My Dearest Daughter,

I have been dreaming of you for a long time. I’ve thought about putting giant bows in your hair to match your Sunday dresses, just like my mom did for me. I’ve dreamt of braiding your hair, hosting Barbie tea parties with you, reading you my favorite childhood stories, and singing you to sleep.

I imagine the 9 months you will share my body, and the moment you take your first breath. I picked out the perfect colors for your room, and the softest blankets for your bed. I’ve spent hours, days, years, thinking about you. Part of that is because my own mother was so invested in my happiness, and made me into the woman I am today. I hope to be the kind of mother she was to me.

When you come into this world, it will start to change you. From the moment you start interacting with the people and the world around you, you are influenced by it. I will be here to help you sift through the good influences and the bad, but eventually, you will have to learn to do this on your own. I want to help you start that learning process. The world will tell you things that will make you happy, and things that will lead you down a dark path.

The world will tell you that being interested in school makes you a dork. Well, my daughter, just wait until you are graduating high school with all A’s, and graduating college with a 4.0 GPA. Then see how all of your friends feel about you taking school seriously.

The world will tell you that you have to wear powder, blush, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara and lip gloss to be beautiful. Listen, honey, acne breakouts don’t look better when you cover them with four layers of liquid foundation. You are beautiful with no makeup, a little makeup, and a lot of makeup. The world will tell you that you need a boy to make you happy, but you need to find happiness within yourself before you can let a boy know your true heart.

The world will tell you that you aren’t pretty enough, smart enough, dumb enough, sexy enough, modest enough, girly enough, or just enough.

But you are. You are ENOUGH.

As your future mother, there are some things you need to know. First, I will love you forever. No matter what. Unconditionally. Don’t ever question that. Not only is it my job, but my privilege. Second, there will be times when you feel like I’m against you. But I’m always thinking of you. Even now, before you exist, I’m thinking of your happiness.

I can’t wait to meet you, sweetheart.

Love,

Your Future Mom