Family is Love

You and your baby cousin, Alina.

In a matter of days, we will be hopping on a plane ( your second!) and flying to Wisconsin to meet the rest of your father's entire family. They have been anxiously waiting to meet you since the moment you were born. I have gotten to know a lot of them, either through quick visits to Portland or through Facebook. I can tell already, darling boy, you have an AMAZING family. They care deeply about you even though most of them live on the other side of the country and haven't met you. They are close knit, and love each other so much.

Now, the meaning behind your name will be even more special, because you will have the opportunity to grow up around the people who knew Forest. Your auntie in particular. She loved her father so much, and I think having that connection with you has fostered a special bond. She adores you, and it has made me so happy to know that you will have a special person besides your mommy and daddy who will love you unconditionally. I feel so grateful to have been accepted into this family, and eternally thankful that they are here to be of support and love to you.

In so many ways, you are the luckiest little boy alive. I hope to learn from these people, so that you have some of the experiences they had as children.