The book “Guess how much I love you” is one of the first books I bought for Sophie. In fact, I bought it when she was just a mere pea in my tummy when I was pregnant at 4 months. I remember reading the book to her as I would lay in bed, rubbing my belly and looking forward to cradling her in my arms when she’s born.
Fast forward five years on and this remains one of her favourite books. Much of it is attributed to the sweet storyline between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they compete to see who loves the other more. Part of why the book is so precious to her is because she knows I used to read it to her when she was still in mummy’s tummy and even till now.
One night, after we finished reading the book, she had a little thought, stood on her bed and with arms stretched all the way to the ceiling, exclaimed,
“Mummy, I love you all…. the way from the heaven and back because heaven is even further away than the moon right”?
I think that sounds about right and the silly smile from one end to the other end on my face was her cue that she’s nailed a soft spot.
And when we went to sleep tat night, she asked me who I loved the most. (yes we mummy and daughter have lots of catch up at just before bedtime and we call it our special time)
Sophie: Who do you love the most mummy?
Susan: I love God the most, then Daddy and Sophie.
Sophie: Why am I number three? I must be number one. Maybe God can be number zero?
Silent thought from Sophie…
Sophie: Oh but teacher said, zero is nothing. You love God first, then me, then papa okay?
More silent thought from Sophie while I nodded and waited for more.
Sophie: Oh but you must also learn to learn yourself, so you love yourself then papa last.
I can’t help but laugh at her formula on who I should love first. Time to time, she’ll test me on it again and she’s relegated back to third place, she’ll sulk and remind me of her “who to love first formula”.
Photo credited to Steph Tan
Dear Sophie,
Number one or not my dear, you’ll always have mummy’s heart always and forever. And more importantly, you will know that Daddy and Mummy love you not just with words, but from a daily outpouring of our loves into yours as we try our best to raise you, nurture you, guide you and love you.
Though there are times when it calls for discipline because you behave badly, it doesn’t mean we love you any less. I know it hurts your feeling and makes you sad when you get punished, that’s why you always cry and ask if we still love you. But we do, and it’s exactly because we do that’s why we correct and instruct.
My dear, my love for you will never diminish no matter what happens. And you said it best when you said, all mummies will always love their children.
Loving you always,
Mummy dear
Tagged: Letters to Sophie, love
My heart melted after this post! SSSSSUUUUPERR SWEET! It’s amazing how children comprehend heaven much clearer than us… And what she said was really so wise, to love God, and not forget to love yourself! How often we mums neglect our own well being and in the end affect others around us when we puncture. I pray your family is feeling better during this tough times! And Sophie is one healing balm. 🙂
Yes, I’m constantly amazed by what she says. We talked about heaven being our eternal home when we talked about death recently and she knows it’s somewhere far, far away.
I do like her reminder for me to not neglect myself. She’s indeed one sweetheart 🙂
I bought that book for the kids some time ago too, it must be sitting somewhere in their shelf. I’m reminded to search and read to them soon. Hopefully, yield an extremely love filled night like yours. Love that picture of you both!
Sophie has got great priorities! haha. Such a wonderful candid shot too.
Aww…that’s so sweet. It’s amazing how our little ones remind us of our priorities: not forgetting to love ourselves. 🙂 These are moments when we learn so much from them.