You Say It's Your Birthday...

Dylan,



Dancing around the house!



The past two weeks have gone by way too fast, and now you are officially four weeks old! I can hardly believe that we have had you in our lives for an entire month, and you really need to know that you are the best gift that your daddy and I have ever received! We love you so much! To honor your special birthdays (both three and four weeks), I have created a special playlist of all of your favorite tunes! These include jingles and songs that I have hummed or sang to you for the last month and also ones that we have listened to together. You seem to be musically inclined, so I know you will appreciate this tribute! I arranged the lists by weeks because your musical tastes have changed so quickly.  I think you must get your finicky nature from me!

Week 1:                                                                    Week 2:

"Thriller"                                                                    "Friends in Low Places"

"How Great Thou Art"                                               "Old McDonald Had a Farm"

"Jingle Bells"                                                              "Amazing Grace"

"I Thank My God"                                                     "How Great Thou Art" (you LOVE this one)

"Stand By Your Man"                         

Week 3:                                                                      Week 4: SAME AS WEEK 3 plus:

"Edelweiss" (Adle Vice)                                               "Fix You" (Glee!)
"Viva La Vida" (Coldplay: "When I Ruled the World"   "I Love You This Big"
"How Great Thou Art"                                                 "Cannon in D"
"The Prayer"                                                                "B-I-N-G-O"
"ABCDEFG"                                                              "Head-Shoulders-Knees and Toes"

 As you can tell, already, you have an ecclectic musical repetoire, and I could not be happier! Of course, your father would like to see more tunes that do no involve country music or pop icons, but I am totally cool with it.  Just so you can see how hard we dance and sing to our tunes, take a look at these pictures of you after many of our jam sessions:

Snoozing!

Daddy has perfected the sleeper hold!

Nap time..before you outgrew the bassinet!

Happy Birthday, Dylan Ashley Boyette! You have already brought us so much joy, and we love you, little rock star!

love,
Mom and Dad

And Then, There Were Two

Dear D-Bo,

I am addressing this letter to you, but in truth, this letter is to your new cousin, Abby, who was born today.  In an effort to begin teaching you, at a very early age, the importance of sharing, I am asking you now to share this letter with her. I truly hope this is the first of many blessings that we get to share as a family. 

My dear, sweet, Abigail Elizabeth,

You are beautiful.  I want you to always remember that no matter what, to your mommy and daddy, you are the most beautiful girl in the world.  You have been blessed with a family whose love knows no bounds, and  we are so thankful that you have made a safe entrance into our worlds. 

I have known your mother for my entire life. She was my very first friend, and she always protected me--no matter what.  Today, your mother and I share the bond of motherhood, and I must be completely honest with you, we have never been this close. And that, my beautiful niece, is in part due to you! From the bottom of my heart, Abby, thank you!

You should know a few things about your family that will help you navigate the Berndt waters smoothly.  First, your mother is one of the bravest, smartest women I have ever known.  She is fearless and flawless, especially as a mother.  Also, your daddy loves his little angels more than most.  He has a quiet patience about him that allows him to connect to you and your brother very well. And then, there is your brother, Little Martini (he will probably cringe at this name by the time you read this letter).  Martini was the very first grandchild for your Meme and Pape, and he paved the road very well for all four of you! He is smart and sensitive, with an inquisitive nature and warm spirit.  Be sure to lean on him.  Like his mother, he will be your fearless protector.

We cannot forget Meme and Pape.  Meme will go to the ends of the earth for her family, and I am quite certain that you have seen how much energy she has from morning until night. She will be your best buddy, your palette partner, and your sensational storyteller, all in one weekend. As for Pape--his arms are the best for cuddling and giving great hugs.  His sense of humor and warm heart make him an awesome napping partner, although he may try to steal the covers! And, then  there is your Uncle David, whose loyalty to family and love for his sweet baby girl, Lainey, exceeds most men I have ever known. He tells the greatest jokes, understands the reality of life, and honors his committments, espeically to his family.  And then your cousins on our side, Lainey Ava and Dylan Ashley, whose stories continue to be written long after you read this letter. And, I have no doubt that you will have some stories to share about them as well. Lastly, you will come to know the loving arms of sweet Aunt Rocky, who your mother and I affectionately call Aunt Rach.  She sings the best lullabies, makes the best BLTS, and is always there for all of us in our time of need.  Just so you know, she and I drove to the hospital in the middle of the night, just to see your sweet face! It was worth every mile. 

Welcome to this world, Abigail Elizabeth Berndt! We are so glad to meet you and are honored to have been blessed with another little angel!

With love,
Aunt Amy

"Life's a Dance..."

Dylan Ashely Boyette,

I am sure that when you read this letter, the name John Michael Montgomery will mean nothing to you.  However, "back in the day," he was a young country music star with a chart-climing hit titled "Life's a Dance". To celebrate your two-week birthday, I wanted to introduce you to one of many great country music legends! That, and his song really rings true after loving you for exactly ten months and two weeks. 

The lyrics read "Life's a dance, you learn as you go/Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow." This song has played in my head many late nights the past two weeks, as I walk you around the downstairs, switching you from my arms to my shoulder.  I would never admit this to anyone, but I have no clue what I am doing.  I think your dad is on to my secret, but he is so sleep deprived, as am I, that he would never say a word.  The truth is, Dylan, that the love that I have for you runs so deep that it confuses itself with inadequacy and anxiety, only to give way to overwhelming pride and utter joy! It is so hard to explain, this new parenting gig, and your dad and I are so aware of the immense responsibility and honor with which we have been blessed. 

From this, I really want you to learn a lesson, Dylan.  Although that lesson keeps changing, after exactly fourteen days, I think I can provide you a glimpse of the moral.  Many times in life, you will be faced with a challenge, sometimes of your own making, that shakes you to the core. Be it the start of new relationship or the decision that seems to be all-important, I can assure you that you will stand on the precipice wondering if you are doing the right thing or making the right choice.  From my brief tenure as your mom, I can tell you that John Michael Montgomery had it right. You may have no clue what you are doing or even where you are going. You may find yourself confused and scared; but always trust what you know to be true and learn as you go. 

Happy TWO-WEEK BIRTHDAY!

If I could wish one thing for you, my child, it would be this: please know that you are amazing. You are the most special person I have ever known, and no matter where you are in life, I am always proud of you.  You matter to us, and if ever you feel that you can't find your way, think of the words of this song: "Don't worry about what you don't know/life's a dance, you learn as you go."  
Keep on dancing, love,

Mom

We Shall Never Forget

Dylan,

On this day, ten years ago, the face of the world was changed forever.  You will read about this in your history classes and maybe even experience the power of remembrance each year as we honor the ones we lost. However, there are no words to capture the true essence of that day, September 11, 2001, and although I choose to remember, I never want to feel that way again. 

Today, as I held you in my arms, I looked down in your eyes and thought about how innocent the world is, especially through the eyes of a child.  I shutter to think of the day that I have to look into those eyes and explain the horrors of this world. As a new parent, it is my instinct to protect you, even when I know that one day you learn first hand that life is not always wonderful. It is unfair and harsh, and for some, just plain awful.  It would be foolish of me to think that I can shield you from the pain forever, but I must admit, I wish that I could. I think any parent would say the same. 

Over 48% of the heroes lost in the tragedy of 9-11 were parents.  And, as I think about the families left behind, my heart breaks over and over again.  As you grow up, you will come to understand that people eventually move on.  Our nation has healed, and we have grown stronger as the America that we knew we always could be.  Families moved on with their lives, schools went back into session, memorials were established, and overall, America began to rebuild, recreate, and renew. 

However, today, my sweet Dylan, the wound seemed to reopen again as each name was read; each name of a person whose life was taken and each name of service men and women whose life was given. Although I hope you never have to experience that kind of pain, sweet child, I hope that you, too, will never forget.  Never forget that as an American, people have given of themselves and their families to protect you and your freedom.  Honor them; cherish your life, and always be gracious. 

"I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me. And I proudly stand up, next to you and defend Her still today. Cause their ain't no doubt, I love this land.  God Bless the USA."

love you,

Mommy

And the Winner Is

Dylan Ashley Boyette
August 30, 2011
9lbs 6 oz, 21 inches
4:31pm

Dylan Ashley Boyette,


I've never been a betting woman, but I must admit, one week ago today, I took a huge gamble.  Even though I eventually lost, the payoff has certainly been huge. 


