3 Things Closest to My Heart

My husband and I “officially” met and went on our first date a few years after being in high school together. We both secretly had a crush on each other but never knew! Fast forward a few years and we were married with two of the best golden retrievers.

Not long after we were married we got pregnant with our first daughter, Layla. We absolutely cherished every moment with her, and being parents was everything we ever imagined and more, it really is the absolute best feeling! She was our whole world for a year and a half and then we had our second daughter, Madelyn, and everything grew times two.

Watching Layla be a big sister was the best gift we could have received last year for Christmas. We had a scare when Maddie was born and she was in the intensive care nursery for 10 days, which made bringing her home to us so much more special. Watching Layla and Maddie be the best sisters to each other will be our most precious gift.

My husband gifted me a Mini Dog Tag necklace with Layla’s name on it, and a Date Charm with our anniversary date for Christmas. I ordered Madelyn’s Mini Dog Tag once she was born (right from the hospital!)

I wear my 3 charms every day and they are the best reminder of the 3 things closest to my heart. The icing on the cake is when Layla plays with them and says “Layla,” “Sissy,” and “Dada.”

- Justina Smith