A Letter to Our Daughter

Sweet baby girl, I am writing this note to you a few hours before you are born. I want you to always know what an honor it has been to carry you these last 9 months ... one of the great joys of my life. We (your Mom, Dad, and two big brothers, and your whole extended family!) are so excited to meet you, see your precious face, and shower you with love and lots of hugs and kisses. We don't know all that the future has in store for you, but we do know you are a true blessing and an angel who has already brought us immeasureable joy. 

The past few months have been busy in preparation for your arrival. Mommy and Daddy were feeling motivated to get everything "just right" as we welcome the final perfect puzzle peice into our family. Your brothers have been preparing too, and they are eager to help care for you and teach you many things ... Smiles and laughter, singing and dancing, learning and growing. 

We have many dreams for you, but most of all, I am looking forward to seeing the unique potential inside of you that represents the person you will become. You are stronger than you know, more beautiful than you can see, and more loved than you'll ever comprehend. LIFE: this is the Great Adventure. Let it begin for you in just a few short hours, our strong, brave girl. xxxooo

Español

Benjamin started taking Spanish class once a week this Fall. He has really taken to it and seems to enjoy it. He already counts to 100, and knows many colors and animals. The other night he cried in bed when he couldn't remember how to count to 1,000 (by hundreds). He is learning the basics of conversation, and the other day had a chance to practice with native speakers. 

When Benjamin got home from school, a Mexican painter and his teenage daughter were here. We told him they speak Spanish and he could talk with them in Spanish if he wants. He immediately walked up to them and said, "Hola! Como estas?" The daughter smiled and said, "Bien, gracias. E usted?" And Benjamin promptly replied, "Mui bien, gracias!" He had a satisfied look of pride on his face. One of the things that has amazed us is not just the vocabulary he has learned quickly, but his exact replication of the accent. He rolls his "r"s with precision, and all his intonations are spot-on.