Dear Hattie ...

Where do I begin?

I could tell you that I love you ... but I do every day.

I could tell you that I am proud of you ... but I hope you already know.

I could tell you that you are prayers answered and hopes come true ... but that's a long story that will have to wait until you are a bit older.

I could tell you that you are the strongest, most resilient child I have ever known ... but you won't understand what resilient means.

So, let me tell you this...

Your smile is a light in my world.

Your eyes are the windows to a wholesomely beautiful little soul.

Your humor never ceases to make me smile.

Your love of life brings life to my world.

Your tenderness melts my heart.


Your love for your daddy makes my soul sing.


Your love for your sister and brothers brings me more joy than you will ever know.


Watching you get on that big bus and roll off into the world makes me so very proud.


The way you love the outdoor - in any season - makes me want to teach you more about the One who created it.


When I look at you I see one of my heart's deepest desires brought into being. I see proof that prayers are heard and answered by the Lord and that HIS plans are so much better than our own. I see that my life with you is better than I could ever have imagined motherhood would be.

I am so proud of who you are becoming and the sweet, tender heart that is emerging from your being. You have to work harder than some kids at just "being", but you remain carefree and are a constant breath of fresh air into our lives.

Sweet Girl, I LOVE being your mommy. I pray that I can live my life in a way that points you to the One who brought you to me. He is so faithful and True, I hope you will know that. I hope that you FEEL that. My greatest prayer in this life is that you, your sister and your brothers will come to love Him the way that your Daddy and I do - He truly is the greatest gift we could ever possibly give you.

You are loved, my sweet Boo, more than you will ever know. Your life has not been easy, but you have never gone unloved - even in the darkest days of life before you came to our home. You were loved before you were born. As a dream and a prayer held in my heart, you were loved. But, even more than that, you have never been unloved by the One who created you. The One who loved you first and most and always.

Happy Birthday Sweet, beautiful girl.

Love,
Mommy