Welcome to the world!

On the day you were born:

I checked my phone manically, as I had warned my students.  They were all excited too.  They get cranky when I'm going to be gone because they don't like having a sub, but they were disgusted with me that I wasn't right there to welcome you.  I explained that I was going during spring break.  They still thought I should be there.

(Honestly, I did too.)

Your grandpa and I prayed and prayed for months for your safe arrival.  Our prayers were answered and we are grateful.

I can't explain to you how much you are loved.  

My siblings, your great aunts and uncles, peppered me with questions throughout the day about everyone's wellbeing and with love and congratulations and told me they were praying too.  Your dad's cousins were excited and texted him congratulations.

Your great grandma Geri texted me at 5:45 AM (4:45 where she was) because she was up for a drink of water and knew I'd be awake and wondered if I had an update.

I guess you could say we were excited.

Your other grandma and I exchanged texts:

When we finally got word of your arrival, here's a little snippet of the text conversation:

Besides stopping by to hug Emma and cry a little, your grandpa handed out Baby Ruth candy bars at work.  

You are loved, Little One.  Guess what you did to make us all so happy?  Guess what you did to deserve our love?  

You exist.

I want you to know that from now to forever, that is enough for me.  You exist and I love you for it.  You don't have to do anything to ever earn my love.  (I would like to read you a story from time to time though.)

Love,

Your Grandma

(people have asked me what my grandma name will be...I have no idea...maybe I'll just have to wait until you can talk)