Turner, you are already such a blessing to so many people especially to your family and that was evident in your second visit with your PJ.  It was obvious that the two of you did not miss a beat from the time you had been apart.  Even if you wouldn’t sit as still for him while he read to you as you did last time, it was fun to watch the two of you interact, play together and take a nice walk around the neighborhood.  He loves you so much and you look so much like him which doesn’t surprise me since I look so much like him.

Though it’s been great to see the interaction you have with others, there is nothing like seeing a boy and his dog together and every time we are together the first thing you do when we get out of the car is run to the back door to see your buddy Max.  You two are so comfortable with one another.  You are not intimidated by his size at all and he is so calm around you.  It really is wonderful to see how well the two of you have bonded so early.  I can’t wait to see how your relationship with Max will grow throughout the years to come.  I should document and call it “The Chronicles of Turner and Max” as I’m sure you will have many adventures together.

Turner, you are the greatest thing I have done in this life and words cannot express how wonderful it is to be your father.  I love everything about you.  From your toothy, drooly smile, to your serious face you make when you are trying to figure something out.  Everything about you is a blessing.  Your raspy voice, your bubbly laugh, your belly-leading walk, and how you post on your head and toes.  I can’t imagine any disappointment that you could ever bring me.  That’s how awesome you are!  I hope you don’t mind the Easter seersucker I put you in but it’s a Helveston tradition and I think you pull it off better than I did anyway.  I can’t wait till our next day together.  To be able to make new memories with you, hear your first words, throw the ball with you, chasing after you as you laugh.  But most of all I can’t wait to see what God’s plan for you and us will be.  I know that He has truly blessed both of us buddy and His plan for us will be great.  I love you so much son!

Love,
Daddy (Jake)

I remember the daddy date nights, pulling your baby teeth, the silly and sarcastic jokes we used to laugh at, the over analyzing of movies, that wonderful trip to Houston, your high school and college graduation, and of course your wedding day. A dad holds tight to those unique and special memories. I truly savor each stage or your life. Through it you have deeply changed me. When I first became your dad I truly was clueless as to how to be a father. Yet you were so loyal to me. You in your own way were so patient and respectful even though in many ways I didn't deserve it. I can take inventory of our time together and ache over the many ways I have failed and hurt you. I wish I was a better dad for you when you were growing up, but by God's grace you turned out to be a fantastic young woman. 

So today, I said goodbye - again. Why is life so full of goodbyes? I used to say goodbye when I went to work, went on a business trip or went to the hardware store. Then you became a teen and you were saying goodbye to me as you went out with your friends, took mission trips and youth retreats. Then it was college and you were out of the house. The goodbyes were you going to Columbia or after I left your dorm room. After that it was me saying goodbye to you on your wedding day. That goodbye was like giving up a piece of my heart. My little girl was grown up and no longer my little girl anymore. Today, I say goodbye and not only see you off to somewhere half way across the country, it's saying goodbye to any piece of the life at home we once had. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's what I feel. 

"Tell me why, is it so? Don't want to let you go. I never can say goodbye, girl..." 

I know that this is a breakup/love song, but for some reason this song rang in my head today. Yes, it's little Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 but did you know that it was written by Clifton Davis of "That's My Momma" fame? You know your dad always has some useless trivia about everything stuck in his head. I guess it's one of those things you've tolerated through the years. That's what is one of your amazing gifts is the graciousness to see and appreciate another person. Anyway, I guess deep down I'll never truly say goodbye to you. We'll still talk weekly on the phone. We can still root together for the Sharks and talk about the latest movies. But even deeper, I look forward to spending eternity with you. You can sit with me and tell me all of your experiences and all the people you have touched while I can sit joyfully enjoying the beauty of your soul. 

The apostle John said it this way: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea." 

No longer any sea is a big deal here. John was exiled on the island of Patmos. He was separated from the ones he loved by a body of water. Heaven to him was "no sea"; no separation. I really look forward to that day. I'll be singing "Never Can Say Goodbye" to you. 

Love, 
Dad (James Nakamura)

Everyday the past three weeks you have brought your mommy and me so much joy...I'm sure you couldn't tell at all with all the camera flashes in your face. But you have made us more than just happy parents. Glori, you have also already taught your dad something really important. The moment you came into the world you helped me to rediscover something that I easily forget all the time.

