You know how sometimes, as moms, we get caught up in who wants which sippy cup and who needs to get to which activity at what time? Sometimes the hustle of motherhood keeps us from experiencing it. I find that pulling out my journal and jotting down a quick letter to one of my children helps me see them clearer for a while. I thought I’d share here a letter to each of my children, starting with our (almost) 6-month-old Quinn. No matter you child’s age, I hope these letters help you open your eyes more, too.
Dear Quinn,
You are just starting to notice and clumsily reach for my earrings. Sometimes I feel your fingers grab a handful of my hair at the base of my neck, and I treasure it.
Can I tell you how lucky I am to have you? In rare moments, when we’re alone and the house is quiet except for your occasional happy squeals, I look straight into your eyes, and I imagine each of the next 18 years.
I can almost feel your hands in mine as I walk you around our small family room. I can almost hear you chattering away in a language only you and your baby doll understand.
I can almost feel your fine hair in my hands as I learn to give you pigtails or braids. (Fair warning – I doubt I’ll be very good at it at first.)
I can feel my heart pulling in two when you walk into the classroom for your first day of school or when you get embarrassed in front of your friends.
I can almost see your eyes in my rearview mirror as you tell me all about who is best friends with who. (By the way, dear, there’s no need to choose just one. Especially when you’re seven. 🙂
I can almost feel you tuck those knobby knees inside my lap, because you’ll never be too old for me to hold you.
Things are going to change, sweetheart. You’ll grow, even though I’ll be holding on to those chubby baby legs like my life depends on it. We’ll move. Probably more than once or twice. One by one, your brothers will leave the house.
Then you’ll go. In search of adventure, knowledge, experience, and love.
But I’ll always be here. At home, wherever that is. Ready to stay up late listening to you describe your latest date. Or making dinner in the next room, waiting until you’re ready to talk about the biology 101 test score that is bothering you.
I’ll be here. I’ll be your constant; it’s what we mothers do. And as long as I have my way, that will never change.
I love you, Baby Girl.
Mom
You made me cry. You are so good with words! It’s hard to think about them being that old. I am excited for those days when my girls call home and we can chat about boys and school and so many other things, but right now I just want them to stay little and protected. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Katie! It’s so fun to have kids (once again) the same ages!! I love knowing that our lives have some real parallels, even if we are half a country apart these days!
So Sweet. Tell Quinn she has such an awesome Mom. She is growing up so nicely.
What a wonderful example of a letter to your child. I can’t wait to read the other ones! This is something I need to do!
I am helping to present a personal history/journaling activity for my congregation’s women this evening and I would love to use this as an example for them. We are presenting a bunch of different journaling styles and ideas – whether they have 5 minutes or 5 hours to work on things – and hoping they can find something that works for them.
Thanks, Alison! And go for it! That sounds like a great activity! Right up my alley. I wish I could be there to hear what you share!
Love this post, Erica. When my son was born, friends and fellow moms told me to write everything down. I did, but took a slightly different approach. I started writing a journal of letters to my son. My hope is to give it to him when he is grown so that he can look back on his life – all the ups and downs, successes and surprises – through my eyes and pure mama bear love. I started one for my daughter when she was born last year, too, and it has been such a joy. I have found it so rewarding not only to document my babies’ milestones but as a way to connect with them years from now when they fly away from our nest to create one of their own.
Wow, Katie – Your comment should be a post of its own! I can tell from how you write that your letters are beautiful. How wonderful for them to be able to not only learn about themselves but about YOU, especially when they are older and are able to appreciate a mother’s intense love and sacrifice. I would even bet your children will be better parents because of it.
Thanks for the idea and encouragement – I might just have to take my sporadic letter writing to the next level!
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Erica. You write so beautifully and I just love reading your posts. I feel like I can identify with every single one. I found your blog while I was scouring Pinterest for hairstyles for short, fine hair and voila! Your post about a week of great hair popped up! I absolutely loved the ones you chose. I tackled a couple of them that week and it made me feel like a brand new person. Thank you for sharing what’s on your heart (and your head hehe!) Your blog is a blessing to me and I look forward to many more wonderful posts to come. God bless!
What a marvelous idea! I am trying so hard to hold on right now. It goes so so fast. Is it too late to start with my 8 (almost 9! Wah!) year old baby?
What a beautiful letter to little Quinn. I love her.
Thanks for sharing. What a good idea to add letter to our babies in journals!
Ahhhh, the transitions of life! I believe they are the hardest part. But we all do the best we can and try to look on the positive side. Thankfully, I remember the good times more than the bad ones. You are a sweet mother. Your kids are lucky to have you….and so is Ryan!! XOX