Sadie!
Today is Halloween. It is a silly excuse for a holiday that happens once a year when boys and girls dress up in costumes and eat a lot of candy. Your mom loves it! She is already talking about how great it is going to be when we can take you "trick or treat"-ing next year.
This year, though, we are celebrating more than Halloween. Your doctors are impressed with how well you are learning to eat and say you could come home within a few days. Your mom and I are so excited!
Today when we came to see you in the new nursery, you were asleep on your belly with your behind sticking up in the air. This is particularly hilarious because you used to sleep like that when you were inside your mom. She would often grab my hand and show me a hard spot near her ribs which she was convinced was your little rump. "Sadie is gonna stick her bum up in the air when she comes out," she used to say. Turns out she was right!
Your Grandpa E. came to see you today, too. He hadn't seen you in awhile because he has been a little sick. But today he spent lots of time playing with you.
I am sorry that when we come to visit, we keep waking you up when you are trying to sleep. We won't do that when you are at home. It is just that we are so excited to see you better. We can't bear not to touch you now that we are finally allowed.
After we visited you and I finished work at my job for the day, your mom and I went to watch your Uncle Joel play drums with one of his bands at an Amphitheater. It was a fun time, but your mom and I both felt a little old among all of the young teenage emo kids in gory costumes. (Don't worry about what an "emo kid" is. By the time you are old enough to care, they will be extinct!)
Keep snacking and in a few days we'll all be back together for good!
Can't wait until then!
Happy Halloween.
- Dad
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Day 9 : Time Flies
S.R. -
Your mom and Grandma E. and I all came to see you today. You have been recovering so well that now you are staying in a different nursery for healthier kids, so that your old bed can be used for someone who has gotten as sick as you used to be.
Mom and I showed up just in time to get to feed you a bottle. The nurse sat you up, I cradled your head, and your mom tilted the bottle back for you. You ate quite a bit, but still seem a little confused by how the whole eating process works. Don't worry; that is to be expected. Because of all the tubes and monitors that have been in and around your mouth for the last week, it is only to be expected that you wouldn't want to put anything else in there for awhile. There are plenty of great nurses who will spend the next several days helping you to get past this.
Not only did I get to help feed you this afternoon, I also got to really hold you. Yesterday, I cuddled you while you were asleep and let you rest on a pillow. But today marked the first time you've been fully awake in front of me. I put your head in my right hand and held your body out before me with my left. I spent alot of time just enjoying you, eye to eye.
I thought I'd been at your bedside for 40 minutes or so when I looked at the clock and realized I'd been there almost twice that long! People that have been parents for a long time say that is pretty much what the whole experience of having kids is like. One minute the child is an infant, sick in the hospital; next, they are healthy and walking down the aisle.
But don't you plan on doing that any time in the next 30 or 40 years, all right?
I love you so!
- Dad
Your mom and Grandma E. and I all came to see you today. You have been recovering so well that now you are staying in a different nursery for healthier kids, so that your old bed can be used for someone who has gotten as sick as you used to be.
Mom and I showed up just in time to get to feed you a bottle. The nurse sat you up, I cradled your head, and your mom tilted the bottle back for you. You ate quite a bit, but still seem a little confused by how the whole eating process works. Don't worry; that is to be expected. Because of all the tubes and monitors that have been in and around your mouth for the last week, it is only to be expected that you wouldn't want to put anything else in there for awhile. There are plenty of great nurses who will spend the next several days helping you to get past this.
Not only did I get to help feed you this afternoon, I also got to really hold you. Yesterday, I cuddled you while you were asleep and let you rest on a pillow. But today marked the first time you've been fully awake in front of me. I put your head in my right hand and held your body out before me with my left. I spent alot of time just enjoying you, eye to eye.
I thought I'd been at your bedside for 40 minutes or so when I looked at the clock and realized I'd been there almost twice that long! People that have been parents for a long time say that is pretty much what the whole experience of having kids is like. One minute the child is an infant, sick in the hospital; next, they are healthy and walking down the aisle.
But don't you plan on doing that any time in the next 30 or 40 years, all right?
I love you so!
- Dad
Monday, October 29, 2007
Day 8 : Human Touch
Sadie -
Even though the place I work is good to me and I have friends there, going back today amidst all that is happening with you was really hard. During my lunch break, I met your mom and Aunt Amy at your hospital bed. We got to watch the nurses take you off of more of your medicines and monitors. Mom even stuck around for awhile so she could hold you for the first time since last week.
