A few things I want you to know

Dear Ayden,

Your father and I wanted to make this blog for you so that you would have a collection of the milestones in your life as well as our thoughts and dreams for you, all in one place! When you read our posts I hope that you will know how much we both love and adore you. So, I'll start with a few things I want you to know :)

First and foremost, I want you to know how much I love being your mother. Ever since I was a little girl, your grandma Atkin and I would talk about my kids and how I wanted to make them proud (which I hope I have) and be worthy of being their mother because I knew how special they were! I have wanted to be a mom since before I can even remember and you made that dream, the biggest dream in my life, come true :) When I found out I was pregnant with you, my immediate reaction was to fall to the ground sobbing in gratitude and thanking the Lord for you. I knew that it was a big deal, Him trusting me with you, one of His most precious little angels! All I ever wanted out of life was to know that I was worthy of the children I knew I had watching me up in Heaven. I have made mistakes in my life, for sure, but I'll never forget how I felt when the pregnancy test was positive :) I felt forgiven of any sin I had committed because He still deemed me fit to be your mom :) I can't imagine how I earned that immense privilege but I am so very grateful to have it!

Secondly, I want you to know that I will make mistakes as your mom. I'm only human after all, a definite work in progress! But, you should know, that my love for you is unconditional, it's eternal. I only want the best things in life for you and I know there will be times where you might feel like I don't, but that is one thing that will never change, that all I want is happiness for you. There will never be a day where I love you less (no matter the situation), because every day will only increase the love I have for you in my heart. I know how I see my mom, it seems like she always has the perfect answer and that she was born as mature and wise as she is (which, when you get to know her better, is probably not far off from the truth, she is truly amazing)! Now, if that's the way you see me, I'll know I'm doing a good job at faking it til I make it haha Kidding, but hopefully, even when I feel like I'm failing as a mother or stumbling all over the place, I'll be a truly good mom to you. I know I'll always be trying to be. You can always talk to me, you can always come to me with your problems or fears, no matter how big or small you may think they are, and you can always know that I am one proud mommy :)

Last of all, for now, I want you to know that the Lord loves you! He loves you more than either of us can ever dream of understanding! Being your mom has given me a close glimpse at that kind of love, because I am just bursting with it for you :) I want you to know how important it is to keep close to our Heavenly Father throughout your life. This world is full of obstacles, just trying to get you to lose your way. Sticking by the Lord and His gospel will insure safe passage on your journey :) Being your mom is the biggest and most important job I have and I know I will be sticking very close to His side throughout it all! He is, after all, the most perfect example of how we are to be as parents! Life poses some pretty scary issues and everyday is full of decisions, big and small, but I know that following the Lord will make it all much easier and make life's bumpy road a lot smoother for you :) When it seems a bit too bumpy though, you have us to lean on and hitch a little ride with to make the going a little less tough, don't forget that we're here for you!

I love you Ayden Elizabeth! You're a dream come true and a joy to be around! I love you, your dad loves you and the Lord loves you! I have never felt as close to the Lord as I do when I am around you. You're my little angel sent directly from Heaven and I am honored and delighted to be your mother :)