Today, January 16, 2023 is a Monday and here in Iowa it’s cloudy, chilly and damp. Today is the day! Your Mama is so excited. She sent me a snap driving to the hospital in pitch darkness at 5 am. Then another from her hospital bed in her room with one hour to go.
Your birth day was selected by your Mom and her doctor. Because of some complications with your brother’s birth we knew you’d be born via caesarean section for the safety of all.
While we wait I can tell you some things you should know. First on the list is faith. Faith and Jesus go hand in hand. Jesus is our Savior and He loves and watches over us. He gives us strength, hope and love. That leads me into the second thing you should know, love. Love is powerful. It feels like a soft, warm blanket wrapping around you. Love brought you here and you my dear are loved by many.
It’s eight o’clock and my coffee is half gone. I’m still waiting to hear.
Another thing you should know, you were a welcomed surprise! When your Mama thought she might be pregnant and she went to see her doctor she was already sixteen weeks along, starting her second trimester. Your due date was the same as your brothers, January 24th.
It’s 8:16, the sunshine is trying to break through the clouds and my coffee cup is empty. I wonder if you’ve made your appearance yet. I pray for you, your parents, the doctors and nurses. May this all go well.
Let’s see what else should you know? You know you have a brother and that for two days every year you will be the same age. How fun is that? You also have a furry family member. Miss Lucy is your family dog. She is an australian shepard who loves table food, goes trucking with your Dad and was your parent’s first “child.” You’ll love her.
I can tell you a little about your parents. We’ll start with your Dad. He’s a young man who likes to stay busy, no idle time for him. He’s a hard worker and focused on providing well for his family. He is more sensitive than he lets on and he has a big heart. He loves your mama and the family they’re building. Your mom and dad met when they were in high school although they went to different schools. Your Dad was a grade ahead of your mom. He likes to hunt, work in his shop and he likes to cook or grill but maybe that’s so he doesn’t have to do the clean up;) Your Mom, she’s always been ahead of the ball. She’s organized, responsible, level headed and even keeled. She’s maternal and family makes her happy. Together your mom and dad compliment one another, make each other better people. I believe that’s what makes a good relationship great, that and love.
8:33 The sun has broken through the clouds and this dreary January Monday is a little brighter. Plus a text just came in with a picture. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and from what I can read this picture says a lot. You my dear have a name, Leighton Anne Edgar. You arrived at 8:02 weighing just 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20.5″ long. You’re half an ounce bigger than your brother was. You have a full head of hair but it’s covered with the standard issue striped hospital cap. You’re wrapped snug in a blanket and cradled in your father’s arms with your mom looking at you, her face glowing with happiness. You are the answer to their prayers.
Leighton, what a beautiful name. Your middle name you share with your Mom and I love that! It comes from a book that’s very special to me, Anne of Green Gables. Anne with an E it says in the story. You’ll get to know how very important books are to your Grandma, they saved me many times.
As I wrap this up I’ve been interrupted several times with texts from family members and finally from your mom. You see as a mom we are tied to our children always. I needed to hear from her to know she is okay. She’s struggling with some nausea and hasn’t moved into her post-partum room, she’s yet to even hold you. She tells me how tiny you are and how adorable. She’s asked if I like your name, I love it. These next few days with you in the hospital are precious moments for your family. Time to bond, cuddle and get to know one another. To me it is a sacred time so we’ll wait until you are all home to meet you. Through watery, happy eyes I close this note and say I love you Leighton Anne.
