Dear Braden

Do you know how much I love you? How much joy you bring to my life? 

Your hugs and kisses are the best. Your smile, your laugh, can brighten up the darkest of days.

All of those things, they really are the best.

Do you know how much you remind me of your daddy? 

Sometimes you look exactly like him and I just love that. 

You're a lot like him too. 

Determined to do what you want, when you want, regardless of what others say. 

It drives us crazy at times, but we know that when your older, it will be a good thing. Most of the time.

I hope your passionate like your daddy. Goal driven like your daddy.

Do you know that you make me think of myself when I was little? 

You like to look through books.

And have me read to you (even though you can't sit still for an entire book). 

Reading was always something I loved and still love to do. 

You like to color and paint.

Grandma would always give me a pencil and piece of paper when I was little and it made me happy!

You make the same faces as me too.
I love that we share that. 

Do you know that you're a child of God? 

He loves you more than you could ever know. More than we could ever know.

He's known about you since before you we're born. 

He knows about your whole life and He will always be with you.

Do you know how excited I am for you to meet your little sister? 

I may be scared about it all... but I know you'll love each other.

I know you'll be the best of friends. 

I just can't wait to watch you together. 

Do you know how loved you are? 

Loved with all my heart. All your daddy's heart. And so many more people love you. 

We'd do anything for you and we'll always be here for you. 

Always. Don't forget that baby.

Dear Braden

There is no greater joy than being a mama.

You taught me that. 

From the first moment I heard your cry,

tears filling my eyes and streaming down my face, I was filled with joy.

I never knew what joy was until that moment.

You show me joy everyday... there is no one that can show more joy, than a child. 

Thank you for showing me joy, baby boy. 

It's a great gift. 

You, sweet boy, make me laugh and smile more than anyone ever could.

Just looking at your faces, I can't help but burst into laughter. 

You do things... like drag your dino over to me because you want to ride him 

or say "yes" and I can't help but smile because you're growing so much. 

It makes me so proud to see you grow, to see you develop a personality. 

I've never been so proud. I will always be proud of you, no matter what sweet boy, 

mama will always be proud.

I love you sweet boy.

Love, 

Mama 

Dear Braden

You, my sweet little boy, are growing so fast.

Too fast for mommy and daddy. 

It makes my heart ache... in good ways and in sad ways.

I love hearing you say new things like "car" and "yes".

I love watching you do new things like crawling up onto your water table (scares me, but you are reaching new milestones!), kissing me, and blowing raspberries on my stomach. 

I wonder how you learn these things.

They make me smile and laugh.

But it makes me realize how time really does go too quickly.

Don't grow up too fast, okay? 

I say that, but I know you will... 

Because this time together, you being little, only lasts a little while.

Know though, sweet boy, that no matter what you will always be my baby boy.

I love you.

Love,

Mama

Letters to my babies

Dear Braden,

You will forever hold a special place in my heart because you are my first born.

 From the moment you were born I felt a joy I'd never known before. 

I'll always remember the first moment I heard you let out a cry and how it made me cry. 

I will hold onto the moments we've had together, forever. 

Life isn't always easy being a mama. 

We have hard days, you and I, but remember dear boy that no matter what the days bring, 

I love you now and I will love you forever.

I love watching you grow and play. 

I love seeing you with your daddy. There is nothing in this world that makes my heart more happy. I cannot wait to see you be a big brother. 

I know you will love your little sister and she will love you right back. 

So happy you're mine, baby boy, so happy. I love you so so much. 

Love, 

Your mama

Dear Maeva,
I know we haven't officially met yet, but I already am so in love with you.
I can't wait to see your sweet little face and hold you.
I look forward to getting to know your cry and laugh, to getting to know all of you.
I can't wait to hold your little fingers and kiss your little toes.
I look forward to it all. I especially look forward to seeing you with your daddy.
I know it will be special.
For now, though, baby girl, I'm enjoying feeling your kicks and movements inside of me.
Keep on growing little one and soon we will welcome you into this world, into our family.
I love you little one...
Love,
Your mama