Sunday, January 21, 2007

A letter to my daughter

So little at Uncle Jamey's wedding!
Playing the fiddle at the Scottish Society Clan Picnic
On the whistle last year at the Scottish Games
Your "big brother" who really does love you :))
This is for "The Bug" Aka: Codi
From the day you were born, I have loved you. No, I loved you from the day I first knew of your existence, and probably long before that as well.

When I was pregnant, I got an ultrasound and they asked me if I wanted to know what I was having, a boy or a girl. I found out when I was pregnant with Cameron he was a boy, so I said yes this time too.
Afterwards, the ultrasound technician said, "I have no idea." and showed me pictures of your cute face with nothing identifiable. So I never knew! But I always thought I was having a boy. For whatever reason, perhaps because it would just be too good to be true- because ever since I was little I wanted one boy and one girl, I just knew you were a boy.

So when the doctor said you were a girl, and brought you up to me for a kiss, I just cried and cried. I didn't believe him at first! When he finally convinced me, I was just so happy I couldn't stop crying. When I held you in my arms that day for the first time, it was love at first sight. Since then I have been completely and totally happy. Labor was tough for both of us- 18 hours of hard labor and back labor from the very first contraction- and no dilation. Then the decision for a c-section. When they weighed you in at 10 lb 7 oz- boy was I glad!! I mean, big babies run in our family but you broke the record.

You are a wonderful young lady, a sweet and tender spirit that our Father in Heaven chose to entrust to my care for this mortality, and I am so very glad for the blessings you have brought into my life.

From a little baby, your nickname has been "Bug". Lady bug, Bedbug, Snuggle bug, or Stinkbug, whatever fit the moment, that was you. Always fair, always the peacemaker, you bring joy into my life daily.

I can't believe you are 13. It seems like just yesterday that you were going off to your first day at preschool! You have grown into such a beautiful young woman. Remember how we found you outside stuck in the tomato cage? (forgive me a wicked chuckle) Tee-hee

Your journey hasn't always been easy. The health problems you have experienced over the last few years would be challenging for an adult, but you have dealt with them bravely and I am proud of you. You are much stronger than you realize!

You are much more talented, lovely, graceful and wonderful than you realize as well. I am very proud of the accomplishments you have made in music and school. The fact that you taught yourself how to play the fiddle totally amazing. Your whistle playing skills have just blossomed and you bring a delightful element to your Celtic group.

Most of all, your innate kindness and sweetness is what I love. Never lose that, please. Humility, beauty in spirit, and a kind nature are characteristics sorely lacking in the world today. Remember, the world is full of vulgar, crude woman- be a woman of grace, the world needs more virtuous woman; just like in that talk you wrote and gave so well at church! "Her worth is far above rubies..... she stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yeah, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy.... strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.... she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs

I love you my bug, and hope that I will live up to the honor of being your mother.
Love, Mom

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rachelle, I am sure that your children love you to bits, and I know that you live up to being their mother. Your children are blessed to have you. cozmic

Robyne said...

A very beautiful birthday posting Rachelle.
Robyne

Peaceful/Paisible said...

Codi sweetheart, I'm so glad you're 13.I wish you the most beautiful birthday you ever had...
sure you'll be a great woman dear...
Love from Mousie

Rachelle said...

Hi Mousie,
This is Codi. I did have a great birthday. All the love from my family and friends made it the best birthday. Now that I'm a teenager my mother is going to have to deal with not one but two teenagers and will have to be able to survive whatever curves we throw at her. It was nice getting a messsage from you.
See ya,
Codi