To my first little love.

Annaliese Hope, I never knew the capacity of my heart until I met you. 

Every single day of your 6 short years you have amazed me, inspired me, awed me, surprised me, and taught me more about life than I could’ve ever imagined. I didn’t see you coming, but you are the best thing I never knew I needed. 

Becoming your mommy was one of God’s greatest blessings and I can’t imagine my life without that smile…

Those big bear hugs. 
Those sweet morning cuddles. 
Those thought-provoking questions. 
That giggle that lights up the room. 
That patient, giving, kind spirit. 
That huge heart. 
That big ole brain of yours.
The way you grin when you’re up to no good. 
The way you say “I’m so sorry” because I know you actually mean it. 
The way you always try to be the best version of yourself.
The way you count down to an exciting day by the number of sleeps left. 
The way you treat your froggy, Fofo, like a part of our family. 
The way you take care of your brother and sister. 
The way you love those around you so fiercely and so effortlessly. 
I can’t imagine my life without YOU.
 
You have been a rainbow in the sky on EVERY cloudy day and in the hardest moments when I didn’t want to get up, all I had to do was think of you and my feet would hit the ground. You are my glue, sweet child. And I can’t believe that you are mine. 

One day, you’ll read this. And I want you to know: I may have given you life, but you gave me a reason to live.

Love always. 

Mama.