To Skip From Granddaddy

Skip is sleeping on my chest right now -- much like he was in this photo. There have been several things I've been meaning to blog about because later I'll print this out and this will be his baby book, but it's been a little rough finding the time lately.

For now I just want to copy and paste this sweet email I received on your behalf after I set out a message announcing your name.

Dear Skip,

This is the first time I’ve ever addressed anyone named Skip. I like your name. As soon as you are old enough you should get down on your knees and say prayers of thanksgiving for your name. Believe it or not, your parents almost named you Oliver. Of course I would have loved you even if they had named you Icabod – but Skip is much better. Three days ago Denise and I drove 250 miles round trip to meet you for the first time. It was a short visit – only two hours. Your parents, Grandma Linda, Aunt Katie and Uncle Leo, and Uncle Hank were all gathered at the high water mark on the beach in Manhattan Beach, just south of the pier. Your sister Zadie was there, wet and sandy. It was 80 degrees and a beautiful day at the beach. I expect you will spend many days at the beach and other places outdoors. Denise and I were both able to hold you, feed you a bottle, and Denise changed your diaper. I wish I had known your name then so I could have practiced it while holding you. But your parents hadn’t picked your name yet. They wanted to make sure they picked a name that fit you perfectly. The perfect name for you is Skip.

This morning Grandma Denise and I are flying from San Diego to San Antonio to attend a Kuykendall family reunion in the Hill Country of Texas. We will make sure you and Zadie spend lots of time in Texas. It’s God’s country and you have lots of kinfolk there that are great people. I can’t wait to take you to the Kuykendall ranch. Speaking of names, your last name is a tough one to spell and pronounce. It’s a bit of a burden. You’ll be thankful that your first name is one syllable and easy for everyone to understand.

I love you and can’t wait to hold you soon and call you Skip.

Granddaddy Hal