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