Dear Child(ren):
I have been praying for you and waiting to hold you for what seems like forever. I wonder what you'll look like, what your little cries and coos will sound like. I hope you have your Dad's bright blue eyes and my dark hair. You'll be welcomed and fussed over by so many people that love you. Your Poppa, Mia & Grandma will spoil you rotten from the second you arrive. You have so many aunts, uncles & cousins that you may be 10 years old before you memorize all of their names. You have 2 furry brothers who will sniff you, snuggle you, and force your Mom to obsessively vacuum their hair out of the carpets.
I hope the example that we set for you teaches you to love Jesus with everything you have and that you're proud of it. I pray that you have an intimate relationship with Christ and never compromise your faith for anyone. I've made my fair share of mistakes because I walked away from the Lord as a teenager/young adult, and let's just say my life was less than fabulous for that period of time. He is, and always will be the protector of your heart and lover of your soul. If you're strong in Him, you'll be strong in everything.
I hope you have your Daddy's heart... slow to anger and quick to forgive. A heart that seeks out the best in everyone, and where jealousy is non-existent even though your Mommy wishes he'd get jealous just a smidge sometimes, simply so she doesn't seem so crazy when she turns green with envy.
I hope that you make friends easily, are kind and compassionate, and encourage those around you. I hope you're responsible from an early age, down to brushing your teeth and cleaning your bedroom - although my OCD will prompt me to pick up every dirty sock and pair of undies strewn all over the house even if I've asked you to do it - just like I have every day that I've lived with your father!
I can't wait to tell you the same stories of my youth over and over again just to hear you say "Mooooom" in an un-amused tone of voice and watch your eyes roll to the back of your head (just ask Grandma, the eye roll is my specialty). I'll kiss your Dad on the lips in front of you and giggle at your repulsion. We look forward to being the embarrassing parents.
I hope you confide in us and have secure friendships with us, but know that we will always be your parents first, friends second. We'll go to the greatest of lengths to support you spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Aside from our marriage, you will be our top priority (if we're not happy & healthy as a couple, you're not happy & healthy as our child). We want you to be secure in every area of your life and I know personally that if that isn't established from the get-go, it's a long road to security.
Maybe as a teenager you'll be a goody two-shoes like your Dad and not an escape artist like your Mom... remember, I WILL catch you sneaking out of your window and you WILL be grounded for a month. I know all of your tricks, so don't waste your time.
I hope you learn the value of a dollar and work hard for what you have, never expectant of a handout. I hope you think for yourself and always stand up for what you believe in. I hope you'll find a path early in your adult life and a career that makes you happy. I pray that you find a spouse who is honest, faithful, and loves you like crazy (and willing to give me grandchildren).
I hope you have a great appreciation and love for the family you're born into. It's never perfect, and usually chaotic, but be thankful. Pray for your loved ones every day, and remember that they prayed every day for you!
We already love you more than anything and we are already so proud to call you OURS.
To our son (yet to be named since SOMEONE shoots down all of my stellar suggestions):
Your Daddy will have you in a football helmet before you even discover that you have fingers & toes. He will teach you every sport in the book even if you don't want him to. I'll be there to put band-aids on your scrapes and ice packs on your ankles... trust me, you'll need them if you inherit your parents' genetics in the ankle department.
I'll dress you in preppy clothes and fix your hair every which way. Perhaps you'll be smart, athletic, AND musically inclined, even though it will make my job as a girl repellent more of a challenge - we already know you'll be handsome!
I know this is cliché, but when you pick up a girl for a date, you better walk up to the front door and ring the bell, not just sit in the car and honk the horn. Hold the door open for her and pull out her chair. Chivalry is NOT dead! Treat all women with courtesy and consideration.
I hope you respect your peers, and are a man of such dignity & nobility that your peers can't help but respect you in return.
I hope you're always a Momma's boy and let me smooch you in public, even at your high school graduation in front of all your buddies.
You'll be an exceptional man, I just know it. I love you & I can't wait to meet you.
To our daughter (Kaydence):
I'll make you wear bows as big as your head every day until you're old enough to decide otherwise. I'll teach you how to style your hair and paint your nails. As fun as that girly stuff is, it's absolutely essential that you understand that beauty truly begins on the inside.
I'll teach you how to drive a standard and smile sweetly when boys are surprised that you know how. I'll teach you how to hit a baseline jump-shot with your eyes closed. Pretty girls can be sporty too, ya know! I hope you're independent and confident but never judgmental or conceited.
May you never let a man define you or depreciate your worth. I know how fragile a girl's heart is and I pray that you'll guard it. Not so much that you deny yourself happiness, but not so little that a man takes advantage of your feelings. It's all about balance, and unfortunately I didn't learn that until the ripe ole' age of 21.
Your Daddy will be the kind of father I never had, and I know without a doubt that he'll do whatever it takes to protect you.
I hope you despise shopping like I do, but if you enjoy it then I'll just let your Aunt Heather take you every time, until it's time for you to get married - then I'll be sitting on the couch in a bridal salon with an ample supply of Kleenex for the day you find the wedding dress of your dreams (unless you want to wear mine?!).
You'll be a beautiful & admirable woman. I love you & I can't wait to meet you.
~Mom
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
--Hebrews 11:1
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