Dear Gracie Girl,

Apparently you have started to look like your Mama. I don’t know if that is a good thing or not, but we have been hearing this sentiment from a lot of people lately. I have never doubted for a minute that you are my girl. You are stubborn (like your Mama), a little bit type-A (like your Mama), and the last few nights I have caught you reading under the covers long after the lights were supposed to be out (er…not that your Mama ever did that! Hi, Mom & Dad.)

Last night I was in the backseat next to you and Daddy was DJ-ing during our ride home. He said, “this one is for Mommy,” and it was The Good Life by Kenny Chesney. While we were listening to it, I told you the story of how Daddy had given me that album to listen to, specifically that song, when I was pregnant with you and driving from Michigan to Aunt Meesh’s house, and how I listened to it at least 50 times that trip. When the song got to the line (that always makes me cry!)…

“Cos the one thing stronger than the whiskey: Was the sight of her holdin’ my baby girl.”

I felt your little hand slip into mine and you gave me a little squeeze. With tears streaming down my cheeks and you gently rubbing my hand the exact way I often do, I offered up a prayer of thanks for you. My girl.

Thank you for holding my hand, and my heart, sweet girl.
Love you,
Mommy