Dear Hayden,

I took this picture of you today because you’ve been running around in your Snow White dress up all afternoon.

Watching you today made me think.

When your brother gets here in a few weeks, and you seem to be such a big girl, this is what I’ll see.

When you head off to kindergarten and our every day time together is over, this is what I’ll see.

When you get to middle school and kids are mean and I can’t protect you, this is what I’ll see.

When you graduate from high school and get ready to leave home, this is what I’ll see.

When you meet the love of your life and get married, this is what I’ll see.

When you are a mother yourself, this is what I’ll see.

I’ll see you, three feet tall and playing in a princess dress. I’ll see these days when when we spent our time together having a generally great time. I’ll see your sweet little three-year-old face smiling back at me. I love you more life itself, and I can’t wait to see who you grow into… but you will always be my little girl.

Love you,
Mama