A Star Is Born

Hi, Derek,

Early, early in the morning today, Papa and I got a phone call from your Daddy that it was time to go to the  hospital. Your Mommy and Daddy were on their way there so you could be born! I was so excited as I got ready to go. It was very dark outside, a time of day when I am usually sound asleep. I am not a morning person, but for you, Derek, anything, anytime, anywhere!

We arrived at the hospital about ten minutes after your Grandma Jane. Papa and I waited in a special room outside, but she was able to see you being born! It was a wonderful experience for her, Derek, and she got happy tears in her eyes telling me about it. She is a lovely and loving person. I feel blessed that your Daddy has such a nice mother-in-law and you have a family that adores you.


And so you made your appearance in the world at 4:49 this morning. You did not like your first bath and screamed the whole time. I thought I heard you say, "Hey! What do you think you are doing to me? Leave me alone, already. I want to take a nap!" to the nice nurse who was taking care of you. Your voice is strong.

As I watched your Daddy holding you gently and giving you a tiny bit of formula to tide you over until Mommy is ready, I could see he is a natural. Most new dads are a little nervous holding their infants, but not your Dad. It was as if he'd been practicing for years. He's an awesome Daddy already. 


When I held you in my arms, my heart felt like it got really big and full. And when your Papa held you, your tiny body seemed to disappear into his tender embrace. 


Welcome to our world, Derek. You were created especially by God. You are a miracle. There has never been anyone like you, and there will never be anyone else like you. You are unique and valued and gifted, and this is your birthday. So, happy birthday!


I love you, little one,
Nana

Baby Showers and Wall Colors

Dear Derek,

Well, your mom has some great friends! There were two baby showers in one week, the first on Sunday afternoon hosted by Mrs. Baumgardner, and the other the following Saturday afternoon hosted by Miss Russell. There were some very special guests, including your mom's friends and your aunts and great-aunts and grammas. And also your great-grandmother, "Daria the Great!" She is going to be 90 at the end of the month, and she traveled for hours to be there. She's my mom, and she's amazing.

This is the punch I made.
It was yummy!

A wonderful time was had by all, and I was blown away once again by the generosity of others. So many gifts of clothing and baby gear and, of course, dozens and dozens of diapers and baby wipes. I don't think you're going to have to worry much about what to wear or whether your bottom is going to stay dry. Not that babies worry about all that, but mommies sure do. Your mom will be able to change your clothes five or six times a day with no problem!

I've told you already how beautiful your mom looks. She is happy and excited and glowing. There is a look in her eyes that says she is very relaxed and calm as she waits for you to make your appearance, Bump. I know she will be the very best mom and will dote on you. She will be amazed by your every growth step.

Your dad likes car races.
He hopes you will, too.

And your daddy, well, he's got that same excited anticipation and relaxed look. He is already totally devoted to you, as you will see when you feast your eyes on your room. He painted it for you with the help of Papa Harry, and it is so perfect for a little boy. Or even a big boy, for that matter. You will love it.

By the way, while the ladies were busy at the baby showers, guess what your daddy was up to? He and his friends had a "Man Shower" up in the mountains. I think it was a great way for them to celebrate, too, and yet be very manly at the same time. Be sure to ask him to see the pictures when you are a little older. Nana's heart is smiling at the thought of it, Derek.

It's only a few more weeks now before I get to see you and hold you, little one. What a day (or night) that will be for all of us who have been waiting and waiting. You are loved!

Hugs and kisses,
Nana

Your Mom Looks Adorable

Hi, Bump,

Your mom looks so healthy and cute, Derek, and there's a light in her eyes that shows she's so happy. Her "baby bump" (That's what they're calling it these days) is definitely showing now, and your dad is really excited. He says you kick him sometimes, and he likes that a lot. It makes him feel so connected to you already. Your mom gets to feel you kick and move all the time, of course, and she loves it. But it's so special when others can, too. We all know you are in there, and feeling that movement when we happen to put a hand gently on your mom's tummy at exactly the right time is its own reward for having waited patiently. Okay, maybe not so patiently, but certainly hopefully.

I finished a special gift that I've been making for you. I don't want to say too much about it, since your mom and dad haven't seen it yet, but I really hope you will like it and find it cuddlesome. That isn't actually a word, but it exactly describes how I hope you'll feel when you're wrapped in it. Oops! Too much information!

