November 11, 2016

Dear children,

You are not yet in our lives, and to be honest, we are not sure if you ever will be. There is a lot about our lives right now that we are not sure of. We don’t know how to refinance a loan, we don’t know how much to put into our 401k, and we certainly don’t know the answer to the dreaded question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Would Mommy go back to get her PhD if you are born? Where should we raise you? How much does a crib cost? We are still young, 27 and 28, and we still have so much more of life to figure out. But given recent global events, and the chance you could show up in 9 short months, we wanted to share with you what we do know.

We know that you will be raised in a house of laughter, and we will smile every day. We know you will push our buttons, just as we will most certainly push yours. We know that we will play baseball, build puzzles and watch cartoons with you. We know that you will experience, but are not defined by failure. We know that you will be afraid, but will match it with bravery and strength. We know what names we would like for you to have. We know we will love you unconditionally.

The world can be a very scary place, but there is always good. For every villain, there is a hero. For every death, there is new life. For all the hate, there is love.

Remember that love is not a word, or an action, but a way of life. We love and accept you- whether we ever meet you or not.

- Mom and Dad