Life's Helmet

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Milo Ryan McFarlane

Dear Milo,

From the time we learned of your expected arrival all the way to the days leading up to your birth, each day was full of anticipation as we anxiously awaited the arrival of our baby boy. I dreamed of getting to dress my little "stud" and your dad talked of taking you to ball games and teaching you the ins and outs of construction. We knew that our lives would be even better with you here.

I hope you realize what a lucky guy you are to have your big sister Maeli at your side. Although she hasn't shown much interest in you so far, I know that in the coming weeks and months she will realize that you are "her" baby and will take her sister responsibilities more seriously. Just yesterday she ran to your aid when she heard you crying upstairs and blew you some kisses to make you feel better.

I have to admit that I'm not the most emotional person. However, thinking of you and your siblings having a strong relationship does make me get a bit choked up. I remember coming across a saying inscribed in an old building in Ecuador that said, "Although sometimes I am difficult, I love you with all my being." I know you and your siblings will always have your differences, but I hope that you will always put those differences aside and love each other with "all of your being."

I could list a million reasons why I love your dad but the number one reason is without a doubt, because he is a GREAT dad. He loves his kids and makes it clear that they are his top priority. He has a lot going on right now with school on top of working full-time, but no matter how busy his days, he still finds time to each day to cuddle with his little boy.

As you grow up, I hope you see what an amazing guy your dad is and resolve to be like him. I hope you become the honest, caring, and humble person that he is, and an equally great husband and father to your own kids. I know that if you will follow his example and do as he teaches you, you will grow up to me an amazing man.

Milo, as you lay in my lap right now, I'm overwhelmed by how much I can love such a tiny little person. You are "my" guy and I love every second that I get to spend with you. When everyone else goes to sleep at night, it's "our" time. I talk and sing to you and you stare back at me with those beautiful little eyes. And the whole time I fall more and more in love with you.

Know that your dad and I love you so much and are thankful to have you as a part of our family. Bringing you home from the hospital felt like adding another piece to the puzzle. You play an important role in our family and even after just a few days, we couldn't imagine our lives without you. Always know that no matter how rocky the road of life gets, you always have the love and support of your family. We love you and are so glad you're finally here.

Love,

Your Mom

The American Way

To celebrate Independence Day, our ward put on a community breakfast complete with water games, music, and a cute bike parade for the kids. Maeli's favorite part was definitely the face painting. By the time we left she had two painted hands, one painted cheek, and was asking for some love on the second cheek. We quickly realized that she had an addiction and booked it home before she ended up with full-on painted sleeves. ;-)

At night we put on our own fireworks show in my parents backyard. Maeli seemed to have mixed emotions about the fireworks in the beginning but was totally loving them by the time the show came to an end. She especially loved throwing "poppers" at all of the family at the end of the night. Ahh...the true "American way."