an open letter to my loves

Kennedy,

I love the way your curls fall into your face. I love your deep and genuine compassion for others. I love your sense of style. I love your curiosity for the world, how you’re not afraid to ask questions. I love your eyes, the way your whole face pulls to them when you smile. I love how much you love cats. I love your humor, your ability to make everyone laugh. I love that you’re the first person to offer help. I love your gentleness with babies + animals. I love your appreciation for music.  I love your independence. I love the way you walk, with confidence + purpose. I love the sound of your voice. I love your smile, it lights up my whole world. Kennedy White, you are magic and if I haven’t told you enough today, I LOVE YOU! 

Beckham,

I love the way your eyes light up when you see your dad. I love the way your knees bounce when you run. I love your round belly, your chubby calves. I love the noise you make when you eat your favorite foods. I love your little button nose. I love the way you want to cuddle right after you wake up. I love the sound of your laugh when your sister chases you. I love how the cowlicks in your hair won’t let it lay flat. I love your natural willingness to share, that you’ll give your binky to buzz lightyear. I love your fearlessness. I love that you stop and look up at me in-between every page turn of a book we’re reading together. I love your strong will + determination. I love the way you will stop whatever you’re doing to dance to music. I love your heart, it’s sweet + gentle + kind, it radiates through your big brown eyes. I can’t wait to know you better + love you more. Beckham Hamilton, there is no one like you + if I haven’t told you enough today, I LOVE YOU! 

Michael,

I love the way you watch your favorite movies with the intentness of the first time you’ve ever seen it. I love your self discipline. I love your ability to turn a bad day around, not just for yourself but for everyone around you. I love the way you look at our children in the eyes when they’re talking to you. I love how funny you are, but I love even more how funny YOU think you are. I love the way you teach our kids to respect me. I love your freckles. I love your taste in music. I love your your natural ability to make friends with strangers. I love your willingness to be inconvenienced to help someone else. I love your openness to hearing an opinion different than your own. I love the way you always make sure I know you got us. I love your tenderness. With me in my darkest hours, with a cold kitten in our backyard, with a little girl waving at you in the grocery store. I love your energy, it’s strong and purposeful and it makes everyone around you better. Michael Hamilton, I’ve loved you for 12 years but I’ve never loved you more than I do today. You’ve given me the life I always dreamt of, I love you.