Dear Baby Clayton

08/12/10

Dear Baby Clayton,

I have been thinking about you allot lately. What will you look like? Will you have blue eyes like Jeff, Amber, and I, hazel eyes like your Grandma Linda, or something completely different? Will you have blond hair like Amber and your Uncle Kevin or brown hair like me? When I picture you, you are all bundled up so it's hard to tell. In my mind you have chubby cheeks just like me as an infant. Oh, and you smell and feel amazing.

I think it is important for you to know the family that you will be joining. Your Daddy is a one in a million. He is kind, generous, funny, and he works so hard to provide for us. He loves to fish and hunt, and don't worry, even if you are a girl you won't miss out. Daddy loves to take "his girls" fishing. Although he says we are a little loud in the tree stand! He has a strong faith and believes in doing what is right. He is the leader of our family although sometimes he lets me pretend I'm the boss. :)

Your big sister Amber is so very excited to meet you! Keeping her patient while waiting for you has been interesting to say the least. She is currently seven years old and has become quite used to being the old child and grandchild. But, she really wants to be a big sister! She told me today that even if you dont' look like us, it does not matter to her, she would still love you. And she said no one would ever pick on you or they would have to answer to her! I don't think you will have to worry about that! Now, the first time you are hogging all the spotlight it might be a bit difficult for her but we have reassured her that God makes sure that we all have enough love in our hearts for each of our children. Amber is a very smart, sweet, hilarious, beautiful girl that will definitely love you from Day 1.

You are definitely in luck when it comes to grandparents!! Your maternal Grandma Linda is amazing! She taught school for many many years and she has so many fun ways to teach you things. And she is super patient and will play the same game over and over, just ask Amber. Did I mention that she is super smart? Yep, she is absolutely the one you will want on your trivial pursuit team. (That's a game our family has played for years, usually boys against girls) She can color really well also! She will be one of the first ones to hold you, she has waited patiently and prayed for you for so long. Oh, and she lives right next door! Your maternal Grandpa Kenny is in Heaven now, but I know he knows everything going on down here, and he would love you from the start! He would have held you in his big strong arms and coo at you to get a smile. As you grew you would have been great pals. Don't worry, we will make sure you know all about him. I'm sorry he couldn't be there when you join our family.

Your paternal grandparents are pretty great as well. Grandpa Johnny is allot like your Dad. He is funny, works very hard to take care of his family, and loves the Lord. He also loves fishing and spending time with Amber. They have a grand time together. He will definitely teach you lots of neat things - especially how to fix things! You will be so blessed to have Grandma Debbie also. She will love on you, tend to your every need, sew, cook, and do everything in her power to spoil you! ha ha

Between these grandparents you don't stand a chance of not being rotten! :)

You also have 2 uncles. My brother is Uncle Kevin. Oh boy, now that is definitely a picture I want - him holding you! Whew! Uncle Kevin loves his family, works hard, and has a sarcastic wit that you will adore. He can also draw anything so feel free to ask him to draw whatever you want - Amber already does! He may seem tough (he has a few tattoos), but one look at you and he will melt.

Daddy's brother is Uncle Stephen. He is also an artist! He will teach you lots of things as you get older. He taught Amber how to play several little songs on a tiny piano. Twinkle twinkle little star.... He is a little shy, but who knows, you may be just the person to bring him out. :)

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins OH MY! You have tons of extended family!! We try to get together as much as possible and we have a great time. It has changed over the years as people have grown, passed away, work, etc. but the core desire to spend time together is always there. We love to get together at Uncle Sam & Aunt Deb's and sit around a fire and the kids love to play on Uncle Sam's pirate ship tree house that he built himself! He is super talented and really patient with all your little cousins - he is always full of surprises and creative ideas! You have family in all types of professions: School teachers, Librarian, Park Superintendent, Dental office, Police Officer, School Bus Garage, Nurse, really the list can go on and on. There will no shortage of family members! We have some great friends too that have always stood by Daddy and I. It is very important to find friendships that can last a lifetime. And sometimes, if you are real lucky like us, your best friends are your family!

You will also have an amazing church family. Our family at Church are the best in the world. They have continually prayed for you and lifted us up with encouraging words. They are all so excited to meet you. I can't wait for baby dedication day! What a beautiful day that will be. We have longed for you for so long we can't wait to tell everyone that will listen how awesome God is that he brought you to us.

You will also have a biological family. We don't know anything about them yet, but we can assure you that one day you will know what we know. For now, all I know is they must have loved you very much to give you the chance to grow inside mommy and then have them make such an unselfish decision to place you with our family.

Wow - you are a lucky baby to have so many wonderful family and friends adore you!

Love you Baby Clayton,