It's our first night

Dear Marlie,

Tonight is a very special night. I have been waiting so long for this evening and as I listen to you coo in your crib, I am consumed with absolute joy because tonight you are staying with me. I watched over you earlier as I put you in your crib, turned on your favorite toy, and watched you lay there with your binky in your mouth. To most, it seems like such a small thing. But for a father that has never gotten to watch his baby daughter fall asleep in his own home, the thought that I have you here simply reduced me to tears.

I wonder if those fathers that get to put their daughters to bed every night know just how lucky they are. I'd do anything to be able to watch you sleep every night. To bathe you, put you in your nighty, get you all tucked in...I couldn't think of a greater end to an evening. Daddy's life is so good right now and having you with me as I ate dinner and winded down the evening tonight trumps all of the other amazing things that I have going on. Tonight has been a long time coming and the road to get here has certainly been painful, but, Marlie girl, listening to your toy sing you a lullabuy and knowing that you are here, asleep has made this journey seam trivial in relation to the smile in my heart right now.

I can't tell you how happy you made me tonight, sweetie. And the thought that I will wake up tomorrow and you will be here really is something special. I hurt for the days that we have not been together, but my heart celebrates with fatherly love the fact that tonight is the beginning to new days for us. Because of you my understanding of Jesus' love for me is so clear now. And for that, I thank you more than I will ever be able to express.

I'll see you in the morning, baby girl.  Ioves you from here to Pluto.

Love,
Daddy