~You are the loves of my life~

My Promise to You ~ Justice

I promise to remember that babies are only babies for a little while, and to say "no" less and simply distract more.

I promise whenever you're cranky or in a funky mood, I'll try to imagine what it would be like in your little world at that moment. I'll remember you've only been here for a hundred days, and it's perfectly reasonable to be completely disgusted that the wonderful tasting pennies, crayons, or dirt are always JUST out of reach...or snatched away once you're caught!

I promise to remember that I have no right to treat you any worse than I would a stranger on the street. I will be sympathetic and polite with you, because you deserve that more than anyone else I know.

I promise to get down on the floor and be a crazy lady with you almost everytime you ask me to.

I promise to celebrate your voice and let you sing, ribbit like a frog, bark like a dog, or shriek like a monkey...or happily distract you with something as appealing but less noisy...not everybody will enjoy the hurt dog song. But I'll try to do it in such a way that you won't mind.

I promise to talk to you a lot...but to listen even more. I will try to point out everything in our world and remember how new and exciting it all is.

I promise to teach you to be the kind of child/young adult/adult who people will love to be around. I will have high standards for you, but never unattainable ones.

I promise to teach you how to find your own happiness so you never need to seek that out in men, money or friends.

I promise to always have time for just the two of us...even if you won't tell me you need it or even WANT it.

I promise to be honest with you. I won't sugar-coat the world, but I will always let you know that you have a lot of people who treasure you and they will always help keep you safe. I promise not to forget when you're old enough to teach you how to stay safe -- even though I don't want to admit you could ever need it.

I promise that sometimes I'll love you so much it makes me cry, and that no matter how old you are I will still steal look at you while you're sleeping, playing, and living life. I promise there will always be people who love you so much it's unbelievable (but still believe it), and we'll be here for you no matter what.

I promise to never stop listening to my heart so that I grow as a mother.

I promise to realize that you have to make your own mistakes sometimes and it's not my job to protect you so much that you never experience life. I'll do my best to give you room to fall down off the jungle gym, date a guy who I may already KNOW isn't right for you, or take a year off college. If Daddy has to superglue my lips shut, I swear I'll hush and just support you.

I love you Justice Jordan...call me on any one of these if you feel I've not lived up to my promises.

Love,

Mommy