Dear Charlotte

I remember the night you made your way into this world so vividly. Just one year ago your daddy and I were rushing to the hospital with great anticipation and excitement, but looking back now it seems like you've been with us all along.  You are a part of us.  You have made us a more joyful, more complete family. 

On that hot July night one year ago, I didn't yet realize just how much I would love you.  I remember while I was pregnant with you, wondering how I could possibly love you as much as I loved your brother.  But from the second I held you in my arms, you taught me that a mother's heart always has room to grow.  My heart was yours from that moment on. 

I've loved having you as my daughter over the past year.  You make me want to be a better woman just by being my daughter.  I want to give you the best that I have.  To teach you that God made you, you for a reason, so you should be confident in yourself and love yourself as I do...and as He does.

There are so many things I want to teach you.  So many things I want to save you from.  I so badly want you to be spared from all of the heartache that I endured on my journey to becoming a woman, but I know that you have to have your own heartache...for it is what will teach and strengthen you.  It is through your struggles that your relationship with the Lord will grow and develop.  So as much as it will break my heart, I will rejoice with you in those times, as we've been commanded to.  My daily prayer for you is that you would grow to love our Lord with all that you are, that you would know him from a young age and live a life in deep intimacy with Him.

I love you more than words can say, Charlotte.  Your sweet, gentle spirit melts my heart everyday.  I have been overwhelmed by the privelage of witnessing the miracle of you grow over the past year.  From then until now, here are some of my most favorite moments...

Happy Birthday sweet Charlotte Jane!  Your daddy and I are so thankful to be blessed with you as our daughter!