Dear Sophia,
If you were to have told me ten years ago that I would have a daughter, I never would have believed you. For as long as I can remember, I imagined myself as a “boy mom”: the kind of mamma who is a bit rough and tumble, in on the sword fights and constructing the play forts. I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy, so it seemed to be a natural fit. The births of your three big brothers confirmed this for me. I love being a mom.
And then my world was forever changed in the very best way. On May 30th, I laid on that ultrasound table as the sweet technician exclaimed, “It’s a girl!” Your Daddy and I stared at each other, mouths wide open in shock. A girl?! I was a whole lot excited and a little bit afraid.
Sophia, since that very first moment, you have helped your Mamma grow. I have always struggled with being comfortable in my own skin. I have doubted my worth and have sought approval from others in the hopes I would believe it myself. But you…your very existence made your Mamma face these things head on.
When you see your Mamma, I want you to see confidence. I want you to see strength and determination. I want you to know that with lots of hard work, you can do anything you set your mind to. This weekend, your Mamma fulfilled a dream that I’ve wanted to accomplish for a long time.
This weekend, I completed my very first 5K race. I ran with your Daddy, your Poppa and your Tee. The course was more difficult than I anticipated with a really steep hill, but I kept going and pushed through. Your face was constantly in my thoughts. I did this race for you, sweet girl.
I’m so glad that God has plans so much better than mine. I cannot imagine life without you.
You are loved more than you will ever know.
To the moon and back,
Mamma
(which I learned about from 
