Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think that is why I have not posted in a million years. So much has happened in the time since I posted last but I would definitely say the highlight was throwing up and being glued to the toilet all Christmas Eve day and night. Memories. Just kidding, of course. On January 8th my second son was born. It was a fun-filled day of waiting in the hospital, watching my wife in extreme pain, and not have the epidural work as it should. Again, just kidding. Those things did happen and it was a fun-filled day but the main shining moment was meeting Jackson Ralph. He weighed 9 pounds and 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. That may seem pretty big but my wife was happy that he didn't come close to our last daughter was almost 10 and 1/2 pounds.
All of our kids names have personal meanings (as most kids around the world) to April and I. It has always been a way of keeping our family always in our hearts. Most of te name are after family in one way or another.
So, why Jackson? Jackson is a name we had in our minds from the time we knew we were having twins. Then, we found out we were having girl twins and the name went on hold for awhile. We all rejoiced when we found out we were having a boy. April had a Grandpa Jack that she remembers well and was very fond of. She especially remembers his kindness towards her. Jackson was an easy extension of Jack and we liked it, We do plan on calling him Jackson instead of Jack though. The kids have thought of some good nicknames already. Haylie calls him Jacksie. It sounds very cute coming from her.
Well, why Ralph? The name may seem extremely outdated and old fashioned. It may seem another name for throwing up, but Ralph was my Grandpa Baird. Growing up without a father in the home, my Grandpa was the one who I would help in the yard. He was the one that helped me build my pinewood derby cars for cub scouts (I did win first place once!!). He conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on me as a 12 year old. I remember that has hands always shook. It was hard for him to do things like write and give blessings, but always appreciated that he still made that ordination.
I vividly remember my Grandpa bearing his testimony around his birthday every year. He would say how much he loved his family and that they were active in the gospel. He would also bear a strong testimony of the latter-day prophets. I didn't doubt that he knew the church was true.
When I was 14 years old I was assigned to be his home teaching companion. He was extremely faithful in that calling and I enjoyed getting to know the people we home taught. I gained an even greater appreciation for the elderly and how they enrich the world we live in. I am sad to see so many pass on. The next generation of elderly sees the world in a different light. Anyway, I learned the importance of every one in the church watching out for each other.
I could go on and on with memories of my Grandpa and stories he has told me. I am so happy that my oldest two children remember him well. He passed away on December 20, 2007. I feel he has left a rich legacy of faithful service in the church and I feel a desire to be like him and have my children know what a great man he was.
So, that is where Ralph comes from. Watch out world! We're bringing Ralph back!!
