Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Dad Life...

Dear Baby Barrow,

The past few days have been a joyous blur. We have shared the wonderful news of you with several family members and everyone is so excited for you to arrive. Even though it is quite a while away, the time will fly by faster than any of us realize. We also told some of our closest friends and they cannot wait to meet you. You already have quite a fan club and you aren't even here yet. But, you are already the center of attention. If you are like your mommy, that will continue on forever.

This past weekend, we spent time at daddy's company picnic. It is a big event and pretty fun to go to. Mommy and daddy went along with our friend, Jonas. The picnic is a family event and there are lots of things for kids to do. They had a pumpkin patch, face painting, games, and more. As I sat there eating my lunch, I couldn't stop thinking about how excited I was that you are coming to us soon. I can't wait to take you to events like these. I cannot wait to see you smile and watch you play. I cannot wait to see the joy that you experience in your life. And, I cannot wait to add to that joy. You have already brought more happiness to your mommy and me than you could ever imagine.

After our picnic, we went over to our friend's house, The Erickson's (Britney and Dustin). I think you will like them. Your mommy does. And, I guess I do too. Alright, they are pretty cool people. While we were there, the girls went upstairs. Daddy and his friends were watching sports downstairs while the girls were upstairs talking. All of the sudden, a bunch of loud excited screams came from up there. Your mommy told some of her friend's that you were coming and they were so happy. You are very loved already and have a lot of people eager to see you and hold you when you leave Heavenly Father to see us. I still cannot believe that Heavenly Father is sending you to me. But, I am so excited that he is. I feel so blessed.

I cannot wait to live the Dad Life. I cannot wait to have you depend on me. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms, to make you feel safe, and to be there for you.

Since Mommy told Britney that you were coming, she sent me a message on Facebook the next day. She told me how happy she was for us that you were coming. And, she sent me this video called "Dad Life". And, after watching it, I cannot wait for the Dad Life to begin.

I showed this video to your Papi and Uncle B a few months ago. Your Uncle B definitely thinks that nobody on the Weber does it better. He is the "King of the Coals". Papi and Uncle B have taught me a lot about the Dad Life. They have shown me how to be a great dad. I am striving hard to be ready to be a good dad when you arrive.

At any rate, I am ready for the Dad Life to begin with you as my child.

I love you so much!

Love Daddy

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Sharing The Joy...

Dear Baby Barrow,

Whew! Whoa! Wow!

Where should I even begin?!! The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind of excitement. I still cannot believe that in some 36 weeks you will be in my arms. Give or take some time depending on who you take after. If you wanted to get a head start like me, you will be out in like 33 weeks. Or, you can be stubborn like your mommy. As long as you are healthy, you can come whenever you want. I will be waiting excitedly for you to arrive. I am trying to be patient, but that doesn't always work!

One of the greatest parts of knowing that you are coming to be part of our family is sharing the news with all our family and friends. We are not sharing the news with everyone yet as we want to make sure you are doing well before we tell them you are coming! However, last night, we were able to break the news with some very important people who already love you very much. We got to tell some people who are just going to adore you, spoil you, and love you with all their hearts. Just as we are VERY lucky to have you coming into our lives, you are VERY lucky to be coming into such an amazing family. This family has always been there for me, loved me unconditionally, and saved my life. They are eager to meet you, to hold you, and to love you more than you can imagine.

Last night, we shared the news of you coming to join our family with Mema and Tutu and Nana and Papi. What amazing moments those were...but you know that because you were there. It may have been a little difficult for you to hear because you were in your Momma's tummy. So, I will clear up the details for you.

After your mommy surprised me with the news, she wanted to share it with the very special people in our lives. So, we jumped in the car and drove to her Mommy's house. The whole ride there, mommy and daddy held hands tight and talked about you. We cried because we were so happy. When we got to Mema's house, your mommy was very excited. She could barely contain herself. We went inside and Mema and Tutu were sitting on the couch. We surprised them because they didn't know we were coming. Little did they know, we were about to knock their socks off! I do not know if they were actually wearing socks, but if they were, they were definitely about to blown off.

Mommy made them think that we were just there to pick up some coupons. And, that is completely believable because your mommy likes to shop. I will mention that fact a lot from now until the time you are here. And, I will mention it even more after you arrive. We talked with Mema and Tutu, and they didn't even know that they were about to get hit with some big news. The big news would transform them from Paula and Lee to Mema and Tutu. Mommy told her momma that she had a present for her. She handed her a picture frame with a special message inside it. It went a little something like this...