You see your daddy is a pastor. So I can easily get caught up focusing on all the bad stuff in this world. I don't know why we do that, but we do. Things like sin, death, and conflict often have our full attention (unfortunately you'll learn a lot about these things). There are a lot of evil and difficult things about this life. And I guess I just think it is important to be honest about them. But sometimes I focus on them way too much and forget something. I forget the very thing that you reminded me of the moment you were born, the second I heard you cry, and the instant I held you in my very tired arms three weeks ago...this is a good world. 

This place we call home is beautiful and inspiring. It has powerful oceans and peaceful breezes. We've got beaches, shave ice, wood-fire pizzas, all kinds of animals, iPhones, all sorts of people, the Oakland A's, dear friends, family, purpose and meaning, morning walks and cups of coffee, and a wonderful loving God who gives life to everything. In fact, it's all good because he made it that way.

Just like he made you.
And now you're in this world too. 
This is definitely a good place.

The moment you came into this world, that's what you told me. So right before your first nap, that's what I told you. Without even realizing it. Without planning it. I leaned in to your hospital crib and gentle whispered in your newborn ear, "welcome to this wonderful world my sweet little girl." And that's exactly what it is. That's exactly who you are. And I can't wait to show you more.

Loving you...
Daddy (Jason)

When you were awake you were so happy running around the house looking out the window at your buddy Max.  I can’t wait for the time you and he can interact together because I know it’s going to be great.  You already have both taken so well to one another that it’s going to be a great bond as you grow older. He is just a little too big right now for y’all to be around one another so much but looking through the window and you trying to communicate with him was priceless.

You and I also had a great time as I ran at you down the hall and you got so tickled at how I was acting.  I love your laugh so much that there is no limit to the goofiness that I will make myself look or act as long as it makes you happy.  You also had a joyful time in your crib bouncing on the mattress and just enjoying going back and forth in it.  Turner, I have never seen such a pleasant child who just enjoys walking around, playing with his toys and is just content in every way.  You never seem to be upset except for when I’m trying to wipe your face or feed you when you’ve felt that you’ve had enough, but you hardly ever cry and are just so content with being with me that it breaks my heart when our time is over.  But that also makes our time so special Turner. I cherish every moment that I am with you and thank God for every second we have together. I can’t wait for the next time we are together and we make new memories together as father and son.  You are so precious to me and I love you very much.

Love,
Daddy (Jake)

Any day now, we'll rush to the hospital.
Any day now, I'll get to hold you for the first time (and give your mommy her first break).
Any day now, we'll see who gave you your nose, eyes, and hair.
Any day now, I'll start tucking you in at night.
Any day now, I'll start buying way too many dolls.
Any day now, we'll start watching you grow. 
Any day now, my favorite color will change.
Any day now, I'll start blessing you every night.
Any day now, I'll start reading you stories...and making some up as I go.
Any day now, I'll be installing a gun rank in our Jeep Patriot.
Any day now, I'll be researching colleges.
Any day now, boys will become the enemy.
Any day now, we'll stop sleeping in.
Any day now, I'll be saying things like "ahhh" and "cute" way more than I ever thought.
Any day now, there will be another girl in the house.
Any day now, I'll start worrying about you.
Any day now, I'll be wrapped around your finger.
Any day now, I'll start telling you about Jesus, church, the Oakland A's, coffee, and Apple.
Any day now, a lot of things will change.
Any day now, I'll be loving you still.
Cause any day now, daddy gets to meet his little girl.

Can you tell? 
I can't wait for you to show up Glori Girl.

Loving you...
Daddy (Jason)

You are really going to love baby showers someday. But until then I thought I would let you know what I learned. Remember? This was my very first one. So here are the four things you should know about baby showers...

#1 Baby Showers are for girls. Like I already said, I really, really, really had a great time at this party. No question. I loved everything about it. But I now understand why boys don't usually get invited. The ooos and ahhs that come after each present is opened can be a bit overwhelming of us. Boys can only take so much of that; especially when that pair of sounds is quickly followed by a question (which isn't really a question) like "how cuuute?!" See what I mean?

#2 You don't (usually) get wet. For the longest time whenever I heard the term "Baby Shower" I immediately thought about water and somebody getting soaked. But the word "shower" has other meanings I guess; like how we were "showered" with love by our friends. Yeah, that sounds right. But hey, I make no promises...I've only been to one.

#3 They serve snacks, not meals. It is important for you to understand that food is viewed very differently between boys and girls. For most boys, meals by definition include meat. If there is no meat, it's a snack. Showers serve snacks....just to be clear.

#4 You are loved. Above anything and everything else, Glori Girl, I realized how loved you are. There are so many people who can't wait to meet you, hold you, tell you about Jesus, read you stories, change your diapers, and have you over for play dates (which is very different from another meaning for date that little girls can't experience until they are 42 years-old and have their daddy's written permission). You are loved, not just by mommy, not just by daddy, but by a whole bunch of wonderful people. Our love for you is first. You don't have to do anything. We all just love you. Just like that. Already. Now. Without reservations. Before we meet you. Without questions. With no requirements. And there's nothing you can do about it. You are loved. 

What better proof is there than a party for you before you were even born?

Loving you...
Daddy (Jason)

Jadon, you are my first son. You love it when I throw you up in the air. I even started to hang you upside down by grabbing your ankles. I never knew a boy could laugh so hard. When you wake up, you are so stoked on life. You push Daddy to do the same.

You both are pretty young right now. Mommy and Daddy don't sleep that much, but it's cool. You both are more than worth it. But I think you both need to know something that is very important to me. There is no way that I can begin to predict the path for each of your lives. I wish I could tell you what you will be doing twenty years from now. I wish I could stop all the bad days that you will face. But I just can't. I'm pretty young too, so I still have a lot to learn. But only one thing has proven to really last...

I know you already know about God. Moriah, I like to think that you see Him whenever you look up over my head, smile, and clap your hands. I think you are praising God. He is the one who makes you feel better when something hurts or when you feel lonely. Especially, when Mommy and Daddy can’t be there for you, we know God is. Jadon, God is the One who made you.  When you were in Mommy's tummy, He is the One who thought you were wonderful. He stitched your personality to be a blessing to your parents.  He is the One who made you feel love and peace. He still does. I think that is what makes you so happy.

If there is one thing that I could tell you to do, if I could urge you to do anything, it would be this...to love Him back and to do what He says because He cares for you. He is the only One that will be able to meet every single need you will have. Before you were born, He decided to do something pretty amazing. He decided to be a baby just like you two. He came so you would know that His love isn't just words or nice thoughts. He came so that you both could get to know Him...so you could be close to Him, closer than you are to your Mommy and Daddy.

My hope is you decide to get to know Him earlier than your daddy. That is what I ask him for.  Jesus changed your Daddy's life when he was 18.  It is hard to explain, you just need to experience it yourself.  I am asking God to get your attention every day.  

I really don't care about what you will do for a living. I don't care if you will be rich or poor, whether you will be star athletes or straight A students. The truth is those things aren't important. What matters is that you know God for yourselves. I believe everything else will fall into place. He will show you how to live. His love will carry you through everything, no matter how bad or good it might get.

And when Daddy has to go to heaven one day, I want to make sure you will be there with me.  

I know this is a lot to take in at such a young age, but know that I love you both more than words can express. I know you will make mistakes. I know you will have good days and bad days. Just know your Daddy will be there every step of the way. I couldn't ask for greater kids. You both have been the greatest blessing in my life.



I love you,
Daddy (Justin Nelson)

“Why am I here?" 
”Why is it so cold?”  
“What are you?”  
”Where am I?”  
”Who woke me up?”  
“Can I go back?”

I had no answers, but I knew that leading you on this adventure was gonna be exciting.

I also remember the love that your mommy had for you immediately after you were born. She loves you so much, Soleil! She was so happy to meet you and, I’ll have you know, is one of the best mommies around.  She takes great care of you.  I love watching the two of you play around when I get home from work.  It’s one of the best things in the world.

Today, Soleil, you turn 1 year old. Your mommy and I are looking forward to getting to know you more and to loving you more and to introducing you to all kinds of amazing things and people. Here are some examples:  my chili, mommy’s cornbread, Thanksgiving dinner, cutting down a Christmas tree, your daddy’s dad, your daddy’s grandma, the Vogels in Seattle, Disneyland, puppies, peanut M&M’s, fluffy unicorns, and so many other things!

There are also some things and people in this world, Soleil, that are not exciting. There are things like hunger, where people do not or cannot eat food and homelessness, where people do not have a crib to sleep in or even a house to sleep in. There are orphans, babies who do not have mommies or daddies, because they died, were sick, or did not want babies. There are things like sadness. Sometimes, it’s when some people do things that do not make sense and hurt other people. Other times, it seems as if there is no reason why sadness needs to exist. All these things, Soleil, is because of sin. People are not perfect creations, though they were meant to be. The world is not perfect, or as it should be. But one day, things will change.

One day, we want to introduce you to our King. His name is Jesus. He is God. It might not make complete sense to you today, at 1 year old, but your mommy and I pray that one day it will. You see, Jesus came into the world just like you did: as a little baby. He grew up, like I hope you will grow up. Then, Jesus was put on a cross, died, and was buried. But something magnificent happened, Soleil. Three days later, Jesus was no longer dead. He came back to life. When He did that, He proved that He could fix everything that was wrong with the world. Evil was not the eternal future of the world. It would be good. All because of Jesus. Until He comes back, though, people like your mommy and I are doing our best to serve Him.

This means that we look each other. This means that we take care of you. This means that we tell other people about Jesus. This means that we use the money that God has given us to try to help as many people as we can, in the name of Jesus. Because all of us were created in the image of God, Soleil. That makes every person, every baby that is born, special.

Today is your 1 year old birthday, Soleil. I do not want us to just celebrate your life. I want us to celebrate the Life that Jesus offers to anyone who believes in His name. God loves you and did more than I ever could. He died, so that if you believe, you could live forever with Him. I cannot do that, Soleil. You will turn to me to do amazing things for you, but I will always fail you. I will be the best daddy I know how to be, but I know that I will fail you.

That’s okay, though.

Soleil, there’s a better Daddy than me. One day, you’ll meet Him. I can’t wait for that. I pray for that every single day of my life. Until then, you and your mommy and I will have some of the greatest adventures ever! I can’t wait to get back home and celebrate your birthday with you! 

I love you.
your daddy (Tony Cruz)

• Kali, you are 4 years old and want to do everything that you see your big sister do. You are very opinionated already! Everyone tells me that you are the one that’s going to cause me trouble with the boys! But they don’t know how much you love your Daddy. And no boy can shake us. You say the funniest things! Your mom and I laugh all the time at the stuff you come up with. Especially when you can’t say it without putting your hands on your hips. You are precious to me! You are forever more, my “Little Bug.”
• Josiah, you are 2 and there is nothing you can’t turn into a weapon! I asked God for a little boy and I got every bit of it in you! Much to my surprise though, you took longer than your sisters in warming up to me. But we’re definitely making up for lost time now. I can already see such potential in you. You have a good heart. And a strong, but sensitive spirit. When you grow up, we’re going to be best friends!
• Elijah, you’re just a baby, dude! But you are at the “fun” baby stage. You can roll over, and you smile and laugh all the time. You and I became fast buddies. I love the way you smile up at me when you realize I’m around you. You have a look about you of an “old soul.” Women at church can’t seem to put you down. You are surrounded by a brother and sisters who adore you.

You’re all so young still, and our house is full of crazy activity all day long. But your Mom and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We love watching all four of you growing up together. At this point in your lives, you may not appreciate some of the things we do, but our love for you is unshakeable, and we delight in each of you in your own uniqueness. We know that you will make us so proud in your own ways, and we are honored to be your parents.

Though you had no choice in the matter, thank you for being my kids. I promise to give you the best of my life, and to help you be everything that God created you to be. I cannot begin to tell you how much more you’ve taught me about our heavenly Father. And it is my pleasure to teach you about Him as well. I’ll write to each of you again soon.

All my heart,
Daddy (John Markum)