Dear Baby,
It's been just a few days since we found out about you joining our family. I was almost nervous to find out whether we were expecting, because I knew I would be disappointed if we weren't. But God was gracious to me and granted me my heart's desire: He gave me you. You know, it seems like I think about you all the time. Dad is so excited, too. You are blessed to have a dad who thinks of you as a blessing and as a gift of God; who considers it an honor to be a father. He asks about you constantly.

What a family you have joined! Your brothers and sisters are happy about your coming. Already you have so many people who love you and can't wait to see you. Sadly, it is not like that for every baby. God has been good to you. We love you dearly. But love without commitment is meaningless. So I want you to know that we are committed to you. It doesn't matter whether you are a boy or girl. It doesn't matter whether you are sick or healthy. It doesn't matter what kind of personality you have.

We are committed to you because you are a McDermott. You are part of this family. You are one of us. We are committed to meeting your needs. Not only your physical needs, but your needs of support and encouragement and companionship. No matter how old you are, you never need to feel alone! We want you to be happy. We are committed to teaching you about God. We want you to know Him and what He has done for you. We want your goals, desires, passions, and principles to be fueled by your love for God.

Life without God is without meaning or purpose. Without God, there is no hope for the future. We want God to look upon you and say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant." And when the time comes for us to leave this earth - whether together or one by one - we want to be together in heaven. We want to spend eternity with you. What a joyous time that will be! Finally, I want you to know how much God loves you. I want you to feel and understand His deep, never ending, sacrificial love for YOU. Things may change around us, but He does not. Our love may not be perfect, but His always is. He is a good GOD. So, my little one, may God be with you, watch over you, and protect you. I commit you to His care, for you are safe within His hands. We pray for your daily. And we look forward to the time when we can celebrate what will truly be your first birthday. -Love, Mom