For those of you who don't know, my brother and sister in law are trying to adopt.  They have written "dear baby" letters and I thought that I would too!

Dear Baby-

                I don’t know your name, or what you look like, but you have captured my heart.  There are hundreds of people in the world praying for you and helping your mommy and daddy to get everything they need in order for you to come into their home, and our lives. 

                I wanted to tell you a little bit about your mommy and daddy, Uncle Keith and Aunt Sarah and Grumps and ….. Well, we will let you figure out a name for your grandma!  (Uncle Keith and I are rooting for “Mumps”!) I am your Aunt Manda, daddy’s little sister. 

                  First, your mommy and daddy are two of the most loving people that I know!  Your daddy can make the most beautiful music on the piano and guitar.  He even made a CD to help make sure that they have everything you need when you come to live with them.   Your mommy is one of the smartest and most caring people.  She helps “big kids” learn all different things in a big school.   They both love GOD so much and show it through the way they love their friends and family. 

                Now, Uncle Keith…..well, he is the craziest, funniest guy you will meet.   You two will instantly be buddies.  He will teach all kinds of fun things and will teach you how to cook!  Uncle Keith is daddy’s younger brother, my older brother.  When we were little, they used to tease me, but I always knew that they would be there for me, no matter what ever happened. It will be the same way for you! Aunt Sarah is Uncle Keith’s wife.  She just joined our family, but she is a Martin.  Smart and witty, she will be the one to go to for questions about writing and English! 

    

Oh yeah-- when you get up in school to Algebra, go ask Uncle Keith, mommy or grandma... you will not want Grumps, daddy or I to help you!

                Now, for Grumps and Grandma… these two will be your biggest fans!  They are so excited to meet you!  Grumps works a lot but has always made sure that your daddy, Uncle Keith and I have always had what we needed and as for grandma?  I am afraid you may not learn to walk early because she will want to hold you…all the time!  She loves and will give you as many cuddles and kisses as you ever want or need.  You know the best thing about grandma?  She makes Christmas the best!  It is the time of the year when Grumps and grandma make everything as special as they can for us.  When we were little, no matter what else we had to do or how little money we had, Grandma made sure we had presents and a tree.  She makes the holidays so special and memorable.   She always made sure we had stockings and that we got some of the things we wanted.  The most important thing we do at Christmas is make sure we spend it as a family.   I cannot wait to see you open up Christmas presents on Christmas morning!!  Oh, and Grumps makes the BEST chocolate chip cookies!  Just make sure mommy doesn’t see how many you have J

                And last, me, your Aunt Manda.  I am going to be a teacher, a special education teacher.  Kinda like your mommy, only I am going to help those kids that need just a little extra help to learn.

  I cannot wait to see your smile and to get sweet kisses and hugs.  I can’t wait to sing you to sleep and rock you in my arms.  I can’t wait to be there, when mom and dad just don’t seem to understand (and it will happen) I can’t wait to tell you all about your daddy and the funny things he did when he was little.  I can’t wait to take you fishing, and tell you about your great-grandfather.  I can’t wait to have you here, see your sparkling eyes and hear your little cries.

               

if you would like to know more about Russell and Meagan's adoption journey please click here.