Dear Lily,

A week ago today you joined our family. We anxiously waited for word of your birth, praying that your mother would have a safe delivery and that you would be born healthy and whole. Those prayers were answered and we ooohed and ahhhed over pictures taken and sent through the miracle of the Internet. Subsequent pictures show you look enough like Sami to be her sister but that you definitely have your own look too.

We don't know each other very will yet, but I want to tell you a little about your name. You'll have to ask your parents about why they chose the name Lily, but it is a sweet name that so far seems to fit your tiny and sweet personality. Prior to your birth, your dad told me that there were Marguerite's on both sides of your family. It is my middle name and for a long time, I didn't like it very much. I think that the reason was mostly that it was too different. I didn't know one other person my age with that name. But when I started doing family history, and got to know more about my paternal grandmother and her mother, my great grandmother, I started to appreciate and like the name more. Both of them went by "Marguerite Marie", but my grandmother's actual birth name was Marguerite Jeanne Marie Gabrielle Lannegrand. I'm not sure how many names my great grandmother had, but she was known as Marguerite Marie Catherine Nico prior to her marriage. My grandmother came to America from France and arrived at Ellis Island on January 20, 1920 with her new husband and expecting her first child, my father. Her mother (my great grandmother and a widow of about six years) and her brother John (Jean Maurice) both arrived from France at Ellis Island on May 4, 1920. Further family history research reveals many Marguerite's, so it is a strong name, maybe just not in America. Both of these woman (who would be great great grandmother and great great great grandmother) were strong-willed women who had challenges in life but true to their French heritage held their heads high and soldiered on. Maybe knowing this will help you to love your middle name as much as I now do.

You are blessed to be born in the covenant to two parents who already love you so much and will teach you the things you need to know to be happy in this earthly life and prepared for a time when you will return to your Heavenly Father. I am glad you will know about the gospel for your entire life, and will not have to wait until you are much older like I did. One wonderful gift Heavenly Father gave us is hearts that grow big enough and have enough love for every child and grandchild that comes into our families. So even though we haven't "met' yet, I can tell you that I love you. I love that you kept your first estate and that you are here and that our family was fortunate enough to have you come to us and that I get to be one of your grandmothers. I hope that we will have many years to get to know each other in this life and that I can see you grow into a beautiful and faithful young woman.

Welcome to the world, Lily. I love you.

Gramma