To my little prizes:

I know I already posted this picture, but it has gotten inside my mind like a disease and taken over my thoughts.



Dear Emma and Libby,

Hello my girls! I know you can't even read yet, but maybe one day you will see this. And one day you will love your curly hair. Because you'll see it on your own children.
My whole life I have wished for straight hair. I've been thankful for contact lenses since I was in eight grade, and I've wished away my moles and freckles every summer. And I wished to be a few inches taller until . . . well, who are we kidding, I still wish that! All these things about me are likely going to be passed on to you. And I will love it! I'll be so proud to be the mom of the short girls with the curly hair, freckles and glasses. You'll figure out the best way to deal with all of these traits, and when you see them in your own children you will be so proud, amazed, thankful, and finally at peace with yourself.
Emma, you are four now and you love your curls and you proudly count the few freckles you have on your legs like they are prizes. Libby, you are one and everyone compliments you on your curly red hair. These things make me smile and marvel at the miracles you are . . . but remember these physical traits are just bonuses, because I'd love you just as much without them.