I went back to work for awhile, but before I drove home, I stopped back by to see you at the hospital so I could hold you in my arms for the first time as well. While I was waiting for the nurses to hand you over, I met the dad of the girl who is recovering next to you. He was there holding his daughter for the first time, too. His little girl was born a week before you and the valves on her heart were in the wrong places. She has already had open heart surgery in her short two-week life.
Hearing that story made me thankful and hopeful at the same time. Thankful because you didn't have to go through open heart surgery, and hopeful because if the staff at the hospital has gotten a little girl with a major heart problem close to recovery, I know the rest of your stay should be a breeze.
The next step before you come home involves learning to eat. Let me go ahead and tell you that even though learning to eat might be tough now, one day you will love it. That day may very well be the day several years from now when I let you try a sip of my Mountain Dew and a bite of a Snickers when your mom's not around!
Sadie, everyday without you at home with us is hard, but I know it will make everyday after you get here that much sweeter.
Sleep soundly tonight.
- Dad
Happy One Week Birthday!
Even though the place I work is good to me and I have friends there, going back today amidst all that is happening with you was really hard. During my lunch break, I met your mom and Aunt Amy at your hospital bed. We got to watch the nurses take you off of more of your medicines and monitors. Mom even stuck around for awhile so she could hold you for the first time since last week.
I went back to work for awhile, but before I drove home, I stopped back by to see you at the hospital so I could hold you in my arms for the first time as well. While I was waiting for the nurses to hand you over, I met the dad of the girl who is recovering next to you. He was there holding his daughter for the first time, too. His little girl was born a week before you and the valves on her heart were in the wrong places. She has already had open heart surgery in her short two-week life.
Hearing that story made me thankful and hopeful at the same time. Thankful because you didn't have to go through open heart surgery, and hopeful because if the staff at the hospital has gotten a little girl with a major heart problem close to recovery, I know the rest of your stay should be a breeze.
The next step before you come home involves learning to eat. Let me go ahead and tell you that even though learning to eat might be tough now, one day you will love it. That day may very well be the day several years from now when I let you try a sip of my Mountain Dew and a bite of a Snickers when your mom's not around!
Sadie, everyday without you at home with us is hard, but I know it will make everyday after you get here that much sweeter.
Sleep soundly tonight.
- Dad
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Day 7 : Children of Me(n)
Hey Sadie -
I saw a movie this weekend called "Children of Men." It is about a future world where people are no longer able to have babies. The lead character, Theo, is commissioned to take a young girl who has miraculously had the first child to be born in over twenty years, through war-torn Britain and on towards safety.
There is a scene near the end of the film where Theo, the girl and the baby are trying to get through a bombed-out building during a violent battle. While they are rushing through the crumbling building, there is suddenly a moment of quiet after non-stop bursts of machine gun fire. And as all of the noise stops, the baby lets out a loud cry. Upon hearing the innocent cry of a baby in distress, soldiers, fighters and refugees all stop what they are doing and turn all of their attention towards the young child, doing whatever each person can to assure that the baby gets out of the war zone safely.
I have been struck by that moving image this weekend because I feel like, that in a way, it is a version of that moment that we have been living through for the last week. Despite all of the other things that our friends, family, and acquaintances have going on in their lives right now, once your cry was heard in the world, they have stopped to pray, visit, call, make food, and run errands to help ensure that you will be safe and well-cared for.
Your Great Grandma Gee made a wonderful roast last night so your mom and I could eat. Our new friends Todd and Lisa brought a crock pot full of soup for us today. Your Uncle Joel has been doing his part to make sure our car is maintained so we can get back and forth to see you. And there are folks all over the United States that are thinking of you and praying for you - and it truly shows.
You are doing so well, the nurses plan on taking you off the ventilator tonight. You have already been weaned off the sedatives and you are no longer on blood pressure medicine. The nurse practitioner who has been working with you all week couldn't contain her own excitement at how well you are doing. Now it is up to you. You must learn to breathe completely on your own and eat, and then you get to come home with us!
Your mom and I are so excited and so thankful for all of the people who are standing in the war zone, casting their own concerns aside and focusing on your return to safety.
Hang in there, girl. We are almost on the homestretch!
Love forever.
- Dad
I saw a movie this weekend called "Children of Men." It is about a future world where people are no longer able to have babies. The lead character, Theo, is commissioned to take a young girl who has miraculously had the first child to be born in over twenty years, through war-torn Britain and on towards safety.