First, let me say to you, Dylan, Happy Birthday! You are officially one week old today, and although many of my memories of this last week are caught somewhere between "did this really happen" and "what time is it again", for the most part, I remember every moment.  I will not bore you with every little nuance about August 30, 2011 mainly because your dad would give me grief about going on and on...blah blah blah.  However, I will hit the highlights, because I know that your attention to detail is one of the qualities (maybe the only one :)) that I passed on to you!


Ten minutes into the twenty-five hour journey!



After about 12 hours at the hospital, I begin to have intense contractions, and I had been doing extremely well coping until that one twinge when your dad was more focused on Family Feud rather than coaching me through the pain. He claims that it was a very interesting question, while I claim that he was tired of massaging my feet! :) At any rate, that moment was the first time I cried throughout the process, but certainly not the last.  One short hour later, I was professing my love for the labor and delivery nurse, the anesthesiologist, Dan, Dan's boss, anyone within a five mile radius, including Kirk Herbstreit, as ESPN was most certainly playing throughout your entire delivery! According to Dan, it is the perfect "pushing" pastime-his sense of humor! I definitely want you to get his sense of humor!


Throughout the afternoon, we had many visitors, and it was almost like a family reunion in an odd kind of way. We traded stories, sang songs, made predictions about your weight, and utlimately, your father initiated a little bet! All in the name of fun, we made bets on your time of arrival. Here is what we came up with:


Daddy:         2:58pm
Nena:           3:01pm
Mommy:      3:15pm
Aunt Rocky 3:23pm
Pops:            3:30pm
Aunt Chris:  4:00pm

Meme:          4:10pm

Pape:            4:30pm

April (nurse) 4:30pm
Betsy:           6:03pm
Dr. B:           "by dinner time" 
Mary M.:      "Tomorrow" 8/31/11




Then, around 3:00pm, the nurse informed me that we would do some "practice pushing", so that we would look like rockstars when it was time to roll.  For about 45 minutes, we practiced, and I have to tell you, I was doing really well. You would have been proud of your mommy!! However, I never picked up on the fact that I wasn't really practicing at all.  To calm my nerves (my hands were trembling), my wonderful nurse, April, decided to call this part of labor "practice" and by the time I picked up on what was going on, Dr. B was already in the room ready to coach me through the final phase of your birth! 

Then, at 4:31pm, you were here! At that moment, I felt a mix of emotions ranging from awe to disbelief and when I saw your beautiful face, I knew that nothing else mattered.  
BET UPDATE: 

And, the winner is:            

PAPE!

According to Dr. B, we had to adjust and use The Price is Right rules; Pape guessed the closest to the original birth time, without going over, so he reigned supreme in this round! Look at his face: doesn't Pape look like a born gambler??

I have learned so much this week, and already, I can tell that it is only the beginning.  I have come to know the true meaning of love-a feeling so deep and so real that at times, it can be overwhelming.  You are living proof that miracles are possible and that love really does know no bounds.

Also, I have been reminded of some very valuable lessons that I needed to hear one more time.  I will list these, as I don't think they need much explanation.  

1.  You cannot control everything. Trying to do so makes for an unhappy family. 

2.  Babies cry. They just do, and sometimes, they do it loudly.

3.  People have their own opinion. (D, by the time you read these, I am sure you can finish the rest of this sentence).  

4.  Grandparents are the best. They make everyone feel better just by being around.  

5. Hanging out after a bath without a diaper makes for a messy situation.  

6. Staying awake all night long can be done and not just in college.  

7. Parenting is by far the most unpredictable, satisfying journey that we've ever known. 

Dylan, we are so happy that you are finally here! Our lives are forever changed simply by you just being in them.  We look forward to every moment, even the sleepy ones, and we hope for you, our dear child, the love and pride that you have already shown us.  

Happy Birthday, sweet baby boy!

Mom and Dad

Just A Conversation

Dear Dylan,

We are leaving for the hospital shortly, and I thought if your Dad and I wrote to you about our last conversation at our home before meeting you, it may make for some comic relief. 

Dad: "Ames-is there anything upstairs left that I need to get? 
Mom: "Dylan's bag and my bag."
Dad: "Purple bag? Hair straightner?"
Mom: "No, just our bags."
Dad: "Hair dryer?"
Mom: "Oh, yes, I forgot to put that in there."
Dad: "Do we need a onesie or something else for Dylan to come home in just in case?"
Mom: (laughing anxiously) "I've got it taken care of, sweetie. Promise."
Dad: "I'm nervous, buddy."
Mom: "I'm hungry!" 
Dad: "I'm going to Subway. I will be there and back by the time you have to call."

You see, Dylan, your parents are expert communicators.  We keep our conversations short and sweet, so that no one gets confused!! :)  Although we are both so excited to meet you, I think it is obvious that we are scared  to death.  You are already so precious to us, and we want to make sure that we get it right, for your sake. I have been thinking about you all day today-all weekend, really-and I keep thinking over and over again how awesome this experience has been. Back during the first tri-mester, I was so sick that I just wanted the time to pass, and now, as the time is here, I find myself already missing your subtle kicks, sweet hiccups, and gentle movements.  

I wanted to include some last minute pictures of your parents before we leave for the hospital. I have no doubt that these will haunt you for most of your teenage years, but please know one thing, the crazy kids in these pictures love you so much and have from the very beginning!



and Confused!



Dazed 



See you soon, sweet angel,

Mom and Dad

"The Sun'll Come Out, Tomorrow"

Sweet Baby Dylan,

I posted the title to this blog last night before bed, thinking that maybe you would come today and brighten what is sure to be one of the darkest weekends we've seen in awhile. :) Well, you didn't come, but the sun did come out over the wreckage left in the wake of Hurricane Irene.  As you know, this past weekend brought a terrible storm that has left death and destruction across North Carolina and even made its way up the northern coast.  Millions of people are without power, several schools in the eastern part of the state are without roofs and functioning classrooms, and still, the sun is shining. 

Today, your Dad has worked all day to clean up our yard, as it was filled with leaves, sticks, and other storm debris.  He has stopped only for lunch and dinner, and now, is outside finishing the job. I helped until noon, but he then ordered me inside to rest! I know I have said this before to you in these letters, but I truly hope you get his dedication and his care of others. He is truly one of the greatest men that I have ever known, and soon, you will be sharing that honor with your Dad and your Pape.

Tomorrow evening, we will go for the induction or what I like to call the "medical bribe" to encourage you to come meet your new family!  I am still hopeful that you will make your way into this world on your own, so I am not giving up. Truthfully, though, you better act fast because "time's a wastin".  I love you, Dylan, and no matter what, you're only a day away!
Love you, to the moon and back,
Mom

Taking the World By Storm

Dylan,

You had your mommy quaking in her rainbows today, when she thought you were going to take the world by storm! This afternoon, I experienced my very first, and what I hope to be my last, earthquake.  The house shook hard enough to make the girls run and hide, pictures fall from the wall, and interrupt the news, tracking Hurricane Irene, which is set to arrive on your due date. Needless to say, this week has started out to be extremely interesting, and I anticipate, with August 28th steadily approaching, it will end just as powerfully as it began. Quickly, my son, I am preparing myself to be moved, as you prepare to take this world by storm.

Here are a few of the most recent headlines and pictures from the news:

The track from the National Hurricane Center for Irene as of 11 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2011.
Copyright 2011 Capitol Broadcasting Company

"Above All Else, Eastern Quake Rattles Nerves"- New York Times August 24, 2011

An image released by the NOAA made from the GEOS East satellite shows Hurricane Irene on Aug. 23, 2011. The storm is on a track that could see it reach the U.S. Southeast as a major storm by the end of the week. (AP Photo/NOAA)

"Holy Moly! What just happened?"-Mommy's Facebook

"From Georgia to Maine, the Earth shook the entire east coast"-WRAL Morning News: 8/24/2011

"Buddy, something just shook our entire downtown five-story building!!"-Text message from your Dad

I have always had a flare from drama, Dylan, and as this week continues to move forward, I am starting to feel that maybe you are going to get that from me! And, that makes me both excited and extremely nervous! Yesterday, I even called my doctor to ask what would happen if we got stuck at home while I was in labor, unable to get to the hospital due to the storm.  Luckily, I had to leave a message, and I am dreading the call back.  Am I really worried about that at this point??  My friend Katie told me not to worry about the doctor. In fact she said, "They are used to dealing with pregnant women, and we are all CRAZY." The good news about all of this is at least we can laugh about it.  I am sure you are reading this and thinking, wow, mom is crazy!! And, you would not be totally wrong!


The bottom line is this:  you will be here soon, "come Hell or high water" (Meme Moore original) and one thing is for sure "it won't be as long as it's been" (Granna Boyette bit of wisdom).  

And until  "The Deputy" and "The Sheriff" show a bit more concern, we will remain calm!  


Hurry Home,


Mom

Dad’s Rulebook for the Game of Life: The First Inning: The Truth Shall Set You Free

Dylan,

This is Dad. I have decided to become a guest blogger on your mommy’s blog because I wanted to have a little fun of my own.  I am sure by now you have realized that your mom is an excellent writer; wonderful with words, captivating with creativity, and dynamic with delivery.  You will not get any of that from my blog; instead, you will get cold, hard facts that will keep your head above water in this house that as of now is ruled by women.   And that’s just the way that it is.

This first lesson is one that I have learned along the way.  The truth shall set you free. Always tell the truth (unless you are referencing a bad haircut or risky wardrobe move: a lesson that we will cover in the future. Not telling the truth will eat at your conscience, tear at your nerves, and make you second-guess your every move.  Not to mention, telling an untruth will hurt those that you love the most, and trust me son, hurting those close to you is heartbreaking.  Another piece of advice: don’t try the lying thing with your mother: she’s a bloodhound and can smell a lie a mile away.  Trust me on this: the truth shall set you free.

In the spirit of truth-telling, I am now going to tell your mom that I took a picture of her while she was sleeping today. She hates when I do this:

Then, I am going to ask her if I can post this blog—another fun lesson for you to look forward to: asking permission (especially from your parents) is always a safe bet.  Looking so forward to meeting you!

I love you,

Dad

For a Dancer

Dear Dylan,

Today has been a really sad day.  Your uncle Martin lost his father today to cancer, after an extremely difficult battle.  By now, you are well aware of the paradox of life--the sadness of death; the happiness of birth. Here I sit, eleven days away from your arrival, mourning the loss of a great man that battled for others' freedom his entire life, yet lost his freedom with such haste and sorrow.  You will never meet Lt. General Martin Berndt, but his spirit will live on in your cousins Martin Douglass Berndt and Abigail Elizabeth Berndt.

The lesson here, my love, is that life is very short.  In this brief moment that we are here, we must love each other and enjoy the little moments that we will remember forever.  We must pay attention to the small things about each other that we love and waste no time on the menial mistakes that we tend to stress over.  Laugh as often as you can, little one, and never take anyone for granted.  Here is one of my most favorite songs. I heard it at a celebration of life for a family friend, John Lantz.  Pay special attention to part in bold, as I think it inspires a truly unique viewpoint on this paradox of life.

Keep a fire burning in your eye
Pay attention to the open sky
You never know what will be coming down
I don`t remember losing track of you
You were always dancing in and out of view
I must have thought you`d always be around
Always keeping things real by playing the clown
Now you`re nowhere to be found

I don`t know what happens when people die
Can`t seem to grasp it as hard as I try
It`s like a song I can hear playing right in my ear
That I can`t sing
I can`t help listening
And I can`t help feeling stupid standing `round
Crying as they ease you down
`Cause I know that you`d rather we were dancing
Dancing our sorrow away
(Right on dancing)
No matter what fate chooses to play
(There`s nothing you can do about it anyway)

Just do the steps that you`ve been shown
By everyone you`ve ever known
Until the dance becomes your very own
No matter how close to yours
Another`s steps have grown
In the end there is one dance you`ll do alone

Keep a fire for the human race
Let your prayers go drifting into space
You never know what will be coming down
Perhaps a better world is drawing near
And just as easily it could all disappear
Along with whatever meaning you might have found
Don`t let the uncertainty turn you around
(The world keeps turning around and around)
Go on and make a joyful sound

Into a dancer you have grown
From a seed somebody else has thrown
Go on ahead and throw some seeds of your own
And somewhere between the time you arrive
And the time you go
May lie a reason you were alive
But you`ll never know


Although this life is full of sadness, of loved ones long gone, I truly believe, much like this song, that sorrow inspires hope. Indeed you will do the final dance alone, but it will be made up of the lifetime that you've shared with others, their steps in sync with yours. The seeds you spread, although you may never see them grow, will in fact bloom as proof that there is a reason that you were here.  


I love you,
Mom

Two Weeks Notice

Dearest Dylan,

Your mommy does live for a good love story! One of my favorites is Two Weeks Notice, starring Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant.  Much like the main character, I am very impatient and stubborn, but in the end reveal myself as a hopeless romantic.  Sweetie, this is two weeks notice: officially, you have fourteen days to vacate the premises. LOVE YOU! HUGS.

Here are some reasons that you should hurry on your way:

This will be your new home! All that is missing is you!  

Your sister, Mac, gives the stare down
when she has reached her limit. See?

Your sister, Coco, aka "The Sheriff"
has been standing guard...for weeks.  

Mommy has her bags packed already.  :)

I go for my 38 week appointment tomorrow, and I am quite sure that the news will be the same. Truthfully, I am fine with it. You hang on as long as you need to, sweet angel! Mommy and Daddy will be waiting patiently for you to make your big debut; for, your birth and your life will surely be my most favorite love story of all.

 However, in the meantime, here is a picture of me, giving you, your two weeks notice:

I love you...as big as the sky,

Mom

You Don't Know What You Don't Know

Dear D-Bo,


When I first heard this quote, "you don't know what you don't know," I remember thinking, what does that mean?  I think I even used it a few times before I really knew what it meant. If you think about it, though, this quote makes perfect sense.  


This past week, two and a half weeks until the big dance, I have felt an array of emotions, ranging from sheer anxiety to overwhelming joy. Perhaps the strongest of these emotions, though, is panic-what your dad likes to call "fear of the unknown." And yes, he used air quotes tonight before bed when trying to reassure me that everything would be okay.  I am sure he has used those on you before. What a riot he is.  


He is so right.  I'm scared.  But, I don't know what it is that I am afraid of; hence, "I don't know what I don't know." Every little pain or uncomfortable feeling in my mind must be labor. I even timed a contraction that I am sure was just another pain related to being nine and a half months pregnant.  Also, this is the second night this week that I have been awake since 1:00am, only to stay awake until the next night at bedtime.  The funny thing is that I am not sleepy. Dad calls it my "walking zombie," and between us, I think it scares him a little.  


I just don't know what to expect. The labor, your birth, raising you. The only thing that I do know is how to love you.  That's it.  Your Meme says that to love you is enough, but I do worry.  And, I also know that by now, as you read this, you too have probably faced scary(like roller coaster scary: exciting but scary) situations, so I wanted to share my coping method.  


For me, it is music.  If you take after either of us, you will turn to music as well.  Here is the opening lines to one of my all-time favorite songs, "Lay Me on the Water" by Gavin DeGraw

Thinking bout' the water for a sign,
waiting for the moment to arise.
I now that no man could ever fly,
just lay me on the water.

colors paint great pictures in my dreams,
shinning of the rust that I have seen.
but I dont need to show them to the world,
just lay me on the water.

And the water is calm,
I'll just float.
and if its rough, and high,
I'll pretend that im a boat.
lay me on the water.


I guess the lesson here is quite simple. Feel free to remind me of this when I am yelling about homework and un-done chores.  Just Float,  Baby D!  When you are scared, confused, or just plain sleepy, float on!!!!
Love you,
Mom

Odds and Ends; This and That

Baby D,


We are so prepared for your arrival. I laugh as I type this as the irony in that statement spills off the page.  Check out this picture of your parents at our last shower:

I want you to take a close look at our expressions.  We look excited, anxious, nervous, and utterly clueless.  I hope that doesn't scare you at all; I am sure by the time you read this, we will have everything sorted out. However, I thought you may get a kick out of seeing how young and unaware we both look weeks before your arrival.  

Here are a couple of us separately. Again, we look like we have no clue as to what is to come:

Mommy

Daddy

And, truly Dylan, it is okay to laugh.  I look exhausted and Dad looks like his normal, happy to be alive self.  I really hope you take after him on this one! 


To be completely honest, we have spent the past several weeks assembling your Pack-N-Play, organizing diapers, washing your clothes, among other odds and ends. It is so crazy all that it takes to welcome a miracle, and I must tell you that I have learned so much lately. Who would have ever guessed that the size of the diapers is indicated on the actual diaper?? Your Dad and I were using the "eyeball" method (totally his idea) for organizing your diapers. Don't tell, but it took us two hours to make the number on the diaper discovery. But, don't fear, we have totally got this under control! :)


Tell me your stance on sailboats.  This is the pattern that Dad and I picked out for your room. Your Meme and I spent hours on this project.  We had to find the anchors and paint them a matching navy, not to mention add little specks of green paint on the your letters to tie in all the contrasting colors.  Yes, you know by now that your Meme is a perfectionist, although she will tell you "nothing's perfect". Don't believe her.  She doesn't really feel that way.  

