Dear Henry

Something funny happened the moment I got pregnant with you, son–time slowed down and sped up all at once. I feel like I’ve “known” you forever. I feel like we’ve been talking about you, planning for you, waiting for you for an eternity. Yet, it also seems like just yesterday we were seeing the first little flickers of your beating heart on the ultrasound screen. We had a whole list of things we wanted to do and get accomplished before you arrived, and it seemed like we had plenty of time, and then suddenly we were counting down the hours and minutes and heading to the hospital. I couldn’t wait to finally hold you in my arms, and your Daddy couldn’t wait to bring both of us home.

Your sister Cadence has been dying to meet you. She’s been crossing days off her calendar since we first told her about you just before Christmas. She said from the very beginning that she wanted a little brother, and she has very big plans for you. You are already so incredibly loved, little man. I can’t even tell you how much.

We can’t wait to see what life has in store for you. We can’t wait to see your little personality begin to emerge. Every day, at least once a day, Cadence will sit and gaze at you and say, “I wonder what Henry is going to be like when he grows up. I love him so much.” She can’t wait to see you every morning when she wakes up. She kisses you on her way out the door, as soon as she gets home, as many times as she can throughout the evening, and at least three times before she goes to bed.

Your arrival was as quick and effortless as your sister’s was dramatic. I wonder if your birth will foreshadow your emerging personality the way Cadence’s has. She our little Energizer Bunny, a force of nature all her own. She hasn’t stopped moving since she erupted into our lives after three chaotic days in the hospital. It’s still very early, but I can already see that you are strong and determined and undeniably sweet. And when I see you open those big, dark eyes and gaze quietly around the room, I can tell that you are going to be just as observant as your big sister (and, quite possibly, a whole lot quieter).

I have to admit, I was a little scared at first, when we found out we were adding to our family. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to love you enough. I couldn’t imagine how another child would fit into our family dynamic. But somehow, you always fit. Somehow, it was as if there was a space for you all along and we were just waiting for you to fill it.

It has been 10 days since you joined us on the outside, 10 days since you slipped quietly into our lives and the funny thing is, it’s already getting hard to remember what life was like without you in it.

Welcome to the family Henry Wayne Romano. We love you more than you may ever know. You have no idea what sort of craziness you’re getting into. I can guarantee it’s going to be one helluva ride. But we’re all in it together, and that’s all that really matters.