She is fierce.

At 2.5 this little girl exhibits more strength & ferocity in a day than I have in my entire life. She knows what she wants, and she doesn’t accept no for an answer. She is fearless & determined when she wants to be; and stubborn as an ox, too.

I admire her spirit. It’s something that I never could have imagined. When I pictured motherhood in my mind — which I always did because I spent my entire life waiting to become a mother — I never foresaw her. I couldn’t have dreamed up a tiny spirit, so strong-willed: so much the opposite of what I am.

As her mother, I learn every day. She tests me and she teaches me. I pray for the grace that only God can give me, that I may cultivate in her goodness and a loving heart, while yet honoring her strong, wild spirit.

Marina, you are just like the sea that you are named after — wild, violent, stunning, peaceful, endlessly beautiful. I love you so much and I am so grateful to be your Mama.

// Marina’s outfit:
jeans, similar here
tank, similar here