There is a scene near the end of the film where Theo, the girl and the baby are trying to get through a bombed-out building during a violent battle. While they are rushing through the crumbling building, there is suddenly a moment of quiet after non-stop bursts of machine gun fire. And as all of the noise stops, the baby lets out a loud cry. Upon hearing the innocent cry of a baby in distress, soldiers, fighters and refugees all stop what they are doing and turn all of their attention towards the young child, doing whatever each person can to assure that the baby gets out of the war zone safely.
I have been struck by that moving image this weekend because I feel like, that in a way, it is a version of that moment that we have been living through for the last week. Despite all of the other things that our friends, family, and acquaintances have going on in their lives right now, once your cry was heard in the world, they have stopped to pray, visit, call, make food, and run errands to help ensure that you will be safe and well-cared for.
Your Great Grandma Gee made a wonderful roast last night so your mom and I could eat. Our new friends Todd and Lisa brought a crock pot full of soup for us today. Your Uncle Joel has been doing his part to make sure our car is maintained so we can get back and forth to see you. And there are folks all over the United States that are thinking of you and praying for you - and it truly shows.
You are doing so well, the nurses plan on taking you off the ventilator tonight. You have already been weaned off the sedatives and you are no longer on blood pressure medicine. The nurse practitioner who has been working with you all week couldn't contain her own excitement at how well you are doing. Now it is up to you. You must learn to breathe completely on your own and eat, and then you get to come home with us!
Your mom and I are so excited and so thankful for all of the people who are standing in the war zone, casting their own concerns aside and focusing on your return to safety.
Hang in there, girl. We are almost on the homestretch!
Love forever.
- Dad
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Day 6 : The Three Bears
S.R. -
Today was another good day!
The nurses have been able to lower your ventilator and your oxygen. They cut your second sedative dosage in half, and you are slowly starting to move your feet and arch your body. Your mom and I also convinced the nurse to let us take your Star Trek mask off for awhile so we could see your eyes. You never opened them, but it was still good to be able to see your face without obstruction. The nurses warned that it is still very likely that you might take a step backwards before you get completely better, but there may be a chance we could get to hold you on Monday. You can't imagine how excited this makes us!
Your "Uncle" Ben and "Aunt" Danielle came to the hospital to see you today, too. "Uncle" Ben is one of my oldest friends; we've known each other since elementary school. You should know that he has never been an emotional or touchy guy, but when he saw you today, he was overcome by how beautiful you are. He'll probably get mad that I am telling you this, but he cried a little! Later, when we were eating at a downtown deli, he called seeing you "one of the biggest highlights" of his year. Your mom and I have never seen this side of him before. It is really encouraging. You are so amazing that even the less-than-sensitive are overcome by your awesomeness!!
When I got some "alone time" with you this afternoon, I tried telling you the story "The Three Bears." The problem, though, was that half-way through, I realized I don't quite remember the story of the three bears. You'll find out soon that whenever I don't know the details of a story, I take a cue from your cousin Jasmine and just incorporate references to a shopping mall. It seemed to work. I don't think you noticed!
So many people are thinking about and praying for you! Keep working hard (but not TOO hard) to get better. Before you know it, you'll be in my arms!
- Dad
Today was another good day!
The nurses have been able to lower your ventilator and your oxygen. They cut your second sedative dosage in half, and you are slowly starting to move your feet and arch your body. Your mom and I also convinced the nurse to let us take your Star Trek mask off for awhile so we could see your eyes. You never opened them, but it was still good to be able to see your face without obstruction. The nurses warned that it is still very likely that you might take a step backwards before you get completely better, but there may be a chance we could get to hold you on Monday. You can't imagine how excited this makes us!
Your "Uncle" Ben and "Aunt" Danielle came to the hospital to see you today, too. "Uncle" Ben is one of my oldest friends; we've known each other since elementary school. You should know that he has never been an emotional or touchy guy, but when he saw you today, he was overcome by how beautiful you are. He'll probably get mad that I am telling you this, but he cried a little! Later, when we were eating at a downtown deli, he called seeing you "one of the biggest highlights" of his year. Your mom and I have never seen this side of him before. It is really encouraging. You are so amazing that even the less-than-sensitive are overcome by your awesomeness!!
