Seven

Dear Lauren,

It was 7 years ago that you made me a Mommy of a little girl.  I was totally blindsided by how much I would love mothering a daughter, and how special the relationship would be between the two of us.  Before you were born, early in the morning on September 30, 2009 (sharing the birthday with Dr. Miller, I should add, who reminded me of this no less than a hundred times on the day you were born), I was comfortable with the mothering of a sweet little boy-- who loved to wrestle and throw football, pretended to be a superhero for the majority of every single day, and who loved his tool bench more than he loved me.  I shopped in the "blue" section of all the stores-- finding little sweater vests and things with fire trucks on them.  Everything Josh liked had to do with tractors and trucks and Spider-Man.  And then along came you.  Immediately I knew that I had no idea what I was doing.  From the moment we met, you were surprising me with all of the newness of you and all of the things we would learn together.  What an adventure it has been for us both.  Every day I'm pretty sure I fail you and do the best for you...both at the same time. 

You have taught me not to set expectations, because sometimes what God has in store is way better than anything we can cook up in our own minds.  We have learned how to choose dresses and fix hair and play baby dolls and color and snuggle and navigate dance lessons.  I have learned about the softness of your emotions and the huge dreams God has planted in your heart.  I have witnessed you with the way you care for your sister and your brother, always seeking out ways to help them and show them love, even when they least deserve it.  You have shown me what patience and grace look like, and I know that I'm not the only one you inspire with that.  You have a mind that seeks to understand, and the persistence to keep digging on a subject until you learn enough to feel comfortable.  Out of all three of the children in our family, you are the one that I think is the most like me.  All emotion.  All raw, pure, unadulterated feelings that drive what you do and say and think.  But you got the best of your Daddy as well-- that perseverance that will allow you to reach any goal you set for yourself, and the drive to get there.

I dream a lot of big dreams for you, sweet girl.  I know that God has HUGE plans for your life, and I pray every day that you'll follow His lead in everything you do.  With a heart like yours, and smarts to match, there is just no limit to what you can do.  I cannot think of any greater honor than to get the blessing to be your Mom through it all.  You are a joy and a treasure, Lauren Elizabeth.  I could not possibly love you any more than I do.

And so, for your birthday, I pray the same prayer I pray for you every night at bedtime.  Lord God, please bless Lauren and keep her.  Please make Your face to shine upon her and be gracious to her.  And God, please look on her with Your favor, and grant her Your peace.

I'll love you forever,

Mommy