Letters to Emma: 1 year

My Dear daughter

How can I put into words a love that is impossible to describe, but can only be felt? How can I explain the ways that your birth changed me?

I was not prepared to deal with the emotional responsibility that comes with having a daughter. As a father, I feel, not only responsible for your physical well being, your emotional journey but also responsible for your protection against anyone and anything. Those words are not eloquent but they're not meant to be, they're in simple terms how I feel.

I loved you before you were even born- I remember seeing you for the first time and thinking just how small you were, I remember wanting to hold you and never letting go. I could not stop staring at you and your beautiful eyes. Even though those first few months felt like time stopped, I now realize just how quickly they flew by.

I keep saying that you are the sweetest girl who takes her time and does thing cautiously. I love your determination to achieve whatever you want on your own terms and time. At one year, although you are clearly capable of walking, prefer to crawl and stand cautiously on occasion. We know you are taking your time and that is absolutely fine.

You are a foodie. You eat and love almost everything we give you. You love fruits, lots of fruits. Strawberries are your favorite. You are incredibly smart and love to tell us everything that you want and dont want. You are not afraid to test your lung capacity. In fact, you remind us that you're not happy about something almost daily. Your mommy says that you are theatrical.

You and me, we have a routine. Our mornings are exactly that, ours. You typically wake up in the morning around 4:30 and I come in and change you and we cuddle until you fall back asleep. That hour or two we spend together in the morning is my most peaceful time of the day. When you sleep in my arms, I am reminded of how small our world is, and how perfect, all at once.

You love your brother, I cant say this enough. Your world clearly lights up when you see him. He adores you as well and is already very protective of you. He loves to show you off, anywhere we go, he demands people to see his "baby sister, Emma Gracie." It warms our heart to see you two be so close.

Emma- you've changed our life; we're learning each and everyday to be a family. we love you unconditionally.

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
my baby you'll be.
- Robert Munsch


Love,
Daddy.