When I got some "alone time" with you this afternoon, I tried telling you the story "The Three Bears." The problem, though, was that half-way through, I realized I don't quite remember the story of the three bears. You'll find out soon that whenever I don't know the details of a story, I take a cue from your cousin Jasmine and just incorporate references to a shopping mall. It seemed to work. I don't think you noticed!
So many people are thinking about and praying for you! Keep working hard (but not TOO hard) to get better. Before you know it, you'll be in my arms!
- Dad
Friday, October 26, 2007
Day 5 : Comfort Food
Sadie -
I knew today would be a good day when I stepped outside and saw the sun for the first time since you entered the walking world on Monday.
You are still at the special kids hospital, but you made a good turn today. You finally stopped fighting the machines you are on, and your breathing has regulated. The nurses are starting to slowly turn down the ventilator.
Both today and yesterday after we visited you, I went down to the McDonalds in the lobby of the hospital and ate a Big Mac. I know that the food at McDonalds is disgusting and not good for me, but there is something about that greasy grub that is soothing when I am forced to be apart from you. We call it "comfort food." I am sure that when you are older, everytime you convince me to take you to McDonalds to run in the Playland and eat chicken nuggets, I'll think of these first few days of your life.
The other great thing that happened today is that your mom got to leave the hospital she has been in. The nurses there took great care of her, but it is nice to have her home. She has been napping and continuing to recuperate in between the times she makes food for you. She has already built up quite a supply of yumminess for you when you are finally able to eat.
Keep behaving and allowing your body to be adjusted. Soon enough this will all be over. One day we'll tell this story about your days in the hospital and we'll think about how long ago it all seems and how strong you have gotten since. Right now, though, let's take it one day at a time: hour by hour, minute by minute, breath by breath!
I love you more than ever.
- Dad
I knew today would be a good day when I stepped outside and saw the sun for the first time since you entered the walking world on Monday.
You are still at the special kids hospital, but you made a good turn today. You finally stopped fighting the machines you are on, and your breathing has regulated. The nurses are starting to slowly turn down the ventilator.
Both today and yesterday after we visited you, I went down to the McDonalds in the lobby of the hospital and ate a Big Mac. I know that the food at McDonalds is disgusting and not good for me, but there is something about that greasy grub that is soothing when I am forced to be apart from you. We call it "comfort food." I am sure that when you are older, everytime you convince me to take you to McDonalds to run in the Playland and eat chicken nuggets, I'll think of these first few days of your life.
The other great thing that happened today is that your mom got to leave the hospital she has been in. The nurses there took great care of her, but it is nice to have her home. She has been napping and continuing to recuperate in between the times she makes food for you. She has already built up quite a supply of yumminess for you when you are finally able to eat.
Keep behaving and allowing your body to be adjusted. Soon enough this will all be over. One day we'll tell this story about your days in the hospital and we'll think about how long ago it all seems and how strong you have gotten since. Right now, though, let's take it one day at a time: hour by hour, minute by minute, breath by breath!
I love you more than ever.
- Dad
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Day 4 : Dimples
Hey Baby Girl -
Your mom and I came to see you today and still couldn't touch you. You are still wrapped in wires and tubes and have the Star Trek mask in place, but you are starting to calm down and let the machine you were put on yesterday do some breathing for you.
The doctors were still worried this morning that something might be wrong with your heart, so they took another picture of it today and studied it. They still can't find anything wrong, which is great news. The nurses and doctors now just need you to keep calm, learn the right way to breathe, and then, start eating.
Since we can't touch you, your mom and I spend a lot of our visits just studying your beautiful body. Your mom pointed out today that you and I have the same lip and chin dimples. It might sound silly to you, but realizing this was one of the most comforting moments of the last few days. In some strange way, that mark makes you mine. "I don't need ID or a hospital bracelet," I am tempted to shout. "Just look at her dimples!"
Keep relaxed, baby. Sometimes to win the fight you first have to surrender. It seems like a paradox, but you'll learn soon enough how true it is. Sometimes when you stop trying, you'll start winning. That is what your mom and I are doing. We are stopping the urge to stay in control, and letting someone much more wise than us have the reigns.
We miss you every moment we aren't in the same room!
- Dad
Your mom and I came to see you today and still couldn't touch you. You are still wrapped in wires and tubes and have the Star Trek mask in place, but you are starting to calm down and let the machine you were put on yesterday do some breathing for you.
The doctors were still worried this morning that something might be wrong with your heart, so they took another picture of it today and studied it. They still can't find anything wrong, which is great news. The nurses and doctors now just need you to keep calm, learn the right way to breathe, and then, start eating.
