16 Songs in 1 Hour and 5 Minutes

38 weeks + 1 day....that's where we are. It was a few days ago that I made a playlist for Baby Girl #2. I had a playlist that I sang to Amelia, and still do. There were nights that I actually sang it in my sleep. I would wake up singing it. Now, when I hear the songs, I start to nod off to sleep. They mean a lot to me.

I can't wait to sing these songs to her. There are some that I want to sing to both of them, and they're on this playlist too.

1. How Can I Keep From Singing by Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger
2. Let It Be by The Beatles
3. Come Ye Sinners by Redeemer Presbyterian Church
4. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Sufjan Stevens
5. Precious Lord Take My Hand by Doc Watson

I can pretty much sing these by heart when needed, and I have needed them at some critical times. Some have been when Amelia needed to hear them, and they brought her comfort. Others bring me comfort when I need it. For some reasons, Amelia loves to listen to The Beatles during bath time. Now, she wants me to show her the picture and tell her their names. So, we go through that...most baths...their names are Paul, John, Ringo, and George. I've sung these in airports, in the car, in her bedroom, when I've been angry, when I've been sad, when she's been sick, when she's been angry, and when we've both needed it. I hope to carry these with me for years to come, and that one day she'll find comfort in them. Maybe our new baby girl will like them...maybe not. No matter, I'll still take comfort in them, and she will hear them, at least.

These are the other songs that I've added to the list:

1. Murder In The City by The Avett Brothers
2. Tired Old Phrases by Cadillac Sky
3. Prairie Wind by Neil Young
4. All Around You by Sturgill Simpson
5. The Weight Of Lies by The Avett Brothers
6. From This Valley by The Civil Wars
7. Life Is Beautiful by Keb' Mo'
8. The Ballad Of Love And Hate by The Avett Brothers
9. Christmas Song by Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
10. Who Will Take My Place by The Duhks
11. Breakers Roar by Sturgill Simpson

Some of these are new to me, but some are songs that I've listened to and have grown on me over the years. I hope that they have a similar effect on our new child.

The one that wrecks me most frequently is Murder in the City by the Avett Brothers. Go ahead and download it, or pull it up on Spotify, but these are my favorite lyrics:

     "I love you, and I'm proud of you both, in so many different ways."
     "Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name."

Amelia and our new baby girl will be loved by so many people. Is there less time to go around? Yes. Is there less love? No! Rather than, smaller pieces of the pie to go around. The pie grows. Bigger pieces and more pieces...

"Just know in your heart that we're always together, and long after I'm gone, I'll still be around. Cause our love is eternal and so is love. God is inside you...all around you...and up above...Glowing, showing you the way."

     - Sturgill Simpson