Letters to the Boys

The day before I gave birth to Jackson I wrote him a letter. I wanted him to know how much I loved him before I had even seen him. It was a tradition that I wanted to do with all my kids. I was going to write my letter to Duke a week before I was due, but Duke wanted to come early. So, I was unable to write my letter to him then, so I wanted to write it now so he had a letter like his brother. Below is my letter to Jackson that I wrote two years ago and my letter to Duke.

Jackson,
Well, I have been carrying you in my belly for almost 9 months now. What a roller coaster it has been! I remember the day I found out I was going to be a mom. I took a pregnancy test hoping it would tell me what I wanted to know. I had to wait 2 minuets for the results (it felt like forever). Then I saw it, two pink lines! You were inside me. I ran outside to tell your dad, waving the test in the air. Your dad was shocked. He couldn't believe that it happened so fast. To tell you the truth I was surprised myself. We were so excited to tell our family about our little bundle of joy. A few weeks later I started to get sick. Really sick. I was told that this is just what happened when someone is pregnant. I am surprised you grew so well when all I ate was saltines and PowerAde. Luckily three months later I started feeling a lot better and soon I began to grow a little belly. As you grew, I grew, and now I am huge! You are such a big, strong boy. You kick me so hard sometimes that I jump, even when I am sleeping. Your favorite time to kick me is at about 6 o'clock in the morning. It is such a blessing to feel you move and grow inside me. Soon you will be out of my belly and there are a few things that I want you to know.
First, your father and I love you very much. We can't wait to see you grow and become the wonderful man we know you can be. Watch your Dad closely he is an amazing man. He will teach you how to work hard and be honest. He will be an example of how you should love the Lord, and your family, and serve them always. Please know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and I hope and pray that you will always stay close to him. I know that life is hard sometimes, but know that Heavenly Father is always there for you, all you have to do is ask. Your father and I are also here, you can tell us anything. We will try our best to be good parents and give you everything that you need. We are not perfect (actually far from it) but we will try our best. Jackson, please follow your dreams. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough or that you can't achieve something. Follow your heart, trust in the Lord, and always remember I love you.
Mommy

Duke,
My little love bug, you are so special. I think that you were just so excited to come to earth and start your journey that you came three weeks early. What a blessing you have been to our family. You are such a happy baby with so much love! I love to stare at you while you are eating, you are just so beautiful. When you came out and struggled with the jaundice and the weight gain all I could do was hold you close to me and cry. But you were strong, you stood your ground and you were determined to make it. You love to be held and as your daddy says, "You only have eyes for your mommy." You are always looking around exploring all that is around you. Always keep that curiosity, and thirst for knowledge. Follow the example of your daddy and gain all the knowledge that you can. Work hard in school and at work so you can feel productive and successful. I can already tell that you love your brother. You love to watch him play and talk. I hope that you will be close to him, he loves you very much and is always concerned about where you are and if you are okay. If mommy is ever not paying attention Jackson will let mommy know what you need. He will be a good friend to you. Duke, we wanted to give you a strong middle name like your brother. Your dad and I tried to think of someone we loved and wanted you to be like. That is why your middle name is James after your papa T. He is a strong, humble man. He is fun to be around and always shows love for others. (He isn't too good at UNO, but we will just have to hope that you have daddy's skills.) Stay close to your papa and learn all you can from him. He has made you daddy the man he is and I would be honored to have you be just like them. Read your scriptures, and say your prayers and the spirit will be with you when mommy and daddy can't be. I am so glad that you are mine for all eternity.
I love you.
Mommy