Being a #girlmom has been an eye-opening experience for me

Of the way you run to Dad the second he gets home or gently hug me when you know I’m sad.

I’m in awe of your playfulness.

Of the way you use your imagination to craft interesting stories and create magical worlds around you.

I’m in awe of your intuition at such a young age.

Of how you know when someone needs to laugh or cry. How you know when someone needs to feel special or when someone needs a hug or a hand to hold.

I’m in awe of your bravery .

Of the way you can stand on a stage and sing or dance to your heart’s content. Of the way you can make friends with anyone.

I’m in awe of your ability to nurture.

Of the way you rock your doll or pretend to breastfeed her. Of the way you “serve me lunch” or “make me soup” when I’m feeling sick.

I’m in awe of your passion, your fiery side.

Of your intelligence, of how quickly you catch onto something. Of how hard you go after something when you want it.

Being your mother has shown me the immense power of women.

You have taught me to fight for what is just.

You have helped me to see the good in others.

You have encouraged me to speak up for myself.

You have given me the strength to do whatever is best for my family— for you .

You have humbled me—to do better, to be better, and to learn from others.

You have inspired me to believe in myself, you’ve made me a more confident version of myself.

I may be the one raising you girls, but you three continually remind me to rise to the call of motherhood. So thank you. Thank you for coming into my life, shaking things up, and demanding I work to be the best version of myself every day.

I had a lot of different expectations of what being a mom of daughters would be like, but I think what I’ve been most surprised with is the fact that you have made me not only a much better mother and wife—but a much better woman.

I hope you fully understand that one day.

I hope so many things for you.

I hope that big personality brings you a strong and supportive inner-circle of friends.

I hope you are able to appreciate the beauty of this world of ours. That you can notice the splendor in a field of wildflowers or the magic in the ocean air.

I hope your wholehearted ability to love brings you the love of a good human with whom you can walk through life with.

I hope your playfulness brings you laughter every single day.

I hope your intuition brings you the ability to trust yourself in making good decisions.

I hope your bravery brings you the habit of betting on yourself.

I hope your nurturing ways brings you children (if that’s where your path takes you…) one day. To care for, to cherish, to guide.

I hope your passion brings you the career you want, the dreams you want; the life you imagine.

I hope your strength brings you the desire to work hard and the knowledge that it’s worth it to do so.

I’m sure there are some things or feelings I am missing out on by not having a son. But I just may never know what those things are. And I’m okay with that—because you girls are my world.

And this world—while not totally glittery pink— is filled with quite a bit of sparkle and braids and requests to “paint nails and twirl in our poofy dresses” to songs from Tangled and The Princess and the Frog .

But it’s also filled with roughhousing , couch jumping, fort building, bug holding, dirt digging, football throwing, puddle stomping, mess making, bear growling, dinosaur hunting, and so much more.

I look forward to seeing how our relationship grows and evolves over time. I won’t fool myself—I’m sure we’ll encounter… ( what shall we call them?…. ) hardships over the years. After all, I was a teenage girl myself once upon a time. (Ask Nana about those years. Actually… maybe don’t.)

But just as my mom and I made it through the ups and the downs, we will, too. I want you to know that I’m always here for you—no matter what obstacle you’re facing. I never want you to be scared to come to me with anything. I will always listen. I will always respect you. And I will always love you, with all my heart, for the rest of my life.

Thank you for all the joy and sparkle you bring to my life every single day.

I love you,

Mama