My favorite spot! 

Finally, today, I went to target to pick up the final items to complete our "this and that" list that I have added to graciously this week.  By now, you know I am a lister, but I can assure you, they do help.  Since your Meme and Pape helped us install our car seats this weekend, I just had to have the window shades to protect your precious eyes as we travel in the backseat of the Honda.  


As I was looking at those screens, a fleeting thought that apparently wasn't so fleeting crept into my mind.  What if I can't protect you in this life?  I have thought about it all night, which may be part of the reason I am up, writing.  I can promise you that I will do my best, although I know at times, it may not be enough.  The simple fact is that you can prepare and prepare, organizing, arranging, listing those odds and ends and this and thats, and life can still catch you off-guard.  


In the end, we have to keep on moving, loving, and healing.  


Love you, mean it,


Mommy

Picture This!

Dylan Ashley Boyette,
We chose this name because from the very beginning, we knew you would be just like your dad. And, after seeing the 3D ultrasound today, we were right!

So calm! 

 You are absolutely beautiful and seeing your first picture only makes me want to meet you even more! I wonder if I can include this picture in the middle of the frame, with all of your school pictures surrounding it?  You would probably kill me, but I would totally want to do it.  After carrying you for the past 8 months, getting to know your kicks, your personality, likes and dislikes, and now, after seeing your picture, I have made a top ten list of reasons why I love you.  Read on to be amused, confused, and hopefully, loved.

10. You are a "night owl": Like your mother, who is up at 3:00 writing this to you, you like to kick and move around late at night.  

9. You adore sweets: Again, like me, you enjoy the taste of a good slice of apple pie or the sweetness of a Reese's cup. I do love a man who loves his chocolate and peanut butter.

Daddy's mouth! 

8. You have your dad's mouth: So many times, Dylan, your father's mouth has made me crazier than a loon; but more often than not, he  has used his words to comfort me and protect me from the world.  I know he will do the same for you.  

7.  You enjoy a good song: As my job has required me to drive across the state many many miles, I have learned that you are the most calm when listening to classic rock.  You seem to enjoy its timelessness and "jam worthiness." I  think you get that from both of us.  

6. You have your dad's calm facial expressions: One of the traits that I love about your dad the most is his uncanny ability to maintain control in tough situations (most of the time). I can tell by the look on your face, that you too, will be a centered, calm young fellow. Let's hope that continues during infancy and throughout your life :). 

5. You hide when you are scared: We had the hardest time seeing your beautiful face during the scan. It seemed the more we poked and jiggled, the more you hid behind your hands and nestled into safe spots. You can hide for now, but we will teach you to be strong and confident.  No fear, little one.  

Hiding! 

4. You take your own sweet time: Although you have been head down, in the birth canal for weeks now, as we draw closer, you are holding your ground.  Good for you. 

3. You love sports: Like your daddy, it seems you have an affinity for football. Many nights, you turn yourself in such a way that we are convinced you are a little football. Keep it up. Just remember, The Bears are your only option. Ask Dad.  

2. You love your family: We, Moore-Boyettes, do love our family. Each time that we have been home for a visit, you have been active and alert.  It feels great that you are already excited to meet your crazy family. We've been waiting for you! 

1. You are Dylan Ashley Boyette: What better reason to love someone than for exactly who  he is?  We are so proud of you already and with eager hearts and focused minds, we are ready to meet you soon.  

With love always,
Mom and Dad

Blankets, Bottles, and Booties-Oh My!

Check out this spread that your grandmothers

put together!!! Also, take a closer look at the

diaper cake your Meme made. :)

Dearest Dylan,

I am rarely speechless.  In fact, I can think of only a handful of times when I had no words, and by the time you read this letter, you will certainly understand the significance of a wordless mommy. It almost never happens.   However, over the course of the past few days, I have found great difficulty in putting my feelings onto paper, so bear with me as I give it my best shot. 

