Dear Hayden,

Have I told you how much I love you? It's my goal to daily look you straight in the eyes and tell you I love you. I think I probably tell you that at least five times a day. I want you to know it. I want you to feel it.

I love that every morning your dad and I race to get you out of bed at your first peep. This week you sat straight up in bed and said "Puppies!" I think you dream about puppies.

You are so in love with your dad. You love to hear his old pickup truck bumble down the drive way. You know that this means fun times are ahead. Your daddy doesn't like that when you are hurt or crying you reach out your hands for me. But I love it.

You see we have a special bond. You are my baby and I am your momma. There are days you drive me crazy with your pointer finger stabbed out in every direction. You want it all! I guess I don't blame you. The world is yours to hold.

You are learning more and more every day. One time I was changing your diaper and decided to BAAA! to tell you what a sheep says. You picked that right up :) One day I said "doh, doh doh" after burning some toast. You said "DOH DOH DOH" the whole way to town.

I can't tell you, precious girl, how you've changed my life. You are the best thing that has happened to your dad and I. You are fun, bright, smiley, people loving, silly, giggly, and lovely. You have your cranky days too! You take being a princess pretty seriously.

Thank you for making me a mother, making your dad a father, and showing us a little bit of the LOVE and GRACE our Heavenly Father has shown us.