To Rory: Why You Are the Luckiest Girl in the World

Dear Rory,

There are lots of reasons you are lucky. There are the basics, of course: a warm house, clean clothes, and plenty of food to keep your belly full. You are also lucky for countless other reasons: You were born in a country that allows you to be free. You will be bilingual. You  have the awesome opportunity to be a part of several amazing cultures. You have lots of aunts, uncles, and grandparents that already spoil you rotten. You will grow up in a loving home in one of the greatest cities in the United States. I could go on forever, but if I had to just pick one reason that you are the luckiest girl, it would be that you have the best dad in the whole world. Want to know how I know this? Because he's also the best husband in the whole world. 

I think most mothers hope their babies grow up to be just like them, but not me. Sure, I hope you inherit my punctuality and my taste in music, but beyond that, I hope you're just like you're dad. 

Not a day goes by when I am not in awe of his patience, his grace, and his ability to put a positive spin on even life's most challenging moments. I, on the other hand, become frustrated easily, am quick to place blame, and have a very hard time seeing the silver lining in any situation. Trust me, life is much harder when you're a cynic with an Irish temper. 

When your dad and I went on our first date, I called your grandmother and told her with complete confidence that I had met the man I was going to marry. He was funny, smart, handsome, and had a Brazilian accent to boot. Sure enough, about 13 months later, we stood together at the local courthouse and became husband and wife. At the time, I didn't think life could get any better. Turns out, I was wrong.

Since the day we were married, your father has encouraged me to be my best self. He listens when I need to vent and makes me laugh when I'm feeling down. But he also puts me in my place when I'm being incorrigible and reminds me to be grateful when I complain about petty things. I fall more in love with him everyday, and I can't imagine life without him.

I didn't realize it at the time, but the qualities that make your dad a great husband are the same qualities that make him a great father. Your dad will always support you and encourage you to be your best. He will be your biggest fan, whether it be at a soccer game or a piano recital. He will patiently help you with your homework and he will practice your backhand with you until you get it just right.

Don't get me wrong, he will be hard on you, too. He will check to see what you're wearing before you leave the house. He will make sure you're home on time and that you know how to protect yourself. He won't let you leave anyone out or talk badly about someone, no matter what they may have done to you. He will make sure you know how to change a flat tire and he will remind you repeatedly that nothing good happens after midnight.

You may be wondering how I know all of this, after all, you are just a baby. I know this because in the few short months that you've been on this Earth, I've already seen it. I've seen him sing you songs in Portuguese before you go to bed each night. I've seen him carefully shampoo your hair at bath time and hold your hand at your vaccination appointments. I've seen him rush home after work so that he can spend time with you before you go to bed. I've seen him proudly show you off to his family and friends, and I've heard him say countless times how lucky we are to have such a smart, beautiful baby. And he's right, we are very lucky to have you, and we thank God for you each and every day.

But no matter what happens in life, I want you to remember that you are lucky too. You have the kindest, most selfless father who would do anything for you, and that's what makes both of us the luckiest girls in the world. 

One of your first days home from the hospital. 

Daddy makes a good pillow.