Our Family Facation - Part 1: The Keys!

Dear Beach Baby -

We just got back from our family vacation. This year we went to the florida keys and palm beach.

Our travel schedule was:

Thursday:

Long flight to Fort Lauerdale and then a long drive to Hawks Cay Resort in the Keys. I was reminded this day of how well we work together as a team. Although our vacation didn't start well, we were able to work together to get to our resort and enjoy Florida.

Friday:

Spend the day at Hawks Cay. I love this picture of you and Kaiden. I also will always enjoy our memories of Kaiden in the kiddie pool and how much fun we had playing in the pools at our resort. We spent the last half of the day driving to Key West and going to the Southern Most Part of the United States. I am glad that we got to experience that together and I look forward to all of our trips.

My Surprise Little Note -

Dear DHW -

I received a surpise little note from you yesterday. I was so surprised by it and it meant so much to me. You are such a wonderful wife and I wanted to write my response to you here on your blog...

Your Letter To Me...

Kenneth,

I wanted to take a moment to tell you how wonderful a dad you are. You took off early to be there for Kale, and then not only took him but stayed to watch him. Further, you were engaged in his practice so that you could provide encouragement to him and help him to improve. This is just one example of how involved you are and how you place importance on our children's interests and encourage their growth. It just reminds me of one of the many reasons I love you. Thank you for continuing to prove your love for me through loving our children and being a great dad!

Love,
Shonda

My Letter Back to You -

Dear DHW -

Thank you for your letter of encouragement about being a good dad. I just simply love you and I love our family together. I must admit that it is quite a change and sometimes it seems overwhleming , but I just enjoy looking at what we have created and I do beleive that we will look back on these years and "we will miss them." You being my wife is what brings me great joy and happiness. One example of that is when we took our family to niagara falls. I love watching you with our kids getting wet pictures as the falls sprayed us...You are such a good mom and an even better life. I have told you many times that I did not feel like life began until I met you and that is the truth. You are my world and you help me to be a better person. I love you with all my heart and can't wait for all the memories that we will create together.

Love -
Ace

I Just Love You...

I was just thinking about you and this song came to mind that "five for fighting" sung at the NFI Gala. Just know that I love you. Enjoy!

Our Trip to Niagara Falls -

Here is the note that I wrote to you on our hotel stationary...




Dear Amazing -



Good morning baby. I wanted to write you a short note to tell you how much I love you and love our family. We have the dream of our perfect little family. I have always dreamed about being able to fly to another country and laugh while we create memories together.

You are a wonderful wife and I am so lucky to have you to share life with. We have so many great memories and I look forward to all the memories we will create together. I love dreaming with you about all the things we are going to do and all the places we are going to see and because it is us - I know that our dreams will become reality.

I could not ask for a better person to share my life with. You are such a great friend. I love our conversations - the way we can talk about anything. And I love the way that we laugh together. We find the humor in life and find secret things that connect just you and I even when the world is crowding in around us.

Thank you for choosing me to share your life me. I am so happy that through it all we found each other and kept finding each other again and again until this moment. Just know that no matter what - I would always find you because we are suppose to share our life together.

I never really thought I would find someone like you to share my life with and to have a family with - then I found you. You are so much better than what I dreamed about. You know how to please me and how to complete me. My life never really existed before you - you have brought me life! I just can't beleieve that no one really saw how amazing you were. I saw it right away and I still think you are just simply amazing!

• You look Amazing
• Your Friendship is Amazing
• Your Amazingly Smart
• Your are an Amazing Partner
• You are an Amazing Mom
• You are an Amazing Christian women
• and you are an Amazing Wife!

You are just amazing - and I know it.

Sweetheart, I have joked about how beautiful you are compared to the falls this weekend. I really do believe it. You are the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

Happy Just an Everyday -

Ace

Happy Birthday To You

Dear Birthday Girl -

I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and tell you that you are by far the best present that I have ever received.

I really hoped that your enjoyed our day of adventure! First we got to try zip lining at an adventure place in Savage Maryland. Although I wish that we were able to do zip lining in Costa Rica - I think we made the best of a short time span to fit in a new and exciting adventure. I remember years ago we started a book about us and we had a chapter in that book entitled "firsts." Well, we could now add to the list - the first time we went zip lining was on your 26th birthday.

Next we ate lunch at Al Tectza - a mexican restruant that I found. I thought it was nice but I mostly enjoyed being able to look over at my beautiful wife and having you take away my breath because of how awesome you look. I also enjoyed our great conversation and it just reminded me of one of the many reasons that I love you - because our relationship is just one long conversation that never ends.

Happy Birthday Baby - I love you with all my heart!

ACE

4th of July Block Party

Dear Fireworks -

I just wanted to drop you a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July fireworks at our block party. I really enjoy the fireworks that we create together but I especially loved...

