To Molly Johannah, on her first birthday

Dear Molly Jo,

I watched you today, toddling around the house in your pink overalls, hair curling softly around your ears, and I couldn't believe that our family was once without you. How dreary the days must have been without your crooked smile and your belly laughs!

One year ago, I woke up at 10:30 p.m. and knew that my water had broken. I stood in the bathroom and called your Oma to come stay with Frankie. When she asked me how I was doing, I burst into tears, afraid because I couldn't imagine how I could love another child as much as I loved your sister. Just a few hours later, I was afraid again; this time because I worried I might love you more.

It has been pure joy to be your mother this year. The best time of my day is when I hold you close and start to sing to you and you rest your head against my shoulder, relax into me and start to absently play with my hair. When I am old and gray and sight and sound are lost to me, I will remember the sweetness of your little body against me and be glad.

I love your toothy smile and your bright blue eyes. I love how you point with your middle finger and drop your socks over the rail of the crib so there is a tiny pile of weency pink pairs next to the wall. I love that you slept through a whole bath when you were two weeks old, even though Frankie was splashing in it with you. I love how you demand to sit on my lap when I play the piano. I love how you don't let Frankie intimidate you and keep on coming after her toys. I love how you squeal and crawl as fast as you can when I come in the room.

I am so grateful to God that He allowed me the privilege of being your mother. I hope you will know Him and love Him and follow Him all the days of your life.

I love you unspeakably, Molly Johannah Kendziera.