Three years ago, my sister gave me one of my biggest joys when she announced to us that she & Drew were going to have a baby GIRL. I remember squealing, jumping, jumbling out my words, and grabbing at my sisters who unabashedly mirrored my antics. It had been boy world for so long in the Morrow reproduction realm. Four males in a row and finally we had our girl -- our leading lady for all our tea parties & make believe.
And our sweet Hallie-girl, as we affectionately call her, did not disappoint.
She is the whole package. Spunky. Mischievous. Giggly. Loud. Loving. Cuddly. Confident. Independent.
She's currently visiting from Houston and everything in me wishes I could somehow capture all our exchanges on a recording device for excessive playback later...over and over again like the videos her mommy sends me of her singing Frozen. She makes me simultaneously laugh & cry when she walks into the kitchen unprompted and says, "um, aunt dedi? I wove you. I do. I wove you" in her high-pitched, curious, questioning tone.
I don't want the world to change her. I don't want the world to make her doubt her personality, her purpose, her possibilities. My wish for her on her third birthday is that she becomes a woman who chases after the light of her Savior until that light flows out of her once-blue-now-gray eyes.
So, my sweet Hallie-girl, this is what I want you to know one day when you're older. These are the things that people won't say are important. But they are.
She's currently visiting from Houston and everything in me wishes I could somehow capture all our exchanges on a recording device for excessive playback later...over and over again like the videos her mommy sends me of her singing Frozen. She makes me simultaneously laugh & cry when she walks into the kitchen unprompted and says, "um, aunt dedi? I wove you. I do. I wove you" in her high-pitched, curious, questioning tone.
I don't want the world to change her. I don't want the world to make her doubt her personality, her purpose, her possibilities. My wish for her on her third birthday is that she becomes a woman who chases after the light of her Savior until that light flows out of her once-blue-now-gray eyes.
So, my sweet Hallie-girl, this is what I want you to know one day when you're older. These are the things that people won't say are important. But they are.
1. There will always be someone older than you and there will always be someone younger than you. You are both a leader and a follower. Invest in others and invite others to invest in you. Find someone to mentor you and never count yourself too young to mentor someone else. But be valuable to them. Give them someone good to look up to.
2. Shoes and handbags will always fit. So splurge and buy really good ones.
3. Don't be afraid to say "no." It's a word that gives you power and -- despite what people may tell you -- you are allowed to use it. Protect what you love and what you know is right, and don't let pressure cause you to compromise. Say no to hindrances, self-doubt, society, boyfriends, friends, bosses, and even the pushy saleswomen at department stores.
4. Be a warrior, but also know it's totally okay to be a mess sometimes. Fight with all you've got, stand firm with confidence, but never deny yourself a good cry. Life is fluid. You don't always have to have it all together.
5. When it comes to other women: collaborate don't compete. We can accomplish so much more together and competing will only lead to discontentment. Sure, there will be women who try to break your spirit, but choose to hold your head high anyway. And only make friends with those who push you toward your goals rather than pull you down.
6. Your mom is your greatest secret weapon. Tap into her. Ask her your questions. Never shut her out. She will one day be your very best friend and will always, always, always be cheering you on.
7. If in doubt, do the red lipstick thing. Nothing classic goes out of style.
8. You're worth more than trying to convince a boy you're worth it. A friend said this to me and I'll never forget it. Don't beg him to stay, sweet darling. Just be the best YOU you can be and love yourself even when he doesn't.
9. You don't need to be graceful, but you should always be filled with grace. We won't care if you're clumsy on your feet, but we will care if you're clumsy with people. Exercise grace no matter how many reasons you have not to.
10. Your dignity is just that -- yours. No one can take it from you. Carry it proudly because it comes from within -- not from someone else.
11. Chase moments instead of material. Find joy in the simple things and the people with whom you share them.
12. In your heart you will plan your steps, but the Lord determines your path. Be diligent in preparation. Don't be lazy when it comes to your future. Make your plans and map your goals, but always trust the author of life with your story. God's ways are always better than anything we can dream up ourselves.
13. Do your best with your skill set, but focus on your mindset. It's all about your attitude! It will take you further than any fascinating gifts or talents.