• How you invited our friends to be a part of the party. You are so good for us by the way that you help expand our influence by the development of true friendships.
• How you are such a good homemaker as you made the hit of the party with your meatballs. I have always loved that you were an excellent cook and I love events like these when I can show you off as the "perfect wife".
• How you were the most beatuiful woman at the party. I love walking in with the best looking girl in the whole place. You really are beautiful and I am so lucky to have you.
• How together we make such special memories. I know that we will cherish these events for all of our life.

Baby - Happy 4th of July. Thank you for helping me create a life of fireworks!

Ace

A Special Little Day!

Dear Speed Racer -

We recently got to take Kale on one of our date nights. We went to Adventure Park USA and took Kale go-carting. We have had a lot of fun go-carting throughout our dating life.

I remember...

• Going Go-Carting in Va Beach. You were such a speed demon and you wanted to show off. I remember how in love I was with you then - I just couldn't take my eyes off of you.
• Going G0-Carting in Daytona Beach. We laughed so hard as a family as your wrecked that guy because you were not going to let anyone get around you!
• Going G0-Carting in Gaitinburg. You almost could not let Kale win - you wanted to win so bad, but I enjoyed watching your hair blow in the wind.

You are truly a lot of fun to be with. I enjoy your racing spirit and I love most how you make my heart race when you are around. I love you!

Ace

Just Thinking of You and This Song Came to Mind

Kaiden's 1st Birthday

Dear Mommy -

Dad let me use his blog to write you this letter on my first birthday. I hope you don't mind. I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me during this first year of life. I know that I havn't said these things yet because I am still learning how to talk but I wanted you to know...

I have so enjoyed how you have watched me every night since my birth. I know that I haven't let you get much sleep but it is because I hate being away from you and when I wake up and you are not there I get very sad. I hope you notice the smile that comes to my face when you walk into the room. You just brighten my life so much.

You have given so much to me and I have really appreciated it. I love the time that you give me each day to play and how you spend time during dinner to feed me. I enjoy the moments that we have and I feel so close to you.

Thank you for all that you have taught me this year. You have helped to teach me how to crawl, walk, eat real food, and laugh. You are the best mommy any little boy could hope to have and I look forward to telling you that each day of my life.

Mommy, I really love you and I so lucky that God choose you to give me to. Thank you for all you have done for me this first year. I would have never made it without you.

Love your one year old son.

Kaiden

Our Surpirse Trip to Missouri

Dear Best Friend -

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated you over the past few days. You know that that this past week we have expereinced the lost of my brother Mark. I can't tell you how much it meant to me that you were by my side during the funeral and the trip to Missouri. You are truly my best friend and I can't imagine my life without you.

Ace

Another Song....

I just recently heard this song and it reminded me of my love for you...




I LOVE YOU!

You Are Still the One...

I was thinking about this song and our first dance this year on our anniversary. I am glad that you are still the one...

Our 3rd Anniversary!!!

Dear 3 year Bride -

I know that our anniversary trip this year did not go as expected, but I want you to know that I still think that you are my bride and I still feel like we are on our honeymoon. This year was different, but it was still very memorable. The things that I will remember about this trip are:

Our Date Night at the Trump's Taj Mah Hall. You looked tremendous and I loved the connection we had through our conversation. The date ended in the most wonderful way and left me with images that I will remember for 50 years!

Our day in Ocean City New Jersey. I really enjoyed walking along the pier and talking and sharing. I had so much fun with you and the kids as we feed the birds and found a few little shops to search in and eat at.

Our Trip along the NJ coast to get to the 1,000 places to see before you die "Cape May." We can check another place off the list. I enjoyed sitting with you in front of the bed and breakfast and I want you to know that I want to see all the places with you and only you!

Kaiden's first pool experience. He had so much fun and so did we.

Our day trip to Baltimore and seeing the Austrialia exhibit. It reminded me of our honeymoon in Austrialia and made me fall in love with you all over again.

Sharing our special presents. I really enjoyed the stuffed monkey "banannas" and I enjoyed the necklace with a leather strap and of course the writing on the necklace - it was special and I will wear it with great love.

Our shopping day in Atlantic City. I enjoyed watching you pick our your newest purse :)

Our time in the car - I love that we talk and I love how even long trips can seem short because it is still not enough time to talk to you.

I love you sweetheart and I look forward to sharing the rest of my life with you. I enjoy each of our anniversaries but I think we will always have a special place in our heart for this one since we got to spend it with the kids.

Happy Anniversary!

Ace

Our Eight Greats - Start of 2009

I did this last year as well. Here are the eight great heading into our 3rd Anniversary....

1. Our First Kiss (2001) - I so love kissing you and I will never forget our first kiss and how I knew that I wanted to kiss those same lips for the rest of my life.

