For Penny
Fear of not doing justice to all I want to say has kept me from writing this for weeks. I reflect on all that has come into our lives since you arrived 2 years ago, and it still seems too good to be true. We are so thankful and indebted to God for bringing you here. We will be grateful for you forevermore.
I don’t have to ask myself where all the time has gone, because I know. Being your mother is my incredibly high calling, and the support of your hardworking father makes it possible for you and I to spend almost all our time together. I’ve not missed a milestone, I hope I never do. I am dedicated to being here for you every step of your precious life.
Our days are full of playing, learning and growing, all at a seemingly faster pace. You left the baby stage behind when you turned 1 and never looked back. At 2 years old, you are a toddler through and through. My love for you and for this phase, like it was when you were born and every single day since is still overwhelming. I will always be crazy about you.
You are 2 and you are playful. You love brushing my and your My Little Pony’s hair, and you put Nivea chapstick on like it’s fancy lipstick. You request your pink tutu or “dress” daily, and if a song from Frozen comes on its a must-wear for singing and twirling. Playing pretend with your doctor toys and play kitchen is always fun - I’m convinced you can actually take my pulse and taste the plastic play food. You love musical instruments and make sure you, me and your daddy each have something to play during songs. We frequently have tea parties per your request. I hope that never changes.
You are 2 and you are smart. You amaze us with your ability to memorize songs and (every now and then) sing them on key. Seeing letters of any kind make you say “P - N - Y”, and you can spell your name, though sometimes you throw in 3 or 4 extra “N"s. You repeat phrases we say - my favorites are "Come on!” and “I got you, Elsa” (you added in Elsa yourself, so cute). This keeps our vocabulary in check, always a good thing. You say, “Mama, hold you” when you want to be held, it gets me every time. You have loved books most of your life. You’re working on the alphabet and I didn’t even suggest it. Every day you communicate with us more, and we love it. Your little mind is absorbing and expanding by the second, it’s fascinating to see. Can I have my “My kid’s a genius” bumper sticker yet?
You are 2 and you are beautiful. Your smile is the sweetest, and I love your little teeth and brushing them together every night. Your wispy blonde hair is ever in your face, unless I can pull off pulling it up, which you never make easy. Your blue eyes are striking. Your friendly personality has made many strangers smile, and you’re not afraid to say “Hi” and wave, I think that’s your southern side showing through. You bring pure beauty and joy wherever you are. You’ve certainly brought that to us.
You are 2 and you are loved. Your parents, grandparents, family and friends enjoy you so much. Your kindness and silliness are contagious, always a good thing. God created you with great purpose, and we will always point you to Him to find it. I can’t imagine the ability to love you more than we do but God does. I hope you believe that forever, that it shapes who you become and what you do. Your father and I love the Lord, and we know you were designed by Him and loaned to us. We will do our best to raise you with His help, to teach you to love and serve not by words but example. This world is very flawed, but the hope we have to offer it, the hope we have for you is found in the love of Jesus. The Bible is true - find truth there and keep it in your growing heart and mind. People will tell you it’s cheesy, irrelevant or outdated, and as a Christian you will feel that way at times. But there is nothing cheesy about the very real love of God. All else will fail you, even us, but not that.
Penny Noel, thank you for being yourself. For 2 completely wonderful years and counting. For challenging us to be patient. Motivating us to be better. Leading us to the Lord for wisdom and strength. For filling our days with joy and purpose. We love you with all our hearts.
Click here to see Tyler’s photos from Penny’s purple puppy party!
Special note: My heart breaks for those who want to experience being parents but struggle to conceive. It breaks for anyone who has lost a child, one of my biggest fears. The reality of anyone in these categories makes me cherish Penny’s life all the more. My parenting is not perfected and my failures still come, but my love for my daughter(s) and for my husband continuously grows. It is a privilege to be a wife and a mother, to have a family. I am grateful to the Lord that this is His will for me now, and I pray He leads me on. I pray for anyone who longs for this. May God give you the desires of your heart as you seek and find His.
