Dear Little Miss,

Today we went through almost every emotion you have.  And probably most of mine.  And I got frustrated.

But you know what?  I adore you.

You are the one that made me a mom in the first place.  You are my unexpected little one.  You changed my life forever in the most beautiful way.  You are the one that bursts through doors with stickers on your forehead and nose with a smile the size of Texas.  You are the one who can disarm me at a moment’s notice with the most hilarious remark or the sweetest hug.  You are the one who has life pulsing through you so vibrantly that I cannot comprehend how such a little body could hold it all.  You are my little lady.

And I love you.

You started kindergarten today.  Needless to say, I don’t know what to think.  I’m proud of you.  You stood in line and wanted to comfort the little girl who was in tears when it was time to go in.  Hannah, your heart is BEAUTIFUL.  You giggled.  And compared backpacks with another little girl in line.  (And you were oh-so-cute in your princess backpack.)  You smiled and said, “Bye Mom!” and I couldn’t decide if I should cry because I’m so lucky to have you call me mom or beam with pride as you joyously bounded into a new stage in life.

I vow to keep learning from you.  To learn the kind of joy you have.  To live without fear the way you do.  To learn to roll with the unexpected all while expecting great things.  To see people deeply.  To care deeply.  And to not be afraid to ask.

I love you, darling girl.  And I’m so grateful you are mine.  Please forgive mommy for those brief moments when I forget that this is our deep reality.  Forgive me for the times when I’m frustrated.  And for the times when I don’t see you for who you really are.  And for the times when I get upset because we are probably far too much alike…

I am so grateful that God chose me to be your mommy.  I don’t know why He chose me for such an amazing gift, but I could not be more thankful.

I can’t wait to hear all about your day.  Everyday.  For as long as you’re willing to share it…

Love you to the moon and back, and back again, and then to the sun and back, and then to Jupiter and back, and well…you get the idea,

Mommy