Since we can't touch you, your mom and I spend a lot of our visits just studying your beautiful body. Your mom pointed out today that you and I have the same lip and chin dimples. It might sound silly to you, but realizing this was one of the most comforting moments of the last few days. In some strange way, that mark makes you mine. "I don't need ID or a hospital bracelet," I am tempted to shout. "Just look at her dimples!"
Keep relaxed, baby. Sometimes to win the fight you first have to surrender. It seems like a paradox, but you'll learn soon enough how true it is. Sometimes when you stop trying, you'll start winning. That is what your mom and I are doing. We are stopping the urge to stay in control, and letting someone much more wise than us have the reigns.
We miss you every moment we aren't in the same room!
- Dad
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Day 3 : Machines
Sadie R. -
Early this morning, the doctors called your mom and I to let us know they were putting you on a ventilator. This is a machine that will breathe for you so you don't have to try so hard. The problem is, you are such a fighter, you keep trying to breathe on your own anyway!
Your mom and I went to see you this afternoon. The doctors don't want you to be over-stimulated while you try to fight off this sickness, so you have ear muffs and a little pink mask over your eyes that I like to refer to as your "Star Trek Mask." You are so cute that you look adorable even when you are dressed like LeVar Burton! And you still look elegant - your long little fingers are so dainty and lady-like!
Your Aunt Amy got to see you today, too. She asked the nurse lots of questions and cried a little when she left. She thinks you are too cute to have to be strapped to so many machines.
Your mom and I know you are going to be fine. You are in such good hands. We are just bummed that being in those hands means you have to wait awhile to be in ours. But it will all be worth it! Be good and stop trying to breathe all by yourself. Those doctors are trying to help you!
We'll see you tomorrow and miss you too much until then.
- Dad
Early this morning, the doctors called your mom and I to let us know they were putting you on a ventilator. This is a machine that will breathe for you so you don't have to try so hard. The problem is, you are such a fighter, you keep trying to breathe on your own anyway!
Your mom and I went to see you this afternoon. The doctors don't want you to be over-stimulated while you try to fight off this sickness, so you have ear muffs and a little pink mask over your eyes that I like to refer to as your "Star Trek Mask." You are so cute that you look adorable even when you are dressed like LeVar Burton! And you still look elegant - your long little fingers are so dainty and lady-like!
Your Aunt Amy got to see you today, too. She asked the nurse lots of questions and cried a little when she left. She thinks you are too cute to have to be strapped to so many machines.
Your mom and I know you are going to be fine. You are in such good hands. We are just bummed that being in those hands means you have to wait awhile to be in ours. But it will all be worth it! Be good and stop trying to breathe all by yourself. Those doctors are trying to help you!
We'll see you tomorrow and miss you too much until then.
- Dad
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Day 2 : Real Fear
Baby Girl -
I knew being your dad would be scary at times - but I didn't know it would be SO scary SO fast.
The nursery at the hospital called me and your mom this morning to tell us that you were cold and having a little trouble breathing. They acted like it was not that big of a deal. But as the day progressed, the more serious the situation seemed to become. By this afternoon, the baby doctor here came to see us and told us that you were going to be transferred to a special hospital for kids like you.
The official term for what is ailing you is called "pulmonary hypertension," which your Aunt Amy (who happens to be a nurse by day) simply explains as "high blood pressure of the lungs." Basically, you aren't used to being outside of mom - she used to breathe for you, and now you are having trouble doing it on your own. The nurses and doctors are saying they are doing all they can to help you learn to breathe, but it really depends on you keeping up the fight.
I know you are a fighter. While in your mom, you used to kick when doctors even had equipment near you. Even as much as you are hurting now, you keep swinging away whenever the nurses have to move you around. I keep imagining all of the wire and tape around your hands as little minature boxing gloves. You already seem like your mom, and I am pretty sure your mom was born with boxing gloves on. Punch away, baby. Punch away. Tonight is important to your future - and we can't wait for your future.
Already - no matter what - I love you more than you'll ever know.
- Dad
I knew being your dad would be scary at times - but I didn't know it would be SO scary SO fast.
The nursery at the hospital called me and your mom this morning to tell us that you were cold and having a little trouble breathing. They acted like it was not that big of a deal. But as the day progressed, the more serious the situation seemed to become. By this afternoon, the baby doctor here came to see us and told us that you were going to be transferred to a special hospital for kids like you.
