One of my favorite humans stands a little over three feet tall. Full of energy, laughter, independence, smart and full of resilience (she gets it from her momma), and with the most generous and thoughtful heart.

She is my girl.

My mom badge is something that I wear proudly. No, I don’t feel like it’s my calling, but our relationship is unique and special. There is something special about my daughter; our bond and raising her momma and daughter. Your hugs mean the world to me. Or the way you stop mid-play to walk over to me or into my office because you just had to give momma a kiss or deliver the drawing you made me. You melt my heart.

Life with you is not about sitting down. To you, life is an adventure. It’s about how high you can jump or how fast you can run. It’s exploring, experimenting and conquering. It’s dirt and bugs. Collecting rocks and hiding things. It’s loud and wild—and I love every. minute. of. it.

Without you, I have no idea what I would be doing right now or where I’d be at. But, with you, I have someone to be adventurous with; exploring life’s adventures. You’re not afraid to jump in the deep end of the pool, climb trees, or speak your mind, unapologetically.

How exhilarating it is to dive headfirst into a ball pit . . .
How fun it is to see a school bus drive down the road or an airplane fly in the sky . . .
How joyful it can be to run in the rain and feel the raindrops land on your tongue . . .
How deeply you love and feel emotions . . .
How our weekend dance parties fill your heart (and mine) with so much joy and laughter . . .

Thank you for letting me love you so much. Thank you for forgetting the moments I suck at this. Thank you for your smiles and hugs each morning. And for your enthusiastic belly laughs. A beautiful sentiment I bask in daily. Your ever-growing independence and bright, cheerful, kind, humble, thoughtful spirit bring so much joy it’s contagious. When I really stop and reflect, I find myself growing right alongside you—into the mother I’ve always dreamt of being. Playing with pool noodles as swords, camping out in the living room with your tent, jumping from couch to couch to see what cool spins and flip we can do, making your bucket list and crossing them off one weekend at a time. I am the mother I always dreamt of being.

I wish the world for you, bunny. I pray that you will always see the best in people. That you will fight to be others’ voices when they feel that they have none. That you will protect those who may not be able to protect themselves. Judge no one. Respect others. Lead with your head, but also your heart. Strive for joy, not perfection. Push further. Love deeper and always, always be kind.

In the quiet moments, I find myself wondering what I did to deserve you. To have someone as loving, spunky, and smart as you calling me “Momma!” We’ve embarked on this journey together, bonded from the heart. Your reach is limitless and I can’t wait to see who you become. Raising you is an honor and a privilege—and I am so so proud to be your momma.

I love you, bunny.

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