Mema read the framed picture out loud and as she got to the end, her voice started to quiver with excitement. Tears filled her pretty eyes and she asked if we were trying to tell her something. She knew the answer but she wanted to hear your mommy say it. Your mommy jumped out of her seat like a rocket and excitedly told them that we were going to have a baby. She told them that you would be coming soon. Mema was so excited. Tutu jumped up and started hugging us. Tears filled her eyes and she was smiling her big beautiful Hawaiian smile. You are Mema's first grandchild and she has been waiting for you for a long time now. She has been telling your daddy he needed to make a spot for you. Well, that part of the job is done. Now, we are just excitedly awaiting your arrival. Everyone was crying and hugging and just so happy that you were going to be joining our family.

Next, we needed to go talk to Nana and Papi. Nana and Papi have officially earned their names. You have three cousins that are here waiting for you that call them Nanie and Papi. Kennedy is the oldest grandchild. She is 6 years old. She is getting so big and she will be ready to baby sit you when you arrive. Shane is the second grandchild. He is 3 and can teach you everything you need to know about Pirates and iPhones. He will train you on Angry Birds and the Moron Test. And, if you have any tech questions, he can help you out. The third grandchild is Raiden. He is the newest addition. The Lightning God is a good ally to align yourself with. He fights against Outer Realms in Mortal Kombat. So, unless we decide to name you Sub Zero, Scorpion, or Shang Tsung...you two should get along nicely. You will be the fourth grandchild to Nanie and Papi.

We went over to their house and they thought we were just there to drop off yard sale stuff. You see, your mommy and daddy are very sneaky. We are like Ninjas. And, Nanie and Papi underestimated our sneakiness. They were about to get blindside and they didn't expect a thing. To announce your arrival to Nana, we had gotten her a special present. We had just been to Disneyland and Nanie's favorite character is the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella.

I think Nanie is a lot like the Fairy Godmother. She is an amazing, beautiful woman that will do absolutely anything for you. She is so loving. She is so kind. She is so generous. She will do anything that she can to help you and make sure you are happy. Just like the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, she will always be there for you. She is an amazing person and you are lucky to have her. She is my mommy and I love her very much. I am very lucky to have her as my mom, and you are very lucky to have her as your grandma. Kennedy calls her the Fairy Godmother because she is beautiful, amazing, and wonderful just like the character in the movie.

At Disneyland, we had a real Disney artist create an original piece of artwork. There is only one like this in the WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD. It is a piece that will bind Nanie and you forever. We watched the artist as he sketched a picture of the Fairy Godmother and it was amazing. On it, we had him write, "Congratulations Nana, 2012". Below is a picture of the Fairy Godmother. This isn't the same one as the one we got her. We will post a new picture as soon as we take one the picture that will forever remind her of you and the night we told her you were coming.

When we got to Nana and Papi's house, we talked to them about the yard sale and then it was time for the ultimate surprise. I told Nanie that we had a present for her and she was very surprised. I handed her the picture and she immediately got very excited. She loved it. But, then she started to read the message with the picture and her eyes started to fill with tears. As they did, I said, "we're going to have a baby". And, with that, the excitement and tears began. Your Nana was so happy.

But, the reaction that I will never forgot was the reaction of your Papi. As your Papi heard that you would be coming to us, tears filled his eyes. An amazing look of joy, pride, and gratitude showed on his face. He looked upwards a little bit as if he were looking up at you in Heaven and thanking our Heavenly Father at the same time. It was indescribable. I will never forget that look. I wish we had been recording it so you could see the look on your Papi's face. It was truly amazing. A once in a lifetime look.

Everyone was so excited that yo would coming soon. Everyone was so eager to love you, to hold you, and to be part of your life. You are already loved so much and that love will only grow.

In the words of Papi, "We were about to embark in a life changing journey." And, at that moment, I couldn't wait for the ride to begin.

Love Daddy

Friday, October 14, 2011

The News...

Dear Baby Barrow,

Today was one of the greatest days of my life. October 14, 2011, is a day I will never forget. Do you know why?

It is because today was the day that I learned YOU were going to be part of our little family. Today was the day, I found out that I was going to be a daddy. I have wanted to be a daddy for a long time, but you scared me a little bit. But, even though, I was a little scared...I AM SUPER HAPPY and EXCITED to be able to meet you soon.