I do that a lot. I hope you won't mind.

Love you so much,
Nona...Nana...Gamgam...or whatever you decide to call me

Bump Has a Name!

Dearest Bump,

Today, I leaned over close to your mom's tummy and said hello to you using your "real" name for the very first time. I think your mom and dad find me strange (yet funny) when I do stuff like that, but I want you to recognize my voice even before you see me in person. That way, when I meet you in person for the first time, you will already know me.

Derek is a very good name. It is a strong name. I looked it up, and it means "people's ruler." It's a popular name, the website says, and it's been popular for years and years. No wonder!

So, I thought about the meaning of your name for a while, and here are a couple of ideas that entered my head. "People's ruler" obviously means "ruler of the people," which may or may not be a benevolent (good and kind) thing. But if you look at it a different way, it also can mean "popular ruler of the people," in the way that Princess Diana was "the people's princess." (She was much loved and very looked up to by many, Bump. She was also beautiful. Princesses should be beautiful if they possibly can.)

Your parents have given you a name that speaks of destiny. I know that you will be a good and kind person. The very best of leaders with the most awesome of destinies.

Much love and many hugs and kisses,
Nana (or whatever you choose to name me)

The Generosity of Others

Dear Bump,

Today, the guest bed is piled high with wonderful things that have been dropped off here for you by a very beautiful lady (your Aunt). They are from a very generous lady (her boss), whose own little boys won't be using them anymore, because they (the boys) are getting so big.

And so I am thinking of how kind and giving people really can be, even to people they don't know. And how, sometimes, it's actually easier to be kind and giving to people you don't know. But we won't go into that right now. It's a subject that'll probably come up sometime in the future, and we can talk about it then. I'm looking forward to talking with you, finding out all about you, and being there for you as you explore life on earth.

I think your mom and dad will be really happy when they see your pile of goodies. They will be thankful. They will know that there are a lot of good thoughts behind the gesture, and everyone feels good when they know that someone has been thinking of them in a kind and loving way. Bump, it is very important to be kind and loving to others. And also to be thankful.

Hugs and kisses,
Nana (or Gamma or whatever you decide you want to call me)

It's a Boy!

Oh, you precious thing! I saw your new "picture" today, the one of your tiny feet, side by side, facing the "camera." Just like those "baby feet" pins that we pro-lifers wear on our sweaters and scarves and lapels and hats. They say to everyone, "Preborn babies may be small, but look how cute they are, even at this stage of development!"

And the other picture, the one that declares, "It's a boy!" -- I haven't seen that one yet, but your daddy called me right away to let me know. He was so excited! He would have been just as excited if you'd been a girl. He's happy, and so is your mommy. She had a "feeling" that you'd be a boy, and so you are. Moms just know things sometimes.

Back when your daddy was born, you had to wait until a baby was actually delivered to see what the sex was, but not now. Now, parents are able to find these things out way ahead of time, which will make getting your room ready for you so much easier. Some people say this spoils the surprise, but I don't think so at all. It's still a surprise, but it's enjoyed sooner.

Your mom and dad are now deciding what your name is. Notice, I didn't say, "What your name will be." That's because you already have a name. They just have to find it! What an adventure that is for parents, to try to make sure they have found it right. But, somehow, it always is just about perfect. Is that because your name suits you, or is that because you suit your name?

So, now we know a lot more about who you are, and we can create a mental picture of the person you will be. Of course, we know that you are already a person, and have been one from conception. Personhood for all, no matter how small!

Baby's First Photo

February 14

The baby's sonogram has been posted on Facebook!

Already, I can tell that this child is not only adorable and smart, but gifted and destined to greatness, as well. Isn't it amazing how a "picture," no matter how blurred, can elicit feelings of tenderness and devotion?

As I gaze at you, little one, I am overwhelmed with the wonder of it all. I can't wait to hold you in my arms, to whisper nonsense in your ear, to sing to you and tell you stories of how life was when I was a child. Stories that will, no doubt, either mesmerize you or put you to sleep.

You mommy told me that she can feel you flutter sometimes. Her eyes shine brightly when she speaks of you, dear one. And your daddy is a little baffled and confused right now, I think. He's excited about you, and he's trying to figure out who he is now, and who he is going to be for you.

Five months to go! Just imagine how overwhelmed and excited we will all be when we get to see you face to face. In the meantime, I'll look forward to seeing your next "picture"!