Letter to Marlee: Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

To My Precious Marlee:

Today, you turn 1 year old. Now, I know that the number one is a very small number, but to your daddy, this is a big occasion. One year ago today, our family, and my heart became whole. The piece of the puzzle that I had waited 9 long months for, was brought into light and her screams filled my heart with cheer and my eyes with tears.

I will never forget the way I felt the first time I held you, the first time I kissed you, and the first time I gazed into your beautiful blue eyes. I will never forget the gladness that swelled up inside me to the point I thought my body would explode. (not to mention the first time I felt the fear of "OH MY GOSH SHE WILL BE A TEEN ONE DAY)

It has been such a joy and an honor to watch the miracle that is life once again over this last year. Watching you go from the infant that slept in my arms, to the little girl I'm always chasing around, pulling off the bottom stair, the cabinets, the chairs, your brother. The time has gone by so fast, and every minute that seems to have just slipped away, has not slipped away unnoticed.

You have my heart, and my promise; the promise to protect you, provide for you, and be your shoulder to cry on. You have my soul and my will, that no matter how hard it may seem, that I will always press forward, and be the best father I can be, because you deserve it.

You may never read these words, and that's okay; and right now are too young to understand. But always know this: Daddy will always love you, and always be here for you. You are MY daughter, and that is something that nothing, or nobody, can ever change.

I love you baby girl!

With adoration,
Daddy

"I know a girl

She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls are continually changed
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands"

"Daughters" by John Mayer