A Birth Day.


Grace Ashlyn,
I think it’s safe to say that, in addition to being your birthday, today also marks the 4th anniversary of the most defining and soul-changing day of my life. I walked into that hospital on May 27, 2008 full of hope and anticipation, so anxious to finally have you in my arms. When we were released just a couple days later, I cradled a brand new and precious bundle close to my heart. What I soon discovered was that with your birth came a sort of re-birth for me.

Within those first moments with you, an undeniable shift was taking place. I couldn’t grasp it at the time; the emotions were overwhelming. I could recognize that wave of relief, you arrived safely and you were healthy. I remember the happy tears, the laughter, and the beaming smiles of those around me. I remember how your daddy grew quiet while he stood next to you and gently touched you for the first time. I asked him to talk to you. I wanted you to hear his voice and feel some comfort amid the chaos of suddenly going from one world to the next. What I realize now is that the shift was happening within him, too.
It’s difficult to adequately express what it feels like to see your baby for the first time. It was surreal, really. There were many unspoken promises made during our first moments with you. Promises to always love and protect you, to strive to be the parents you deserved, to create a world for you full of rich experiences and happiness, to give you the security which comes from being raised by two parents who would happily give their last breath for you. Within all these promises, as our hearts began to overflow with a love we had never known, we began to settle into our new selves. We were parents.
The shift into parenthood seemed effortless, and with it came many hopes and dreams for our future as a family, but also for you as an individual. We went from loving to knowing love, to the point where it seemed it was almost tangible, because there you were, our little love. Your life forever changed our lives.

And today, you’re a bubbly 4 year old. You have a beautiful smile and a thoughtful, gentle soul. You love dancing, dress-up, and princesses. You know how to push my buttons and can have an attitude at times that rivals that of a teenage girl, but you are mine. I find you to be this unpredictable, witty, cute little thing. You make me so happy, every day.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. I’m so thankful God chose me to be your mother, and you to be my daughter. Thank you for teaching me more about life and myself than I ever could have learned on my own. Today is your birthday, but I’m the one who’s been given the greatest gift.

Comments

  1. Confessions From A Work-At-Home MomMay 27, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    I remember being blessed to share some of those first moments with you, Sean, and Grace. This is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever read. Heading into my own kids' rooms now to bask in the miracle that is motherhood.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Platinum RoseMay 29, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    Aaaah you made me cry! Such a beautifully written post, and it speaks so well to those feelings of a mother. Happy 4th birthday to beautiful Gracie! My family is so lucky and blessed to know you and your sweet little girl.

    ReplyDelete

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