Grateful

21 December 2012
Baby Girl,
     Today was predicted by many to be the end of the world. Being a member of the LDS church, I knew that wasn't the case so I had no worries. I was thinking how sad it would be for all those people who did believe that this was the end. I then started reflecting on all the things I am thankful for at this stage in my life.
     I am grateful that I grew up in the LDS church and came to have a testimony of my own. That testimony that Christ is my Saviour and He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith to restore His church has impacted my life forever. It led me to learn about the Atonement of Christ and how it affects me day to day. It also led me to serve a mission and teach others about Christ and help them to more fully understand Christ and His doctrine. That was the best experience I could have had. It was while serving that I met your dad. He is the most wonderful person I know and he makes me so happy. I am so thankful to know that since we chose to be sealed in the temple that we will be together throughout eternity with eachother and with you. 
     I am extremely grateful for our families. They mean everything to me. I am so excited for you to get to know all your cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. You will love them and they will love you just as much. They will be great examples to you of love, friendship, loyalty and faith. Learn from each of them and I know you will be blessed.
     I am grateful for the job I have and the people that I work with. Your dad and I have been so blessed because I was able to get this job. I hope you learn the value of working hard and that you enjoy it.
     I especially want you to know that I love your dad more every day. He makes me laugh all the time. He makes me smile and makes me happier when I see him. He takes such good care of me and I know I can always turn to him for everything. He is my best friend and I can't imagine my life without him. I love that he dances with me randomly, that he kisses me everyday, that he will lay next to me when I'm going to bed. It cracks me up thinking about how he decided that it was a nightly tradition to tickle my feet. It also makes me laugh that he and I will take turns bugging eachother by touching our freezing cold feet on the other person to warm up. I love that he's ticklish and that I can get him to giggle.  I love that he's so excited that we are having you. The look on his face when we found out that you were a girl was so sweet. I think it's cute that he's picked out little outfits for you and that sometimes he'll talk to you. I know he will be an amazing dad and that he will love you completely...he already does.
    I also want you to know that I love you. The past few days I've started to feel you moving around in there.  It makes me smile knowing that you're growing and moving and turning into the sweet little girl that we get to meet in May. I look forward to that day and look forward to learning with you.
     So on the day that so many believed would be the end, I look back and realize I have so much to be grateful for and I want to do a better job at remember that. It's 4 days until Christmas and I want to remember that although this season is a time for giving and for family and celebration, it is the time to remember Christ and find ways to be more like Him.
    I love you baby girl.
    Love mom.