Depuis le jour où je me suis donnée, toute fleurie semble ma destinée…

Since the day when I gave myself [to you], my future is blossoming, it seems...
{ Charpentier, Louise - Depuis le jour }


You've never met a character quite like Becca, the endearing brown-eyed sweetheart whose laugh is infectious to anyone she meets. I am so proud to have one of life's most rewarding occupations: Parenthood.

A letter I wrote for my daugher one month after she was born (09.12.05):

Dearest Becca,

I thought I knew what love was...and yet when I look at a picture of our family, I realize that when I say I love them, it means something entirely different. Since you were born one month ago, the feelings of love I have in my heart are overwhelming. It is a sense of security that lasts through long days, and a patience that never fails even through the longest nights. It is this almost scary urge I have to protect you from anything and anyone, and this desire to kiss and hug you all day long without ever wanting to stop, and somehow never getting enough.

When I look at Robert holding you or talking to you in a high-pitched voice, saying, "Hello, little angel," I marvel at the fact that he is my husband and the father of the cutest girl I am sure I have ever seen! I see the tender love he has for you as he talks you to sleep and in some way I feel more love for him as well. Becoming a family has really changed my perspective on what LOVE is...I know that love in its truest form is a family.

You have been born into a family rich with heritage and love. I hope you can learn of your family and come to know our stories, how we love each other, and how we love you! I love you, sweet baby girl and I thank you for being a part of our family.

Forever,
Mama


SHE
may be the reason that I survive
the why and wherefore I'm alive
the one I'll care for through the
rough and ready years
no, I'll take her laughter and
her tears and make them all
my souvenirs
for where she goes I've got to be
the meaning of my life is SHE.

-elvis costello