2. Our Weekend in Va Beach (2007) - See Picture...You looked so hot and I will never forget how much fun it was trying to make a baby on the balcony....

3. Our Wedding Day in Fiji (2006) - This was just the perfect day. There is not a thing that I would change about the day except to make it longer.

4. My Birthday Treat on Thanksgiving - (2008) This was by far the best present I have ever received and I loved watching a football game with you on Thanksgiving Day. I enjoyed our deep connection and how you treated me like a king all weekend.

5. Dancing with You (2006, 2001) - I really enjoy both memories of dancing with you. I remember dancing with you in Wal-Mart and I also remember dancing with you in Vernuti's in Frederick. Both of these are very special and things I will always remember.

6. New Years in Times Square (2005) - This was a great weekend and I loved that you helped me to accomplish something that I had always dreamed about. I enjoyed looking at all the sites in New York and I will always remember this trip.

7. Our Day in Kuranda on our Honeymoon (2006) - This was another perfect day. Even though it did not start off like we had planned, I enjoyed our breakfast on the peir and then the train up the moutain and our day with the kangaroos and koala's. And who could forget the waterfall. :)

8. The Day at the Grand Canyon - (2007) - This was another wonderful expereince. I enjoyed seeing this great wonder of the world with my greatest wonder of my life.

I love you and I love the "great" memories we are going to create this year!

Just Because Day

Shonda -



Usually on this blog I have highlighted moments that we have shared or special activities that we have done together. Today I am writing to you for no special reason - I am writing just because...

• Just because I can't stop thinking about you


• Just because you are the best wife ever


• Just because you are so beautiful


• Just because I love the times that we laugh together


• Just because we have so many "greats"


• Just because I love our long conversations


• Just because I think you are the most special person in all the world


• Just because we faced the world alone and we won!


• Just because you are a great lover


• Just because you are a wonderful homemaker


• Just because you are the mother of my kids


• Just because you are my best friend


• Just because I love sharing life with you...
• And Just because I can't stop thinking about you!

Shonda, I love you just because....

Ace

Valentine's Day Lunch

Dear Valentine -

I just love our lunch date and 3 course lunch at Hillbrook Inn. The Inn certainly fulfilled its description:

• "The ducks on the pond of this 17 acre European-style country house hotel will welcome you; Chef Hale will cook you a marvelous 7-course meal; the fascinating art and book collections will entice you to explore the Inn's public spaces; and the great bed, comfortable chairs, log fire and whirlpool will tempt you to sneak off to your very own room."

This place was quite the hidden gem. I love sneeking away with you and finding special places for us to touch and make a memory. This was our best valentine's day and I will always remember...

• The hearts that were apart of each course of our 3 course lunch
• The trip there and how we kept getting lost, but even getting lost with you can be fun!
• The large chess set that was on the grounds and how we got to play a quick game even though it was cold
• the beautiful grounds with the ponds and the ducks - but even in its most beautiful state, the grounds pailed in comparison to how beatuiful you were.

Valentine - I love that you are the one that has my heart. Happy Valentine's Day Baby -

Your Sweet Kiss!

Cardinals Biggest Fan

Dear Cheerleader -

I wanted to thank you for the way that you have supported the Cardinals on their Super Bowl run. I have really enjoyed watching the Cardinals together. I will never forget the cheers and fun that we shared together. Also, I will always remember the special Christmas present that you gave to me. I love you Cardinal outfit - you look really HOT!

I am also very thankful for the game that we got to go to on Thanksgiving day - you really are the best cheerleader I could ever hope for!

The balloon and food that your prepared for the Super Bowl was also very awesome. I loved the cookie and the wings. You really know how to put on a football party.

I love you with all my heart and you really are the best cheerleader that I could have ever had hoped for.

Your Football Player!

You Are Such a Good Mom!

Dear Great Mom -

We just got back from the doctor's office. Kaiden has been very sick lately, but I have loved watching you take care of him. You are such a good mom and I love you so much because of the way that you care for your family!

Ace

New Years In Walt Disney World

Dear New Year's Date -

I have always loved New Years with you - kissing those lips :) and this year was no exception. We spent New Years standing on Main Street USA watching the wonderful Disney fireworks. I swear this was the best place that I have ever spent New Years.

Even though we were in the midst of 75,000 people all I cared about was you! You are my true love. You are the one that I want to spend each new year with. You are the one that makes my life complete. You are the one that is my soulmate.

Shonda, I love you so much and I love the memories that we create together. I can't wait to see what we discover in life and all the places that we will go!

Your Biggest Fan!

