Motherhood is a gift

As I rocked my baby girl to sleep tonight, I was reminded of the tremendous privilege it is that God chose me to be her mother... her teacher, her ouchie-kisser, her chauffeur, her cook, her maid, everything.

She is so infinitely precious to Him and He entrusted her life into my hands. It was no small decision, either. Of all the women on earth, throughout all the thousands of years past and future, he knew her, picked ME, formed her in my womb, knowing every single mistake I would make in raising her. And I've made a lot.

It blows my mind. It's overwhelming yet encouraging at the same time.

How can I take that for granted? Or have any sort of disdain for the responsibility?

No matter how hard it gets at times, I choose now to remind myself what a blessing it is to have such a sweet, sensitive, caring, funny, beautiful, intelligent, helpful adventurous, curious, creative daughter!

Out of nowhere she tells me she loves me. She asks the most amazing questions, and tells me the most brilliant ideas that I have no idea where they came from. She shows compassion for those that are hurting. She takes care of her little brother in ways she's seen me do without me even having to ask. She loves to learn and help and cracks me up on an hourly basis. Almost every morning after getting out of bed and dressing herself, she comes into my room and gently wakes me up. We sit outside together while Josiah naps, and enjoy a cup of water or a smoothie and enjoy the sun or chalk on the patio or new bubbles. She more than exceeds my expectations when we go through her preschool workbook. She loves to run but would watch movies all day long if I let her! She giggles when I tickle her then says "uncle!" She dances her own dances and sings her own songs.
 
She will be 4 in less than 8 weeks and I'm in for it! Another great year, that is =)

I love you so so so much, Julia Brynne. The past 201 weeks have been the best of my life!