To the newborn daughter of some friends of ours. Actually, other than my own family members, the dad is the one person in my life whom I have known the longest. We got to know each other about 30 years ago in sixth grade and, for about the last ten years, I have had the pleasure of having him as a co-worker as well as a friend.

When I talked to Eric last evening he sounded, well, actually EXCITED! As you have maybe sensed from the way I wrote that, excitement isn't the norm for him. He usually maintains a pretty calm and even-keeled exterior. When we spoke, he had stories of almost running out of gas on the way to the hospital and also of following the baby around the hospital, even when they take her for medical checks, etc. He doesn't want to let her out of his sight!

Their new daughter is their first child and she is a bit of a miracle baby. They had several miscarriages along the way which, needless to say, were painful for them. The miracle of life is so overwhelming yet especially so when it comes after setbacks and frustrations.

I remember when our son was born ... one of the nurses, when I first held him, told me to use my hand to shield his closed eyes from the light. Sure enough, when I did that, just as she predicted, those huge bright blue eyes popped open and began looking at me, trying to figure out what I was all about, just as I was marveling at this awesome seven pounds and thirteen ounces of baby who I wanted to know everything about.

I can't wait to see our friends' new daughter. We did not make it to the hospital yesterday due to other commitments. Hopefully they will come home today. It is indeed exciting to see this blessing come into their lives after such a long wait. They are going to be incredible parents and this will be one much-loved little girl.