Dear _____________,

so, you're finally coming today.  

i remember laying in bed talking to your momma from across the house months and months ago.  it had been a long day, and your dad was driving back from class 'down south'.  the whole day your mom had been meaning to tell me about a dream, but she didn't get around to it until right before bed that night.  we talked about it, and after months of speculation and confusion, i suggested that maybe the dream made sense, and that maybe she had been/was pregnant.  

and what do you know?  she was!  with you, big boy.  

those next few weeks were scary and exciting as we waited to hear if everything was okay, and we also waited to see if you had 16 brothers and sisters in there with you.  your mom was sick enough to have about 17 babies, so it made sense to us at the time.  

the morning that your dad and mom went in to meet your for the first time, i hung out with your big brother and sister.  elias and i were sitting upstairs playing while glory slept, when your mom texted me to say she was pregnant with quadruplets, and that's when your auntie lauren cursed at your mom.  but i won't repeat that now.  

of course she was just playing with my mind, and we found out that a healthy boy was due on june 8.  it seemed impossibly far away, but elias and i had a talk that day about little brothers and how much fun he would have with you.  and then elias wanted to talk about cars, so we did.  you will probably like cars too, but you'll like elias so much more.  

he is going to be such a strong big brother for you.  he'll teach you how to love your daddy and mommy, and how to take care of your sister.  speaking of which, we haven't even talk about glory yet.  boy, are you in for a treat, and for a challenge.  this girl is going to be your best friend, but she will also give you a run for your money.  a couple of days ago, she already did.  with a swift kick to your shin while you were still hanging out in your mommy.  i don't think you liked that so much.  but that's okay, it toughened you up for the big dance.

now, _________, i won't really be around much once you get here.  but i already know you and love you.  i pray that you already know how fortunate you are, and how much love you are born into today.  how your nonny flew all the way out to seattle just to get a glimpse of you, and how hard your mom has worked to get you here safely.  how awesome your dad is, and what a leader he is and will continue to be for both your family and the body of Christ.  

when you get older, i can tell you all kinds of stories about when you were in your mom's belly, like how you were always asking your mom for more peanut butter cup ice cream, and how your mom puked in front of a bunch of volunteers because you weren't feeling so good one day.

_________, these words and stories aren't eloquent or well written, because i'm nervous and excited and can't really think straight because you are being born today.  i am trying not to be selfish and think about the fact that i am not there to meet you. 

you are going to have so many fun friends in washington, silas and salem, and sweet baby pearce.  they are just going to love you!

what do you look like, anyway?  can you give me a hint, please?  

mr. _________, here's the thing, you have an amazing family both near and far.  great real aunts and uncles.  i'm just a fake one, but when you get a little older, let's go on some adventures, okay?  lots of walks outside, and when you and e&g come down here to visit, we can camp out, and wrestle in the grass with beulah (you can ask elias about pup pup), and we'll get dirty and sleep outside in the dirt, so your parents won't have to:)  

okay, i have lots more to tell you, but i shouldn't overwhelm you on your first day.  there's more time for orientation.  lots and lots more time.  

i pray that no matter the ebbs and flows of life, and growing up in ministry that this would be the prayer of your heart:

Psalm 73:23-28

²³ "Yet I am always with you; 

       you hold me by your right hand.

 ²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, 

       and afterward you will take me into glory.

 ²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you? 

       And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

 ²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail, 

       but God is the strength of my heart 

       and my portion forever.

 ²⁷ Those who are far from you will perish; 

       you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

 ²⁸ But as for me, it is good to be near God. 

       I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; 

       I will tell of all your deeds."

love you, Sweet boy.  

lar lar