14. Love God, love people. Know your Savior, read his word, talk to him as a friend. And when it comes to people - be a good friend, hold their hands and hug their hearts.
15. Read all of Jane Austen. The countless movie adaption options make for the best girls' nights.
16. Handwritten notes are one of the kindest things you can do. It says to people "I thought of you. You have worth. You matter. I'm using my resources on you."
18. Do the right thing even when people aren't looking. And even when it's the hard thing.
19. Never fall in love with a man who thinks he's too cool for Lord of the Rings. That means he's not cool. And trust me, your parents will never, ever approve. (I mean, what else will you quote at family functions?)
20. Use proper grammar. Text lingo is really annoying.
21. Be a traveler, not a tourist. Meander. Wander. Take your time. Your map is not something to be followed but an opportunity to diverge. Get lost.
22. Make your life about more than yourself. Let your heart break for the injustice in the world. Give generously to noble causes. Use your voice to help the helpless. Never be fooled that everything is okay just because you're okay. Live to love others.
23. Being smart is better than being pretty. Books are your best friends. Make-up is not.
24. It is actually okay to measure a boy against the greatness of your dad...and to rule him out if he doesn't make the cut. Your daddy loves you for the princess that you are. He sets the standard for how a boy should treat you. Never settle for anything less. Don't even give someone the time of day until he makes you feel just as honored, cherished, valued, and respected as your dad has done day in and day out.
25. Write something everyday. Scribble thoughts, jot down ideas, record funny conversations - be committed to self-expression. And never rip out the embarrassing pages from your journal...they'll make for a great laugh and lesson learned when you revisit them later in life.
7. If in doubt, do the red lipstick thing. Nothing classic goes out of style.
8. You're worth more than trying to convince a boy you're worth it. A friend said this to me and I'll never forget it. Don't beg him to stay, sweet darling. Just be the best YOU you can be and love yourself even when he doesn't.
9. You don't need to be graceful, but you should always be filled with grace. We won't care if you're clumsy on your feet, but we will care if you're clumsy with people. Exercise grace no matter how many reasons you have not to.
10. Your dignity is just that -- yours. No one can take it from you. Carry it proudly because it comes from within -- not from someone else.
11. Chase moments instead of material. Find joy in the simple things and the people with whom you share them.
12. In your heart you will plan your steps, but the Lord determines your path. Be diligent in preparation. Don't be lazy when it comes to your future. Make your plans and map your goals, but always trust the author of life with your story. God's ways are always better than anything we can dream up ourselves.
13. Do your best with your skill set, but focus on your mindset. It's all about your attitude! It will take you further than any fascinating gifts or talents.
14. Love God, love people. Know your Savior, read his word, talk to him as a friend. And when it comes to people - be a good friend, hold their hands and hug their hearts.
15. Read all of Jane Austen. The countless movie adaption options make for the best girls' nights.
16. Handwritten notes are one of the kindest things you can do. It says to people "I thought of you. You have worth. You matter. I'm using my resources on you."
18. Do the right thing even when people aren't looking. And even when it's the hard thing.
19. Never fall in love with a man who thinks he's too cool for Lord of the Rings. That means he's not cool. And trust me, your parents will never, ever approve. (I mean, what else will you quote at family functions?)
20. Use proper grammar. Text lingo is really annoying.
21. Be a traveler, not a tourist. Meander. Wander. Take your time. Your map is not something to be followed but an opportunity to diverge. Get lost.
22. Make your life about more than yourself. Let your heart break for the injustice in the world. Give generously to noble causes. Use your voice to help the helpless. Never be fooled that everything is okay just because you're okay. Live to love others.
23. Being smart is better than being pretty. Books are your best friends. Make-up is not.
24. It is actually okay to measure a boy against the greatness of your dad...and to rule him out if he doesn't make the cut. Your daddy loves you for the princess that you are. He sets the standard for how a boy should treat you. Never settle for anything less. Don't even give someone the time of day until he makes you feel just as honored, cherished, valued, and respected as your dad has done day in and day out.
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| pink pjs and sideways sleeping...this is our hallie-girl |
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| morning cuddles with "uncle bin" |
