To My Dearest Alex:
What a whirlwind of a year it has been! We began this journey brimming with anticipation and dreams, and now, as we wrap up this year, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. Our little one, Mia, isn’t merely a continuation of us; she truly feels like a precious gift you’ve bestowed upon me.
I remember when everyone said I’d discover the meaning of real love once she arrived. I chuckled at those comments, thinking I already understood love’s depths. And yet, they were right. Amid all the debates, sleepless nights, and occasional disagreements that this year has thrown our way, we’ve emerged unscathed. What we possess is genuine love—unconditional, forgiving, and unwavering. It surrounds us, even on our toughest days.
I find it hard to express how deeply I admire you as a father. So many sides of your character have been illuminated this year—sides I never knew existed before. Your tenderness, humor, charm, and creativity shine through when you’re with her. The affection in your eyes when you look at Mia is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed.
I apologize for my constant interruptions and directives. It’s not that I doubt your parenting abilities; rather, I’ve realized that a mother’s mind is perpetually filled with worries and doubts.
This year has surprised me in ways I never anticipated. I always knew I’d be a great mom (a little bragging never hurt, right?), but the kind of parent I have become has taken me by surprise. From the moment Mia was growing inside me, something shifted. Now, her happiness, comfort, and safety dominate my thoughts. The weight of responsibility is ever-present, and I can’t escape it. Parenthood consumes my every waking moment, even when I wish for a break.
I often find myself gazing at her, marveling at the reality that she’s here, she’s ours, and she’s not going anywhere. It’s a surreal experience. From being just the two of us to a family of three—despite carrying her for those nine months, I still need to pinch myself sometimes.
Never did I imagine a time would come when we wouldn’t share a goodnight kiss, yet here we are, and surprisingly, everything is still intact. Reflecting on the nights we’ve spent apart this past year reminds me of those two years when we were separated, one of which took place halfway across the globe. That phase of discovery and adaptation we navigated before has resurfaced, but this time, it feels even better.
In so many ways, we are together and thriving. Not only do we have each other, but we also have Mia—our creation—to cherish and embrace. For that, I am incredibly thankful.
The passion between us hasn’t diminished; instead, it has transformed into a different expression of love. I value our connection so much more than I ever did. As the year comes to a close, I feel a deeper bond developing between us. We’ve grown stronger as a team. Despite some surface-level tensions, the love and respect we share runs much deeper.
Each time I see you with our daughter, I am reminded of how fortunate she is to have you as her dad—and how lucky I am to be part of this beautiful chaos.
These early years will pass quicker than we realize. While it may seem like the couple who once cherished their time alone is lost forever, I know that’s not true. You and I will always remain intertwined.
I love you deeply, and I know you feel the same.