Sisters

 Oh my darling Halen! Today daddy and I found out we were bringing a baby sister into your world. We were elated. Daddy had tears streaming down his face, he has always wanted to be surrounded by girls and now The Lord is making daddy's dream come true.

Your sister, Henley Charlevoix, is going to look up to you like no one else. She will want to be near you all the time, play with you, and mostly love you. Be patient with her, and teach her well. You are her biggest role model. And God knew you could handle that job, which is why he made you a big sister. Ultimately, Henley will be your best friend for life. She will always be there. Please treat that relationship with tenderness and put it at the top of your priorities. I, as your mom, am beyond excited to give you a baby sister.

 I am enjoying these last few months of you as my baby, and with our family of three. I watch you grow and learn and opevery motion blows me away. You have started to say "I love you", but your version sounds like, "Iluhyoo" and daddy and I love it! You are so nurturing and want to mother all the kids in our in-home daycare. You try to our diapers your stuffed animals and try to take care of everyone.  I absolutely adore being your mommy. It's the best part of my life. Thank you for bringing me such great joy and happiness. You give me glimpses of what Heaven will be like one day. I will dearly miss you as a baby, but I know wonderful moments and beautiful conversations are ahead.

Iluhyoo baby girl.

Love,
Mommy

My growing baby girl

I have been having these moments of panic, when I realize you are growing up. One episode kicked in Halloween night, I cried myself to sleep just thinking of you growing up. I know it's inevitable, and you're growing up beautifully, but I so love my baby Halen girl. I love your cuddles, your sweet little toes, you're kisses, how you just want mommy sometimes. Hearing you learn to talk and say, "I love you." Watching you play and learn life. I will miss your sweet little self, but I know there is an amazing Halen yet to come. Thank you for loving me so much and always making me feel like the best mom in the world. It's hard to believe you are 20 months old. Four months away from being two. Five months away from being a big sister.  So much will change, and it will all be wonderful. I will miss our family of three, of you being my baby girl. But I'm so proud of the toddler you are becoming. So strong, so sure, so determined, and smart. You pooped on the potty the other night, daddy and I were so proud. You're the best thing I've ever done.

I love you more than every Rocky Mountain pine tree and every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You're my darling, forever. And no matter how old you are, you're always be my baby girl.

Love,

Your Mommy