Dear Alice

Dear Alice,


I wanted to start a series of letters to you that we'll read to you when you get home.  Friday was your birthday.  We were working hard at a garage sale in your honor.  I started the morning by telling everyone it was your birthday.  But, then my heart would hurt because you weren't here.  What did you do on your first birthday?

When you are here with us, this is what we do for birthdays:  You get to choose your breakfast.  Your older brothers and sisters will try to influence you to pick their favorite breakfasts or to choose a "junk food" that Momma usually doesn't allow.  We hang a homemade "birthday banner" in the dining room.  You usually get to open a present at breakfast, because, well, it's fun (and because Momma can't stand the wait).  We try to do something as a family during the day.  Also during the day, your Grandma and Grandpa and all of your aunts and uncles from out of town call you on the phone just to wish you a happy birthday.  Then for supper you get to choose the menu again.  And again, everyone tries to sway your vote.  We have family over for dinner and sometimes friends.  You will get to open presents again, have cake and blow out candles while we sing to you. 

I think of you so much all day.  It's amazing how much I love you already.  I only have a few pictures of you, but you are mine.  I know you have no idea what is going on over here.  I'm grateful for that.  I'm glad you don't miss me, yet.  I'm thankful that you know no different than the orphanage, yet.  Soon, my sweet babe, soon you'll know.  You'll know what it's like to have a big family that loves you so much.  You'll know what it's like to have holidays with lots of cousins and grandparents that think you're the most wonderful child. Soon, you'll miss me when I go to the store without you (although I won't go anywhere without you for a long time).  Soon, you'll have a church family that loves you almost as much as we do.  A church family that will help Mommy and Daddy as we bring you up to love the Lord.  Soon, you'll be hugged and kissed all day.  Soon, you'll be held at night.

I wanted to write this series letters to you so that you would know the things that are in my heart.  I'm working so hard to get you.  Once I have you, you'll know how hard a momma bear will work for her little cub.  I'll never let you go.

I love you,
Momma