Dear Carter, We Love You More Than Carrots.

Dear Carter,

  If you're anything like your mother, you will stick with The Plan and make your appearance in just a few short hours. If you're anything like you're father, you'll go with the flow and whatever happens, happens. Either way, your Daddy and I couldn't be more excited to finally meet you. And for the record, we secretly hope you inherit just a bit of your Momma's stick-to-it-tiveness and follow through with The Plan.

  We fell in love with you when we first fell in love with each other. You may find that hard to believe, but it's true! We always knew you would be our son, but waited for the timing to be right. Now that the time is here, our hearts are bursting with the anticipation of your arrival.

  We've heard your heartbeating with the rhythm of one-thousand galloping horses. We've felt your kicks and couldn't help but think of you playing in the World Cup. We've counted your hiccups and read you stories at bedtime. We've planned for you, prayed for you, waited for you. We've counted our blessings, readied the nursery and believe me, Carter, we've got a list of hopes and dreams for you nearly a mile long.

  Your Daddy and I hope to instill in you so many things. We wish for you the best of both of us and the best the world has to offer. Carter, always know that your Daddy and I will be your biggest believers. Your biggest fans in life. We will be here to support and encourage you. To kiss your boo-boo's, to pick you up from a fall and to give you a swift nudge in the right direction. Follow your dreams, son and dream big. But be patient, too.

  Laugh and share that laughter with everyone. Believe me, Carter, in this life, you'll need a sense of humor. Your Daddy and your Poppy can you teach all about that. They're the two funniest guys I know.

  Trust your instincts and be confident in your ideals. Love unconditionally and loyally. Always be repsectful of your friends, your elders and especially, your enemies. Play nice with others and don't ever run with scissors. Maintain in your heart a kindness to strangers and those less fortunate. Don't ever let anyone take advantage of you.

   Live in the moment and be happy. Your Daddy and I will teach all of these things. We will try our hardest to teach you humility. When to stand up and be outspoken and when to sit back and listen. We'll teach you how to find passion in the things you set your heart in. Most of all, we will teach you to count your blessings and to always be grateful. We will do all of these things for you, Carter, with nothing but overwhelming love in our hearts for you.

  Baby Boy, you've already brought your Daddy and me countless hours of love, happiness and laughter. Up until this day, we could only imagine how different our lives would be once you're in our arms. Now that this day is here, we're ready. Ready to hold you, cuddle you, snuggle you and smother you with kisses. To love all over you. To introduce you to your Sheepie brother. Believe me, Sullivan is just as excited as we are. He can't wait to share his toys with you and hopes you'll do the same!

  We already love you so much, Carter and we pray that each day we'll be able to show you just how much we love you and are thankful for you. Now hurry up and come on out! 

  Love you more than Carrots,
 (Don't worry, your Poppy and I will explain this one to you as soon as you're old enough) 

Mommy and Daddy