Hello 2013

Dear Parker,

To think, it was barely over a month ago that you came into this world. Your travel to this strange, unknown world was one that we had been planning 9 months for. It was a roller coaster of a day once it finally happened...and just when we thought the ride was over, the seat-belts strapped us in and we were taken around and around for another several days.

In the short time you've been with us, we've learned so much from you. There is no such thing as being prepared. There is no such thing as perfection. There is no such thing as 'normal.' There is no reason to sweat the small stuff. There is no reason to be afraid of the trivial. Your parents have family and friends that will always be there for you...to stand by your side in any endeavor you may encounter. Some days, news of chaos, pain and loss is all you will hear, but we promise you there is more love in this world than you will ever know.

Our resolutions in 2013 are much like any other resolutions: To be happier, to be healthier, to get back in touch with old acquaintances and be better to the people in our lives. That said, we also have a few set aside just for you as you continue your journey throughout this new year. We promise to give you every advantage that we can in this life. We promise to push you to your fullest potential. We promise to never give up on you and to lead by example...every second of every minute of every hour of every day. We promise to stand by your side and fight for you. We will be your advocates and not only push you out of your comfort zone but we will push every person that you meet to embrace, learn and love. We know that each person you encounter on your journey will be impacted by you. By your smile, your big heart and your unconditional love. We promise this for you. 

We also know that each day will be full of challenges, but we promise to help you rise to the occasion, overcome your hurdles and we promise your life will be filled with success. 

And so we notice now...these aren't resolutions at all...they are all promises. Things that we cannot just try...but things that we must do and will do for you. We know that it is impossible for us to fail in any of these as it has been ingrained in the very fabric of our beings. We have learned from our parents, and so on and so forth. You have been given a gift, being born into a family filled with so much love. Love that has been passed down generation after generation...and there is no way we will let that stop now. We love you little man, with all of our hearts. And while you've been given so many gifts from so many people in such a short time, you have also given us so many gifts back. We look forward to what 2013 will bring for us, for you, and for all others in your life.

We promise to be the best parents that we can for you. Every day is a journey, one foot in front of the other...and we will never stop .

Love you more than anything, love you more than everything...

Mommy & Daddy