Dear Future Daughter,

Hi,

You don't know me, but here's the thing: I don't even know you either. You're not born yet and you're not inside me yet. Right now, you're nothing but a thought in my head but even that's enough for me to imagine what an amazing and beautiful human being you're going to be one day.

You see, for most of my life, especially once I got older, you were never a thought in my mind. Instead, you were tucked away in the back, never meant to come out and see the light of day. For a while I came off as selfish for never wanting to have kids. But that wasn't entirely the problem. I felt selfish for the fact that if I were to ever have a kid, I would only want a girl.

I can see it now, me holding you in my arms for the very first time. After carrying you inside me for nine months, through all the pain and suffering along the way, I know I get you as the prize. You wrapping your tiny hands around my fingers, smiling with your small, pink gums, your feet both fitting into the palm of one of my hands.

I know one day you're going to read this. Whether it be me personally giving it to you as a printed out letter, or you stumbling to find it on the internet yourself. So, my daughter, here are some things I hope you know, cherish, and always remember every single day from the minute you first open your eyes to when you close them for the last.

I hope you know that the moment you come into my life, it will forever be my favorite day. Because that will be the day my life changes for the absolute best.

I hope you know I'm going to take plenty of pictures of you so you can always look back at your life and see all you've done, no matter how embarrassing they may be.

I hope you know we'll be going out trick or treating every Halloween until you're probably in college.

I hope you grow up to love reading books so I can take you to the library every Saturday afternoon.

I hope you have a shelf dedicated to just books and keep one on your nightstand and inside your purse.

I hope you know I'm going to give you a different name. Because I don't want you to be like anyone else. And if I can't find my name on magnets or key chains, neither should you.

I hope you know I will always accept you for the person you are no matter what.

I hope you learn to talk and speak up at a young age. Don't make the same mistakes I did and wait.

I hope you use your voice for good and never let anyone take that away from you. It's the most powerful weapon you possess.

I hope you never change who you are just to fit in with the "cool kids." Believe me, they're not worth it.

I hope you choose your friends wisely and don't let them walk all over you. If they're your friend they wouldn't do that.

I hope you know that whether you want to do a sport, play an instrument, or join a club, I will always support you and be your number one fan.

I hope you know I will be on you when it comes to your education. It's not because I'm being mean, it's because I know you can do it even when you won't be able to sometimes.

I hope you know you can always come to me and tell me anything. Even if it's something you know I won't want to hear. Been there, done that.

I hope you chase after your dreams and never look back.

I hope you learn that it's better to live in the moment than capture it.

I hope you get your heart broken so you can learn the difference between a good person and bad person. And when you feel like the pain won't ever go away or the tears won't stop, they will.

I hope you fall in love so hard because you deserve to feel how much someone loves you just as much as I will.

I hope you never let the negative words of people cloud your mind.

I hope you know social media isn't all that cracked up to be.

I hope you find a way to make everyday special and cherish every single moment in the day. Not many people are lucky to do that.

I hope you mess up in life. I don't expect you to be perfect. But I do expect you to learn from your mistakes.

I hope you know that unlike me, you'll always have a father in your life. You may never meet mine, but it's better that way.

I hope you know you can do anything you want in life and never listen to people's mean opinions.

I hope you find the time in your life to travel. Don't be like me and just have it be a thought. Make yours a reality.

I hope you know that money isn't everything and it won't make you happy.

I hope you work a bunch of terrible jobs so when you get your dream job you can appreciate all you went through to get there.

I hope you never hide your pain from me. I will always be your shoulder to cry on and person to talk to.

I hope you treat people with respect and never stoop to other people's disrespect.

I hope you find something you're passionate about and run with it.

I hope you know that whatever you want to do for the rest of your life, I will support you one-hundred and ten percent.

I hope you tell me your ridiculous dreams. And then I hope you tell me down the road that you've accomplished those ridiculous dreams.

I hope you always order fries for a side dish at restaurants. You wouldn't be my daughter if you didn't

I hope you know I will never hold you back from doing what you want.

I hope you sing terribly to every song on the radio and in the shower.

I hope you never let fear get in the way of accomplishing your dreams.

I hope you choose to go out and dance in the rain instead of staying inside.

I hope you know that when we fight, which will happen, I will never love you any less.

I hope you never text or drunk drive. A message and drink aren't worth destroying both yours and other people's lives.

I hope you have more days where you smile than frown.

I hope you know it's better to defend someone being bullied than being a bystander.

I hope you grow up to be so genuinely happy it makes everyone, including myself, sick.

I hope you never have to pretend to be confident or brave and actually are instead.

I hope you know that makeup or no makeup you're beautiful.

I hope you know that when you're out in the world and feel alone, I'm only a call away.

I hope you look up at the sky, see the clouds, and chase after the sun.

I hope you never let anyone determine the person you are. Only you are in control of your life.

I hope you learn it's always better to be a little silly than always being serious.

I hope you find someone who keeps you warm in the Winter and loves you for you. I know I have.

I hope you know it's okay to say no if you don't want to do something and to never feel bad for it.

I hope you live your life to the absolute fullest.

And lastly,

I hope you know that even though you're not a part of my life right now, I love you as if you're already a part of it.

I can't wait to meet you one day.

Love,

Your Future Mother