The official term for what is ailing you is called "pulmonary hypertension," which your Aunt Amy (who happens to be a nurse by day) simply explains as "high blood pressure of the lungs." Basically, you aren't used to being outside of mom - she used to breathe for you, and now you are having trouble doing it on your own. The nurses and doctors are saying they are doing all they can to help you learn to breathe, but it really depends on you keeping up the fight.
I know you are a fighter. While in your mom, you used to kick when doctors even had equipment near you. Even as much as you are hurting now, you keep swinging away whenever the nurses have to move you around. I keep imagining all of the wire and tape around your hands as little minature boxing gloves. You already seem like your mom, and I am pretty sure your mom was born with boxing gloves on. Punch away, baby. Punch away. Tonight is important to your future - and we can't wait for your future.
Already - no matter what - I love you more than you'll ever know.
- Dad
Monday, October 22, 2007
Day 1 : Hello World!
Sadie Rose -
It seems you paid attention to all of our cries and belly-aching regarding the fact that you weren't here yet! Your mom went in for a regularly-scheduled doctor's appointment this morning, and was informed that we were going to get to meet you today instead of Friday!
Your mom called me at work and I was a little taken by surprise. I thought it would take awhile for the doctors to actually get your mom back and ready for your arrival, but it didn't! Within less than an hour of my arrival at the hospital, I was looking at you in the flesh.
People told me that I might not find you to be beautiful right when you were born, but they were VERY wrong! I was struck by your preciousness from the moment the doctor showed you to me. You have your mom's face shape, nose and lips, but you share the trait of long fingers and toes with me. After the nurses cleaned you, got your footprint, and made sure you were safe and healthy, they handed you to me and I got to take you to mom. We just stared at you with tears in our eyes and marveled at how amazing you are. I know this part of the story might sound silly now, but one day when you have a baby of your own, you'll understand how breathtaking and unexplainable the whole process is.
The rest of the day has just been a whirlwind. Of course your Grandma and Grandpa E were here along with Aunt Amy, Uncle Steve, Cousin Jasmine and Uncle Joel. After you got a bath, we all took turns holding you. While your mom has been trying to recover from this big day, I've been on the phone calling all of your "Aunts" and "Uncles" all over the country. They are too many to list right now, but know that there are a lot of people all over the United States who are very excited about you - and they haven't even met you yet!
The nurses took you back to the nursery a few minutes ago to check on you and make sure you are still well and healthy. Is it weird that you are just down the hall and I already miss you?
I am so glad your mine. I need some sleep... It has been a HUGE, AWESOME day!
You are my baby!
- Dad
It seems you paid attention to all of our cries and belly-aching regarding the fact that you weren't here yet! Your mom went in for a regularly-scheduled doctor's appointment this morning, and was informed that we were going to get to meet you today instead of Friday!
Your mom called me at work and I was a little taken by surprise. I thought it would take awhile for the doctors to actually get your mom back and ready for your arrival, but it didn't! Within less than an hour of my arrival at the hospital, I was looking at you in the flesh.
People told me that I might not find you to be beautiful right when you were born, but they were VERY wrong! I was struck by your preciousness from the moment the doctor showed you to me. You have your mom's face shape, nose and lips, but you share the trait of long fingers and toes with me. After the nurses cleaned you, got your footprint, and made sure you were safe and healthy, they handed you to me and I got to take you to mom. We just stared at you with tears in our eyes and marveled at how amazing you are. I know this part of the story might sound silly now, but one day when you have a baby of your own, you'll understand how breathtaking and unexplainable the whole process is.
The rest of the day has just been a whirlwind. Of course your Grandma and Grandpa E were here along with Aunt Amy, Uncle Steve, Cousin Jasmine and Uncle Joel. After you got a bath, we all took turns holding you. While your mom has been trying to recover from this big day, I've been on the phone calling all of your "Aunts" and "Uncles" all over the country. They are too many to list right now, but know that there are a lot of people all over the United States who are very excited about you - and they haven't even met you yet!
The nurses took you back to the nursery a few minutes ago to check on you and make sure you are still well and healthy. Is it weird that you are just down the hall and I already miss you?
I am so glad your mine. I need some sleep... It has been a HUGE, AWESOME day!
You are my baby!
- Dad
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Day -5 : Video Games
Sadie -
I know that in a few years this may seem hard to believe, but your mom and I really enjoy playing the occasional videogame. This weekend we've been playing a game on the Nintendo Wii called "Brain Academy." Your mom is getting quite good. In fact, the game just said she now has the brain of a "historian" (whatever that means?!?)