Your beautiful mommy, she is quite amazing, told me that you were inside her tummy. She may not be as cool or as funny as your old man, but she is much easier on the eyes and she knows much more about squishy little people like you. She has wanted you for a VERY long time. She has prayed for you, she has asked for you, and she has thought about you long before we ever knew you were coming. She cried a lot of happy tears the day she found out you would be coming.

I came from work today after a long day at the office. I was very tired because some days daddy (wow, I am your daddy...incredible) works a lot of hours. I was sitting on my bed and mommy came home from shopping. Mommy likes to shop, but you will learn that soon enough. That is why daddy has to work long hours, just kidding! Anyways, your mommy came in and I could tell she wanted to tell me something. She was beaming. Something was different about her. She smiled a huge smile and handed me a present. When I opened it, I found a pair of Baby Jordan's. I had these same shoes when I was in middle school.

Your mommy started crying because she was so happy and she gave me a big kiss and hug. As I held her, I started to cry as I felt her trembling with excitment. Her heart was pounding so hard. She couldn't stop smiling. We were so happy to know you were coming to be with us soon. We couldn't wait.

Just to prove that she really was pregnant with you, your mom showed me her pregnacy tests. I call them "pee sticks". Don't say that, you may get in trouble with your mommy. You probably shouldn't say a lot of things I do, but I will be better when you get here.

We are a little sideways.

I cannot wait to hold you in my arms, have you wake me up at 3 a.m., and leave me little presents in your diaper. I cannot wait to kiss you, to hold you hand, and to take you to the park. I cannot wait until your first day of school, your first event (sporting, dance, whatever it is you like), your first date, your first car. Well, maybe we can wait on the car. You are going to be EXPENSIVE...just like your momma. I cannot wait until your high school graduation, your first day of college, your wedding, and your first child. And, at the moment, you will feel all the amazing emotions that I am feeling right now. Oh, and do not forget all the days and nights in between. They will be amazing moments and you will have an incredible life with a loving family. I cannot wait to share little and big moments with you. I love you so much already!

"I haven't even heard you cry and you've already changed my life."

Love Daddy


"I Haven't Even Heard You Cry" by Aaron Lines

"Well I don't drive through the night these days
It's just not a chance I'm willing to take
And I don't spend my money foolishly
Cause there's important things that you're gonna need
You already got a hold on me"

"And I haven't even heard you cry
I haven't even looked into your eyes
I haven't held you one time but you've changed my life
And I don't even know your name
But I know I'll never be the same
Oh I can't wait to show you you can fly
And I haven't even heard you cry"

"You might look like your mom, you might look like me
I don't really care as long as you're healthy
And I'll make mistakes there's no doubt
But loves one thing you won't live without
Cause you own a place in my heart now"

"And I haven't even heard you cry
I haven't even looked into your eyes
I haven't held you one time but you've changed my life
And I don't even know your name
But I know I'll never be the same
Oh I can't wait to show you you can fly
And I haven't even heard you cry"

"Well I don't even know your name
But I know I'll never be the same
Oh I can't wait to show you you can fly
I'm thinking about first steps and bike rides
And I haven't even heard you cry"

A New Purpose...

As my life is reaching one its ultimate high points, I wanted to document important events and share my thoughts regarding those events with family and friends. Throughout my life, I have kept a journal off and on. However, I have never kept a journal for a long amount of time. Without writing about certain events in my life, those memories become foggy, disoriented, or completely lost. I always prided myself on my memory, but I have forgotten some of the details of some of the most important events on my life. I have forgotten about moments in high school and college. I have forgotten details about my bout with serious depression. I have forgotten little details about my wedding to my beautiful wife. Countless little details have been lost since they were not written down. I do not want this to happen again. To rectify this, I have created this “blog”.

This “blog” will be a little different than most. The “blog” is dedicated and for my unborn child. I want to share my thoughts, feelings, and insight with my child. One day, I will share the words written here with my child. I want my child to know how happy I was to know he/she was coming. I want my kid to know what I was thinking when I found out Meagan was pregnant. I want him/her to know how I felt when I saw the first ultrasound. I want him/her to understand just how much love I have for him/her. I would like for my child to be able to know just how happy I am to be his/her daddy.

I am excited to start this project. It will be ongoing. I plan on writing at least once a week, and I want to write long after my child is born. I will share pictures and videos also. Please feel free to share my blog with friends and family. Please feel free to leave comments and suggestions.

The writings will contain some of my most intimate thoughts about becoming a father, and I am so glad that all of you are along for the ride. I cannot wait to be a daddy.

“Any fool can make a baby, but it takes a man to raise a child.” –Aaron Lewis