Salem

 I remember the first time I spoke to you, and knew that you were my Salem, my daughter. Daddy and I had just watched you during the ultrasound. I went into the restroom before my checkup and looked at my belly in the mirror. I had a daughter growing inside of me! I rubbed the top of my tummy and whispered to you that we were a team, girls against daddy. And now today you are almost done with Kindergarten and you are daddy’s little girl!

I watch you with wonderment at the things you are learning about the world and about yourself. Your tender heart and sharp mind make you the perfect girl you are. I love to listen to you pray, because other than asking for no bad dreams, you only ask for things for others, right down to letting the dog and cat be friends. 

You’ll never know how proud I am of you, my first baby, until you have a daughter of your own. But when that day comes, I hope your little girl fills your heart with unspeakable joy and pride the way you have done in me. 

 

First day of life, and I don’t think I could have loved her more. 

 

Showing off her matching pedicure for mommy’s first Mother’s Day.

Getting ready to rock climb this past Saturday. Not afraid at all!

This is her best friend Adisynn. They were on their way to Salem’s first dance class. 

I took this picture and then was blown away by her beauty!

There is no doubt she loved her baby brother at first sight!

Just like her daddy. 

Salem is known for never taking naps. This was proof she was tired!

Ice cream pirate. 

Getting in on her brother’s first meal. 

Salem and I got our very first pair of "ears" from Disneyland on the same day!

I love this picture. She is standing in front of my dad’s old building that I used to visit him at when I was a little girl. 

I found some old Halloween makeup on a lazy day and we turned her into a wolf. 

My dad has boughten Salem a family of cheeta’s. That is the mommy and baby cheetah together. 

After their Easter photo shoot. 

So often Salem is caught playing in the shower when she is supposed to be hurrying, but this time I couldn’t be mad!

On  the sky buckets at Sea World.

Being silly at Disneyland. 

Her near perfect second quarter report card!

Day 3 of strep throat. Being sick is tough. You can see the cheetah family laying next to her. 

Day 5. My dad asked how Salem was feeling, and when I told him she had no fever, he sent a thumbs up picture. This was her picture back. She must have been feeling better because her outfit of choice was her cheerleading costume.