to the moon and back isn't enough!

Dearest Emma

Tomorrow Today we celebrate your 3rd birthday and I can't tell you just how much of an honour it is. We have watched you grow from a squishy lump of deliciousness into a funny, smart, witty little girl. We are privileged to be a part of your journey and as much as we'd like to keep time from moving on, we can't wait to see the woman you become.

Your birthday is a special time to the celebrate the gift of you, to us, the people you meet and the world at large. I knew from the very first time we met that there was something incredibly special about you and you prove me right with every day that passes.

You have taught me to dance with no limits, play in the puddles and savour each and every moment. A day with you is a day filled with laughter, adventure and new friends. Before you I was existing. With you I live. Emma you saved me from myself three years ago and when it felt like everyone else had given up on me, you were prepared to give me a chance.

My wish for you, as you turn three, is that you stay true to yourself, regardless of those around you. Don't sit on the fence when you can explore the other side. Never settle for anything. Especially not a day old cupcake.

My hope for you is that you be the best you can be at whatever you decide. I hope love finds you when you're ready for it and never lets you go. And if it does, I hope it leaves you stronger and wiser, never defeated.

I hope you know you are always good enough and that that's good enough for us. You are the reason our home feels a brighter and our hearts warmer. It is because of you that I get to whizz down slides, touch the clouds on a trampoline and fly with the birds on a swing.

Once I dreamt of you. Now I wish and hope for you. No one will ever love you as fiercely or as deeply. There will never be a time that you're not on my mind and in my heart. It is with enormouse pride that I call you my daughter and I look forward to the day you call me your friend.

With you nothing is impossible because I'll always have you in my corner. Your little words of encouragement keep me going. Just one "C'mon mamma you can do it" and I honestly believe I can do anything.

I love you bigger than an elephant's bum, more than the stripes on a zebra and the spots on a leopard. Once upon a time I thought loving you to the moon and back was a lot. Now I know it's nowhere near!

Happy Birthday Emma xxx

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance