Monday, June 18, 2012

Dear Maclane, We Love You More Than Carrots Too

Dear Maclane, 


Your Daddy, your big brother and I have waited for this day for so long. Although we became a family of four long before your arrival today, more specifically on the day we saw that life-changing word, we cannot wait to feel fully complete with you in our arms. In our hearts we already know you're our perfect fit, the perfect piece to the M family puzzle and we simply cannot wait to snuggle you and smother you with love. 


It's no secret that you'll have some pretty big shoes to fill as The Little Brother. Carter has been paving the way for you since the day he was born and I have no doubts you'll live up to the challenge. He may not seem too excited to meet you at first, but don't fret, I know the two of you will be best friends in no time and my heart swells at the thought of being so blessed as to watch the two of you grow up, learning, laughing and living life together. 


Never underestimate the blessing of a brother. Your Daddy and I know this well as we have been blessed with some of the greatest brothers in the whole world. He and I are so excited to be able to give you and Carter this gift. A gift of brotherhood. Of partners in crime. Built-in best friends. Cut your big brother a little slack though- chances are he'll be quick to mistake head smacks for hugs during the early days- never doubt his affection for you. And when you're bigger? Smack him right back!


Even though your brother made me a mom, I'd like to think he bared the brunt of our experimental parenting. What I mean to say is he's done a great job of breaking us in as parents and I'd like to think, most days, that we've got it down to a science now. In that respect, you're much better off than he ever was. 


Similar to those we have for your brother, your Daddy and I have many hopes and prayers for you as well, Maclane. 


Above all, we promise never to compare you to Carter. To ever make you feel inferior or second best. You are your own individual soul, Maclane and we cannot wait to see what that unique gift brings with it. 


We wish for you the best of both of us- your Daddy's patience, passion and motivation to succeed; my creativity, whimsy, compassion and dry sense of humor. We promise to go above and beyond to cultivate these traits in you and to give you the tools and encouragement you will need in life to cultivate those traits unique to you. 


Just like we promised your brother, we will teach you to believe in the good in others and maintain a kindness in your heart to those less fortunate than you. 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. 


Don't ever let anyone take advantage of you or make you believe you are less than worthy. Ever. Laugh and love unconditionally. Be respectful but do not be afraid to stand up for yourself, for what is right, for what your heart believes in. 


We promise to teach you all of these things Maclane, with nothing but overwhelming love in our hearts for you. We cannot wait to hold you in our arms. We cannot wait to introduce you to your Sheepie brother and I cannot wait to see if you're the spitting image of your beautiful blonde-haired brother or if you come out blazing your own trail from the very beginning, dark-haired and determined. 


We love you more than carrots, Maclane. Happy Birthday. 


Love Always, 
Mommy, Daddy and Big Brother Carter


46 comments :

  1. Big old happy tears on Maclane's birthday! Love you all!

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  2. This is do beautiful!!! Happy Birthday Maclane! You are already loved by so many people who can't wait to see you!
    Good luck Ashley! I am thinking of you!

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  3. This brought me to tears. Happy Birthday, Maclane!!! Your family (and all the loyals) already love you more than you know. Blessings to the M family!

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  4. Tears...seriously...

    Beautifully written and so sweet!!!!

    Happy Birthday to sweet Maclane!!!

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  5. So sweet! I am so excited for you AP! I hope everything goes well today.

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  6. Beautiful post. Happy Birthday, Maclane!

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  7. So sweet! Thinking of you all today

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  8. Beautiful letter! Maclane is so loved already! I have a feeling he's going to blaze his own trails. Either way he will be his own sweet, adorable self. Blessings to you, M family!

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  9. Making me cry so early on a Monday, AP?!! This was so touching, praying for you all!!! Happy birthday to sweet Maclane!!!

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  10. So sweet. Maclane is a lucky little boy to join such a wonderful family. Hope today goes smoothly. Can't wait to meet him:)

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  11. Sweet thing EVER!!!!! So excited for y'all!!!!

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  12. So sweet!! Happy Birthday Maclane! :-)

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  13. So excited for your family today! Happy Birthday, Maclane! :)

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  14. And I am hysterically crying mama- absolutely beautiful! God bless your beautiful family of four- I am so thrilled for you all! Xoxox

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  15. Beautiful letter! Congratulations on Baby M's arrival!

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  16. Such a sweet post! Such a happy day for your family!

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  17. Good luck today! Wishing you and your family all of the best! Can't wait to see Maclane!

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  18. Way to go, making me cry at my desk! Happy birthday Maclane! <3

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  19. Thanks for making me cry first thing this morning! What a wonderful and sweet letter. Baby Maclane's arrival is awaited by many. Good luck today and I can't wait to see pictures!!

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  20. Ash! This is perfect! Absolutely beautiful. You and M are going to make wonderful parents, AGAIN and Carter is going to be the best big brother.

    I can't wait to 'meet' him and learn more about him as he grows!

    Welcome to this world Maclane! YOU ARE LOVED!!!!!!!!!

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  21. So sweet, he's a lucky little boy already! Best of luck today. Happy Birthday Maclane!

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  22. Oh, AP...you made this pregnant mama tear up! Happy Birthday, Maclane! Blessings for healthy and happiness to the whole family!

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  23. So beautiful. Best wishes on this incredible day. You and your family of 4 are in my prayers. xoxo

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  24. Good luck today! Cannot wait to see pics of your new little one!

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  25. Being 22 weeks pregnant, this letter made my hormones explode. So beautiful. Do you plan on giving this letter to Maclane when he's older?

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  26. Happy happy birthday to Maclane! This letter is beautiful AP. I hope Maclane's arrival is everything you'd hoped for!

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  27. This just makes me so happy! Hooray for such a great day for y'all.

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  28. How beautiful! So exciting! Best wishes & prayers for y'all!

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  29. Great post! happy birthday to Maclane! Hope all goes smoothly today and you have a quick recovery!
    Thinking of you!

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  30. Awe this was the sweetest letter, I am crying. Good lick today & I'll be stalking instagram to see first pictures of your sweet boy

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  31. Oh. My. Goodness. You were right, this is tear-inducing! What a beautiful letter, and such a great thing for Maclane to have. I am definitely stealing this idea for whenever we have baby #2!

    Sending lots of love and best wishes your way today! Can't wait to hear how everything went and see Maclane!

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  32. Best of luck today! And most of all, Happy Birthday to Maclane! Can't wait to see photos of the little guy. :)

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  33. So sweet. I can't believe he's actually here now and that you're a family of four! It really is incredible to watch pregnancies progress and then see the precious angels make their grand debut. So happy for you!

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  34. This is amazing---TEARS GALORE. Happy Birthday Maclane. You are so blessed to have such an incredible mommy, daddy and brother!!!!!

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  35. So so so sweet! Can't wait to see and hear more of the little man and watch him grow.

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  36. Beautifully written AP! I'm so happy for you and CONGRATS! It's been amazing to follow you through your entire journey of before kids, Carter, and now Baby Mac. I am so so happy for y'all!! xo

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  37. I have goosebumps! Maclane is such a blessed little man!!!

    Happy Birthday Maclane and wishing nothing but the best for your little life!!!

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  38. I can't wait to "meet" him! What a lucky little guy to have you all as a family : )

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  39. So wonderful for you and your family! I can't wait to see pics :)

    http://theaustinfamilydiary.blogspot.com/

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  40. Geez! Nothing like making me cry buckets!!! This is the sweetest thing ever! I love it, and one day when Maclane reads it, he's going to love it too!

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  41. ..and now I'm crying. so, so happy for y'all.

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