Russell Baby

There we were, back in early January. I blogged about my cousin Kristi being pregnant. The news was kind of a mixed bag of emotions for us at the time--we were obviously ecstatic that Kristi and Joe had overcome some similar fertility issues as us and had conceived, yet it didn't make our lack of success any easier to take.

Today, my late Uncle Mike's baby becomes a mother. This is one of those times that it makes his untimely death seem that much more unfair. I know in my heart that God has a plan much greater than ours, but my mind can't help but think what a wacky and goofy smile would be on his face if he were here and I saw him tonight at the hospital. He'd be beaming for the next month--if not more. I know it. Grandson #3--heck, he'd be 1/3 way to a baseball team!

Micah Shaun Caples.....in a few days, your grandaddy would've had a birthday. One day, your mom will show you pictures, and tell you how hard it was to tell him goodbye when she was only 17 years old. And hopefully you will soon understand that your grandfather saw you being born, and was just as proud, even though he wasn't at the hospital.

For now, you have a family that can't wait to see you. There's your Uncle Steve, and your cousins Austin and Matthew. And "uncle" Eric and "aunt" Leah, who are having a son in a short time. We've already talked about how we can't wait to watch the two of you grow up together, and hope that you become big buddies.

We'll definitely take care of you, little man. Your grandaddy wouldn't have had it any other way.