Dearest Harper,
Val and Jeremy are some of the most amazing people we know. Val is Daddy's cousin, and Jeremy is her husband. They got married in 1998, and at the wedding was where I met a lot of Daddy's family for the first time. Over time Daddy and I grew closer and closer with them, mainly because we had the same struggle with infertility and bonded over that awful gift. Opening up to each other about that allowed us to open us to each other about everything, and now, as Val put it the last time we saw them, we're life family who are also best friends.
Daddy and I chose Val and Jeremy to be your Godparents because we knew they'd be absolutely perfect. They are loving and kind and generous and fun and spiritual and appreciative of the beauty the world has to offer, all while hugely contributing to it themselves. They are smart and funny and witty and sassy and sarcastic and find humor in most everything. They've traveled, they've seen things, they've done things, they've spread messages of tolerance and love, they've lived life, they have experiences under their belts. If anything ever happens to Daddy or me, they are exactly the kind of people we want to raise you, because we know they'll do an amazing job. They have lots and lots of love to give, lots and lots of life to share, and what better people to have in your life than that?
So in July of 2014, Daddy and I traveled to the Central Coast (That's where they live. It's about 5 hours away from Sacramento, where we live.) and, as we called it, popped the question to them. They had no idea it was coming, and were not only surprised, but super honored. Of course they said yes, or I wouldn't be writing this post!
Val met you for the first time in November when you were just 3 weeks old. Jeremy had to stay behind because he was preparing to open his own coffee shop in Paso Robles (told you he was smart!) It was love at first sight. Val and Mommy cried a little.
Val visited for a second time in January when you were just over 2 months old. Again Jeremy had to stay behind because the coffee shop was very close to opening, and missing the visit killed him inside.
Finally, in March, we took a trip to the Central Coast so you could finally meet Jeremy. It was wonderful! He picked you up and loved on your right away. He had had a hard week at work, and he said you made it all melt away. He said you are his happy thought whenever he needs one.
During our visit, we had lots of adventures. Both Val and Jeremy are musically inclined. Jeremy brought out his ukulele and sang you songs. You were captivated by the live music! You looked at him and smiled, and he even let you play a little.
We took you to the beach for the first time.The beach is our happy place, Daddy and me and Val and Jeremy. There's just something about the ocean that's good for your soul. Maybe it's the sound, maybe it's the smell, maybe it's the life it sustains, maybe it's the vastness, and maybe it's a combination of all of these. All I know though is when we're at the ocean, everything is ok, all of our troubles disappear, and our spirits get recharged.
I think the ocean is in your soul too, baby. You didn't cry, freak out, or even flinch when we put your feet in the sand and let the waves lap around your feet. You stared bright eyed at everything, taking it all in.
As you get older, we have grand plans to send you to spend some time in the summer with Val and Jeremy. I fully expect you to come back knowing how to play guitar and drums, and knowing how to surf. You'll have had great conversations, good (meatless!) food, and good drinks. You'll have heard great stories and known love like no other. Your soul will be recharged and the smile on your face will be ear to ear. You are one lucky little girl.
I love you,
Mommy
UPDATE: Around your 2nd birthday, Val and Jeremy were having troubles in their marriage, and eventually separated and divorced. They are both still very involved in your life and love you tremendously. They both will ALWAYS be here for you, it's just separately now, instead of together.
