For years, I have often broken down in prayer asking why I was having to go through so many tribulations – while watching others (and still being extremely happy for them all the while) be blessed with new life in their families. Whether adopted or naturally conceived, children were coming into the lives of my family and friends while I was having to overcome personal battles that I wouldn’t ask anyone else to endure. While I happily play the role of the fun and crazy uncle (honorary or otherwise), I couldn’t help but wonder at times what the Lord had in store for me when it came to my own family.

Elizabeth Wray, there is no doubt that your entrance into our lives will change the way we operate on the daily – but in just about every aspect, that will be an amazing thing. I already thrive on a lack of sleep, so no biggie there… nevertheless, I hope you have your mother’s ability to sleep and sleep well!

The world that you are about to experience is one that is filled with blessings and challenges. There are days when there aren’t enough words to console those around us, and yet there are also days when we can’t stop smiling and laughing at what happened to us that day. I can only hope that your presence in this world will bring incredible joy to those who get to meet you, and that you manage to snag a bit of the good in both of your parents (but most certainly more of your mother’s, since she manages to rise above the madness with only a Starbucks in her hand).

We are about three months away from you gracing us with your arrival, and time can’t go by fast enough for me. I willingly embrace all the challenges that will come with being a girl dad, and can only hope that I live up to some of the expectations that I set for myself when it comes to being your father.