Happy Birthday Natalie!

Today, 3 years ago, I had given birth to you and for the first time-was stunned; to learn that you were a girl. Your dad and I were pretty certain that you were a boy (though I had no ultrasound to prove this theory, but rather went on a mom's "sense") and you were to be named "Jacob". Imagine our surprise when the doctor said, "Congratulations! You have a girl."

Your dad rushed to the local Target, or someplace, when it opened and bought you an adorable pink outfit! Since you were our last child, your dad got the honor of naming you, and he chose "Natalie". Which means, "to be born" or "christmas" depending on the origin. And, your second name comes from Aunt Marion. Her middle name is "Grace" too.

You are very different from your brother and sister. You are somewhat-indescribable. You are spunky, cute, opinionated, and sweet as hell. Heck, you melt your dad into the palm of your little hands. You love to cuddle, oh! how you love to cuddle.

You hold your own against Hannah and Noah, oft times to their utter frustration, but it's good to see that perhaps your strong sense of "Me" will keep you from getting the short-end-of-the-stick. :)

I love you very much Natalie. I want to be the type of mom that you can reflect upon later and respect. I want to protect you from the "evils" of this world, and I want to help you be one of the finest young ladies anyone will have ever met. I want people to meet you and leave with the impression that they have just met a very interesting woman, and desire to meet you again. I want you to have rich and fulfilling friendships that are authentic and sincere. I want the absolute best for you that this earthly world has to offer. My heart melts with love for you my child.

I truly, truly and deeply love you Natalie. I only pray that I can be the parent that you deserve to have. I adore you.

Your devoted mom-