Where do I begin? Welcome to your life little guy! You chose quite the day to make an appearance.

The Adventure To You

Let’s just say it is sure to be a day we will never forget, largely because you decided to join us.

At 2:30 in the morning I awoke because of the massive storms that were rumbling through the area. One thing you should know about your Aunt- terrified of tornados. When I was little I would pack a bag and sleep in the basement every time there was a tornado warning. Your mom loved to laugh at that! So I guess not much has changed because I sure enough went into my basement and slept in my car (for what sleep can come from that situation.) The whole night was filled with crazy storms- but the biggest excitement was yet to come; You!

Meanwhile at 2:30 am on your side of town, your momma began having contractions. By 6am they had you at the hospital.
At 6:46am Grandma Jeanine (at this point she has not decided what she wants to be called. You apparently will decide that for her) messaged me to let me know that your Mom was in the hospital- preparing to have you. At 8am she called me to get my butt over there- you were on your way! So I gave Ocoee (who surely you will be friends with, I just know she will love you rotten) to Ronda and headed your way. Or at least I thought I was!

Life tip: it would have been smart to have a bag made up to be prepared to head to the hospital. Instead I just made a bag on the go… we shall see how that works out. I can assure you that Aunt Kristin was not pleased with my snack choices.

I guess I’m saying, always be prepared. Like a Boy Scout!  

I showed up at Highland District Hospital only to find out through a confused phone call that I was at the wrong hospital.

Life tip: in important situations, maybe have the address prior to departure. 

So I headed to the correct one this time- where you would actually be born- Clinton Memorial Hospital.

As I was driving to Wilmington I saw two Canadian geese in a field, swimming in a pond made from the rain last night. In case you were wondering just how bad the storm was that you decided to greet the world with. Geese were swimming in a field.

Grandma Jeanine saw this on the weather report this morning. How funny that your name would appear! Maybe it was a sign.

They do not make it easy to get into the maternity ward, by the way, especially for an excited Aunt-to-be with very full arms. My phone ended up getting shattered in the process.

Life tip: I recommend you get a screen protector. Saved my butt here!

So now I’m sitting here, waiting for you. Making bets on what time you will arrive. (I have 2:21pm)

A Few Things To Learn

While we are waiting, I would like to share some thoughts with you. Some lessons I have learned.

• No matter what life throws at you, throw love back. Stand your ground, most definitely, but have a gentle heart. Nothing in this world is more beautiful than love.
• Count your blessings every day. You will have bad days, I’m sorry to say it little buddy, but it just happens. There will be times you think your world is falling apart, life will test you. But it’s only a bad day, not a bad life. If you did not have the bad, you would not be able to truly appreciate all the good. And there is so much good.
• Appreciate the little things. Cliche, maybe, but important. Watch the sunsets, gaze at the stars, listen to the rain and appreciate the beauty of the moment, of this world we have.
• Never, ever stop dreaming. Life has a way of changing, and that’s a great thing! Flow with it! Let your dreams flow as well. If you feel drawn to it, go for it.
• Your life may be just beginning but I promise life is too short to waste it on a life someone else wants. Be fiercly yourself.
• Travel. It will be a while before you can do that, but every chance you get – take it. Explore! There is so much out there. Do not be afraid to try new things, go to new places, learn languages, cultures- be open to life.
• Listen to your heart. If you truly learn to listen to it, it will not let you down. You will make the right decisions, take the chances worth taking, love unconditionally… listen to that voice. Let it be your guide. Trust in yourself.

 

On The Way

Leading up to you being here, this song made me think of you, of who you will be, what you will do. I hope you enjoy this song someday.

Little one, I remember the day your momma and dad told me you were a part of this world. I had just gotten off work from a long day on the Colorado River (I was living in Moab, UT at the time), waiting to be picked up. They face-timed me and had recently just gotten a puppy (your older brother, Urban). So when she told me she wanted to show me something, that is what I thought she was referring to. How wrong was I! She turned the camera to a onesie, announcing you!

I’m sure she wishes she had taken a picture of my face.

Words cannot express how happy I am that you are finally here. What a family you have been born into! I have never experienced people so excited to be parents. (Man can your momma rock a pregnancy!) And to be here when it happened…I would move across the country again to be a part of it, in a heartbeat. Welcome to your life, to this world, to your family.

And finally,

 

You’ve arrived!

Full head of hair, healthy boy! Grandpa John won on the guessing game with a guess of 3:58pm, your arrival being at 3:52pm.

He was very proud that he captured this screenshot on his phone of the date, time and weather.

Aunt Kristin finds your weight (a whopping 9lbs) quite funny, since Jordan Anne kicked her out of the room when she guessed 8.5lbs.

Holten Duane Phillips

9lbs

21 inches

Born 3:52pm March 1st, 2017

 

 

Holten Duane Phillips from Bohom Life on Vimeo.

 

Holten Duane Phillips, with all the love in my heart, I welcome you. May your life be as exciting as the storm you came in with, as filled with love as the moment you were born, and full of moments that make you appreciate just how precious life can be. You have been that for me. ?

 

 

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A little extra tid bit for you, your astrological information!