Dear Son,

Dear Jace,

I am writing this quietly as you are laying here in your bassinet, sucking your pacifier, dreaming about whatever it is that babies dream about. You are only five weeks old, and I know that you won't understand any of this for many years to come, but I just want you to know how much you mean to me, and all that I hope for you in this wonderful journey that you have ahead of you.

When we were first told that we were having a boy, I was excited, certainly, but I realized that I did not know the first thing about raising a boy, and that I would not yet be able to impart my "girl wisdom" to a daughter. So, I started to tell your Daddy all of the things that I want to make sure he teaches you that I may not be able to understand or be good at. When the doctors laid you on my chest, and I first laid eyes on you, the wave of love that came over me cannot be explained. In that moment, I was filled with so much hope for you, yet so many fears all at the same time. I just want to be able to protect you from all of the hurtful things in this crazy world, but I know that there are many things that you are just going to have to learn on your own.

I spent nine wonderful months growing you, and I will gladly spend the next 18 years of my life going through many ups and downs with you. I look forward to watching you take your first step, saying your first word, teaching you how to wipe your own butt, taking you on your first camping trip, teaching you how to ride a bike, driving you and your friends everywhere, driving you to practice after practice, watching baseball game after baseball game, watching you and your daddy go hunting for the first time, teaching you how to properly bathe yourself, teaching you how to dress nicely, teaching you how to pee in the toilet- and ONLY the toilet, teaching you how to be a gentleman, and how to treat a girl respectfully. I dread the days that I have to punish you because of the horrible tantrums you are throwing, or because you are torturing your (future) brother or sister, or just doing something flat out stupid. I dread the days that you are get hurt, get terribly sick or feeling down, and worst of all- the day that have your heart broken for the first time.  But you better believe that I will be there kiss your boo-boos, to hold you, and lovingly listen and explain as best as I can that we ladies sometimes just don’t know just how hurtful we can be. I want you to know that I am always on your side, and I will prepare you as best as I can for the right lady one day.

As your Mother, I am responsible for raising you to love others and serve others as best as possible. I am responsible for teaching you to respect those around you. I am responsible for teaching you how to use your manners, and how to open the door for a lady. I am responsible for laying the foundation to a wonderful son who will grow into a man right before my eyes, who will marry ONE woman and raise my grand-babies with the same kind of love that your Father and I give to you. 

I pray that you love yourself.

I pray that you laugh often so hard you cry,

I pray that you are confident and believe in yourself.

I pray that you grow up healthy.

I pray that you are never "too cool" to hug your Mommy.

I pray that you have a happy, care-free childhood. Let Daddy and I do all the worrying.

I pray that you take in and cherish every family vacation we go on.

I pray that you come to your Daddy and with any struggles that you are facing.

I pray that you do well in school.

I pray that you make friends easily.

I pray that you choose friends who are kind to you, who care about you, and who make you feel good about yourself. When you find friends like this, hold onto them.

I pray that you accept disappointment and learn to persevere.

I pray that you learn to turn negatives into positives.

I pray that you are open to new things, new experiences, new people.

I pray that you like to dance, even if you aren't any good at it.

I pray that you like roller-coasters- since Daddy hates them, I need you to ride with me!

I pray that you have a sense of humor.

I pray that you are kind and humble to others.

I pray that you always treat women with respect they deserve.

I pray that you learn how to cook, and like it!

I pray that you fight for what you want in life.

I pray that you realize life is not a competition. You will meet many people who will try to outdo you. You are wasting your so much of your life if you spend all your time trying to impress and outdo others. Enjoy life and make it full of happiness, constant learning, improvement and love.

I pray that you get your Father's money saving abilities.

I pray that you find your passion, and pursue it.

I pray that you learn from heartbreaks, but that you never shut yourself off from love.

I pray that you find a wife that loves and respects your family.

I pray that you one day will have the gift of a child, and experience this kind of love.

I pray that you never doubt my love for you.

I pray that you never stop loving me.

God brought you into our lives at the most perfect time. You have been the best gift that your Daddy and I have ever received. You are starting out on a weird, scary, but incredibly wonderful journey, and you will not be alone. Your Daddy and I will be there every step of the way growing and learning WITH you, and I promise to do everything in my power to make all of these hopes that I have for you possible. I love you, always.

Love,

Mommy