Anticiptation...

Hi Emery,

This is your daddy again....and this is the last letter I am going to be able to write to you before you are born. Your big day has finally arrived, and your mom and I are at the hospital and in process of welcoming you to the world. Your mom did so great this morning. Our morning started by bringing the labor and delivery nurses two dozen donuts (little tip from daddy, always spoil the people that are taking care of you!). They started her induction and she has been braving through a lot of pain minute after minute to continue the process of welcoming you to the world. Your big sister Kinley came to see you a little while ago, she gave you big kisses and even gave mommy a hug while sitting on top of mommy's belly. Then your mom got back to business focusing on getting you here...and it is not easy. Everytime it hurts, everytime she wants to stop, everytime she needs to cry....she thinks about you. You baby girl, make everything worth it. Awhile ago you were causing mommy so much pain, that your amazing nurse, Erin, gave her some medicine to help her feel better. She is resting now and it gave me a chance to sit and think. All I can think about is you. You are killing me with anticipation...

I'm anticipating what you are going to look like. I'm anticipating looking into your eyes or hearing you cry for the first time. I'm anticipating the touch of your skin, and watching you wrap your little fingers around mine. I'm anticipating cutting your chord, and hoping I don't pass out. :-) I'm anticipating watching your mommy hold you for the very first time, and how it will make me cry thinking about how many times she prayed to God to have you. I'm anticipating our first dance together, your head in my hands and our soft sway to the beat in my head. I'm anticipating your big sister touching your face and giving you her very best Kinley kisses. I'm anticipating the beaming moment when I stroll into the waiting room to announce your arrival to all of our family that loves you. I'm anticipating falling instantly in love with you....again...and again....and again. I'm anticipating you Emery Hope Gates.....I have been for nearly 5 years. It has never been so strong...my heart is pounding waiting to meet my next baby girl.

Oh Emery you have the most amazing story. As I shake with anticipation part of me feels like this is the climax of a great tale, the last big hurrah of a long journey. But then I realize, this is just the next chapter. Your story is just beginning. While I cannot wait for the moment you arrive, I cannot wait even more for the fun we are going to have. I can't wait to take you to Disneyland. I can't wait to have you crawl into bed next to me. I can't wait to hear you call me daddy. I can't wait to watch you give your mommy hugs. I can't wait to watch you grow, help with homework, teach you to play basketball, watch you become best friends with your sister, help you accept Jesus as your savior, and watch you be baptized. Oh Emery....I'm realizing I better get used to this anticipation. I'm going to be anticipating every day I get to spend with you...every memory we make....every step you take in growth....everything.

Oh Emery....what a day this is. I have a feeling I will remember every moment. Well, I'm back to helping your mom. We both are so nervous. We are tickled with anticipation....and now I know we always will be. You know what....I can't wait....

Love you and see you soon,
Daddy