Tuesday, May 23, 2006, Loveland, Colorado, 2:16 p.m., M.T.~

Dear Mama Lou~

This is your son-in-law, Darnell. I am writing to say that Lightning had her baby (via C-section) earlier this morning. That's right: our newest child arrived healthy, safe, and sound, and mama sailed through the surgery beautifully.

The doctors just took Lightning to her room from Recovery, where she will now sleep off the effects of her surgery.

Mama Lou,  you should see our brand new daughter. She is absolutely beautiful!! She looks just like mama: tiny, petite, just all-around gorgeous! :)

We are naming our new daughter Olivia Me'Lynn. She is 20" long and weighs six pounds, 2 1/2 ounces. She is small, but she is healthy: no evidence of birth defect or disability, all her systems are in working order, and she can't be more beautiful! She is absolutely adorable; we have already fallen in love with Olivia, and she is only five and a half hours old!

I am sitting here wtih Lightning, watching her sleep. My mind is awhirl. I am a father--again! We now have six beautiful children, four sons and two daughters, and--life is very good right now! :)

Well, I know this is short, but I wanted to share the news that you are a grandma--again!--to a new baby girl! I will be sending  you a picture of her ASAP. Be on the lookout for it!

Take care and God bless!

~With love,

Your son-in-law, Darnell in Colorado. :D