A granddaughter at last!

Well, Paula, your granddaughter is on her way. From you I hope she inherits and learns hospitality, grace, thoughtfulness, and generosity, since those are some of the things you have shown me. I am overwhelmed by the miracle of being married to a man who is perfect for me, by carrying a child who is the culmination of a lifetime of daydreams and plans, and by the blessing of being part of this family. The love and support and genuine excitement everyone has is such a gift. It was so fun to imagine everyone's faces and squeals when we announced we were having a daughter, and then for the actual experience to be even better than my imagination. Thank you for caring.

We have decided on a middle name for Amelia. Bryan and I started falling in love during a series of epic e-mails we wrote each other while he was in Paris. He also sent me sunflowers with a note that said, "Pour le soleil! De la terre," which is French meaning, "For the sun, from the earth." We continued this metaphor with a picture of sun and earth sewn onto his tie for the wedding, and of course the sunflowers at the wedding as well. One of the best ways we can raise Amelia to be a whole, confident, loving woman, is to love each other, so we are giving her a piece of our romance. She will be called Amelia Soleil Gough. She is already the brightest spot in our world.

Our family is a family of celebration. I am looking forward to many years of holidays, birthdays, showers, anniversaries, and get-togethers for no particular reason. Amelia is a lucky little girl to be born into such a family, and I can't wait to see how the boys react to her tiny feminine self. I know parenthood will not be easy, but it will be rich and full and easier than it would be without you.

I love you Paula.

Rachel