Hello from Lev

Hi Marshall, 

This is your cousin Lev. I asked my mom to send this message to you for me. 

Hey man, I can't wait to see you. Your name sounds really nice. My parents found that one of the meanings of your name is a "Leader". I don't know what that means, but it sounds really cool.  My mommy and daddy tell me that you are growing and soon will be able to play with me. Maybe you can teach me how to email, because I am 9 months old and still don't know how to do that. How embarrassing is that? And maybe I can teach you to do cool things with your mouth like make funny noises and spit allover, it's really fun. I know adults don't really like it a lot, but they laugh every time. Or I can teach you to say "mama". This is a spacial work that brings special feelings to everyone. It makes me happy too. 

Well, I thought that I would give you an update on what is going on here, while you and your family are in the hospital. 

There is a special spirit of love and tenderness in our grammy's and grandpa Paul's house these days. Everyone says your name and the names of your parents a lot when they speak and pray. Even though I am still little and don't know a lot of things, I feel the strong bond in our family, their love and care for you and you daddy and your mommy. It's really nice to be a part of the Stout family, you and I are lucky. 

Last night grandpa Paul was making a special ornament for their Christmas tree. I wanted to play with it, but my mom didn't let me touch it. It's a star with some letters and numbers on it. I am pretty sure they mean your name and when you were born. Maybe when you get here to visit your grammy Teryll and grandpa Paul, we can talk them into letting us play with the toys on the tree. 

We read emails from you together with the family and sometimes my parents have tears in their eyes. I don't understand these adults, why they are crying. They could have any toy they want and they still cry. Who knows. I try to give them extra hugs and smiles. It's amazing what a smile can do. Oh, one of the things I learned was that to hug your mommy and daddy feels amazing. You gotta try it soon. I bet they want it a lot too. 

Anyways, my diaper feels kind of tight, I think I made some poop. I heard that you did too the other day. So, you know how I feel, I need to go get changed. 

I love you and hope you grow fast and can play soon. Also, I need help to keep these adults in line. I think together with you we will manage it just fine. 

Love you, 

Lev Samuel

ps. My family sends you and you parents hugs and kisses