An open letter to my daughter, Ari -

June 11, 2012

Dear Ari:

How can you have such an effect on me? We've never met.

I can tell you that, emotionally, I have to distance myself from the distance between us. Otherwise, it overwhelms me. To know my baby is in China hurts me physically.

I can barely talk to people about you and your sister (heck, I can barely talk about your brothers still) without getting so emotional that I can't speak.

I have bonded to you through the few little precious pictures we have. And the few precious words we have that describe who you are and what you do during the day. You should see your mom and I poring over and analyzing every word on every report about you. We did the same thing for your sister. It must be pretty funny to watch!

In my mind I try to fill in the blanks of those reports and letters and wonder, "What is Ari doing right now? Is she playing, or helping around the kitchen? Is she sitting at the dinner table? Is her foster mom trying to describe what will be happening to her in less than two months? Does she know what a month is? Does she realize her family-to-come will be forever?" Uh oh. It's getting hard for me to see what I'm typing... Silly daddy. ...tears and such. You will learn that Gugino fathers are very emotional. Your Grandpa Gugino was like that and his dad before him. I will tell you plenty about those guys and other family members from New York. Yes, like you, I was born far away from California.
I will continue to pray that God will bring a peace to you now and when we meet and for the rest of your life regarding the transition into our family. I pray for a peace that only He can bring. I pray that you would have a peace so substantial that it would confound others from the outside, to bring glory to only Him and not to us.

Well, as we gather paperwork, check items off our all of your Mommy's lists and prepare to meet you, we are filled with anticipation. Your sister is SO excited to have you in the family. You will make great sisters. I just know it! You're brothers are excited too. We all can't hardly wait until Gotcha Day!

I love you Ari! I can't wait to make you giggle! It's what I do best!

Love Daddy.