Sweet girl, I have loved these last two weeks with you, as challenging and completely life-altering as they have been. Just when I think it’s too-hard, something gives and grace overcomes me. A smile in your sleep. A wave of calm to quiet your crying. A brief bit of rest in an otherwise restless day. A falling asleep whimper that sounds like a laugh. I am resolved not to wish these days away – but to soak up the beauty in every moment.

We will spend the rest of our lives marveling at your beauty, Virginia. Pretty doesn’t even begin to do you justice. I whispered it to you, over and over again the moments after you were born… you are so beautiful… so, so beautiful. I pray you will grow up knowing that – contented that God has given you a unique beauty that is so much more than just what you look like, but more about who you are. A beauty you can celebrate and bless others with – a beauty that adds beauty to the world around you, not stealing from it or striving to take it. A beauty your momma and dadda will be happy to remind you of any and every day of your sweet life.

At one week and two days, you were the most well-behaved, sleepingest, and gosh-darn cutest newborn I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. But, I guess you are our girl, after all.