In less than 1 week, Chloe and Olivia will be turning one. This fact is a bittersweet one for me. On the one hand, I am overjoyed at the notion that Geoff and I survived what has been the most difficult task I have been given in my life thus far. On the other hand, I am saddened at the thought that those tiny babies who would let me hold them for hours are now just a memory. People always tell you that is all goes by so quickly, but when you are in the trenches it sometimes feels eternal. I did my best to enjoy every moment- every smile, every new milestone, every hug. But inevitably, time won! (As it always does.) My babies are no longer babies- but rather, toddlers.
In the spirit of "springing forward" (hope you all set your clocks up an hour), I wanted to take a glimpse into the future and put on paper some advice I would like my daughters to have.
Dear Chloe and Olivia,
The day we welcomed you into this world, we welcomed true happiness into the world. From the moment I became your mommy, my life changed. I felt lucky and blessed and to be honest, a little scared. I wasn't scared for myself but rather for you.I wanted to protect you from everything. Now, I know I can't go through life keeping you away from harm but here is some advice. You may not follow it all right away, but carry it in your heart in hopes that it will guide and comfort you one day in the future.
1. Be kind to everyone. Whether its opening a door for someone going into a building or saying please and thank you to a waiter- always be kind. Don't be kind because you want something in return but rather because being kind is what GOOD people do. And you are GOOD people.
2. You are beautifully unique. One day someone will come along and tell you to change who you are. Don't. It's easy to be like everyone else. It's being yourself at all times that shows character.
3. Don't be afraid to take chances. This was always a hard one for me. Whether its mixing stripes and polka dots in an outfit or studying in Italy for a year- DO IT! Those who live a life of fear, don't live at all.
4. Listen to your mommy. I know this may seem like a selfish rule, but its true. I would never do anything to harm you. I've been fortunate to have made many mistakes in my life so that you could learn from them. Consider this an advantage!
5. Fall in love with someone who deserves you. You are a prize. Any man who doesn't see that doesn't deserve you. The rule of thumb is: If his unconditional love and character reminds you of your daddy, then he's a keeper!
6. Don't be too serious. One day you'll no longer be a child. This does not mean you have to be boring. There is nothing wrong with playing in the rain or reading the comics before the headlines. Cartoons should always be a Saturday morning staple.
7. Work hard, but understand that there will always be someone richer or more powerful than you. This shouldn't discourage you. It should just remind you that money isn't everything and that faith and family are always more important.
8. Stay close to one another. I know being a twin isn't always fun, but only special people are chosen to come in twos. Your being twins is a gift from God. Love each other and take care of each other- even if your mad at each other.
9. Be compassionate. Just as there will always be someone more powerful and richer than you, there will always be someone less fortunate than you. Show love to the less fortunate because it's what Christ did. You should always work to be more like Christ.
10. Love God. To love someone, you have to get to know them. Read His word and attach yourself to people who love Him too. He will take care of you, even when mommy cant.
I hope these rules will help you one day and that you know that everything I do, I do out of love. I hope you will understand that in my eyes, you will always be my little babies.
I love you forever and ever,
Mommy
