I just got home from such a beautiful baby shower. I feel, oh, so incredibly LOVED and BLESSED. I will post pictures when I get them, but for now I don't have any. I decided to go and just let those around me take the photos, so I could visit and enjoy the day as much as I could. But let me just tell you that it was the most detailed and special and beautiful shower ever! My friends Pam, Nicole, Barbara, and Sheila put it on for me, along with the help from Stephanie and Crystal. It was a huge undertaking, which they created the perfect day for me. Thank you to all who came! My heart is full of thankfulness. Not only have you blessed us with your love, support, prayers, and blessings....but, wow, we are feeling set with the practicals too! What generosity! And, again, I cannot wait to post pictures!
But I wanted to at least post the letter that was read, that Caleb wrote to our little girl. It is so Caleb...a mix of tenderness and humor. I love him. And I love the way he loves her already. Oh, it is only a short time til we meet her...and we are counting down the days.
Dear Firstborn daughter from the family of Barnes,
"I am your father" (Darth Vader Voice). As your earthly father, the Good Lord has entrusted me to protect and provide for you during the first part of your life, which has already begun. I will tell you right now that, as you grow up in the world we live in now, you are safe because your daddy will take care of you. I will neutralize any threat that poses a danger to you as long as Jesus gives me the strength to do so.
I am so excited to see you face to face, and whether you take after your mother or me, you will be beautiful. The odds are, you will have dark hair and blue eyes and be athletic and smart. I am already preparing to scare off boys who think you're pretty. Don't worry though little girl, I'll only scare off boys that aren't good enough.
As we anxiously await your arrival your mother and I often daydream about the girl you will be and the woman you will become. You are very blessed because your mom is the wisest and most caring person I know. She loves the Lord more than anyone, as do I, and together we will introduce you to HIM. You will grow up in a family with limited earning potential and worldly wealth; however, our family will be rich in love. We will teach you how to live in a way that pleases God. Your mother and I have already been blessed by your life. These last quiet days before your birth are now more precious than they would've been otherwise. Please don't cry when I hold you, it might hurt my feelings.
As we daydream about your personality, your mom thinks that you will take after me and be a little reckless and somewhat of a risk taker. If you are that's ok because I'll be looking out for you. I think that you will take after your mom and be very smart and kind. We will love you no matter what your strengths and weaknesses are. It would be nice if you liked to play tennis though, because your dad is pretty good and needs a little competition. No offense Julie.
Here's the deal, the Barnes' are fun. You will grown up having a good time. We have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus and because of this fact we live in freedom and we are free indeed. We are not stuffy, or self righteous, or slaves to anything or anyone except Christ. Because of this we typically always enjoy ourselves in spite of our circumstance, and we will show you how too. Be ready to come into this world knowing that fun and games are in your future. Your dad never gets tired of playing games, or singing. I will teach you how to sing with a southern twang. It's in your blood. Your mom actually is not a fan of when I do those kinds of voices but that's what makes it so funny. I also love to watch animated movies but I have been waiting for you to get here so we can cuddle on the couch and eat banana chips together.
And in closing I want to stress the most important thing to you. The fact that you are coming into this world means that God has a purpose for you. You may not know what that is for a while and your mom and I may not know either, but God knows. Follow Him all the days of your life. I pray now that God gives your mother and me the wisdom to raise you in a way that glorifies Him. I pray that you come into this world loving God and that your love grows every day. We already love you so much and are so thankful to God for blessing us with you. See you in a few weeks.
Love, Dad
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