dear bella.

{totally stealing this idea from my sister's blog!  our mom used to write us notes when we were little, and when i was pregnant with bella, she sent me the journal she kept.  i bought a journal and started a while ago, but it's just so much easier to do it here and there on the computer!  thanks, gret!}

dear bella,

i was SO proud of you today.  i had to take you to a special doctor to get you tested for allergies.  i was super nervous about it.  you tend to be a little challenging in doctor's offices.  today, you were awesome.  you were so patient in the waiting room, talking to whoever was in there and having me draw different shapes for you (you've gotten SO good at your shapes and colors, by the way!).  when the nurse called your name you jumped up and said "oh, i'm bella!" and walked right down the hallway to the scale, leaving me and emmy behind!  you are so confident and self-assured.  i LOVE that.

the whole time you were looking at the nurse and doctor right in their eyes, telling them "thank you" over and over and just being so sweet.  one of the thousands of times that i'm SO proud to be your mama.  i just love you so much!

i know sometimes i struggle being patient with you.  you are constantly on the go, and right now you love pushing your limits and anytime i tell you "no", i brace myself for your tantrums!  but you have the sweetest, kindest little heart and such a happy, bubbly personality.  i love your tenderness, your concern for others and how you make us laugh.  you genuinely love people and i couldn't be prouder of that!

you are my sweet sunshine, little girl.  i could kiss you and squeeze you a thousand times a day and it would never, ever be enough.

love you forever,
mama