Tuesday, November 27, 2007

To Our Big-Brother-to-Be

Dear D.,

Your Daddy and I have been sharing with you stories this week... stories of when we were preparing to bring YOU home over four years ago. We want to do this so that, as you see us racing about getting J.'s room ready, you'll know that we did the same thing just weeks before we got your "call."

I couldn't believe it was happening--we were becoming parents for the first time. And, waiting for the call to go and get you was painstaking. We had already flown to Russia to meet you three months prior so now we were simply waiting on a court date. The days turned into months (milleniums in my heart) as we waited and prepared.

First, you needed a room. This was not your ordinary "baby" room. You were two years old at the time so crib sets and rattles were replaced by bunk beds and dump trucks. How much fun I had decorating your first room! I found the matching brick red bedspreads and relished finding just the right picture for the wall. Your daddy thought I was crazy but I would not turn off the lamp in your room until I could tuck you safely in bed. In some ways, that light staying on kept me going as if it were a beacon in the night...calling you home.

Just as friends and family are giving us gifts for J., they gave us presents for you, too. Just before we brought you home, I had a wonderful "baby" shower and we were overwhelmed by the generosity of those who were almost as eager to meet you as we were. Books, toys, and clothes were wrapped with your name. Every one talked about you and how they couldn't wait for us to bring you home.

In the same way, we are preparing for another member of our family to arrive. Just like they did for you, family and friends are helping us get ready for your baby brother. I'm sure it is a bit overwhelming for you as you see our attention drawn elsewhere. It is going to be a big adjustment for us all as we learn to grow as a family and discover the best way to care for this exciting addition into our lives.

But you know what? You are going to be the best big brother J. could ask for. Your heart is big and your dream to have a "brudder" is finally coming true. We will learn together about bottles and rattles and just the right thing to do to make your brother smile. But the one thing I will not let you forget... you make me smile. In big ways and little ways every single day, your sparkling brown eyes and mischieveous grin are the reason I WANT to be a parent again.

Thank you for being the joy in our hearts, the first pitter-patter we heard on our floors and for opening your heart to make room for baby J.

You are an awesome kid.

Love,
Mama

6 comments:

Girl Gone Wild - BibleStyle said...

Jacob...he has a name. Love it. Daniel is at a great age to be a huge help. Now he can show Jacob the love that you've shown to him.

Zaankali said...

I think it is so important to put your thoughts into words on paper for your kids so that they can go back and read them. This is really cool!
Smiles!

Anonymous said...

Daniel,
God chose YOU...not only to be the son of Katie and Keith Bodiford...(you lucky boy!), but to be Jacob's big brother! He knows that you are the perfect combination of EVERYTHING Jacob needs to become who he is meant to become! You will stretch him, grow him, comfort and love him...and he will do the same for you! You have a potential best friend for life! Cherish him!
I know you'll be a wonderful brother, because you are already a wonderful son...just by being YOU!
Love and congrats from your Oregon fan club!

Mari said...

I love that you wrote this for him - he is going to be an important part of Jacob's life!
PS - I have 2 nieces adopted from Russia, so other kids from their are always special to me!

Anonymous said...

I've got tears running down my face as I read today's entry. It seems like just yesterday you were anxiously awaiting "the call" for Daniel and I was just as excited for you then as I am now. What a sweet letter to Daniel. He is going to be a great big brother...he's a great kid! You are all special to us and we can't wait to meet Jacob!

Nicki said...

That has to be one of the sweetest things I have ever read. Tears are welled up in my eyes. That is such a sweet and loving thing to do for your son. All of you are very blessed to have each other.