Welcome to the World, JM!

Dear JM,

     Your Mommy and Daddy have been waiting a long time for you. Your Mommy and I have been friends since we were 15, kiddo - that's almost 25 years. So when I say you are a very lucky little boy, I know what I am talking about. The fact that you are here has filled a lot of people's hearts with joy. There are scores of people dying to see how adorable you are and to see your parents, well, be parents.

Just so you know, little guy, I don't normally do gushy stuff on the blog. I write letters like this to each of my kids on their birthdays and once in a while I let go of being snarky and sarcastic long enough for a public service announcement of some sort. But it's pretty rare (otherwise I'm afraid my sarcasm shields will crack and my insides will ooze out as I tear up over a flower) and I'm not very good at it. So please bear with me.

You are being welcomed by a devoted Daddy, loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They alone would make you blessed. But your Mommy, wow. She is the best person I know. I can already tell that you take after her, the way you made her cute-pregnant, not swollen-pregnant and the way you were born on your due date. What a lucky family you all are.

But all of this wonderful-ness and love and waiting shouldn't make you think everything has to be perfect all the time. Sometimes you will be fussy and cranky, sometimes Mommy and Daddy will be. That's okay, because families are like that sometimes. Know that you are cherished and loved, even when your poop gets everywhere and you don't sleep for more than an hour at a time and Mommy and Daddy are frazzled. Know that you are cherished and loved, even when all you say is "NO!" and your toys are everywhere. Know that you are cherished and loved, even when you seem to be driving your parents crazy. Know that you are loved no matter what.

I am so excited to meet you, little guy. I can't wait to see my kids fuss over you, to hear about your milestones and favorite toys and to overload your mom with useless advice.

love,
A friend of Mommy's