Christmas in Universal

Dear Cindy Lou Woo -

We just got back from Universal Studios where we got to see Grinchmas. This was so much fun. This was an excellent show and I am glad that it was Kaiden's first show. I so love the memories that we create together -

Memories like:

• Watching the Macy's Day Parade in Universal Studios.
• Spending New Years in WDW.
• Taking Kaiden on his first flight!
• Eating in the resturant in CityWalk. I love taking you out on a date!
• Going to downtown Disney and eating at T Rex

I love you and I love that you make every trip a special memory!

Our Perfect Christmas Tree

Dear Mrs. Christmas -

This weekend we picked out our family Christmas tree. I really enjoyed going to Gaver's Tree Farm and drinking hot coco and looking through the field of trees until we find the right one. You are always so sexy and I love that our family goes out and enjoys this day together. I think everyone envy's our family.

You picked out the right tree and then that night we decorated the tree with the kids. We also gave the kids their special ornament.

You really make Christmas special and I count everyday we you a sweet present!

I love you!

Ace

I just love this little boy!

My Birthday Suprise

Dear Best Wife Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We just got back from our trip to Philadelphia. This was my birthday surprise this year. You surprise me by taking me to Philadelphia to watch the Cardinals and the Eagles on Thanksgiving night. This was the best present that I was ever given. You not only got me football tickets but you got me to the stadium to watch the Cardinals on Thanksgiving day!

I will always remember...

• Eating the turkey sandwich at the stadium.
• How the eagles fans adored Kaiden and how Kaiden got to spend his first thanksgiving at a NFL football game
• The car ride to Philadelphia and how we talked and played... :)
• The hotel and how connected we were....
• How cute you were at the game wearing my jacket and how sexy you always look

Shonda - I love you for so many reason, but I love you because you are my best friend!

Eastern Christian Convention

Dear Awesome Wife -

This past weekend we were able to attend the Eastern Christian Convention in Hershey PN. I just want to tell you how much fund I had with you and our family this weekend. I love taking the most beautiful girl at the convention to the convention. However, the thing I like the most is the way that God speaks to you. I loved you sharing you God moment with me and how the song "Loss for Words" touched you life this week and how God brought that back to you at the convention.

Other things I enjoyed this weekend:
1. Watching you worship during the main sessions.
2. Singing a Christmas song on video at Hershey Park
3. Taking Kaiden on his first real train ride at Hershey
4. Getting a late night snack at the Hershey Den
5. Seeing the Sweet Lights
6. Watching you with Kaiden on the Carasoul.

I love you and I love you even more than chocolate.

Fall Outreach Event

Dear Leader -



This past weekend I got to see you in action at our fall festival. This event just reminded me of all the reasons that I love you. Some of the things that I thought about were:



1. I love your passion for reaching the lost and the way that when you become passionate about something you get other people excited.

2. I love your vision. I trust the way that you see things and I am glad that you have such a great vision for our family.

3. I love your smile - which you showed off as you greeted every person that attended our event.

4. I love your detailness - this is something I count on in so many areas of my life.

5. I love your energy - I loved that you kept going for weeks as we promoted this event. Thank you for all you do for me and for our family.



I love you so much - and I am glad of things like this that remind me of why I love you!

Catoctin Wildlife Zoo

Dear Tiger -

Yesterday we took the kids to the catoctin wildlife zoo in Thurmont. I really enjoyed our time as a family and it just reminded me of all the reasons that I love you. A few of things that I thought about yesterday was...

• I love you because of the way that you care about your family. Seeing you care for Kale when he had a reaction just reminded me of how much you care about all of us.
• I love you because of your laughter. I enjoyed just laughing at the different animals and just enjoying each others company.
• I love you naviety - You pointing out the love monkeys to our kids... You are always adventure and fun to be around.
• I love your softness - watching you feed the allpac's and be gentle with them reminded me of how you are soft and gentle with all of in your life.

I just love life with you and enjoy the times that we can spend together!

Your Wild Animal....

Our Summer Trip to Meet the Family

Dear Road Warrior -

Last week we went to Gaithburg TN to meet my parents and have our summer vacation. We had a good time. We stayed at Eagle's Ridge Resort - In this Cabin!

I enjoyed the cabin, but mostly I enjoyed the hottub... :)

We particpated in many activites. We rode go-carts; shopped, especially for quilts, went to DollyWood and my favorite activity was...

I know you enjoyed the part when the cowboy picked you out of the entire crowd and threw you a flower...it just amazes me how you always get selected....

But seriously, I really enjoyed showing our new baby off to his grandparents. I know they have been looking forward to that for many years. Now it is our family and no one can ever take that away from us.

I know that this was no Disneyworld, but I had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed our family this week.

Love Ace

Our Special Child

I love this little boy so much and I am so thankful that we had him together!

Your Birthday Date

Dear Lion King -

Yesterday we had our date night for your birthday. I took you to see the Lion King at the Kennedy Center.

