Little Katie,
Welcome to our family, dearest one. Before you were born, I wrote to you about how I have looked forward to you and prayed for you. I tried to prepare your Daddy that when your Momma was born, she stole my heart, and I expected you would do the same with him.
I am pretty sure you have.
And from the moment I first saw you, I have been overwhelmed.
Overwhelmed by love and joy.
We saw your Momma a few hours before you were born. She reminded me very much of your Grandma before your Momma and your Uncle Daniel were born. It was the first indication of being overwhelmed as I am so proud of your Momma and love her very much.
Later, we were all waiting for you - Nana, Grandma, MaMaw, and me. We were all anxious and couldn't sit still with the excitement. The waiting room played a little lullaby each time a baby was born, and when we knew it was close to your time to come and we heard the music, we all jumped and ran to the hall hoping to see you. But we had to wait a little while longer.
Finally, your Daddy announced your arrival - Catherine "Katie" Rachel Riddle. (I rememberer when your Momma was born, I walked out to the waiting room where your great-grandparents waited and told them. 33 years later, your Daddy was able to tell us with his smartphone. Someday, when the next generation comes, how will their arrival be announced?)
We held you the next day, sharing time with each other as well as sharing the joy. Preciousness in my arms and in my hands. Overwhelmed again.
Your Momma liked to be sung to when she was little, so I sang to you one of her favorite songs. I'm sorry I couldn't finish it, but my heart was so overwhelmed with love and joy that my voice could not continue. We'll have lots of moments for songs.
It was such a joy to see you come home with Momma & Daddy, to take you out of your car seat, and to see you in your Momma's arms.
When your Momma and Uncle were born, I can remember telling others that their birth made it a joy to be alive. Thank you, little Katie, for reminding me of overwhelming joy and love.
We prayed over you and your Momma and Daddy when you came home. Our prayer to our Father was a thank you for delivering you, a precious gift, for taking care of your Momma while you were born, and for your Daddy who is caring for all of you. We prayed that our Father will give your Momma and Daddy wisdom, to give all of you those special moments of rest and peace, to send your Momma and Daddy mentors that they can look to, and who will provide wise words and encouragement, and we asked that our Father's blessings will pour down upon your family and will give all of you a multitude of years of joy.
It was hard to leave you and go back home, but God sent me an encouragement from a friend, reminding me of how God has blessed us through you and how you have reminded us of how good it is to be overwhelmed.
Love you, my little one.
Always.
PaPaw
