A Letter to You Ilah, at 2 years Old

My Amazing Ilah,

Although it has been two years since you were born, I remember the day like it was yesterday. When you came into this world, my life changed in a beautiful, wonderful way. While in the hospital for the first few days of your life, I was mesmerized by your little soul. You were so tiny, but I already knew that God imparted such greatness on the inside of you before He sent you to me. I know that as you grow older, those things will exude as you flourish into a beautiful young lady.

Right now, at the age of two, you have not a care in the world. You are thriving in a loving home where you know you are the center of attention ; ) You are in essence in a bubble of adoration. And although you won’t ever remember the special things that we do with you - and for you - at this age, being in those moments with you, and seeing you so happy...makes me want to give you the best day every day.

You are the perfect blend of both your daddy and me – not just in your looks, but also in your personality. You are outgoing, carefree, headstrong, observant, persistent and independent - just like your mommy. You are smart, soft spoken, sensitive, caring, and a thinker - just like your daddy. Before you were born, we imagined what you would be like – and although we knew you would be an amazing child, you surpassed every beautiful hope that we had.

Sometimes I still can’t believe that I’m a mother. And that I got YOU! Before you came into my world, I wondered what motherhood would be like. When I thought about it I really just envisioned the responsibility of taking care of a child and all that would go into raising a well-rounded one; I never really thought about what I would get out of it….I just thought about what I would put into it. I never thought that I would miss you when you were asleep or love looking in the back seat of my car and feel like I'm going to burst on the inside just from seeing your cute little self back there. I never thought that even years later, I would still stare at you in happy disbelief that you are a part of my life now. I feel an overwhelming love toward you and I can't even describe how thankful I am to God for giving you to me. I love that you come to me if you have a "boo-boo" or you need soothing, or how you look to me for reassurance when we are in new places or around new people. I love teaching you new things and staying home with you to see all of your "firsts" firsthand. I love tickling you just so I can hear your adorable laugh and to see that cute smile of yours come across your face. I love seeing life through your eyes and I love knowing that you know how much you are loved.

Being your mother is a plan that God purposed for me to fulfill. Not just in your early years – but in every single year of your life. It’s a calling that I strive to give the best of myself to. I know that as you grow into a young lady, our thoughts and opinions may not always be in alignment, but I hope you know that your best interest will always be my first concern and that no one will ever love you more.

I pray God’s will for you, Ilah. Just as your grandmother prayed for me as I grew up, and still continues to, I commit to doing the same for you - because afterall, that’s the best gift I could ever give you.

I pray for you:

• That you will be “taught of the Lord” and great will be your peace (Isaiah 54:13)
• That you will hide His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11)
• That God will fill you with the knowledge of His will so you can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and your life will bear fruit (Col. 1:9)
• That your heart would be flooded with light so you will understand the wonderful future God has promised to those He called (Ephesians 1:17-19)
• That you would trust in the Lord with all your hearts and not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• That you will not worry or be afraid but pray about everything, and that the peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-9)
• That God’s favor will surround you like a shield (Psalm 5:12)

My daughter, I pray all of this for you - and so much more.

There are so many things that I look forward to doing for you and with you Ilah. I take such delight in making memories for you that you will look back on and cherish – and we’re only just beginning!

We adore you - and will love you forever and ever…and past forever.

Mommy & Daddy