No. 17

My Sweet Girl,

Well baby, I guess you gotta be careful and always make sure you don't lose what you work really hard on. Somehow a bunch of the letters I've typed you are missing from the computer. So we got to kind of pick up where I left off. That is no problem though! Your mommy and I have infinity amount of things we could talk about!

Last time I wrote to you I was just getting started on the guitar. Well, I've got some news — Daddy has now written twosongs. Two whole songs, just for you. They're called "When You're Here" and "Nobody Will." I even recorded them so that one day you can actually hear them. Not just read about them, but hear them. And when you're old enough, I'm going to sit down and play them for you myself. I hope you love them as much as I loved writing them.

Speaking of things changing — the cold is finally gone. The big warm sun is back out and your mommy and I could not be happier about it. You already know from my last letter that neither one of us likes the cold very much. Well, the warmth is here and it feels like a fresh start. I cannot wait to take you to the beach one day, just the two of us, toes in the sand, soaking up that warm Florida sun together. I already picture it. You're going to love it.

Your brother Barrett is growing up so fast it almost makes my head spin. He's getting into dirt bikes lately, which matches his wild personality perfectly. He is a total daredevil. But here's the big news — he's starting school soon! And not just any school. We're sending him to a Christian school where he's going to learn about Jesus and God, how to eat healthy, how to have good manners, and how to be honest and kind to people. Those are the kinds of things that stick with you for life, and I want that foundation for him just like I want it for you someday.

Now let's talk about YOU. Mommy and I have been going to the doctor so we can see you, and baby girl — you are getting so big. We can actually see your face now. Your little hands. You are already so beautiful and you're not even here yet. We also get to hear your heartbeat at every visit, and I want you to know — every single time I hear it, my whole world stops. I could sit and listen to that sound for hours. And the other night, while I was laying in bed with mommy, I felt you kick. You're still growing so it's hard to tell sometimes, but more kicks and movements are coming and I cannot wait for every single one.

Oh — and how big are you right now exactly? Well, you are about 25 weeks along, which means you're roughly the size of a cauliflower. But let's be honest, you probably won't eat much cauliflower, so let's put it in terms you'll understand better. You are probably about the size of ten Coba paws stacked together. I didn't do the math. I'm just guessing. But trust me, you're getting big and we love every bit of it.

One more thing before I go. Mommy and I have been learning how to make bread together. And let me tell you — the dough is messy and sticky and honestly kind of all over the place. But it's so much fun. One day when you're big enough, we are going to make dough together, you and me and mommy. We'll make bread, and maybe even PIZZA. Just imagine it. Flour everywhere, dough sticking to everything, and you right in the middle of it all laughing. I already can't wait.

Love always, Daddy ♡