Always

Andrew,

Tonight was rough. You were being difficult - you're three years old and this happens from time to time. You didn't want to come inside to take a bath, and after ignoring our repeated requests and commands, we told you that you lost your bedtime stories. You love story time, and it is very upsetting to you (and Mommy) when we don't get that time together before bed. We ended up having to walk/drag you inside and put you in the bath. After your bath (which was a battle), I came in to your room to give you hugs and kisses before I put Ben down for bed. As you hugged me, we heard your little voice ask, "But do you still love me?"

Oh Andrew, I think my heart broke into a million pieces with that question. The answer is always. We will always love you. We told you tonight, but I want to write it down, so that you can always read and be sure. No matter what happens, what you do, what mistakes you make - there is nothing that can stop us from loving you. There will be times like tonight when you don't listen or you do things that we ask you not to do. We will sometimes get upset, mad, or angry at what you've done. But know this - no matter how mad or upset we get, no matter what the consequences of your actions, no matter how mad you get at us for the consequences - we will always and forever love you. Our love for you is unconditional, and is bigger and greater than you can even imagine at three. Sometimes it seems bigger and greater than I can even fathom. Being a parent is a tough job sometimes, but the easiest part is most definitely loving you. From the moment we knew you existed, and every second since then, and through ever possible scenario to come, we have (and will always) love you.


Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy