Dear Austin,

Last Nite we voted and we voted for you! Austin you are a long way off from reading this but when you do perhaps the world will be changed. I sit here tonight and am filled with hope and passion about where the future could go for the country that you will be raised in. Politics have always seemed so stuffy yet today a candidate was elected that seems to include all Americans. His life story is unique, his presence calm and his ideals broad. We hope that he can unite a country that is divided by greed and personal interest. I don't know if it truly will change but for tonight, just for tonight we have hope. Your mother and I love you very much. We so want for you to understand that it is OK for your parents to love each other. We want you to live in society where you will not be ridiculed or judged. Most of all I want for you to live in a country where you can achieve anything you want with hard work. I want YOU to love all people, regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, job status, financial wealth, etc. Austin if we ever instill anything in you please understand this, there will never be a price tag, health care plan, tax deduction or material matter that you can place on your happiness or your love for another person. It will always be important to live by the values of working hard and striving for personal success. However I will be most proud of you for sticking up for yourself and more importantly others. Be proud of where you come from son. You are an American born to two mothers who love you deeply. You can achieve anything. American is not for the special interest nor is it a white American or a gay America. Its a rich blend of many colors and many peoples. Embrace this and love that you were born here. We hope the best for you. I hope when you read this years later that you are proud of us, your parents, for believing and hoping that perhaps by the time you read this many barriers in America may be torn down. Love always your proud Mom! ;)

Dear Austin,

It's 12:17am and you are laying with mommy, on her chest of course! You are so long in length. Austin I am so proud of you. You did such a good job this weekend with the company and funeral. Mommy and I took you to our favorite mexican resturant and you were so good. Angie and Beth loved seeing you and holding you. We also took you to church on Saturday to celebrate the life of my former boss who had passed away. You did not peep a word. Everyone thought you were so cute. You did well. Every day son we see your accomplishments and marvel at how far you have come. Austin you are strong and warm. Your spirit and smile makes your mommy and me want to be better people. You remind us everyday how lucky and blessed we are. Today you almost rolled over. You don't seem to like tummy time. You get pretty angry. I think it's only a matter of time before you roll yourself over. You love the TV, your swing and enjoy bathtime right nowa lot. Your happiness means everything to me Austin. I love you.