Some Requests, Prior to Arrival

Hi Ella, it's been about 12 days since I wrote you. It's also just about 72 days until we see you... unless you're impatient.

Daddy likes math, Ella. Yes, just another reason to be embarrassed of me. Daddy looks at those numbers and thinks, "6 more of those 12-day lengths of time and I will be a F-f-f-father. Yikes." Of course you know daddy also counts down the days until he can see you and hold you oh-so-gently in his arms.

Before you get here, I have a few requests. These are not rules or grandiose ideas of what and who you will become. They are not expectations or ways you will be measured. These are simply requests, take them or leave them. But take them. Seriously, they're really good.

- I humbly request you always remember you are loved
We will always love you and we will always strive to tell you and show you, every day. But mom and I will fail, occasionally. I hope you never forget how precious you are.

- I firmly request you always remember how strong you are
Human beings are fragile. I haven't even touched you and I'm already afraid of breaking you. You will cry, you will be hurt, you will be embarrassed. These things are temporary. Remember us talking about being afraid? That's not weakness, that's your brain telling you to keep going. Keep going, Ella. Even when your heart is broken or the world seems out to get you. You will prevail because you are strong. You will prevail because you will never forget how powerful one person can be.

--- Hang on. I just realized your heart is broken in my example. Who did it? What's his name? Seriously, it's no big deal. I just wanna text him. Check in, see how he's doing. I'm not gonna do anything to him, I won't drive by house or follow him to school... seriously. But you just say the word and I will END HIM.

Okay, I feel better.

- Lastly, I lovingly request you always remember to make the most of each day
I'll admit, every parent wants this. I'll admit further: Every parents wants this because every parent - every person, in fact - has felt like they've wasted days (or sometimes longer) of their life. To a point, this is natural. We always wish we could have achieved more, seen more, laughed and loved more. But Ella, hear me when I say: Each day is precious. You will hear cliches like, "Every day is your masterpiece." Cheesy, right? Yeah, well it's also as true a statement as one can make. Each day is a challenge to make a stranger smile, help a person in need, move closer to your goals, or create something beautiful.

I know these are lofty requests. I also know how much your mom and I will try to help you move toward these feelings and actions. But we are not perfect - and I get the feeling things are about to get a bit chaotic here - so I thought I'd might as well jot these down before Hurricane Ella shows up.

Love you Ella, see you in 6 x 12 days.