New camera

Yeah, I have wanted a new camera for the last year, so today finally your dad and I broke down and ordered a new camera, so that I can take all kinds of cute photos of you to post for family and friends.  The camera is really my birthday present and mothers day present from your dad, so I am getting it early but that is just because I want to make sure we have it before you get here and that we actually know how to use it so we can take great photos of you.

Missing you.

You are not here yet, but somehow today I just miss you. I feel lonely and lost, and I just want to hold you in my arms. It's probably the hormones talking but I just can not wait to hold you. I keeping telling you that you need to wait at least two more weeks to be born, but right now I feel like like I can not wait for you. I need to hold you. To know that you are ok. To see your little face.

I think this rush of crazy emotion is partially because I miss your great-grandma so much. I still have not deleted her phone number from my cell. I know that sounds crazy, it's been over a year, but deleting that number means I am really never going to call her again. Never sit at her kitchen table drinking coffee and trying to fix her knitting, never watch the Tigers... but what is worse is you will never get to know her, she won't be able to come to your tee-ball games with a giant tub of licorice, you won't get to see her light off illegal fireworks on the fourth of July, or have best the costume on Halloween. I miss her so much. I don't know where your soul is before you are born but if you are in Heaven make sure you tell her I love her, and I miss her, hug your grandma Jackie, and grandma Audrey for me and pat the the top of papa Don's flat top. If you are with them right now I understand why not here, and as much as I am in a hurry to hold you, enjoy your time with them. I will try to be patient. I love you.

Your name sake

Your name comes from this very special woman. It was a year ago that we lost Grandma Jackie, the Rae of your middle name comes from your Great-Grandma Audrey. They were both very special women, and I am sure that I am a better person because of both of them. Grandma Audrey taught me how to be a good hostess and that God and guests come first and Grandma Jackie taught me how to play ball, and be wild and crazy. I hope that you take after both of them.

Grandpa

This is my Grandpa Ed and your Grandpa Dann. Grandpa Ed turned 89 this year. When I was a kid he was one of the strongest wisest guys I knew. He could hit baseballs faster then a speeding bullet, and always took us go cart racing, although I often turned it into bumper cars. He was a devoted husband and a strong christian. I am so excited for you to meet him.

Dr. Seuss Crazy

Aunt Cheryl and Grandma Stouten pretending to be thing 1 and thing 2. Saturday the Faasses and the Stoutens all got together to throw a Dr. Seuss crazy baby shower for you. In addition to a bunch of wonderful gifts, you also got all the decorations (books and stuffed animals). You are do luck to be part of such a wonderful family.