Although the evening wasn't quite what I had planned. I really did enjoy taking you out and being reminded of the shows that we saw at Disney. I will never forget going to DisneyLand on our honeymoon and it being the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. It was just proof that we were meant to be together.

I love you now and in 50 years!

I just love my family!

Your 29th Birthday

Dear Birthday Girl -

I just wanted to write you a little note on your birthday. I know that neither of us enjoys getting older but I want you to know how much I enjoy that you have picked me to grow old with. I remember how much we used to talk about how we would sit together when we were old and think about all the "greats" and memories that we had collected over the years. Well baby, we are making it happen. We have purchased a home, and now made a baby, and we are raising a family and taking family vacations.

Sweetheart, I just want you to know that you are more beautiful to me today than the day that I first feel in love with you. I hope for you that you will always feel my love and know how special you are to me, God and your family. I really am the luckiest person in the world to have you as a star on my lapel.

I love you!

4th of July

Dear Wife -

This 4th of July we took the kids downtown DC to watch the fireworks on the mall. Although the day did not go as we had planned, I still think everyone had a good time and during the trip I realized all over again why I fell in love with you. I love you because of how you love your family and want things to be just perfect... :)

Here is just a sample of things we did on this 4th of July:

• Watched the parade
• Created candles with beeswax in the white house visitor center
• Signed the declaration of independance as the Maryland delegation.
• Went to the Archives and saw the actual declaration of independance and looked at a picture of the people that we acted as when we signed.
• Relaxed at the hotel
• Watched fireworks over the white house

You make everyday a celebration!

Happy 4th of July

My Trip to Missouri

Dear World Traveler -

I am so sad that you are not able to be here with me on this trip back to Missouri. I so wanted us to be able to show off our little one. I am so proud of you for giving me a son. I often thoguht about this day, but in many ways never thought it would happen. Now, because of you - I will have a legacy.

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and that I will be home soon.

Ace

Kale's Last Day of School

Dear Teacher -

Today we celebrated the kids last day of school and specifically Kale's promotion from 5th grade. It is hard to believe that we have a baby and a child in middle school and high school. You are such a great mom that you should have had a bunch of more kids - but they should all have been and should all be with me...

I know that we don't what the future holds, but I must admit that I do like living life with you. You make every day an adventure and you truly are my best friend!

Ace

One Week Old

Dear New Mommy -

It is hard to beleive that Kaiden is one week old today. He is growing so fast. I am still so tired over the events of the last week and I know that you are also. I also know that we are going to miss this so I am trying to enjoy each moment!

I really enjoyed taking care of you in the hospital. Here are the things that I will remember the most about his birth and our hospital stay...

• Seeing him cry for the first time - I was so proud of you and how you nurtured him for 9 months.
• taking our walks around the hallway and showing off our new prize.
• you reading his first book - the book that I bought for him about first steps.
• Waking up in the middle of night when he started to cry and watching you be right there to take care of him
• Crispy Cream Donuts on our way home...
• his first visitors and everyone saying that he was so handsome and so perfect!
• Me being able to take care of you and be there when you needed it.
• The water in labor - I swear it was enought to fill a baby pool.

I just love you so much and I look forward to all the birthdays that we will have with this new little man.

New Dad

Coming Home

Today we left the hospital -

I can't say that is was the most pleasant place that we have ever stayed, but we are leaving with quite a gift. I arranged for a stork to be placed in the yard annoucing the arrival of Kaiden. I also wanted you to know how much I am glad that we have this new addition so when I went to the store to get your pain medication I got you a dozen yellow roses.

Shonda, I love you so much and I love the life that we are creating together. I know that the next 18 years will fly by with you by my side.

Ace -

Our Little Love Bucket

This is one of our first videos of our new bundle of joy...

Day One...

Amazing -

We have just completed the first day of Kaiden Edward Gosnell's life and I couldn't be more thrilled and happy. A lot has happened over these first 24 hours. He has taken his first breath, gotten his first bath, received his first shots, and has been held by the most beautiful woman in the world.

I know that the last nine months have been difficult, but I want you to know that you have handled them with grace and beauty. I also, know that the labor did not go as you expected it to, but I am so proud of you! You grew a very healthy 9 pound 7 ounce little boy and delivered him safely into the world. I just couldn't be prouder of you and now I want you to get healthy and rest so that we can leave the hospital and start this new phase of our life together.

I think he is the most wonderful baby ever and everyone that sees him talks about how handsome he is and how wonderful he looks - they have even said that we have made a perfect baby. I don't know how perfect he is, but I do know that he is perfect for us and that you have just been perfect through this whole thing.

I must admit that the last couple of days have been very stressful, but I am just soaking in each moment because I know how special and how long I waited for a moment like this. I love you with all my heart and I know that we were meant to share this moment together.

