A Letter to Natalia

Natalia,

You are the light in my day, the song in my heart, the joy in my soul. I don't want you to be my idea of who you are, I want you to find yourself. I want you to fearlessly fail, humbly succeed and take the time to look around you and breathe. I know that a week seems like forever to you now, but they are seconds to me. Before I had you I was forever racing towards the next goal, now I beg God to slow time down because with you, my life is amazing and worth pause. 

There are some hopes that I have for you. I want you to sing loudly and often. The songs you make up yourself remind me that I don't always need to follow the notes of another. While you are doing all that singing, you might as well dance. Some of my best memories I keep tucked away are when you and I have danced together. 

Please look to daddy to find your own Prince. He is a shining example of how the Prince should love his Princess. You are an amazing package and deserve someone who will add to your life, not change it. When you get older it will feel safer to try and adapt yourself to what you think a prince would want. Your true Prince will want you - just you, just like you are.

Laugh a lot, often, as much as you can. Life isn't as serious as some people make it out to be. I know you can't imagine this now, but as you get older you may forget how to play. The best way to keep that from happening is to play often and laugh while your at it. Don't fret too much if you forget. Someday you will have a daughter to show you how.

Hug the people you love and tell them often that you love them. Never be embarrassed to show the world what a sensitive and loving heart you have. Your sweet and loving heart are one of my favorite qualities in you. Someday you may hear the world telling you to hide your heart, be suspicious of others, and harden your defenses. I think as long as you know that your voice counts, place value on yourself and keep a sharp mind, your heart can be free to love. Being sensitive and allowing yourself to have strong feelings aren't bad. This is God's perfect design for you and He has a plan on how to use it. If you are ever embarrassed or scared to show your feelings to someone, come to me because I am always a safe place for you.

Love, 

Mom