To my future daughter,

I thought there were a few things you needed to know, as my daughter. Granted, I might have a few different ideas by the time you're actually here, but right now I have a few thoughts for you that are pressing on my mind and heart. Some things you might need to hear within your lifetime. Admittedly, sometimes those things are easier to hear when you're reading them as opposed to being spoken to. So I'm writing you this letter. It's hard to know how to start so I'll just jump into it.

First, I want you to know that no matter what, you are loved and cherished. The world is going to try and tell you that you're "too __ to do ___." For example, they might tell you that you're too young to make a difference. Or too girly to like sports. Or too tomboyish to play dress-up. Don't, for a second, believe that they're right. You can do whatever you want to do, as long as you set your mind to it and try. Your father and I will support you always. It might be hard for us when you make a questionable decision, but ultimately, you growing up and becoming your own person is all I could ever hope for.

Second, it does not matter what you look like. You're always going to be beautiful. See the first point? That comes down here too - as your parents (and specifically me as your mom), we will always love you. There will be people who tell you that you must look one way or another, but you don't have to. The magazines, the movie stars, the celebrities are all made to look just right. The definitions of real beauty are all around you in the women you know - me, your grandparents, your aunts, your cousins, your teachers - so don't feel discouraged.

Third, be you first. This is something very important I've learned, so listen to me when I say that you have to be comfortable with yourself before anything else. There's a saying that goes "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken," and that's true. Once you're comfortable with your own strengths, passions, weaknesses, and likes, you can truly start to be amazing. That goes for dating too - before you date, know who you are. Then don't change that just to make someone happy. If you're not accepted for who you are, you might need to find someone else to date. You are complete on your own, don't fall for the trap that someone must complete you! You need someone who complements you.

Fourth, my dating advice is simple: find someone who is your best friend. I realized when I was dating that some of my favorite time was spent with my boyfriend being my best friend. We still could be romantic at times, but we were able to goof off, play games, and do our hobbies together. Not only as romantic partners but purely as best friends. That's what you should look for in a significant other.

Fifth, you can be anything you want to be if you put your mind to it. I know, I've kinda said this already, but I thought it was important enough to tell you again. If you want to become President one day, work for it. If you want to be a professional singer, dancer, author, or athlete, work for it. As your parents, we'll be as supportive as possible. I can't wait to watch you succeed. Don't give up on your dreams - make them happen. "I don't need easy, I need possible."

Sixth, I can't wait for the day that I actually get to meet you. As you're just my future daughter, I don't know when that day will be or what will be happening when you get here, but I can't wait to meet you. You'll be spoiled rotten from the day you meet the rest of the world. You'll be loved endlessly. I won't be perfect in raising you, but you can bet that I'm going to do my best. When you don't like me, remember that I'm just trying to make the best decisions for you - even if you don't understand them at the time.

Seventh, I'm not the slightest bit sorry for all the crafts and writing you're going to be exposed to. Nor am I sorry for all of the games and movies that your father will try and show you. I'm not sorry that your aunts will take you to sporting events, concerts, or just keep you at home and write about you. I'm not sorry that you're going to be going on a lot of adventures with me, your dad, and your siblings. I'm not sorry for anything you'll experience because that's just what this family will be. An experience.

It's not a lot. I just wanted to let you know that I'm always going to be your mom. I'm always going to care about you. If you wanted proof - I'm a junior in college, not planning on having kids at least for 5 years, and have no idea when you'll be here but I'm very much in love with you. I can't imagine just how lost I'll be once I actually meet you.

I love you,

Mom