I am so proud of you and I know that Kaiden is lucky to have mom like you. I know that I am sure lucky that you are my wife.

Ace

He is Here!

This is the e-mail that I just sent out to our friends and family...

All - After a long day of labor my wife did delivered Kaiden Edward late this afternoon. He weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces and measured over 22 inches long. After stuggling in labor most of the day the baby's heart rate drop significantly and we all decided at the doctors encouragement to have an emergency C section. My wife will be in the hospital till Friday The baby is doing very well and his heart rate is steady and strong. We have just recently been admitted to a room and the baby and his mother is resting after a very long and difficult day. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and warm wishes today. I will send out a picture soon.

One More Day!!!!

Dear New Mommy to be...

We just finished at the doctor's office and we all decided that you should be induced tomorrow. They told us today that the baby weighs over 9 pounds. I can't believe that as we watched the ultrasound that tomorrow I could be holding the little guy in my arms.

I must admit that I am a little sad to see your pregancy come to an end. Here would be my 8 greats from the last nine months...

1. The first ultrasound and pictures of little Kaiden. I cried a little when I saw his picture and knew that he appeared to be healthy.
2. Our trip to South Carolina - I enjoyed spending time with my beautiful pregenant wife. I especially liked our special moments with increased passion... :)
3. Cutting up veggies to handle your cravings. I really enjoyed trying to take care of you as you were taking care of our baby.
4. The trip to the hospital. I really enjoyed the last moments of your pregenancy. I enjoyed talking to you about our pregency and about our little boy.
5. The day you told me that you were pregenant. The way that you told me was very sweet and I loved the baloons and the lovely outfit.
6. Getting the baby's room ready! I really enjoyed all the time that we spend putting up the crib and decorating the babies room. I know that Kaiden will love it and he will always know that we have a special place just for him.
7. Doctor's Trips. I really loved hearing the heartbeat for the first time. I was so excited and I just couldn't wait to see this little one.
8. Deciding on a name. I love going to the bookstore and looking through books together. I also liked playing with all the names - even girl ones like Kiearra Channel....

I love you so much and I can't wait for us to have this baby.

Ace

What is in a Name...

Dear Sweet Rose,

Today we were looking at the parent.com site and searched on the name of our new son to be...Kaiden. Here is what they said about his name:

Caden...Kaiden is a variation of Caden
ORIGIN: English
MEANING: Spirited

One of the contemporary names with an "en" ending. Debuted on the popularity chart in 1992, quickly climbing among the top 100.

VARIATIONS
Cadence

ALTERNATIVES
Kadin Kadyn Kayden Cayden Kaiden Caiden Kaden Kaeden Cadan Caeden

NICKNAMES
Cade

Edward
ORIGIN: Old English
MEANING: Wealth protector

Greatly influenced during the 11th century by Edward the Confessor, who became king of England before the Norman Conquest. He's considered a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Remained a popular royal name in England. A literary name used by William Shakespeare in several plays.

ALTERNATIVES : Eduard Edouard

NICKNAMES: Eddie Ed Ted Ned

FAMOUS Edwards
Edward Villella (ballet dancer) Edward R. Murrow (newscaster) Edward Kennedy (senator) Edward Woodward (actor) Edward Burns (actor/writer) Edward G. Robinson (actor) Edward Norton (actor)

I think this is a very fitting name: spirited or beloved companion in some books, wealthy protector.

I love you and I love the name that we have from being together: soulmate.

Ace

Our Memorial Day Weekend

Dear Weekender -

I just wanted to write you a short note telling you how much I enjoyed our weekend together. It is truly a dream come true to host a bunch of our friends (and their kids) at our beautiful big home over a long weekend.

I really enjoyed watching you talk with the other moms. I also enjoyed fixing the hotdogs and hamburgers for everyone. We really do a have beautiful home and I love the fact that we share it with our friends and family.

I love you and I look forward to all of our special weekends!

Your Weekend Lover!

Counting the Days

Dear Mom To Be -

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you today and that I am counting the days till when little Kaiden comes. I know that he is getting ready and is going to come any day.

This is a picture from the second shower for our baby - the one at your work. You are so beautiful and you look so happy. I want you to know that you have made me the happiest man in the world. You are the love of my life and you are going to be the best mom this little boy could ever have hoped for.

I love you with all my heart now and forever.

Ace

One of my Favorite Pictures

Just Remembering...

Our Baby Shower in Our Neighborhood

Dear Mommy to Be -

This weekend our friends gave you a shower for our new baby. It just goes to show how much you are loved....

The Greatest Show on Earth

Dear Ring Master -

This past weekend we took the kids to the circus. I believe that you had the most fun. I enjoyed watching the show and what a show it was:

• There were tigers....how scary.


