Dear Littlemiss Leah...

My heart is overflowing with thoughts, emotions and gratitude as we embark upon another October Conference weekend. I can't help to think back to just one year ago, just before we finally got to meet you, back to a time that literally seems like a lifetime ago, and yet it's gone by in the blink of an eye. As I remember those feelings of anticipation, excitement, fear and anxiety, I remember a different person... someone I used to be. The truth is, having you in my life this past year and becoming a mother has enriched my life and my purpose so much that I don't even feel like the same person. I literally can't imagine my life any other way than being your mama, and yet only a year ago you were barely more than a little stranger occupying my body and giving me cankles.

Oh the things that I have learned through you in just a year. The joy that I have experienced. The ways in which I have grown. The unbelievable expansion of my heart and my ability to love. Nothing I have ever done in my life has been more worth it or more rewarding.

Thank you for letting me be your mama. Thank you for the open mouth abundance of kisses and loves. Thank you for the giggles and jokes we share. Thank you for the jabbery, elaborate stories you tell me throughout the day. Thank you for laying on my chest and letting me tickle your back when you are sleepy. Thank you for sitting at my feet and watching my every move when I get ready in the morning. Thank you for your sweet sounds and the lullabies that you sing to yourself when you are going to sleep and when you wake up again. Thank you for being such a great sleeper and sleeping through the night from the time you were just 2 months old. Thank you for being the best kitchen assistant that I could ever have. Thank you for loving to be outside and teaching me to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Thank you for the joy that you bring to everyone you meet. Thank you for the light and happiness you bring to my life. And most especially thank you for choosing me and making me a mama.

I love you littlemiss ellejay! More than you will ever know.

Mama

(PS... I can't wait to enjoy this conference weekend with you by my side as we bake and prepare for the best first birthday party ever. Way better than bedrest. Way, way, way better.)

xox