Happy 4th Birthday Emma!

Dear Emma,

Today marks 4 remarkable years of loving you.  As I am writing this letter to you, it is 9pm.  At exactly 9pm 4 years ago, your daddy wheeled me into a level III neonatal intensive care unit to one of the many incubators that lined the walls.  To the one on the far right, the one that held my little girl.  Five hours prior you were born and whisked away from me so fast that I didn't have time to memorize your little face.  I felt like I was staring through the plastic at a little stranger.  You were so fragile, and I was afraid of you.  As the weeks past and we learned together how to care for you, we formed a bond that I have no words to describe.  I have loved every second I have had being your mom and watching you grow.

Today you wake up each day with such joy and enthusiasm, often asking what the day will hold.  You are a bold, energetic, smart, funny, stubborn, and loving little girl.  Just 6 short days ago we welcomed your little sister into our family.  I missed you so much while I was away!  When you came for a visit at the hospital you already looked so much older to me.  I worried about how this change would affect you.  I worried about losing time for our special rituals, like at bed time when you tell me your secrets and tiny confessions.  I worried you would be insecure and sad.  Despite the changes in our home, you have not seemed to miss a beat.  You have welcomed your little sister with nothing but an eager love, even though your own birthday celebrations had to be changed.  You are a very special girl, an answered prayer.  We love you so very much.  Happy birthday to the little girl who is getting big, but will always be my baby girl.

In my daughter's eyes, 
I am a hero,
I am strong and wise, 
And I know no fear,
But the truth is plain to see,
She was sent to rescue me,
I see who I want to be,
In my daughter's eyes

-In my daughter's eyes, Martina McBride