is right, even if it isn’t popular. I hope you have the empathy to advocate for others who may just need a friend. I hope that you have the drive to pursue your passions. I hope you will form your own opinions, and will have the intelligence and grace to express them.

We will do everything we can to give you the world. I hope that you have opportunities that I never dreamed possible for myself, and that you are far more successful than me and your father. Know that we will do everything in our power to help you achieve your dreams, but also know that you have your own end of the deal to uphold. Nothing is more rewarding than reaching your goals based on your own hard work. It may seem funny to say this, but we are already so proud of you.

We will love and protect you, forever and always. You will always be our first child, and already hold a special place in our hearts. It really is hard to explain the love we already feel for you, and I know that the feeling will only grow once you arrive. We will always be your support system. No matter what, you already have two people who will love you unconditionally.

Baby girl, we’re so excited to meet you and welcome you into our family. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents.

Love,
Mom