Army Boots and Baby Bonnets (Sequel To Rainbow-Colored Knee Socks)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

After the doctor placed the newborn in my arms, Griffin and I literally stared at him for the longest time. No talking, just gazing at the amazing miracle we had brought into this world. Our baby was born weighing four pounds and eleven ounces, and measuring at just about eighteen inches long. He has Griffin's beautiful brown eyes and a head full of brown curly hair. He was truly a blessing.

"Honey, remember what I gave you when I was deployed?" Griffin was holding something in his hands. I did remember him slipping it into my pants pocket at the airport, telling me to open it when the baby was born.

"Yea, I put it in the baby bag immediately, so I wouldn't forget it." I was really interested in what was in that small envelope that he had given me. It was so hard to resist the temptation of opening it early.

Griffin delicately ripped open the envelope and pulled out a silver chain and a letter. He placed the silver chain on the baby's blanket. It was a dog tag. "As soon as I enrolled in the army, I agonized over the thought of missing this moment. I purchased this army dog tag and wrote him a letter." With my free hand, I studied the dog tag. It was double sided, with Proud Army Son on one side and My Daddy Loves Me engraved on the other. Touched, I felt tears well up in my eyes. Still looking at the tag, I heard Griffin opening the letter that had been folded up in the envelope.

"I wanted you to read this to him, but since I'm here I'll read it. 'To my new baby boy, I'm sorry I missed your entrance into this world. See, I enlisted into the U.S. Army to try to provide you, your mom and sister with the best life possible. Our family means the world to me and I'm willing to sacrifice my life to make sure you guys are safe and sound.

'I am so proud of your mom for carrying you for nine months. I feel bad that I couldn't be there for her during your birth. Just know that I love you so much baby boy. I'm your daddy and I promise I'll come home to see you soon. You're the man of the house now since I'm away. Take good care of your mom and sister.'" The piece of paper was slowly being stained with Griffin's tears. I took his hand in mine, running my thumb over his knuckles. He leaned over and kissed our baby boy on the forehead.

"Thank you, I'm so lucky to have a husband like you, and our son is so lucky to have a father that loves him so much." I leaned in and kissed his lips. After a brief tearful, joyful embrace, it occurred to me that our son needed a name. "What should we name him?"

"Well, I did read your letters. I do like Cayden. I was thinking we could name him after my father. My real father." I looked up surprised, Griffin didn't bring up his father very much.

"Of course, sweetheart." Tears were falling from both of our eyes. I remember from past conversations that Griffin's dad's name was Scott. "Do we agree on Cayden Scott?"

Looking at him, I saw a smile form on his face. "Yes. I love it. I bet my dad is smiling down on us right now. Cayden Scott Robertson, born January 15th, 2017." The baby had awoken at that moment, as if responding to his name. He yawned and looked up at us, smiling.