To my little Swee’ Pea,

You are growing up before my eyes little girl. You are just short of eight months and I am blown away by how in love with you I am. You see, I have always wanted you. For as long as I can remember, I always pictured myself having a daughter. I’m not sure why, but I have dreamed about you for such a long time. In fact, even your name has meaning to me. Long before I met your mother, I knew I wanted a little Swee’Pea. Your name, to me, sounds so beautiful to say. And it’s more fitting than I ever imagined, for you are the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen.

It has become very apparent that we have already bonded in a profound way. In fact, your mother gets annoyed that I’m around when you’re breast feeding only because you’d much rather look at me and smile than eat. I try to make myself scarce during those times but I secretly love it. Your smile melts my heart and I cherish every time you smile in my direction.

You’ve started to give hugs lately Swee’Pea. In fact, just the other day, I picked you up to bring you downstairs and you wrapped your little arms around my head and you held me there. We embraced, cheek-to-cheek, for what seemed like a long time, but was really only a few seconds. The tenderness of the moment caught me off guard and actually brought tears to my eyes. I hope I never forget that hug.

You like to dance my little jitterbug. You seem to have a natural rhythm that allows you to sway your shoulders and head back and forth to an imaginary beat. Many times, you’ll look at me and if I start rocking my head back and forth, you’ll follow suit. You love to listen to music and any toy that has music has become a favorite of yours. If you ever want to get into show business, you should do well. You have the makings of a “triple threat” – Singing, Dancing, and Cuteness – that could take you far. Of course, you could do none of those things and I’d love you just as much.

You are my little girl. You’ll always be my little girl. While you are growing so much, I will always remember that little girl who likes to sit on my lap or giggles when I give her “butterfly kisses” or lights up when she sees me. My fear, is that as you get older, that we’ll lose the closeness that we have developed since you were born. I hope not, little one. I know that daddies and daughters often grow apart as little girls blossom into grown women but I can honestly say that I will always strive to be there for you – in whatever way you need me. I know I will not be able to provide you things that your mother can give you, but that’s okay. I also know that I will be here for you unconditionally. Always.

I dream about your future and my role in it. I see myself as a support. Encouraging you to follow your dreams. I see music recitals and sporting events. I see quiet moments where just you and I get to know each other in a whole new way. I see you growing older and more independent. I see you being an incredibly warm and loving woman – just like your mother.

I am your Daddy. It’s taken some time for that to sink in but I don’t take that role lightly. I hope that, one day, as you read this, you’ll understand how much I love you and how much I want your life to be filled with blessings and love. Your spirit lights my darkness, baby Swee’Pea. Your love gives me strength. You deserve the best this life has to offer. I hope that I can in many, many ways, provide some of that for you.

Love,

Your Daddy.