Your Aunt Beep-Beep and Cousin Abby.

I have always known what a great support system that I have had in my family and my friends. Nevertheless, the outpouring of love that we have received in the last week has been astonishing.  You will come to understand the power of a person’s words, especially when his or her actions support those words. However, I must say that as cliché as it sounds, especially as I write this down, people’s actions, especially the people that you have in your life, give the greatest testament how much you are loved. 

Check out this picture: This is your Meme and your Aunt Rocky! Mommy is the one in the middle in case you are confused! :)  

See how much we love you?

A baby shower is just that—a time to “shower” the mommy and baby to be with gifts to prepare them both for the journey ahead. As I opened all of the gifts, and trust me, there were more than I have every seen in my tenure as a seasoned gift-giver, I realized that the greatest gift was the time that each of your loved ones gave to celebrate your arrival. Amid the torn paper, the endless bottles, the books that one day will show the wear of an avid reader, I was able to scan the crowd. The joy on their faces, the excitement in their voices, and the love in their hearts moved me beyond words.  Not only did every person choose the perfect gift for you, but they also shared stories of your past—the ones that you will surely learn as you grow to be the perfect young man that they all know you will someday be. 

Both of these cakes were as yummy as they were beautiful!!!! 

How can these be stories of your past when you have yet to be born, you ask?

And here, my inquisitive dreamer, is this letter’s lesson.  As I searched the faces of the people that gathered to celebrate you, I realized that all of our stories begin in the lives of the people that love us the most.  Through them, we learn who we are and decide who we want to be. This I can tell you for sure: you are loved, Dylan Ashley Boyette. And that love is by far the best gift that anyone could ever give. 

Love you good,      

Mommy

Your Aunt Ashley arranged these flowers as
her centerpiece at our first baby shower!

  

See that diaper cake in the background?
A super-star mommy and friend made that
for you! :) Now, that is talent! 

Sleep? The “Small Stuff” of the Past!

Dylan,

So, as I type, it is 4am.  And, I promised myself that I would revisit this post at a more reasonable hour to ensure that my words were more than just sleep-deprived antics of a soon-to-be crazier woman.  I have learned the past few weeks that sleep, one of my most favorite hobbies, is, I am afraid, a thing of the past. Now, please do not misunderstand. I am not complaining (well maybe a little) about this lack of sleep because I do know that this will all be worth it, but the lesson for you in all of this is that life is an ongoing learning process of forgetting, learning again, and finally internalizing the tough lessons that come only after the experience. 

You should know that your mother is a people pleaser.  In some aspects of my life, this curse has been a blessing! I was a great student as a child, teenager, and adult, and my people-pleasing ways even served me well when I was a teacher.  What you should know is that pleasing other people does make you very popular among peers, co-workers, and family members; in that way, I feel blessed to have this as a part of my dynamic (insert air quotes) personality. However, I have cried many tears and lost many nights of sleep worrying of what your Meme calls “the small stuff”.  The picture of a teenage Amy Moore rolling her eyes, which I am sure your Aunt Beep Beep and Uncle Da Da will paint in your memory soon enough, fills my head as I can see my mother repeating this phrase numerous times during my life.  Two important things here:  1) Just like my mother (your Meme) has been a source of strength and inspiration in my life, I will be here for you. Whether I am quieting your fears, cheering you on, or reminding you of the important things in life, I am always on your side.  2) Make room for your priorities. Don’t sweat the small stuff in life.  And trust me, you will know the difference. Sacrificing your happiness or your sleep over the small stuff will only make you more tired the next day! J

Since I have been blessed with you in my life, I am now losing sleep for a much more noble sacrifice: YOU.   So for that, Dylan Ashley, I thank you so much. And, I encourage you, at a much earlier age than your mommy, to put yourself first. Trust your instincts, believe that you are your number one priority (bearing in mind those that brought you here), and know that you have support system in your family that will sing the song of your heart when you have forgotten the words. And, I just happen to be a really good singer!

 Already, you have taught me more than I could have ever learned in a classroom, from a schoolbook, or from my job. And, I have a sneaky suspicion, that you are not done “schooling” me.  And as I read this letter to you, at 5:00pm this time, I think it is well written from a place of love that only you have taught me to feel. See you soon, baby boy. 

Love you as big as the sky,

Mommy