Let me start off by saying this…I am super emotional this week. I was laying in bed the other night watching the episode of the Kardashians when Khloe’s dog died eating chips and crying. Maybe it’s the full moon, maybe it’s just because I’m a woman.
I thought this week it would be a good time to take those emotions and pour them into a letter for my daughter. I know she can’t read yet, but one day when she’s old enough I want her to have this to read. So, here it goes.
Dear Lyla Bugs,
My sweet, funny, incredibly smart, and rule-enforcing little Lyla bugs. Words could never express how much love I have for you. When I think about you and how lucky I am to be your mom my heart swells with joy and pride. You have been nothing short of amazing, even from such an early age. Your daddy and I always talk about how special you have always been and how we think you’re going to grow up to rule the world one day. We’ve said it since you were a baby. I know every parent says this about your child, but you, you’re amazing.
I’m blown away by how incredibly smart you are and how sharp your mind is. How, no matter where we are or how few times you’ve been somewhere, you remember the smallest details about your previous experiences in those places, even down to what you were wearing or what was said or what we bought. Things that not even I remember. I’m blown away by how you recognize emotion and try to comfort people in those moments. How sometimes you tell me when you see me upset because of something your brother did, “Mommy, I know you’re frustrated, but he’s just a baby. He didn’t mean it.” You, my sweet girl, are wise beyond your years and I know great things are in store for you.
Every day I wake up I wonder how I can be a better mom for you and your brother. I wonder if what I do day in and day out would make you proud of who I am. I wonder if I’m setting a good example of being a hard worker so that when you grow up you will know nothing other than to work really hard for what you want out of life. I want to teach you that if you want something, you can’t simply just want it. You have to put in the work to make it happen. I don’t want you to fall victim to jealousy and comparison because it is the thief of joy in life. You, sweet girl, are the author to your life story. You are the one that decides what kind of life you want to live and that is what I hope you learn from me growing up. It is something that took me a long time to realize.
My hope is that when you grow up you will tell people that you want to be just like your mom because your mom never settled. Never settling is something that I’m working hard towards changing. THIS. This, Lyla, is what I want the most for you: to never settle. Never settle in a relationship you’re unhappy in. Never settle for a job that doesn’t satisfy your passion or purpose, whatever you decide that to be, and never settle when someone tells you you can’t do something. Remember that I’ve taught you that you are capable of doing anything. May you only settle when your soul is filled and your heart is content.
I want you to be a good, kind human who empathizes with others and never judges. Someone who takes diversity and leverages it to connect with people. Instead of finding what is different between you and another person I want you to find out what you have in common. Learn about them. Find out where they’re from and what brought them here. How boring would the world be if we were all the same? Culture is what makes the world exciting. We don’t travel to different places to experience what we could at home, right? That’s the beauty of culture. The world is at our fingertips through the different people we meet. Celebrate those differences. Your daddy and I couldn’t be more opposite. We come from different backgrounds, countries, religions, languages, and ages, but look at the life we’ve created together. He’s opened my eyes to a whole new world, one that I love and appreciate and has helped me connect with the people I come in contact with every day. When you’re out somewhere and you see someone struggling with language, or they look different from you, don’ judge them. Don’t make fun of them. Don’t ever tell them to “go back to where they belong” because where they belong is a place where they can feel safe and welcomed, just like you and I. Understand the hardships they must be facing being in a place where no one understands them. Empathize with them. Offer your help or even just a friendly smile. Understand that they want to be part of a place that you and I are so lucky to have been born in and take for granted. Approach every one you meet with respect and with that in mind. Be kind, always.
Know that when you’ve seen mommy in a bad mood or stressed when I get home it’s because I had a long day, working, so that I could provide a good life for you and your brother. Know that every day I drive myself mad thinking about ways that I can improve our lives even a little bit more or how I can create a life for us by our own design. Know that you and your brother are my driving force to be the best version of myself possible.
