before I was your mama.

Before I was your mama, I didn't know how much I could love a tiny little person. 

I didn't know how much I would enjoy holding you all day long.

I didn't know how much I would love when you opened your eyes in those first, fresh days and looked into mine.

I didn't know how much I would adore kissing your sweet baby face.

Before I was your mama, I didn't know how much joy I would find in just hearing you coo.

I didn't know that you could make my melt just by cracking a tiny smile.

I didn't realize how much you would flip my world upside down.

Before I was your mama, I didn't realize how sad I'd feel putting you in your own room at night at 4 months old.

I didn't think I would have so much fun playing with your toys with you.

I didn't know how quickly you would grow and how bittersweet it would feel.

Before I was your mama, I didn't know the pride I would feel when you first learned to crawl, sit up & roll over.

I didn't anticipate how helpless I would feel when you got your first boo-boo. 

I didn't know that I could find joy in just watching you sleep.

Before I was your mama, I didn't know that your first belly laugh would make me weak in the knees.

I didn't realize that I would be so protective of you.

I didn't think that watching your daddy love you would make me love him more.

Before I was your mama, I didn't realize how much my heart would hurt when I couldn't help you.

I didn't know how much I would enjoy just watching you play, think & try to figure things out.

I didn't think that all your funny faces and behaviors could brighten my whole day.

Before I was your mama, no one told me that there would be times I would want to give up.

I didn't know that motherhood was tiring, hard work.

I didn't think I would pray just for an easy day.

Before I was your mama, I didn't think I would want to give you a sibling so soon.

I didn't realize that you would be so easy to love.

I also didn't think I could love anyone else like I love you.

Before I was your mama, I didn't think I would be so sad when you stopped nursing at 14 months old.

I didn't know that I would want to wake you up in the middle of the night just to read books & cuddle with you some more.

I didn't think I would miss you every single second that I wasn't with you.

Before I was your mama, I didn't know how excited I would get when you first said "mama".

I didn't think that one hug from you could make my entire day.

I didn't know how much I would love it when you gave me kisses.

Before I was your mama, I didn't think I deserved to be your mama.

I didn't think that a little tiny person could teach me about unconditional love.

I didn't know that you would help me to be a better person.

I thank God every day for giving you to me.

Thank you for letting me be your mama and for always loving me.

I love you around the world and back.

You are my joy.

Love, Mama