• There were clowns...how funny


• There were dogs...how cute


• There were zebra's and horses...how beatuiful


• There were chinese acrobrats...how amazing


• There were people shot out of a cannon...how dangerous

And then there was you and our family...How Wonderful!

I love you and I love the memories that we make together.

Your Clown

24 Hour Prayer Retreat - My Prayer For You!

Dear Amazing -

I hope this e-mail finds you well. I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me and to tell you that you are my soulmate. This year during the 24 hour prayer retreat I have prayed for you and will continue to pray for you. I wanted you to know what I prayed about:

I prayed for Strength for you - I know that during these last days of your pregency that you find everything difficult. I prayed that you would allow God's strength to be your strnegth at this time. I prayed that you would find your stength in our relationship with God and that you would continue to allow God's wisdom to be your wisdom. I want you to know that you never walk alone and that I am here for you and I will always be here for you.

I prayed for Forgiveness - I know that I sometimes that I am not the best husband and that I have hurt you in your heart. I aksed that God forgive me of when I hurt you and help me to be the kind of man ahtat you could fall in love with. I know that you deserve the best and I want you to experience my deep love for you. Please forgive me of when I have hurt you and know that I love you will all my heart!

I prayed a prayer of praise for you. I am so thankful that you are part of my life. I love sharing life with you. My life is so full and so complete with you in it. I love to hear you sing and I am so thankful for all the little things that you do.

I prayed for wisdom. I asked God to reveal to me how I could better serve you as your husband. I am thankful for our friendship and I want to serve you in anyway that brings us closer to the love of God.

Thanks for all you do and for who you are.

Ace

Baby Registry and More

Dear Baby Shopper -

This weekend we finished our tour of baby registries across the world. We now have registered our baby at Target; Babies R Us; and Buy Buy Baby. It is a bit overwhelming - all the things that we need for this new person in our life. However, I have a feeling that he will be alot like me in the fact that all he really needs is your love!

I love you so much, and I love the family and the life that we are creating. You are truly my one and only soulmate and I know that we will spend the rest of lives together. I truly love you now and forever -

Ace

Our Annual Easter Pinic

Dear Spring -

Yesterday we celebrated Easter and our annual Easter pinic with the kids. This is a tradition that we have done for almost 6 years now. I still remember our first Easter pinic downtown next to the Potomic looking at the Washington Monument. Then we took the kids on a paddleboat ride. We finished the day like we always do - searching for eggs.

This year was still a little cold so we had the pinic on the floor in our house. Then we went out and hide the eggs from the kids. I think we all had a good time. I know that you were not able to be as activity as you have been in the past but I want you to know that I love our family and I love our family traditions.

You bring so much joy and spring into my life.

Ace

Our Day in Charlestown

Dear Southern Bell -

Yesterday we took a day trip to Charlestown SC. I enjoyed the car ride but I enjoyed the carriage ride that we took through the city. As we were pulled along in our carriage it reminded me so much of our first carriage ride in NYC.





We then walked to the bay front and found a place called MAgnolia's for Dinner. This was truly a southern meal - I was able to get my fried chicken. Someone said that this is the best fried chicken ever - but I know that the best fried chicken I have ever had was the one that you prepared for my birthday when we were first together. We even found out that this restruant is in the book 1,000 places to see before you die....

I love the places that we see together.


Your Leading Man

Our Anniversary Day and Dinner

Dear Bride -

Yesterday we celebrated our anniversay day and dinner. You started off the day by giving me a surprise gift and spa retreat. I was going to get a Hot Stone Massage and you were going to be able to get a pregenceny massage from a place called "Her Boby and Soul."

The massage was terrific but what was even better was the fact that we were able to get the massages in the same room - it reminded me so much of fiji....

Then we came back and I dressed up in my wedding day suit and we went to dinner at Greg Norman's Autrailian Grill on the bayfront. I think people were looking at me a little strange because I was so dressed up but I didn't care because I was off in your world - you are all that I care about.

At dinner I gave you my gift or reading the vows that I made to you on our wedding day. I also gave you a necklace with two diamonds in a teardrop to symbolize the two years that we have been married.

I love you so much and I am so glad that we got married.

Our 2nd Anniversary Trip - Mrytle Beach SC

Dear Honeymooner -

I am writing this post from our hotel room at the Sherton Broadway Plantation resort. We have decided to spend out second anniversary in Myrtle Beach SC - one of the 1,000 places that we said that we would go in our lifetime.

The resort is very nice and today we have had the priverage of laying around the pool and playing ping pong and shuffleboard.

Since being here, we have looked at some houses, have gone to the beach. This is one of the things that I love about us. We are always having fun no matter if we are laying around the pool or going out on a night on the town.

It is hard to believe that it was 2 years ago this week that we got married. I love you so much and I can't wait to see what the next 49 years brings to us.

Happy Anniversary My Love - I love you madly.

One of My Favorite Wedding Pictures

Happy Valentine's Day

Dear Valentine -

I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and especially how much I love you today!

Please see below just some of the reasons why I love you!!!

• I love you because you are beautiful.


• I love you because you are a great friend


• I love you because you are fun to be with.


• I love you because together we create wonderful memories (like 8 greats)


• I love you because you are smart.


• I love you because you a wonderful wife.


• I love you because I can count on you.


• I love you because you are good with money


• I love you because we can get "lost" together.


• I love you because you are having my baby.


• I love you because you love God


• I love you because you bring out the best in me...


• And I love you becuase you are AMAZING!

Happy Valentine's Day

Ace

It's a Boy!

Dear Mom to Be...

Yesterday we went to the doctor and found out that we are having a baby boy! I am so happy and I am so happy that we are doing this together. I just can't wait for this baby to get here. I love you so much and I am so looking forward to raising this baby together.
Dad To Be

Our Eight Greats as of the Start of 2008

Here is a list of my Eight Great List (January 2008)

1. Our Wedding Day in Fiji - standing overlooking the ocean and climbing the mountain (2006)


2. Our First Kiss (2001)


3. New Years in Time Square (2002/2003)


4. The night you told me that you were having my Baby (2007)


5. Daytona Beach - Race Tracks and the Beach on our First Family Vacation (2007)


6. Dancing in Wal-Mart looking at cards (2001)


7. Seeing the Grand Canyon together at Sunset (2007) 1st Anniversary


8. Ft. Lauderdale and the Bahamas and the proposal (2005)

A Favorite Picture of You

I was cleaning out my phone and I found this picture...I really love this picture!

I really love you and how beaituful you are.

Ace

A New Year and a New Start

Dear Fresh Beginnings -

Here are some of my goals for us in 2008

• To be gentle with you and the kids with my words
• To kiss you goodnight every night.
• To wake up next to you every morning
• To pray for you and the kids everyday
• To accept you as you are and expect nothing in return
• To treat you like a princess
• To tell you I love you everyday
• To really kiss you at least once every day
• To be the man that you admire and respect.

I love you and I look forward to a great 2008.

New York - What a Family Trip

Dear New Yorker -

I so enjoyed the trip we just took with the kids to New York. This was truly a great experience. To be able to see Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the light show in the Grand Central Terminal. These are wonderful sites.

Every trip I take to New York, I am reminded of our special trips to New York. Like when I gave you your ring in the middle of times square. I told you then that you are the most amazing person and I couldn't think of a better place to give you your ring than in the most amazing city and in the most amazing place in the city. We will always be able to share the cup of noodles.

I also am reminded of our first trip to New York. The way that you planned the trip and you helped me to fulfill a lifetime dream of being in NEw York for the New Year. I can still remember it...It looked a lot like...

Well, I look forward to many more trips, but I will always cherish these memories....

I love you now more than I did then...

My Perfect Christmas Gift

Dear Christmas Present -

I wanted to thank you for making this Christmas the "best christmas ever" according to a couple little voices that we know. This Christmas was a very good Christmas. I really enjoyed opening presents with you and I really enjoyed our special Christmas as well.

However, I just want you to know that you are my very best Christmas present. You truly are gift and I do appreciate you and all you do. You are so special to me and I love you with my whole heart.

I love you Amazing -

Ace

Our Griswold House

Dear Ms. Griswold -

We found out last week that we did not win the light contest in our neighborhood. I know that you were very sad, but I want you to know that as long as we have each other we really do have first place. Thank you for working so hard to make our home warm for Chrstmas. You really do light up my world!

You Runner Up -

I Love Christmas

ElfYourself™ : Brought to you by OfficeMax®

Our Christmas Traditions

Dear Ms. Christmas -

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoy our Christmas traditions. This past weekend we went to Gaver's Christmas Farm and picked out our "live" Christmas tree for the year. I am so glad that we started this tradition. It is so much fun to search the grounds and pick the right tree for our family. This we spent the night decorating it and putting on the lights. It looks so beautiful!

Other Christmas Traditions I love:

• Decorating our special tree
• Driving through the Christmas light display
• Opening our special gifts on Christmas Eve
• Going to a Christmas Eve Service
• Going down and seeing the National Tree and standing by the Yule Log.
• Having sex on Christmas day - oh, well that is a tradition that we should start...:)

I love you and I look forward to all the traditions that we have together....

Your Naughty Elf

O Christmas Tree

It is Christmas Season and I love it. Yesterday we purchased a new 9 foot tree for our family Christmas tree. It looks so beautiful and better yet, the one who decorated it looks the most beautful of all. You truly are my Christmas angel and I love lofe with you!

Your Secret Santa