Bellamy Jean

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As I'm sure all of you that actually take the time to read this blog know, the last three weeks of our lives has been filled with moments of sheer joy as we have welcomed little Bellamy Jean into our lives as well as times of deep mourning as we have said goodbye to my dad. Each day still brings new challenges, but we have been blessed with amazing family and friends that we know will continue to be here for us and we so appreciate.

I struggled with whether to talk about this on our blog -- usually a place of celebration. But then I thought it was only appropriate as my dad was probably the most loyal follower of our comings and goings. This blog serves as a public and private record of our lives where we have shared many highs and lows through the last three years. And we don't want to forget the moments to celebrate even in these difficult times. We are celebrating that Dad was able to "meet" Bellamy via Skype the day before he passed away. We celebrate that he got what he wanted -- a grand daughter that he said he was afraid to tell me he wanted because he didn't want to jinx it. And I will always celebrate the conversation he had with Todd in that week -- telling him how much he will love being the father to a little girl.

And so we move not on, but forward. As we navigate through our new lives we are comforted by those around us who have been supportive beyond words and by two little lives that remind us just how precious each day is. Dad is present with us each day -- we see him in Will's playful spirit and he has smiled at us through Bellamy even in these early weeks. And we know that he is watching, making sure that his little farmer and new little baby girl are being treated right.

Love you Dad.