Small Things

Dearest Lily,

Your Uncle Zack and I have been dating for over a year, and I've been to all of the major family functions since then, but you, little one, you take the cake. Today marks your one week birthday. You have been in this world for seven wonderful days and have already brought so much joy into our lives.

A week ago today, we drove straight from Easter service to the Naval Hospital. In our Sunday best we tiptoed through the surprisingly empty corridors until we found the labor unit. The nurse directed us to room number 11, and we peeked in, expecting a reprimand and a very unwelcoming, very pregnant lady. But no, your Mom was as gracious as ever, propped up with a smile on her face and a cup of ice in her hand. We joined the party with your Dad, Grandpa Bill and Grandma Kathy were already there. We heard your heart beating on the monitor and marveled over how strong you already were. This was around 1pm, but you weren't ready yet. We scolded you for being stubborn. Your mom is known for her punctuality, and you were ruining her reputation. But you were finally coming, and Lily, we were so excited.

Aunt Julie, Uncle Zack, Grandpa Chet and I moved to the waiting room and watched the Masters. It was the first three-way Masters play off since 1987. I only mention that because golf holds a dear place in Grandpa Bill's heart, and you'll need to know this. We came prepared with things to occupy our time: Uncle Zack was doing New Testament homework, and I was doing Mass Media essays. Grandpa Chet, Uncle Zack and I went to your Mom and Dad's apartment. We decorated it with little banners and streamers. Not too much, because we didn't want to leave a mess for them to clean up, but just enough to hopefully put a smile on their face.

The only other family that had gone into labor that day was gone by the time we got back. They had a 15 minute labor, and boy, I'm sure that made Mom jealous. We had the waiting room to ourselves, and we turned it into a hotel room. Sleeping bags on the floor, blankets galore, we tried to sleep but only succeeded at closing our eyes only to be woken up by sheer anticipation.

At around 2:30 in the morning, I woke up. Word was, Mom was still pushing, Dad and Grandma Kathy was helping her. I was so proud of Grandma Kathy, and you should be too. I took out Uncle Zack's Army Bible and read some Proverbs. I prayed for your safety, for Mom's safety, for Dad's strength. Grandpa Bill was on his knees, and that's when I knew that you would be okay. We've been praying for you ever since you were "rice baby", and God honored our prayers.

At 3:30am Grandpa Chet, Uncle Zack and I had to leave to go back home. We had work the next morning. As luck would have it and as the story goes, you were born at 4:30am, shortly after we left. We didn't get to see you right away Lily, but knowing that you were okay, that Mom was okay, it gave us a peace.

I got to hold you 4 days later, and you were so beautiful little one. We could stare at you for hours, examining every freckle, hair, fingernail that made you a wonderful creation. We laughed at every little thing you did. We even thought it was cute when you peed on Dad, or threw up on me. Uncle Zack thinks that you're super strong and can hold your head up. I keep telling him it's just a reflex, but finally I humored him. You fart a lot, which isn't very lady like, but it's very Dad like.

Sometimes I think of when you grow up and can run around. I talk to you in your sleep and tell you stories of Nemo and Walle. Grandpa Chet has a full set of Veggie Tales to give you and Uncle Zack is ready to give you swim lessons. But then I look at you and wouldn't want to miss a second of you sleeping on Grandpa's chest, or on top of my legs. You make us laugh, you make us tired, but mostly, you bring us together as a family. We love you Lily Georgianna. You have a wonderful life ahead of you, and we're so grateful to be a part of it.


Love,
Auntie Carizza