Anna is 3 Months Old

Dear Anna, 

This photo was taken the day before you turned 3 months old. Our camera just broke so we are recording your growth with my phone these days. I can tell that you are growing taller and thinning out. Your face is longer and even though your legs are still chubby, your belly is thinner. I don't think you are close to sitting on your own, but your neck sure is strong and you kick your feet constantly. William just started to pay attention to you a bit. He thinks the bubbles you make with your mouth are cool. Your hair is getting so long. I tried putting it in a ponytail the other day, but I guess I was just hurting you. Poor baby Anna. I'm sorry.

I've been thinking a lot about me and Daddy lately. So I thought I'd give you some advice on marriage. Your mommy and daddy aren't perfect and we have conflict that you probably don't see. But some of the things I am thankful for in our marriage is our ability to repent and apologize to each other. Make sure, when you are looking for your lifelong companion, that you look for a man that will tell you that he is sorry, ask for forgiveness and work on changing. Which leads me to my next point. Don't expect your marriage or your spouse to change very fast. In fact, NEVER marry hoping your spouse will change. Accept them for who they are but look to inspire them to be all that God wants them to be. As a wife, you have the unique honor to know your husband in ways that no one else ever will know him. Remember to take that honor seriously and with fear and trembling. With that knowledge you have the ability to either tear him down or build him up. When you are upset and angry or hurt, take as much time as you need think about what you want to say so that you do not lose his trust in you or hurt him out of your own hurt. My greatest wish for you and your brother is to see my need and Daddy's need for Jesus. We are broken, so very broken. My hope for my marriage is that God will be glorified as He transforms and redeems our brokenness.

I love you, sweet girl. You are such a joy to me. I love your smiles and I am praying for you and your future husband. May God bless you.

Your Mommy