Letter #2

Dear Loreli,
Just a week ago we began to give you cereal with your formula. The first time that I gave you the cereal was also your first time using a spoon and you didn't like either one. You cried and screamed and spit everything that went in right on out. It was a hilarious looking mess. I had no idea what I was doing or if I was feeding you correctly.

Since then I have given you the cereal once a day and as the days have progressed you have begun to master eating the cereal with a spoon. Two days ago you actually started waiting for the spoon to come to your mouth then opening wide and swallowing what was put in. I was so incredibly proud of you.

It's moments like these that I as a mother learn that no matter how much you don't like something I must insist on it and just keep trying. It wasn't easy to sit there shoving organic whole grain rice cereal into your mouth as you had tears rolling down your face and you screamed in confusion. My maternal instincts were to both coddle you and just give you a bottle or to refuse you the bottle and insist you eat with the spoon. I had to go with the instinct that I knew was best for you and it paid off in the end.

The reason I am telling you about this event my lovebug is because it is a great example of not giving up on what you know is the right thing to do. As your mother I wish for you to have an always happy and always easy life but unfortunately that is not the way of the world. There have been many instances in my life in which I was caught off guard and shocked by how difficult the world and adulthood can be.

For as long as we are around, Daddy and I will be here for you to help guide you but we will not always be able to fix everything for you. Even though as I write this you are my tiny little peanut, I know that as you read this you are a grown, strong and confident young woman. I know that you have the strength in you to succeed at whatever you set out to do with your life.

Many people will give you different opinions on your life choices. Some people will be happy while others may get angry or upset. Some people will support you and others will attempt to make you fail. My job is to make sure you know how to seek out the positive and can handle the negative with grace. Whether you set out to be a famous singer or athlete or you get into an office job and stay in the country, I will always support you and be there for you. As long as you are happy and satisfied with your choices I will be happy for you and proud of you.

When you run into the bumps in life which we all must face I will do my best to guide you. Know that failure is not an option and strive for the best possible outcome at all times. If you go into all situations with that mindset then everything will work out how it is supposed to and you will be stronger in the end.

Loving you forever,
Mommy