It's New Year's Day, 2 a.m.  You're down with your daddy because lately that's the best way to get you to sleep.  Otherwise you'd nurse and nurse and not sleep well.  Tonight we popped bubbly and lit sparklers and the delight on your face....the perfect way to say goodbye to one year and usher in the new.

Then we sat upstairs and you handed me your brush so that I would brush your hair until the end of time.  It seems so mundane, but I'm fascinated.  Each moment I take in the fact that God knew exactly what he was doing giving me you.  I delight in how much like me you are.  How happy you are.  How much of a girly girl you can be (while also scaling things like a professional rock climber).

I could type a million cheesy memes phrases because for me they are all true.  Instead I'd rather you remember with your own memories how you are constantly told and shown how loved you are.  That you may not be the thing our world revolves around, but that you're better...you're a piece of our heart we guard closely. 

So in 2013 I hope to do an even better job of savoring the moments.  More play time, more time exploring, and much more time just pausing from my own life and snuggling your close. 

It's an afternoon.  We're in the office.  You are getting into absolutely everything, as you do best.  I tell you "no" about touching something and you turn and just stare me down.

We do this a lot.  Staring contests.  Your strong will versus mine.  It's epic, really. 

But you know what?  I love that you're a mini me.  I love that you are a girl with a strong personality.  I hope I can nurture that while teaching you to be kind and to know when to walk away from a fight that isn't worth it.

Early this morning as I crawled into bed I leaned down and kissed your head and whispered that you have far exceeded my expectations, that you are beyond loved.  Because you are everything I never knew I wanted and more.