Happy 8th Birthday, Emerson!

Looking beautiful in her birthday dress and a matching dress for her doll that Grandma Phyllis and Papa Ron gave her.

We got an early Christmas present. We stuffed her in my Christmas stocking. She fit just perfectly.

My Love Letter to Emerson

Dear Eme,

It's your 8th birthday today. I can't believe it. It seems like only yesterday you graced us with your presence. I was pretty sick while I was pregnant with you. It was rough and I really did not enjoy my pregnancy. People talked about how wonderful pregnancy is and how beautiful they look and feel and how they glow. I didn't feel any of that. All I got was fat, a lot of acid reflux, a lot of pain in places I didn't want to be feeling. I just wanted to get out of my own body. I thought this was all a precursor to what was a head of me and I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a parent.

Then you were born, 6 lbs 4 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. I remember being so unbelievably scared. I could not wrap my head around the fact that I was responsible for you. I have to keep this tiny person alive? I felt so overwhelmed. I learned pretty quickly how to take care of you. I also realized I loved being a mom.

You were my first experience for a lot of things. As my first baby, I could not believe how I could love someone so unconditionally. I couldn't believe how natural my love for you came. I couldn't kiss you or hold you or just stare at you enough. It was the first time I realized how much my Heavenly Father loved me. He gave me you! I am so lucky and blessed to have been entrusted with such an amazing, beautiful spirit. I would lay my life for you. I am so in love with you. I still get tears of joy just looking at you.

It's been pretty easy being your mom because you are so easy to love. It has been an amazing 8 years with you in my life. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. I am so grateful for you and you will always, forever be my baby! Happy Birthday, Princess.

xoxo-Momma