Dear Daughter

Sunday is Miss Lydia's due date. She could come at any time (though as of yet we have no signs of anything except the fact that she must be quite comfortable exactly where she is...). We have bags packed. Car seats installed. And now, we hurry up ... And wait.

I am no good at waiting.

I like to plan. I like to schedule. I like to know when things are going to happen.

I guess this won't be the last time Miss Lydia rocks my world.

Unfortunately, waiting gives me lots of time to think ... And. Since its apparently a bit late to back out of this whole labor and delivery thing, I'm trying to focus my thinking in positive directions ... Like thinking about who I want to help my daughter become. I know I'll spend the rest of my life giving her all that I can - and I know there is so much more than I've thought of at this point ... But here is what I've got so far:

Dear daughter,

We want to give you the world. We being your Daddy and I ... But also your grandparents, and great grandparents, and a whole host of aunts and uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins, honarary family members, and a whole community of friends. The "we" that will surround you from the moment you enter this world. The "we" that has loved you ever since your Daddy and I announced your existence.

I can't wait to show you how awesome this group of people - our family - is. I can't wait to share you with them, and them with you. I can't wait to help you learn what family means. I hope I can help you see how blessed you are!

And there are lots of other things I hope for you, too.

I hope you get your Daddy's sense of humor and quick wit ... And I hope you learn to temper it with a woman's grace.

I hope you find your Daddy's understanding of numbers and math and finances ... but I hope you find a love of words and literature from me.

I hope you are able to always see the good in people and help them see it too.

I hope you love music and acting and art and all things beautiful.

I hope you enjoy sports and games regardless of whether you win or lose.

I hope you learn to love to help people and learn to understand the importance of simply 'being there'.

I hope we can show you the greatness of God and help you find a deep love for him.

I hope you grow to understand the importance of serving Him always.

I hope we can help you learn to prioritize God - family - passions - self ... And learn to balance the many things you will do.

I hope you question everything ... And then dig deep to find the answers for yourself.

I hope we help you explore and discover and try new things.

I hope you - and we - work together to discover and then embrace who you are.

I hope that you have the drive to chase your dreams.

I hope you always remember that you are amazing and wonderfuul exsctly the way you are and don't need to change for any one else.

I hope you always work hard and give your best in all you do.

And, I hope you always know that we - both your Daddy and me, and a much larger we - are here for you and loving you. No matter what. That we will back you and support you. That we are here for you whenever you need us and ready to help in any way we can. That we will always do our best for you. And that we love you more than we'll ever be able to express.

Love,
Mom