Abigail Rose.

It feels like just yesterday that Broc and I were riding our bikes around the driveway, kicking each other's feet under the kitchen table, dressing up our dog, Chevy, and breaking ping pong records in the garage. Growing up with no other siblings, we were each other's best friend and rival enemy. Now, I consider him only the former, and see him more as a much older, wiser brother, even though I came first.

In 2009, Broc fell in love and married Ashley, and I adopted a sister. I have loved having her as a part of our family, and more and more I see how her and Broc are perfect for each other. It doesn't take long when I return from Haiti that the 3 of us are down in Dad's rec room cranking up the speakers and breaking it down. In my months away, we skype regularly, and I always look forward to their travels to visit me in the spring. During Ashley's first trip, I learned how to say 'sister-in-law' in creole, which translates to 'belse'. Translated literally it means, beautiful sister, which suits her perfectly.

This past spring, we were chatting on one of our usual skype dates, and they broke the news that they were expecting... As you can imagine, the last 9 months have been a huge buildup to meeting the first daughter/niece/granddaughter on both sides of the family. It became evident very quickly that this baby was going to be smothered - No way around it.

I will never forget last night as long as I live... I sat up, wide-eyes glued to my computer screen, with those childhood memories of Broc spinning around in my mind. Before long, his grown-up, beaming, just-became-a-dad face greeted me on the other side of the screen. He gave me a brief play-by-play of the day, and then whisked me into the delivery room where Ashley, glowing and gorgeous, held the most angelic little doll. Yes, my baby brother and his bride are parents! Apparently cell phones were not permitted, but I am so thankful that I can count on a family that goes above the call of duty to break hospital rules. I saw her little hands and heard her cries - proof that baby Abigail Rose is perfect, and like her name, she has already overflowed this family cup with joy!

Welcome to the world, sweet Abby-girl. May these first days of love be a prelude to a life filled with joy, hope and peace! I love you.