The Picture

Dallys,

When we brought you home, there is one night that sticks out in my mind and I never want to forget the way I felt that evening...

It must have been two days or so after coming home from the hospital. I remember that Grandma SueAnn had already gone home, so I am thinking it was probably our first night home alone as a family. You were so beautiful, but such a fierce little babe. When you were happy, your were soooo happy, but when you were sad, it seemed you wanted to let the whole world know.

After being up for days in the hospital (I got VERY little sleep there), it was so nice to be home, but I remember being exhausted more than I ever remember being in my life. You were very calm for quite a while this evening, and I was ever grateful for it, as you had been sleeping very little through the nights. I sat on the sofa holding you, and your dad was sitting in the chair across the room. I remember looking at him and this strong feeling of happiness and peace was just flooding the room. The spirit was so strong! We carried you around the room and rocked you a bit when you began to fuss, and Dad carried you over near the wall, where hung a depiction of the Savior. You suddenly grew quiet and, though you were so little, we know that you saw the painting because you fixed your eyes on it and stared for what seemed like a very long time. It was one of the most interesting experiences for me, and one I will always treasure. I know that you knew what that picture meant and I know that you not only knew Him, but that you have a love for him as well. Never loose that love, Dallys. He is the way. You have special things in store for you, love!

Worth the wait...

Dallys,

We knew your name before we ever knew that you would be joining our family.

I don't know where the idea came from, or what inspired it, exactly, but I know that Andrew and I had a slew of names picked out for our future kids before we were even actually married.

I know that I have always loved the name 'Dally' for a little girl, and as the time of your arrival grew closer, this name we had picked for you began to have more and more meaning to me.

Dallys, your dad and I have waited for what seems like eternity for you. We are so blessed and grateful for your safe arrival. However, the world seems to be in turmoil around us. There is much darkness on the Earth at this time, and the responsibility of bringing a new life into this wild and woolly world is definitely something we have pondered. I supposed that is why "Dally" means so much to me.

You come from good stock. There is a cowboy heritage in your genes, and as I ponder the word Dally, I think of the cowboy culture in which I was raised. When a cowboy is roping, the moment his rope reaches his target, he "dallies" or wraps his rope quickly round the saddle-horn before him. This, when done correctly, ensures that his target can still move about freely, but it creates a strong tether that allows to cowboy to reach the cattle, usually for something like doctoring.

As I think about a rancher's relationship with his cattle, and the tie that this dally creates, I think this name is very fitting for you.

As you grow, your father and I want you to have the freedom to move about and discover the world around you. However, we want you to be grounded in the things that matter. We hope that you have strong ties with your family, your roots, the Gospel and Earth & nature.

Dallys, we have such big dreams and hopes for you. I hope that throughout your life, you will be sure of our love for you and that you will know that to us, you were definitely worth the wait. You have great things in store for your life and I feel so blessed that you chose us as your parents. I hope that we can raise you to be strong and tied to truth, no matter what circumstances you grow up with in the world around you.

Know that you are loved!

~Your mom and dad