To my firstborn child on your 2nd birthday

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today is an important day. You are two! You are changing from an infant to a toddler right before my eyes, and it is an amazing process. You are learning so many things, and you make me so happy to teach you.

I am not a perfect mother. I have already made mistakes. I already have things I wish I'd done differently. I have been tired when you want to play. I have yelled when I should be patient. I have not always understood you when you were trying so hard to tell me something. I have been busy when you wanted time with me. But, I want you to know that you are the joy in my life and one of the reasons why I want to improve myself.

You are not a perfect child. You do things that I tell you not to do. You throw temper tantrums. You make messes. You say "no" when you should say "yes." You want dessert when you haven't eaten your dinner. But, you were and still are the perfect gift from God.

You and I will both continue to not be perfect. We will disagree. We will argue. We will do things that the other one will not like. But, my love for you will never change.

I will love you without restrictions. I will love you when you are nearby or far away. I will love you when you're good and when you're bad. I will love you even if I disagree with you. I will love you through your good times and bad. My love for you will always be there.

As you continue to grow, I look forward to the time we will spend together, your laughs, your hugs, your kisses. I look forward to continuing to teach you new things but, even more, I look forward to you teaching me how to be a better person and a better mom.

You are a smart, beautiful, special, good person. You will always be my firstborn child. No matter what happens in our lives, I want you to always remember that you were and will always be a perfect gift from God. Your life will take you in many directions and, someday, it will take you away from me. But, my love for you will always be present in wherever you go and whatever you do.

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

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