Dear Paige,

You have now been in this world for a full day.  Although you seemed reluctant to join us, we're glad you're here.  I know the world seems big, scary, with insurmountable problems -  sometimes it is.  There is also a lot of beauty, kindness, and love. 

I'm going to talk to you about your daddy.  Nothing against your mama; I just don't know her very well.  Your dad and I, we work together.  He's been with our company exactly one year longer than I have.  He's good people.

Your daddy was very excited about you.  When he shared the news with us he was grinning from ear to ear.  He has spent the months since reading about pregnancy (he knows more about it than at least one of his female co-workers (not this one!)) and shopping for baby things.  Little girl, you have been loved since the moment you were known.  Remember this always.

Now, some advice for dealing with your dad.  He likes schedules.  He does not like things that don't go according to schedule.  You can either a.) learn to live by his schedule, or b.)  teach him to not worry about the schedule quite so much.  Trust me, Option A will be much easier on you. 

Your dad will be very overprotective.  At times you will find his level of protectiveness stifling.  (Trust me; my own dad is a cop.  I know from overprotective fathers.)  Remember that he does this out of love, and the desire to keep you safe and happy at all times.   He will do his best to protect you from all injury (physical and emotional); the most difficult lesson for him to learn (and learn it he must) is that he can't. 

Remember that your father's taste in music is suspect.  (Dude, Clay Aiken?)  Follow your mother's lead on that one.

As for me, well, you should treat me kindly and with respect.  I know several cute boys around your age, which won't matter to you for a few years, but in time will be very important.  We have the boy with the horses, the German boy, and the boy who won't actually join us until April.  If those don't work, I'll keep my eyes open. 

Little girl, I hope you always find beauty and happiness.