Be Mine

Alexis,

Your mommy loves Valentine's Day!
It started when she was a little girl
and her mom introduced her to this book:

As she got a little older, she loved being surprised by her family
with a box of Russell Stover chocolates and her all-time favorite - Conversation Hearts.
It continued into high school when your daddy would take part in the class fundraiser
and have flowers delivered to her throughout the day with sweet little notes attached.
In college, she could always count on a dozen beautiful roses finding her down in Charlottesville.
But more than these "things", your mommy simply adores a day dedicated to the people that she loves.
And, channeling her inner "Cornelia Augusta" from that beloved childhood book -
she delights in finding cute ways of letting those loved ones know just how special they are.

So, imagine my excitement when I found these oh-so-cute designs:

When I showed them to you, you grinned from ear to ear.
We spent one afternoon last week deciding who should receive each Valentine.
You had very definite opinions.
I kept "suggesting" that daddy should get the monkey.
But no, time and again you said that his would be the sweet little lamb - so that's what he got.
Some were for your family members, and some were for your preschool buddies,
others were for your friends around town, and there were even some for your pen pals
like Graham and Millie and the Polifrone twins.
Together, we signed your name to each design.
And then I showed you how to stuff them into their envelopes.
We peeled off the heart stickers and used them to seal your cards shut.
Then, off we went to the post office, just like Cornelia.
It was a simple afternoon, but one I hope to remember forever.
And, while we imagine the smiles on your loved ones' faces
as they check their mailboxes today,
we will snuggle in your rocker and read YOUR favorite new book: