March 9th, 2013
Tempe,
My beloved daughter. You're the greatest blessing I have ever received. I hope and pray that I can do right by you as your mommy. I have been busy planning your baby shower, (which will be owl themed) and working as a substitute instructional aide. It's a very rewarding job and I love it. It puts a lot of fears in my heart though as we draw closer to delivery. It's easy to get caught up in the panic that something I've done during pregnancy could result in a life long disability for you. Many of the classrooms I've been in for intellectually disabled are products of a complicated delivery. These children didn't have anything genetically wrong with them but at birth they were deprived of oxygen when the umbilical cord became wrapped around their neck and other complications. It is crucial for me to have a completely natural birth because an epidural could have major life threatening consequences for both of us. Although I logically realize that women have been doing this for centuries, I can't help but be a little scared as the day approaches.
Your grammy prays over you every time we visit. It's kind of funny because you kick an awful lot when she does. Grammy says it's because you know who your daddy is. I know that God has carried us this far and sustained your little life through many pregnancy trials and He will continue to watch over you during delivery. I often think about how I will react when I finally get to hold your precious tiny self in my arms. I wonder if I will cry or not. Mommy isn't much of an emotional person. Between you and me, I think daddy will cry though. He's a big softie. You will have him wrapped around your little finger! I am going to have to teach you how to not abuse your powers of cuteness with him. I know he will have a hard time telling you no.
I love you baby girl!
Mommy
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Treasure House
January 29th 2013,
My Beloved Daughter,
There is a great Treasure House, filled with wondrous gifts, moonlit nights, shooting stars, happy songs, and long embraces. All good things come from this Treasure House. Anything you can imagine is there, and much, much more. That is where you come from. The Treasure House within the heart of God. You are the greatest gift I could ever receive. You are a blessing and I pray for you and your mother every day. I don't have as much time to sit and write, but I think about you all the time. Your mommy and I talk about you and can hardly wait to meet you! I can feel you kick inside your mother's tummy, each movement is a bright light shining beneath my hands. I can't wait to wrap my arms about you, protect you from all of the terrible things, and show you how wonderful life is. There is so much to learn and experience in this world, and I am excited to take you and your mommy away on adventures.
I pray that the love your mommy and I have for you is instilled deeply in your heart, and that you
carry it always throughout your life. You are a gift to both your mother and I. You are special and precious, more rare than any jewel, more beautiful than the most brilliant sunset. I cannot wait to hear your laughter, call you princess, and scoop you up in my arms, twirling around until we both get dizzy.
Love,
Daddy
My Beloved Daughter,
There is a great Treasure House, filled with wondrous gifts, moonlit nights, shooting stars, happy songs, and long embraces. All good things come from this Treasure House. Anything you can imagine is there, and much, much more. That is where you come from. The Treasure House within the heart of God. You are the greatest gift I could ever receive. You are a blessing and I pray for you and your mother every day. I don't have as much time to sit and write, but I think about you all the time. Your mommy and I talk about you and can hardly wait to meet you! I can feel you kick inside your mother's tummy, each movement is a bright light shining beneath my hands. I can't wait to wrap my arms about you, protect you from all of the terrible things, and show you how wonderful life is. There is so much to learn and experience in this world, and I am excited to take you and your mommy away on adventures.
I pray that the love your mommy and I have for you is instilled deeply in your heart, and that you
carry it always throughout your life. You are a gift to both your mother and I. You are special and precious, more rare than any jewel, more beautiful than the most brilliant sunset. I cannot wait to hear your laughter, call you princess, and scoop you up in my arms, twirling around until we both get dizzy.
Love,
Daddy
Monday, January 28, 2013
Dreaming About Tempe
January 28th 2013
To My Wonderful Child,
As always I love you! I will be 6 months tomorrow. It is crazy to think how quickly time flies. I dream of you often. In many of these dreams you are born early. There have been some unexpected bumps during the pregnancy and we have been seeing specialist after specialist. You are a high risk case. As frustrating as so many doctors appointments can be, your father and I are blessed and thankful to be able to give you the best care. The doctors say that you could be born and possibly live at this point. They told me you weigh a little over 1 pound. I can't imagine going into labor now. Your daddy and I are impatiently awaiting your arrival, but we are nowhere near ready and set up to have you. There is still so much to do, and you would be tiny and probably in the NICU for a long time. Unable to be held and nursed. We wouldn't want that. So you just stay put until all your important organs are developed. I feel you move a lot now. Especially at night. Clearly you do not understand that mommy has to sleep. When you kick hard it tickles and makes me laugh. I know it's cognitively impossible, but I think you know when people are talking about you. Every time we do, you start doing summersaults in my tummy. You are quite the little show off. Grammy is the most stoked about your arrival. She talks to you in my tummy and prays over you every time we visit. I think Grammy will have a hard time sharing you with others. You might even trump the dogs Leilani and Gracie when it comes to being held. This is quite a feat, dear one.
I pray you are a happy baby. Daddy and I want to be able to give you the world. Although this often won't be possible, we never want you to lack in cuddles, kisses, hugs, and love. You are so very special. Our own little miracle, so I pray for joy. That your tiny body be filled with it. That your baby giggles will permeate our hearts and our home. My sweet daughter, I can hardly wait to hold you and smother you with kisses. Until then, I shall dream of you and all I hope you experience in life.
Love,
Mom
To My Wonderful Child,
As always I love you! I will be 6 months tomorrow. It is crazy to think how quickly time flies. I dream of you often. In many of these dreams you are born early. There have been some unexpected bumps during the pregnancy and we have been seeing specialist after specialist. You are a high risk case. As frustrating as so many doctors appointments can be, your father and I are blessed and thankful to be able to give you the best care. The doctors say that you could be born and possibly live at this point. They told me you weigh a little over 1 pound. I can't imagine going into labor now. Your daddy and I are impatiently awaiting your arrival, but we are nowhere near ready and set up to have you. There is still so much to do, and you would be tiny and probably in the NICU for a long time. Unable to be held and nursed. We wouldn't want that. So you just stay put until all your important organs are developed. I feel you move a lot now. Especially at night. Clearly you do not understand that mommy has to sleep. When you kick hard it tickles and makes me laugh. I know it's cognitively impossible, but I think you know when people are talking about you. Every time we do, you start doing summersaults in my tummy. You are quite the little show off. Grammy is the most stoked about your arrival. She talks to you in my tummy and prays over you every time we visit. I think Grammy will have a hard time sharing you with others. You might even trump the dogs Leilani and Gracie when it comes to being held. This is quite a feat, dear one.
I pray you are a happy baby. Daddy and I want to be able to give you the world. Although this often won't be possible, we never want you to lack in cuddles, kisses, hugs, and love. You are so very special. Our own little miracle, so I pray for joy. That your tiny body be filled with it. That your baby giggles will permeate our hearts and our home. My sweet daughter, I can hardly wait to hold you and smother you with kisses. Until then, I shall dream of you and all I hope you experience in life.
Love,
Mom
Tiny Christmas Blessings
December 25th 2012
My Sweet Daughter,
Today is Christmas. This morning I felt the first flutters of your baby kicks. It was the greatest Christmas present I could ask for. We got you a tiny pink stocking. It's the cutest. We spent Christmas day with mommy family and Christmas Eve with daddy's family. Your great grandparents were in Virginia this year visiting their daughter, your great aunt. We missed them. It was a blessing to be able to spend the holidays with family. Mommy is starting yo (finally) look prego instead of fat. I took some pictures of my belly. Grandpa bought you presents even though you are not with us yet. He got you a stuffed bunny and the book "Velveteen Rabbit". One of daddy's coworkers gave us a blanket for you. It's extremely soft and says "My sweet girl" on it. It has pink hearts. I can't wait to wrap you in it. I am 20 weeks today. I can hardly believe we are already halfway through this journey. Time seems to have passed so quickly. Before I know it, you will be here with your bright eyes, chubby cheeks, and kissable toes. Words cannot describe how much I adore you little one.
Love,
Mommy
My Sweet Daughter,
Today is Christmas. This morning I felt the first flutters of your baby kicks. It was the greatest Christmas present I could ask for. We got you a tiny pink stocking. It's the cutest. We spent Christmas day with mommy family and Christmas Eve with daddy's family. Your great grandparents were in Virginia this year visiting their daughter, your great aunt. We missed them. It was a blessing to be able to spend the holidays with family. Mommy is starting yo (finally) look prego instead of fat. I took some pictures of my belly. Grandpa bought you presents even though you are not with us yet. He got you a stuffed bunny and the book "Velveteen Rabbit". One of daddy's coworkers gave us a blanket for you. It's extremely soft and says "My sweet girl" on it. It has pink hearts. I can't wait to wrap you in it. I am 20 weeks today. I can hardly believe we are already halfway through this journey. Time seems to have passed so quickly. Before I know it, you will be here with your bright eyes, chubby cheeks, and kissable toes. Words cannot describe how much I adore you little one.
Love,
Mommy
Dating My Daughter?
December 20th 2012
Mommy and I saw you again Monday. You are getting so BIG! Mommy and I are talking about you a lot. What kind of schooling you should have and how we're going to try and be the best parents we can. I was telling her last night that I plan to be the best daddy I can, and one thing I am already thinking about it showing you how a good man treats a lady. When you are Jr. High age, 12 or 13 years old, I am going to put on a tuxedo, walk up to you with a red rose in my hand, and ask you to have a fancy dinner with me. You will join me in a beautiful dress like the princess you are. A good man treats a lady politely and considerately at all times. Not to get something in return, but because she deserves to be treated that way. I am far from perfect, but I will do the best I can to be a good role model for you. I try my utmost to be kind and understanding towards your mothers. To me, she is so beautiful, wonderful, and the most amazing woman I have ever met! I give her my best not because I want something in return, but because I have a high standard of how women should be treated, and because your mother deserves to be treated with honor, respect, love, and patience.
I hope I can instill in you these values, my beautiful daughter. So that when it comes time you will choose wisely and avoid heartbreak. Your mommy is a wise woman, and together I believe we can be good parents to you.
I love you, my child!
Daddy
Mommy and I saw you again Monday. You are getting so BIG! Mommy and I are talking about you a lot. What kind of schooling you should have and how we're going to try and be the best parents we can. I was telling her last night that I plan to be the best daddy I can, and one thing I am already thinking about it showing you how a good man treats a lady. When you are Jr. High age, 12 or 13 years old, I am going to put on a tuxedo, walk up to you with a red rose in my hand, and ask you to have a fancy dinner with me. You will join me in a beautiful dress like the princess you are. A good man treats a lady politely and considerately at all times. Not to get something in return, but because she deserves to be treated that way. I am far from perfect, but I will do the best I can to be a good role model for you. I try my utmost to be kind and understanding towards your mothers. To me, she is so beautiful, wonderful, and the most amazing woman I have ever met! I give her my best not because I want something in return, but because I have a high standard of how women should be treated, and because your mother deserves to be treated with honor, respect, love, and patience.
I hope I can instill in you these values, my beautiful daughter. So that when it comes time you will choose wisely and avoid heartbreak. Your mommy is a wise woman, and together I believe we can be good parents to you.
I love you, my child!
Daddy
It's a Girl!!
December 8th 2012
My Dearest Little One,
Sorry it's been so long since I have written. A couple of weeks ago mommy was paranoid and worrying about you so we went to Unique Ultrasound in Temecula to check on you. I had no insurance after daddy and I got married until the 1st of December. Your godmother went with us. I was relieved and even felt slightly silly when I heard the woosh woosh of your little heart. The ultrasound tech told us "Congrats! You're having a girl!" haha So much for the gender reveal with all of our family. Mommy made a t-shirt that says "Growing a little Princess" along with a pink ultrasound frame that said love at first sight written on it. We used these to break the news to family and friends that we are having a girl. After that mommy bought a heart monitor from a friend and tried every day to hear your heartbeat. Finally almost 2 weeks later, I heard it. It was super soft, so if I wasn't quiet I would have missed it. I should have known you were fine. You are a stubborn fighter like your mother. Grandma is super excited. She really wanted a grand daughter. We are naming you Temperance Cordelia Welch, and we will call you Tempe for short. I keep saying your name to myself. It makes me smile. We have our 20 week ultrasound appt on Jan 4th 2012. They will do an ultrasound to confirm gender. Everyone wants different nicknames for you. Daddy says he's calling you TemTem and Uncle Daniel says he's calling you TC. I'm gonna have to fight to keep your nickname Tempe. Your father loves the middle name Cordelia. I am not a fan. It sounds too proper. I would like your middle name to be Amari which has a wonderful meaning in all languages. To some it means miracle from God, others it means eternally lovely and beautiful, in African in means strength and one who builds up. You are all of these things my daughter. So hopefully I can win your father over.
Today I spent all day cleaning and reorganizing the house. Kitchen, dishes, laundry, bathrooms, baseboards, vacuuming and mopping. I'm definitely in the "nesting" phase of pregnancy. That is for sure. I love you little one. I bought a toy box at a yard sale for 2$ yesterday. It's all beat up. But I am planning on sanding it and reupholstering the top to make a bench. On the side of it I will paint your name. It's definitely going to be a project. My sweet baby, I absolutely adore you. I think of you every day and I can't wait to feel your first flutters in my tummy!
Love,
Mommy
My Dearest Little One,
Sorry it's been so long since I have written. A couple of weeks ago mommy was paranoid and worrying about you so we went to Unique Ultrasound in Temecula to check on you. I had no insurance after daddy and I got married until the 1st of December. Your godmother went with us. I was relieved and even felt slightly silly when I heard the woosh woosh of your little heart. The ultrasound tech told us "Congrats! You're having a girl!" haha So much for the gender reveal with all of our family. Mommy made a t-shirt that says "Growing a little Princess" along with a pink ultrasound frame that said love at first sight written on it. We used these to break the news to family and friends that we are having a girl. After that mommy bought a heart monitor from a friend and tried every day to hear your heartbeat. Finally almost 2 weeks later, I heard it. It was super soft, so if I wasn't quiet I would have missed it. I should have known you were fine. You are a stubborn fighter like your mother. Grandma is super excited. She really wanted a grand daughter. We are naming you Temperance Cordelia Welch, and we will call you Tempe for short. I keep saying your name to myself. It makes me smile. We have our 20 week ultrasound appt on Jan 4th 2012. They will do an ultrasound to confirm gender. Everyone wants different nicknames for you. Daddy says he's calling you TemTem and Uncle Daniel says he's calling you TC. I'm gonna have to fight to keep your nickname Tempe. Your father loves the middle name Cordelia. I am not a fan. It sounds too proper. I would like your middle name to be Amari which has a wonderful meaning in all languages. To some it means miracle from God, others it means eternally lovely and beautiful, in African in means strength and one who builds up. You are all of these things my daughter. So hopefully I can win your father over.
Today I spent all day cleaning and reorganizing the house. Kitchen, dishes, laundry, bathrooms, baseboards, vacuuming and mopping. I'm definitely in the "nesting" phase of pregnancy. That is for sure. I love you little one. I bought a toy box at a yard sale for 2$ yesterday. It's all beat up. But I am planning on sanding it and reupholstering the top to make a bench. On the side of it I will paint your name. It's definitely going to be a project. My sweet baby, I absolutely adore you. I think of you every day and I can't wait to feel your first flutters in my tummy!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Day We Said "I Do"
November 18th 2012
My Precious Child,
Mommy lies beside me, sleeping. I wonder if you're asleep too. Or, like me, perhaps you are a night owl, and your mind comes alive at night and starts running around like a pack of wolves hungry for knowledge and eager to analyze the events of the day. Mommy is my wife now. We got married yesterday. The wedding was tiny, but perfect, kinda like you. And like you, mommy and I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding. I can't wait to tell you everything that happened on our special wedding day! Not all, but a few precious friends were there, and your grandparents, most of your uncles, your aunt, and your godmother were there. It was a fantastic day!
Mommy and I get to see you in a month, and I am so excited! I haven't told mommy, but I am inviting everyone and their dog to come meet you! I can't contain my excitement. On or around December 22nd mommy is going to have an ultrasound and we are going to find out if you are a boy or a girl. I'm already thinking of songs I can sing to you, and I'm collecting my Mozart songs to play for you. Contemporary music is wonderful, but there is something unworldly about classical music. Who the greatest composer was is certainly open for debate, but Mozart was, by far, the most prolific classical composer. No other composer came close to writing over 600 pieces like Mozart. He is my favorite, if you haven't guessed. Edward Grieg is also good. Then you have Rimsky-Korsakov, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Brahms, Handel, Vivaldi, Liszt, Chopin...The list goes on. But Mozart was the grand master. I hope mommy doesn't play Fallout Boy or Taylor Swift so much that you don't get a chance to listen to some of my favorite music. Mozart will help your brain grow quick and strong. Mommy's music will make you want to go crazy. hahaha Just kidding. Mommy's music isn't so bad. I just want a proper balance for you. Like Benjamin Franklin said, "Moderation in all things".
I'm keeping mommy awake by writing to you this late. I want to keep talking to you, but I should go so she can sleep. I love you very much, my beautiful baby! Keep growing, I'll see you soon!
Love,
Daddy
November 19th 2012
My Sweet Baby,
Your father and I were wed on Saturday in a small ceremony at your grandparents place. Many women plan their weddings for months and when one thing goes wrong they become bridezillas. We planned our wedding in 2 weeks, so when absolute chaos broke out on the day of, your daddy and I just laughed and rolled with the punches. All of the unexpected mishaps just ended up making our wedding day a fantastic adventure! So many friends and family members came and sacrificed their time, money, and talents to make our day beautiful. Although the wedding was small, your father and I were overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we had. This made me realize that you are going to be one lucky baby. All these people are anxiously awaiting your arrival! You are the first grandbaby on both sides. I was the first grandbaby on both sides too. Don't tell anyone, but it makes you extra special. At our wedding celebration many people gave us well wishes for you. This might have been my favorite part. To some extent there is a stigma with getting married when you're pregnant. Sometimes your mother worries because she doesn't want her choice to cause others to hurt you. It meant more than words could ever express that our day was filled with love, joy, and excitement for your pending arrival. I was also appreciative that you went easy on me with the neasousness that day. You gave me the perfect wedding gift.
P.S. Sorry to disappoint you and daddy, but dogs are not allowed at your gender reveal party ;)
My Precious Child,
Mommy lies beside me, sleeping. I wonder if you're asleep too. Or, like me, perhaps you are a night owl, and your mind comes alive at night and starts running around like a pack of wolves hungry for knowledge and eager to analyze the events of the day. Mommy is my wife now. We got married yesterday. The wedding was tiny, but perfect, kinda like you. And like you, mommy and I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding. I can't wait to tell you everything that happened on our special wedding day! Not all, but a few precious friends were there, and your grandparents, most of your uncles, your aunt, and your godmother were there. It was a fantastic day!
Mommy and I get to see you in a month, and I am so excited! I haven't told mommy, but I am inviting everyone and their dog to come meet you! I can't contain my excitement. On or around December 22nd mommy is going to have an ultrasound and we are going to find out if you are a boy or a girl. I'm already thinking of songs I can sing to you, and I'm collecting my Mozart songs to play for you. Contemporary music is wonderful, but there is something unworldly about classical music. Who the greatest composer was is certainly open for debate, but Mozart was, by far, the most prolific classical composer. No other composer came close to writing over 600 pieces like Mozart. He is my favorite, if you haven't guessed. Edward Grieg is also good. Then you have Rimsky-Korsakov, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Brahms, Handel, Vivaldi, Liszt, Chopin...The list goes on. But Mozart was the grand master. I hope mommy doesn't play Fallout Boy or Taylor Swift so much that you don't get a chance to listen to some of my favorite music. Mozart will help your brain grow quick and strong. Mommy's music will make you want to go crazy. hahaha Just kidding. Mommy's music isn't so bad. I just want a proper balance for you. Like Benjamin Franklin said, "Moderation in all things".
I'm keeping mommy awake by writing to you this late. I want to keep talking to you, but I should go so she can sleep. I love you very much, my beautiful baby! Keep growing, I'll see you soon!
Love,
Daddy
November 19th 2012
My Sweet Baby,
Your father and I were wed on Saturday in a small ceremony at your grandparents place. Many women plan their weddings for months and when one thing goes wrong they become bridezillas. We planned our wedding in 2 weeks, so when absolute chaos broke out on the day of, your daddy and I just laughed and rolled with the punches. All of the unexpected mishaps just ended up making our wedding day a fantastic adventure! So many friends and family members came and sacrificed their time, money, and talents to make our day beautiful. Although the wedding was small, your father and I were overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we had. This made me realize that you are going to be one lucky baby. All these people are anxiously awaiting your arrival! You are the first grandbaby on both sides. I was the first grandbaby on both sides too. Don't tell anyone, but it makes you extra special. At our wedding celebration many people gave us well wishes for you. This might have been my favorite part. To some extent there is a stigma with getting married when you're pregnant. Sometimes your mother worries because she doesn't want her choice to cause others to hurt you. It meant more than words could ever express that our day was filled with love, joy, and excitement for your pending arrival. I was also appreciative that you went easy on me with the neasousness that day. You gave me the perfect wedding gift.
I love you sweet baby! Keep growing.
*** Mommy***
P.S. Sorry to disappoint you and daddy, but dogs are not allowed at your gender reveal party ;)
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