I just got home from spending a half hour at my favorite store in the whole city, Half-Price Books and Music. You'll know about it soon enough because it is hard for me to go an entire week without spending a little time there. I got an old Radiohead CD. It is really funny for me to think that when you get older, you are probably going to think Radiohead is really lame and "old." That's okay. I still think the Rolling Stones are a bit overrated. And they are DEFINITELY old!
As for the rest of today, your mom and I spent most of it sleeping, eating, and fielding questions about when you are going to show up! (I am sure you are getting tired of hearing about that, but it should make you realize HOW MANY people are excited about YOU!)
Your "Uncle" Brad and "Aunt" Cassie from Little Rock have been in France for the last two weeks and just got back home yesterday. They called this afternoon convinced that you must already be born. Your "Uncle" Tim called today, too, to find out when you might arrive.
We are all eagerly awaiting the day you are going to show up, but don't be scared. We'll love you no matter what, just because you are YOU! That is cool, huh?
I am now going to join your mom at "Brain Academy." Since she is now "historian," I should probably try to rank higher than "garbage man"!
I love you! Be good.
- Dad
I know that in a few years this may seem hard to believe, but your mom and I really enjoy playing the occasional videogame. This weekend we've been playing a game on the Nintendo Wii called "Brain Academy." Your mom is getting quite good. In fact, the game just said she now has the brain of a "historian" (whatever that means?!?)
I just got home from spending a half hour at my favorite store in the whole city, Half-Price Books and Music. You'll know about it soon enough because it is hard for me to go an entire week without spending a little time there. I got an old Radiohead CD. It is really funny for me to think that when you get older, you are probably going to think Radiohead is really lame and "old." That's okay. I still think the Rolling Stones are a bit overrated. And they are DEFINITELY old!
As for the rest of today, your mom and I spent most of it sleeping, eating, and fielding questions about when you are going to show up! (I am sure you are getting tired of hearing about that, but it should make you realize HOW MANY people are excited about YOU!)
Your "Uncle" Brad and "Aunt" Cassie from Little Rock have been in France for the last two weeks and just got back home yesterday. They called this afternoon convinced that you must already be born. Your "Uncle" Tim called today, too, to find out when you might arrive.
We are all eagerly awaiting the day you are going to show up, but don't be scared. We'll love you no matter what, just because you are YOU! That is cool, huh?
I am now going to join your mom at "Brain Academy." Since she is now "historian," I should probably try to rank higher than "garbage man"!
I love you! Be good.
- Dad
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Day -6 : Birthdays
Sadie Rose -
You know that cool middle name you have? You are named after your Grandma E. (aka "DeeDee"). Her name is Rosalie. Your mom and I just got back from celebrating her birthday. Yeah, you guys are not only going to share part of a name, you will also share the same birthday week. She turns 54 on Wednesday and you have your initial birthday on Friday.
For Grandma's birthday we all got together at your Aunt Amy's house and ate lasagna. Mom made some cupcakes and a jello salad. All of the food was SO good. Then we went to the zoo for a big Halloween celebration. Your cousin Jasmine was dressed as a Care Bear. There were lots of people at the zoo and while we were waiting to get in, a lady we don't know asked us about you. She wondered if you might try making your entrance into the world while we were inside the zoo. As good as a story as that might have been later in your life, I am glad you decided to wait so you didn't have to be born around a bunch of zebras and elephants!
So your mom and I and even your Aunt Amy are wondering if you already have a lot of hair. I know it sounds silly, but we are all so eager to meet you that we find it fun to imagine what you might look like. From the pictures we've seen of you already, I think you might just have a long nose like mine. Sorry about that!
I love you so much already! Be good!
- Dad
You know that cool middle name you have? You are named after your Grandma E. (aka "DeeDee"). Her name is Rosalie. Your mom and I just got back from celebrating her birthday. Yeah, you guys are not only going to share part of a name, you will also share the same birthday week. She turns 54 on Wednesday and you have your initial birthday on Friday.
For Grandma's birthday we all got together at your Aunt Amy's house and ate lasagna. Mom made some cupcakes and a jello salad. All of the food was SO good. Then we went to the zoo for a big Halloween celebration. Your cousin Jasmine was dressed as a Care Bear. There were lots of people at the zoo and while we were waiting to get in, a lady we don't know asked us about you. She wondered if you might try making your entrance into the world while we were inside the zoo. As good as a story as that might have been later in your life, I am glad you decided to wait so you didn't have to be born around a bunch of zebras and elephants!
