Dear Baby Girl,
I haven't written to you yet because every time I think about what to say, tears flood my eyes. Like now. I never knew it was possible to love someone you've never met SO MUCH that it consumes you.
Before you arrive, there are some things you should know:
1) We want you. Every baby is a blessing, even ones that are unplanned. But your dad and I wanted you, desperately, and tried to conceive for a year. "Excited" doesn't even begin to describe our feelings about meeting you. You are so wanted and so very loved.
2) Our biggest hope for you is that you know how much God loves you, choose to follow Him, and show His love to the world. In our society today, that's an unpopular thing to say. But it's true. When you know how much He loves you, you will be compelled to love others.
3) Your dad and I are hilarious. Please laugh at our jokes. No, seriously. We're funny people. For example, your dad once typed a resume that merely said, "Hire me *waves hand*" Don't worry- you'll understand after he forces you to watch Star Wars. I will try to rescue you, but the Force is strong with him, so... no promises, baby girl.
4) Be an includer. When you see someone sitting alone at lunch, go sit with him and ask him about his day. When you see someone being bullied, go hug her and let her know she is precious. The absoulte best example you have of someone who included others is Jesus- follow His example. Always.
5) You will have a hard time finding a date. Not because you won't be beautiful, smart, funny, caring, and so forth. But because you literally have like ten uncles who have all promised me they will fight off any guy who tries to get near you. Your goddaddy Kenny says, "When she gets older, I'm going to scare away every boy that comes her way." He's 6'7". Your Uncle Jason says he is going to fight off all the boys and keep them away from you: "Duh." He's only 6'1", but he's pretty feisty. So yeah, I plan on keeping in touch with those boys as much as possible over the next few years so they can help me look out for you.
Just kidding.
Or am I...?
6) We can't wait to meet you. Sure, I'm 20 weeks pregnant and still haven't booked any childbirth classes or started on your nursery. But I still can't wait to meet you. I apologize in advance if you come home from the hospital in a Redskins' onesie- your mom lost a bet, and she is VERY sorry. She knows you will be a Cowboys fan someday. Or any team, really. It's your choice. Don't let your dad draw you into the Redskins fan cult, ok? Make your own choices (but Dak Prescott is a pretty great quarterback and role model, just sayin').
7) I really did think you were a boy. And I am not at ALL disappointed you are a girl. I thought I would be, but I am so thrilled. You see, women are incredible. We are strong. We have ability to carry life and bring life into the world. I mean, how amazing is that? And now that I know you're a girl, I can't imagine you being anyone else, and I wouldn't want to.
8) If you want to play basketball, I know plenty of people who will teach you. See those mentioned in number five above. But honestly, if you want to be in drama or take art or dance or cheer or be on the robotics team or play football, that's cool, too. I was a tomboy, but you're not me. So you be you. Do you. Your dad and I will support you 100 percent.
9) Love yourself. You are amazing. I hope by the time you're old enough to read this, we will live in a world that values you. Always value yourself. Be kind to others, but be assertive. Don't change who you are or what you like or believe to impress others.
10) I will always be here for you. Of course, we are going to butt heads. But when your boyfriend or girlfriend breaks your heart someday, I will be there to hug you and make you brownies and wipe the snot and tears from your face. When you make questionable decisions (we all do), I will love you unconditionally and listen to you when you are ready to talk.
This doesn't even begin to skim the surface of everything I want to tell you. But I just got really hungry (thanks to you, probably), and my leftover dijon chicken is calling our name, and I'm kind of craving a pink vitamin water.
Love you always,
Mom (mom, mom, mommy, mommy, mommy- I have heard that you will never say my name just one time, so I'm preparing now)
