Some of my daughters have come into my life in unexpected ways. One little girl in particular is extra special. I’m close friends with her momma, which means I’ve had the incredible gift of watching this sweet baby grow up. I’ve seen her learn to crawl, walk, talk, and start school. She’s taught me so much about loving and living with a little one in the house.

I call her my snuggle bug because every time she spends the night, she asks for “snuggle buggles.” And let me tell you—this girl can melt me in a heartbeat, and she knows it!

I used to have a long list of rules for what I would or wouldn’t do when I had kids of my own. I can confidently say she has broken at least half of them! If she wants to watch my phone in the car—no matter how far we’re going—she watches it. If she wants chicken nuggets and fries for every meal while she’s here, that’s what she gets. And if she wants to help with everything I’m doing, you better believe she’s right there beside me.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I still tell her no. She has to eat real food before sweets. She puts her toys up when she’s done. She gets a bath every night and her hair brushed. She doesn’t get to stay glued to a screen all day. I encourage her to use her beautiful imagination instead.

We paint, color, draw, swim, run, kick balls, slide, and flip! I even got her a tumbling mat so she can practice her gymnastics. She loves playing with the marbles I had as a little girl. Her Barbies wear the crocheted dresses my mom made for me years ago. And her Lego villages? Absolutely massive.

I may not have given birth to this precious angel, but I couldn’t love her any more than I already do. I will always be here for her—to support her, encourage her, and cheer her on louder than anyone else. No matter what, she will always be my snuggle bug. And I will always be her Momma Tosha!