Letter to Ireland

February 8, 2010

Dear Ireland,

I have always thought that you have an “old soul” ... meaning you have lived many lives before this one. Your wisdom is far beyond your years, and every day you continue to prove that to me. You will be four in a month, and this is the most inquisitive stage you have had in your life. You are past the “Why?” and have moved on to “What happens when we go to heaven?” and “Do we get to meet Jesus when we are in heaven?” and “Are there germs in heaven?” It is a constant dialogue...and I love learning what is going on in your little mind!

Between you and me, I really love it when you misbehave! I think it is because it doesn’t happen very often. You always follow directions and do what you’re told, and you love to see how bright your halo can shine. So when you purposely get defiant, it is so hilarious! Except for when those crocodile tears start to well up in your huge blue eyes...not fun!

At this age you do not know how to walk. You skip and gallop everywhere! You are like a little fairy! Your favorite thing to do is help me in the kitchen. You sit on the counter and talk my ear off while I am making dinner. I am constantly reminding myself to slow down and listen to what you are saying, because when you have an audience you will let me see straight through to your heart. It is very beautiful. I have a feeling you really want to be a mom someday. You observe everything I do, and tell me that when you’re a mom someday you will get to drive, wear makeup, pluck your eyebrows, do the dishes, and on and on and on! Sometimes hanging out with you is a good glimpse into my behavior! It is my goal to get you to say “When I am a mom I will get to run a marathon and write a book!”

I think as you grow up I am going to have to teach you how to have fun and not take life so seriously. That is something I am reminding myself to do every day! You obviously feel things very deeply, and you would let yourself carry the weight of the world if there wasn’t someone there to remind you to let loose.

Ireland, your little heart means the world to me. I will always protect it as best I can, and be a role model for you. You have a compassionate, loving, and nurturing spirit. You could grow up to heal the world, and our family is so blessed to have you!

Love,

Mommy