Dearest Henley (aka Princess Buttercup),

A Letter To My Daughter

How are you four already??  I know I’m going to ask myself this each time you turn a year older.  I can’t help it- you’re my baby.  And oh have you grow so much from the baby that you were.  But what hasn’t changed is your unending store of joy.  This will also be a constant in your birthday letters, because you radiate joy my love.  You have since the day you were born.  I see it now every time you cackle, or get that twinkle in your eye when you’re about to do something you’re not supposed to.  I see it when your toes first hit the sand at the beach, and you run into the ocean laughing and twirling as you go.  I see it when you break out in dance or song- which happens quite often.  

I pray and hope that you hold onto that joy.  That you continue to be such a light for others.  I pray that you continue to love to learn.  I hope that you’ll keep that enjoyment of meeting new people and making new friends.  I even pray you keep that sassy attitude.  Because, although it makes it hard to reprimand you (I cant help but laugh sometimes), it will serve you in the long run.  I pray that you continue to grow into the amazing young woman I already see in you.  

I am so proud of the child that you are.  And I can’t wait to see what you become.  Happy fourth birthday my dearest girl.  I love you more than you will ever know.