My Dear Love,
You are the delicious frosting on the cake of our family. And, in many ways, you are like frosting: sweet, fatty, and totally edible. We could eat you up, you are just so cute and smiley!
After having your sister, many people commented to me that, now that we had a boy and a girl, we could be done. But, we didn't feel done. I still felt a strong longing for another child. Thank God we did, because you have made our family complete.
You are a sweet, gentle, and loving soul. You are joyful and happy. You rarely cry. Your smile brings sunshine into our lives, even in the toughest moments.
You have brought cohesion to our family. You bring out the very best in Big Sissy. She is the best big sister, constantly making you smile and giggle, comforting you when you are upset, and helping to care for you. She puts you first because she adores you and you adore her. Big Brother plays with you, constantly amazed by your new talents and skills. He loves to point out the new developments you're making. He helps us tremendously by keeping an eye on you, keeping you safe, by being your big brother, your protector. You always have a smile for your big man, daddy man. And, I will one day explain to you how nursing you, the quiet moments we spend together snuggling and bonding, helped me to feel whole again.
And, still, when we have our snuggle time together, I am at my most relaxed and natural as a mother.
Darling little Baby Cakes, please keep that cheery, loving, smiley disposition that reminds us to disregard the small stuff and focus on that fact that our family is so fortunate.
You, my darling, are so fortunate to have a loving community of family and friends who will surround and support you throughout your life. You truly are the frosting on the cake of our family. We are so glad that we get to have our cake, and eat you up too!
Baby Cakes, we have so many wishes for you, so many hopes for your future. Each night we pray for you and your sister and your brother: "Please take care of Brother and Sister and Baby. Let them have long, healthy, happy, and successful lives." Happiness is our wish for you. We hope that you find passions and loves. We hope you live the life you dream of living. We hope you are a brave, good and kind person, who impacts the world positively, leaving it better off than it was when you arrived.
As we said to Brother and Sister at their dedications, we want badly to be good parents to you, to make the right decisions that will help you to live a good life. We know that we need to lead you by setting a good example. We want you to be happy and healthy. We want you to know that we will support you in the decisions that you make in your life, help you through the tough times, celebrate with you in the best times, and that our love is unconditional.
We hope that you will approach the world with an open mind and that you will stand up for what is right. We hope that you will find true friendship, true love, and true success while walking the life path that you choose.
Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Brother, and Sister
~Our Gifts to You, Baby Love~
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: Charlotte's Web is the story of a brave spider who saves the life of her friend using her intelligence and talent. And, although its ending is sad, the book teaches us a great lesson about the value of true friendship. This is one of my favorite books from childhood. I give it to you because reading will allow you to escape into many different worlds, to explore and to stretch your imagination. It is also your ticket to a lifetime of learning. I hope that we will one day read this book together.
Drumsticks: These represent the gift of music, an art form that has been incredibly important to both mommy and daddy. Music has brought us joy, in both listening to it and performing it. Drumsticks allow you to bring music and creativity with you wherever you go. It's amazing to listen to music that has been created by others, but even more rewarding to create your own music. I'm looking forward to teaching you how to play, so that we can create music together. Drumsticks also help you to keep a beat. We want them to represent your ability to move through life to your own beat.
Picture of Our Family: This is a picture of our family. We will always be there to help and care for each other. This picture will always remind you that, even when we are apart, our love holds us together.
