It will remain the same

Dear Marlie,

Hey you. We are fresh off of a weekend with family. Your Aunt Clerisa, Uncle Daniel and cousin Jayden all came to spend the weekend with us. We had so much fun! We went to the Arboretum where you and Jayden played in the water. We went to Klyde Warren and ran around and ate snow cones (your favorite) and we went swimming which you also love to do. You laughed and ran and played. It was just so much fun. And your family loves you so much. Luckily, they will be here again next month!

Why are they coming? Well, my dear...you will soon be a big sister. Your little brother Judah is in Mom's tummy and you know it well. You told me the other day that when he gets here you two are going to watch Mickey and play together all of the time. You are already so excited and I just know you are going to be such a wonderful sister. You have shown to be the kindest, most loving little girl and it makes me so proud. Your heart is as sweet as can be and it brings me to tears thinking about it.

You know, for over three years now, you have been our only child. We always knew we wanted to have another one. Now that Judah is on the way, well, it is really important to me that you understand that in the upcoming months and years, a lot will change. You will share Mom and Dad and we will have more to think of than just you. But I want you to understand, little one...we aren't dividing the love of our family. We are multiplying it. And although plenty will change, our love for you, it will remain the same. Forever.

Marlie, you have taught me so much about myself, about love, about life. I have had some wonderful teachers in my life and outside of Jesus, you have taught me more than anyone without even knowing it. Isn't that something? You taught me about God, about love, about patience, about kindness, about selflessness and so, so much more. Before you got here, I am not sure I knew what love was. And now, having been so fortunate to be your father, I get it. You have given me focus, purpose and most of all, an incredibly full heart. As a parent, it's interesting that we take care of you in every aspect of your life. But, my girl, I am here to tell you that you have done more for me than I will ever be able to return.

So, here comes another one. A brother that will annoy you, frustrate you, make you angry. And he will also love you and protect you and teach you much the same way you have taught me. And it is of the utmost importance to me that you understand this:

You are my baby.

There will never be another you.

You will always be my baby.

And I will always be your daddy.

Thank you, Marlie Grace, for being the most perfect daughter I could ever hope for. I can't wait to see you in your role as a big sis. You are going to be most impressive. Of this, I am sure.

Here is to the new chapter. I love you Marlie. From here to Pluto.

Love,
Daddy

The rest of my life

Dear Marlie,


Hey, you :) It's been so long since I have written you! Life seems to continue to get faster and I am not so sure I like it. You are growing like a weed. You are 3 years old now and it's just hard to understand how so much time has passed since you were born. I find myself looking at pictures and watching videos of when you were younger and I can't help but cry a little. When I look back, I feel this great peace knowing where God has brought us. I am getting emotional thinking about it as I type. It, our story, is just, well, special.

Ok, so....BIG news! You are going to be a BIG sister! As you like to say, "Mom has a baby in her belly!" We are so excited that you will be having a little brother, or a little sister. You are going to be so wonderful at it. We are trying to teach you that not everyone has a baby in their belly though. We were eating at our regular hibachi restaurant not long ago and you pointed at a lady at our table who was a bit overweight and you said, "Look! She has a baby in her belly, too!" Fortunately she didn't hear you. We would have been embarrassed and more importantly, she would have been hurt :( The things that come from your mouth sometimes....

This past weekend we went to Mom's hometown to see family and celebrate Ashley's birthday. Nessa and Jordan's new daughter Sutton was there with them and I got to hold her a while as she slept. I found myself getting lost in the moment. You see, when you were a baby, I didn't get to hold you while you slept nearly as much as I wanted and when I was holding Sutton, I couldn't help but think back on all of the times I was at my apartment missing you. I remember the very first night you spent with me. As you slept in the crib in our little one bedroom apartment, I just cried tears of joy. I was so happy to have you home with me. I was so happy to be able to pray over you and tuck you in for bed. I was so happy that I sat back, in the peace and quiet, and just let myself cry. My heart had been wrecked in the previous months, but in that moment I knew that God was preparing us for our restoration and a beautiful future together.


I am so proud of you, Marlie. I am so proud of us. I am proud of the family we are, the love we share, the relationships we have with one another. And you are just the smartest, sweetest and still the happiest little girl in the world. You are kind and hysterically funny. I could have never imagined having so much love in my heart for you, little one. Thank you for changing my life, Marlie girl. I owe my life to you and I will forever work to make sure you know how much you are loved and I strive to make you proud that I am your daddy.


Anyway, I thought I would just swing through and write since it had been a while. We will see you this weekend for Easter. Miss you tons. I love you Marlie. From here to Pluto.


Love,
Daddy