Dec 20, 2001

Dear Brieanna,

Your sister was born today, at 12:22 this afternoon. She is healthy and beautiful. Melanie's waters broke last night, but we waited until this morning to go to the hospital. When Melanie went first went in, she was only slightly dilated to about 3 cm, after only about 20 minutes she started complaining about the pain of the contractions, and then told me that she felt the urge to push. I ran and told the nurses, and they scrambled to get the doctor. The baby came shortly after. Melanie had no anesthesia, and was in a lot of pain, but has recovered more quickly than from her other pregnancies.

The baby was very blue when she came out, and now is a bright pink. We haven't named the baby yet. I spent all the rest of the day with Melanie. I love this new baby. With each of my children, starting with you, I make a promise to them as I hold them for the first time. I promise to love them, to care for them, to teach them, and to try to be the best father that I can be. I feel grateful to God, who has so richly blessed me.

I think this new baby will be hardest on Seth, who has been the baby for these last 3 years. I think that he will adjust. I wish you were here so that you could know your sister.

My sweet, you are especially on my mind as always this Christmas season. This Jan 2, marks 4 years since you were taken from us. I often wonder if you remember us.

Love,

Daddy.