Happy birthday, dear Gracie

Dear Gracie,
Before you were born... I never knew how sweet a little one could be. I had never pulled an all nighter- (even though I had tried). A lot of things grossed me out (It takes a lot these days). I worried a lot about how to take care of you (still do :)

Before you were born:
I never knew that messes could put such a big smile on my face. I was well rested. I had to look a lot harder for reasons to be silly. I had so much time on my hands (what did I do with my time?). I hadn't mastered the art of carrying a million things in my arms.

After you came:
I wondered if I'd be able to love another little one as much as I loved you, but learned that love just grows and grows. I loved to sit and hold you all day long. I loved to see your daddy make you laugh and hear him sing special songs just for you.

I love to hear you shriek with excitement, giggle, or play make believe. I love to see you learn new things or hear you use your manners (Nein, danke. No, Thank you).

I love to have a helper on every project I work on.

I'm inspired when I see you overcome challenges (the picture above is Gracie at age 17 months with her thumb sucking casts on. They didn't work but she wore them for two months. She finally stopped sucking her thumb this summer).

I'm amazed by your bravery and willingness to try new things.

I love to see the wheels turning in your mind and wonder what you will surprise us with next.


I love the way that you made us a family of three and love the reminders you give us to pray and read the scriptures.

I love your happy smile, and all of the things you do that make me smile. I love to hear you sing.

I love that you look like your brother, and your dad, and me.

And even though you're not as tiny as you were the day you were born, you are still just as sweet.

We love you , Gracie. Love, Mom