3 years ago... {happy birthday, dear tatum}

Dear Tatum,

I'm having a hard time finding the right words this morning to write you your birthday letter.

I think it's because I'm in total awe over the fact that you took your very first breath, 

three years ago today.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. In that moment when you took your first breath,

you took mine away.

You were more beautiful than I could fathom.

I had prayed for you,

waited for you,

and you were finally ours.

 It's hard to believe that you went from this...

to this,

to this.

You are your own girl. You are quiet when you choose to be or you could talk my ear off all day.

You love, love, love, to read.

Your favorite show a year later is still Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

You eat pancakes and quesadillas and drinkable yogurt...maybe this will be your year to finally eat?

You are my pixie girl, not much bigger from the year before, but you have grown by leaps and bounds in personality.

You are so incredibly loving. You always have care and concern for Kieran, Anna and Liam.

You are usually my shadow, but have your sweet moments with daddy.

You recognize the beauty in even the smallest things, the things that others might otherwise take for granted.

Daddy and I are ever so blessed to call you our daughter, our sweet Tatum Frances.

Our lives are richer, fuller and more joyous because of you.

I love you Tates. Happy 3rd birthday!

Love,

Mommy