Many people go through life wondering what kind of legacy they will leave behind. Most people rate their success based on their career or how much money they’ve made, the things they’re able to buy or the vacations they’re able to take. But for me, my legacy will be my children. You will be a direct reflection of my life’s work and effort. You are what I will say I am proud to have created and leave behind.
I want you to know how much mommy loves you and how proud I am of you. I want you to know how worthy you are of everything you could ever dream of and more. Repeat after me: I am strong. I am brave. I am kind. I am confident, and I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to.
I am who I am because of you. You are my world my sweet, sweet baby girl
Love, Your Mommy.
Lynn murray says
💞💞💞💞💞❤❤❤💞💞💞💞💞beautifully Written. You’ll always be there for her TOO,Even when she grows UP and becomes a mommy herself.
Diri says
OMG KRISTI. THIS BLOG MADE ME CRY REALIZING THAT COULD BE ME TALKING ABOUT YOU. YOU HAVE AN AMAZING GIFT IN YOUR WRITING. KEEP IT UP MY SWEET SWEET BABY GIRL!
Hollye says
This was seriously so so sweet! Im pregant with a daughter now ans this made me tear up!! I cant wait to have this kind of bond with her. Shes lucky to have a mom like you!
TAlya says
Such a gorgeous uplfiting letter she is cery lucky to have you as her mom!
J caSey says
Ah all the feels With this pOst!! I have a son and another boy on the way but Ive always wanted to have a Girl! This Just makes me want one eveN more!!
Anji says
Beautiful, I have three daughters and you have inspried me to write letters to each of them. This is definitely a keepsake for your daughter to look back on when she gets older and to share with her children one day.
Nici says
I love the sentiments here. Youve inspired me to write a similar style post in the future to my own dAughter. They truly deserve our best .
Shayla says
I love this “letter to my daughter idea”, I’m going to write one for my girls now. Every mama should do this!
Victoria says
What a beautiful letter. Now I want to write one to my daughter! you are enough for your kids. we all are. we’re all mamas doing our best xoxo
Mary Rohrer says
Wow well I must be having an emotional week too because I am crying like a baby now. Great post!
Kayla says
Hi 🙂
This is so beautIful 😍! Thanks for sharing this deep and VULNERABLE side of you. I am currently pregnant wiTh my first baby and i am expecting to deliver my lovely baby girl on july 27. I’m full with joy and feel so lUcky already to have her in my womb. Maybe one Day i will publicize a letter Towards her aS well. Thank you for sharing!
Xoxo,
Kayla | Mommy BloGger | My Motherhood Made Easy
Amanda says
Love it! i HAVE A TEENAGE DAUGHTER AND THIS MAKES ME WANT TO WRITE HER A LETTER. AT THESE YOUNG AGES i TRULY FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT THEY KNOW HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM AND WANT THE BEST FOR THEM. eVEN WHEN THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND.
Kristin says
This is beautiful <3. I keep thinking that I need to write my daughter letters as she grows up too so that she will always understand how much she is loved, even when she saw stress or frustration. I love this letter. She will treasure it when she gets older!
Shelby says
You’ve totally inspired me to write a letter to my boys! Love this!
Julia from Balancing Bravely says
This is so beautiful and incredible. I just love what you are telling her. What a brilliant idea.
Jessica Goodpaster says
This is beautiful! I want to write a le to my daughter now, if i can get through it without too many tears! Thanks for sharing!
Ayanna Winters says
This is beautiful. I wrote a letter to my son while i was pregnant and loved it! Your daughter will definitely APPRECIATE you taking the time to do this for her when she gets older!
Sidra says
This was written with lots of love and emotion. May ALLAH bless you and your daughter.
Betty says
This is such a sweet letter to your DAUGHTER! I hope that she will have a chance to read this oNe day and know how much you love her.
Tricia Brockway says
This is so precious. Your Love for your daughter is so felt through this letter!