Real Life Reality

My Dearest Rebekah,

It is hard to believe that you are almost one week old. I would say that the past week has flown by, but with the lack of sleep,  time seems to be melting together. You are finally feeding well, which means you are sleeping longer, which means your mom and I are finally sleeping.  Who would have thought that three consecutive hours of sleep would classify as "well"? But, it is very comforting to know that you are growing strong and healthy.

There are moments where the reality of you actually being here, in my arms, sinks in a little more. And as strong as your daddy is, it is impossible to hold back the tears and emotional joy. You are so beautiful, and I am so blessed. Living in the will of God. Having a relationship with Him, seeking Him everyday, drawing from Him for strength. It is the only way to go. Now, don't get me wrong, it is not always the easiest or most pleasant.  But, it is the ONLY thing that will bring you true joy and real love.

If your mother and I would have gotten married without Christ at the center, we would not be able to love each other with genuineness. It would not be a true love if we did not know God's definition of love. It is kind, patient, humble, serving, and it never fails.  Because He has loved me unconditionally, I am able to love you the same way.

I am sure that it will never fully sink in that I am a father. But, I look forward to every single time that it sinks in a little more. Every day that we are together as a family. Every time you smile at me. And even every diaper changed. So, continue to learn and discover all that God has created my beautiful daughter, and know that I love you so very much.

-Daddy

Here at last!!!

My Dearest Rebekah,

Words cannot even come close to describing how I feel as I type these words.  Just a few days ago, the world I formally knew was officially no longer the same.  It is still somewhat surreal that you are mine. My beautiful daughter. From the moment your were born, the beauty of the Lord shown brightly on your face. 

As soon as you came out of your mother's womb, you looked up at me with those big dark-blue eyes, as if to say, "Hi daddy, I'm finally here. And I love you too." Normally they say that the mom is the one to be a big bag of emotions. But, I get choked up just thinking about the moment you arrived. How peaceful you were on your mother's chest. Looking at her and I so intently. Recognizing our voices. Loving us as much as we love you.

At this point in my life, there are two moments that I will never forget. The first is how stunning your mother looked in her white dress as she walked towards the alter where I stood that August afternoon. And the second is your beautiful, perfect face as you took your first breaths.  In both of those moments, I not only saw my wife and daughter, but I witnessed the face of God in your mother's smile and your blue eyes.  He is there at each step.  To guide me. Hold me up. Loving me so that I can love you and your mother. 

I know that in the blink of an eye you will be all grown up.  But this moment, this very moment as you lay on my chest sound asleep, this is what I have been waiting for. To hold you in my arms. Dance with you. Rock you to sleep. Tell you how beautiful you are and show you how much I love you.  You are strong and healthy my daughter. And now that you are here, I will make sure you continue to be cared for and you will always be loved unconditionally by both me, and your Father in heaven.

Welcome to our family Rebekah Ann!



-Daddy

Patience is a virtue

My Dearest Rebekah,

They say that patience is a virtue. Well if that is the case, you are helping me to become the most virtuous father in the history of the universe! I know that one day we will laugh about how you wanted to stay in your mom’s womb forever. Your mom will have contractions for a few hours, then they stop. I try not to get too excited, but I always do. 

It has been suggested that your mother is too good of an incubator. I think that you and God are still working on your final few details.  Perfecting your smile. Finalizing those last minute locks of beautiful hair. Fully developing your lungs so you can sing to the Lord in worship… or cry because you’re hungry.

God has taught me through the course of my life that His timing and His plans are the best things for us.  Sometimes we don’t know why. Sometimes we grow impatient.  We want to be in charge of every situation. Know the results before we start. Control all variables. But God wants us to let go. He wants us to give everything to Him. Give Him control. Because in reality, He has always been driving the cars,  just have trouble letting go of the wheel.

You, my precious daughter, are helping me to let go and let God.  And I will forever be thankful to you for that. I have not the slightest clue when you will bless us with your smile. But, I do know that our heavenly Father has it all under control. And I would not have it any other way. So continue to grow strong and healthy my baby girl. And always remember that your father here on earth and your Father up in Heaven both love you so very much.

-Daddy

Any Day Now

My Dearest Rebekah, 

Any day now you will be welcomed into this world. Any day now you will be in my arms. Any day now I will be a father.  Any day now. The anticipation is so exciting, nerve racking. I catch myself staring at your mothers belly with a big grin on my face. Wondering when the time will come for you to take your first breath. Praying for guidance. Strength. Peace. I think this is how we are supposed to feel about the coming of Jesus Christ. Excited when anticipating the day. Preparing for His return.

A short 38 weeks ago life began in you my beautiful daughter. In the next few weeks I will be able to look into your eyes, kiss your cheek, hold an amazing life in my arms. You have been in my thoughts almost every second of every day since your mother and I found out we were going to be blessed as parents. And any day now, you my Rebekah, will be born.

There are no words to describe how it felt to see your mom walking down the aisle in her white dress. No poem or song can do it justice. And there is no way to possibly put in this letter how I feel about being able to hold you soon. So keep growing healthy and strong my sweet baby girl. And always know that I love you so very much.

-Daddy