The confetti and the empty champagne bottles have been swept away, the horns no longer sounding. Though New Year’s Eve is now old hat, for me, that day remains a shiny, ever-present reminder of a new life. One that I’ve wanted for so long.

On New Year’s Eve I married a handsome man with big brown eyes and an even bigger heart. He loves me, he respects me, and that’s all I could ever want. Our wedding day felt like a fairy tale. But, you already know that because you were there. Yes, you…my daughter.

This blog, these posts are for you, my dear. You can read them now (I mean, your 7-year-old reading skills are pretty good). But these posts won’t really mean something to you until someday later.

You see, I gave birth to you at the ripe age of 21. You don’t know it yet, but I was a young mom (a cool mom). We’ve been through a lot together—you and me—and I want to thank you for your resiliency and strength. You’ve beautifully adapted to big changes in your life.

New Year’s Eve was one of those changes that marked the beginning of a new life for us. Our duo is now a trio. We’re a family, and I’m so happy to finally have that for you…and for me.

Throughout my life, I’ve learned lessons that have made me wiser. And when you’re wise, you’re strong. My hope is that by sharing some of my wisdom with you, you will be wiser and stronger, too. You’re already tough, but hey, why not be iron clad? So listen, my dear, it’ll all make sense one day. If not, humor me at least, please?

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