Dear Charlie.

Dear Charlie,

3 years ago today me and your mommy walked into the hospital at 5 in the morning and checked into Plano Presbyterian hospital. We were so tired and non-rested but for some odd reason we couldn't sleep. This was the day we have been anticipating for the last year. After all the doctor's visits and baby showers and preparation you were finally ready to come and meet us. Mommy was so calm and ready on the outside but I'm sure she was so nervous on the inside. We were new to this parenting thing and had no idea what to expect. We just knew we wanted a healthy baby and we put the rest in god's hands. So as we are waiting for you mommy is getting hooked up to machines to make sure she is ok as well as you. MiMi was the first one there and the rest followed. The Matheny's,Van Syckle's, Hilburn's and Poston's were all there waiting to get a glimpse of their first grand baby. It seemed like forever before you became "ready" but that day felt like 24 minutes rather than hours. When you were finally ready everyone left the room except Me, Mommy and MiMi. Mommy pushed for 2 hours and stayed strong and then you were here. I cannot describe the amount of emotion that came over me. I instantly burst into tears and kissed your Mommy and hugged your MiMi while your were getting cleaned off and being checked out by the doctors. I had no clue that I could love something so much until I first heard you cry and laid eyes on you. It was an instant connection that can only be felt when you have your first child. They took you out of the room a few minutes after into the nurses care to be monitored for a short while and you were fine. I instantly ran outside to let everyone know you were ok and they were so happy and tired. It was 2 in the morning, but we all stuck it out to see our angel...

FAST FORWARD 3 YEARS LATER....


You are napping in the bed right now while I type this. You have grown up so much and I cannot believe my eyes every time I see you look at me and smile or do quirky things that we adults ignore on a daily base. And when you talk it makes my heart melt. Truly. Your little voice is so angelic and demanding all at once. You really could get me to do whatever you want. I just hope you don't find this out anytime soon. :). It's like you are learning something new every single day and I love watching you grow and explore the world. I know you are sick of the camera at this point but I have to chase you around to try and keep up and capture these moments. Such as your ABC's,counting, walking, etc etc. I look forward to you growing up and being just like your Mommy but I want to keep you this age forever. You are seriously the very reason I care about anything as much as I do. Everything I think about, say, do or plan is around you. You are my everything and I am so lucky and grateful to have been blessed with such a beautiful child.


FAST FORWARD 10 YEARS...


These are the days I am told I would dread more than any other. Your teenage years. Between attitude, "growing up" and becoming an independent woman. As much as I dread them I am ready. Your Mommy is smart beyond her years and will continue to do a perfect job raising you and giving you the best advice she can. She loves you more than anything else in the world as well. She is such an amazing mother/wife/person as well. I want nothing more than for you to grow up and be as strong and smart as her. Again, I know these times will be hard but please take it easy on your old dad. Just think. I'll be pushing 40 at that time, what will I Know about what's hip,cool or in style?


FAST FORWARD 25 YEARS...


WOW... Time really has flown huh? By this time I hope you have graduated college and found a nice man that will love you and treat you the way you should be treated and hopefully planning a family of your own. I know how important it is to treat you like the queen that you are because they say you like for a man that is most like your father. So you have to keep me on track! I'm not perfect so you may have to sick Mommy on me.






I want you to be whatever your heart desires and aim for the stars in life. It passes too fast little one. I also want you to know that Me and Mommy are here for you WHENEVER for WHATEVER. We will never judge you or go against your decisions in life. (As long as they are safe and don't hurt you) . I know how important it is to have that support behind you and I want you to know that we will ALWAYS have your back and you can count on us for anything. I love you with all of my heart.



I want to end this with a quote I have come to love over the last few years.


While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt



Love,
Your Daddy