So your mom and I and even your Aunt Amy are wondering if you already have a lot of hair. I know it sounds silly, but we are all so eager to meet you that we find it fun to imagine what you might look like. From the pictures we've seen of you already, I think you might just have a long nose like mine. Sorry about that!
I love you so much already! Be good!
- Dad
Friday, October 19, 2007
DAY -7 : An Introduction
Hey Sades (Yeah... I've already given you a nickname!) -
Let me explain what you are about to read. I've decided to write you a note everyday for the next year. Of course, I'll see you and talk to you lots on most of those days, but you probably won't remember what I say. So since I like to write anyway, I've decided this diary-of-sorts will serve as a record of how you have impacted my life in the first 365 days of yours. Those 365 days are set to start a week from now, but even though you haven't officially met me and your mom, you're already a big part of our lives. So I'll give you a glimpse into what the week before you officially became part of the "world outside the womb" was like, too.
Tonight your mom and I washed the car, inside and out, as one more of the final steps to get it ready to escort you around. Yesterday, Big Uncle Steve put your special seat in the car and got it nice and secure so you will be safe when we drive around. While I vaccumed the car tonight, your mom put up special sunshades on the windows so you'll be extra-comfortable when in your special seat.
Right now, your mom is taking a special bath because she itches really badly. The doctor says that the itching will stop once you get here, so your mom is extra-impatient now for you to arrive. She has been researching on the internet (which, you will find out soon, she does A LOT!) about how to make you show up sooner. But nothing she has tried yet has worked. We saw the doctor just yesterday, and she insisted that you were not yet on your way into "our" world.
Your mom and I aren't the only ones eagerly awaiting your arrival. "Uncle" Lafe (who lives in Arkansas where me and your mom used to live - we'll get into that story later) called a few hours ago to see if you were here yet. And another person who REALLY wants to meet you - Grandma E. (or, as your cousin Jasmine calls her, "DeeDee"). She teaches music at a school and she has already told all of the people she works with that as soon as you show up, she won't be coming to work for awhile. She already likes you enough to blow off her job!!!
Well, it is my last Friday night without you so I think I am going to drink a Cherry 7-Up in bed, watch some TV and wait for your mom to get out of the tub.
I love you so much already! I'll tell you more about ME - your DAD - tomorrow!
Until then - be good!
Your my girl -
Dad
Let me explain what you are about to read. I've decided to write you a note everyday for the next year. Of course, I'll see you and talk to you lots on most of those days, but you probably won't remember what I say. So since I like to write anyway, I've decided this diary-of-sorts will serve as a record of how you have impacted my life in the first 365 days of yours. Those 365 days are set to start a week from now, but even though you haven't officially met me and your mom, you're already a big part of our lives. So I'll give you a glimpse into what the week before you officially became part of the "world outside the womb" was like, too.
Tonight your mom and I washed the car, inside and out, as one more of the final steps to get it ready to escort you around. Yesterday, Big Uncle Steve put your special seat in the car and got it nice and secure so you will be safe when we drive around. While I vaccumed the car tonight, your mom put up special sunshades on the windows so you'll be extra-comfortable when in your special seat.
Right now, your mom is taking a special bath because she itches really badly. The doctor says that the itching will stop once you get here, so your mom is extra-impatient now for you to arrive. She has been researching on the internet (which, you will find out soon, she does A LOT!) about how to make you show up sooner. But nothing she has tried yet has worked. We saw the doctor just yesterday, and she insisted that you were not yet on your way into "our" world.
Your mom and I aren't the only ones eagerly awaiting your arrival. "Uncle" Lafe (who lives in Arkansas where me and your mom used to live - we'll get into that story later) called a few hours ago to see if you were here yet. And another person who REALLY wants to meet you - Grandma E. (or, as your cousin Jasmine calls her, "DeeDee"). She teaches music at a school and she has already told all of the people she works with that as soon as you show up, she won't be coming to work for awhile. She already likes you enough to blow off her job!!!
Well, it is my last Friday night without you so I think I am going to drink a Cherry 7-Up in bed, watch some TV and wait for your mom to get out of the tub.
I love you so much already! I'll tell you more about ME - your DAD - tomorrow!
Until then - be good!
Your my girl -
Dad
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