Dear Ben,

This is your mommy. I just wanted to tell you that I love you. I know right now you're not quite one and so you can't read. But someday you will, and I want you to hear this. I want you to know that I have loved you since the moment I knew you existed. And for the eight months that you spent in my tummy, I loved you more and more every minute. This wasn't always easy...having you roll around there was a bit rough on me. But you were worth it. The night you were born, I knew I would never be the same. The second I saw you, I felt a love that I never knew was possible. In an instant I loved you more than any other human being on the planet (well...you and your daddy at least tie). I want the absolute best for you, no matter what. And I always will. I will always love you, little one. I love your sweet smile and your sweet laugh. I love the way you suck your thumb and twirl your hair. I love the way you snuggle with me. You make me laugh all the time. When I walk into your room and you're standing up in your crib with a huge grin on your face, my heart stops for joy. I love watching you grow up. I love watching you discover your world and develop your personality.

And I will love you forever, no matter what. When you were tiny and I had to change your diaper every hour, I loved you. When you were a newborn and cried every night, I loved you. And now, as you run around the house pulling everything down and tearing it apart, I love you. When you're in elementary school and you would rather play with bugs than snuggle with me, I will still love you. When you're in middle school and you get all selfish and mean and don't do your homework, I will still love you. When you get to high school and college and start finding other women to love, I will still love you. When you grow up and move far away and forget to call, I will still love you. I will love you no matter what you do or who you are. Please remember that. Please remember that I will love you forever.

Right now you're napping in the next room, and I can't wait for you to wake up. I can't wait to see your sweet face and those six teeth as you smile from ear to ear. I can't wait to hug you and play with you and show you that I love you.

Thank you for being my son. Thank you for teaching me joy. Thank you for your cuddles and slobbery kisses. Thank you for all the future mother's day crafts and mud pies.

I love you, Sweet boy.

Mommy