The Adventures of Mackenzie & Isla: Happy Birthday, Isla!

September 18, 2013

Isla Marie,

I honestly can’t believe I am sitting here writing your first birthday letter. It feels like just yesterday that your daddy, sister, and I were excitedly preparing for your arrival. I want to start off by telling you a story that my mother told me the night before my wedding day. I too am a second child, and when she was pregnant with me she asked her mother how her heart could possibly be big enough to love another child as deeply and devotedly as she had her first. Her mother’s response was that her heart would continue to grow and expand with each child. My mother continued on to tell me that her heart did just that, and as her family grew so did her heart. At the time this story was told, I walked away with the surface message, which was that my mother loved me and my brother and sister dearly. What I didn't realize at the time was that I didn't understand the true lesson she was teaching me that night, until I became pregnant with you.

Like your MomMom, I too questioned how I could equally love and protect not just one child but now two. I received my answer the day you were born. I learned more about myself in those few hours than I had in my 28 years. I learned that there are no limits on the human heart. That love is bigger than all of us and the depth in which it goes will never be known or maybe even understood. That my heart that day didn't expand for you because you were already a part of it long before you were born. You just made it become more alive. I knew the minute you were placed upon my chest, that I would spend my entire life loving, protecting, nurturing, and guiding you through yours. That your father and I will be there to love you, support you, raise you up when you have succeeded, and pick you up when you have fallen. That you sister will be there to be your very best friend, confidant, and partner in crime.

Like me, you may not understand the true lesson that is presented in this letter. But one day, when you have children of your own, I hope you will look back upon it and be reminded that a parent's love knows no end. Thank you for infecting us with your precious smile, for creating a life time bond with your sister, and for teaching us that every day is full of beautiful moments.

Happy 1^st Birthday, Isla. We love you to the moon and back!

Love,

Mommy