Tag Archives: expectant parents

It’s Time to be Born!

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This is my last night inside you, Mommy. I’m excited about tomorrow. How about you? Tomorrow I finally get to meet you and Daddy! And my grandparents! I’m so excited! I wonder if I’ll be able to sleep?! I may toss and turn all night, and keep you awake, too!

But can I tell you something, Mommy? As excited as I am about tomorrow, I’m a little scared as well. And nervous. I’ve been inside you all this time, where it’s warm and safe. I haven’t had to do anything except grow until I’m big enough to come out and live in my new room in my new house. With my wonderful parents!

I’ve heard you and Daddy talking about how excited you are, and how ready you are for me to make my appearance. I’ve heard you and Daddy talking about all the things you’ve done to my room, and I’ve heard my grandparents telling you how pretty it looks! I’m sure it does, and I’m sure I’ll love it.

But it’s going to be so different when I’m living in my room, and sleeping in a bed, rather than here inside of you, Mommy. I’m just nervous. You know it’s always a bit scary doing something this important for the very first…and only…time. I’m glad you’re going to be there with me, because I know you’ll make sure I’m okay.

But I bet you’re nervous, too. You’ve never had a baby before. So we’re both in the same situation. Excited. Nervous. And a bit scared.

I’ve been wondering how I’ll feel when I take my first breath outside of you. I wonder what air tastes like. And smells like. I wonder what it’s going to feel like to breathe that air into my little lungs for the very first time!

And I wonder how you’ll smell. My angel told me that newborn babies, which will be me, can tell their mommy by the scent of their skin. That’s going to be another new experience, too, because my little nose hasn’t had the chance to smell anything yet. But she said since I’ve been inside you all this time my nose will immediately know who you are!

I wonder what your voice will sound like. Yes, I’ve been hearing talk, but your voices are muffled because I’m inside of you. Tomorrow I’ll hear you as you really sound…with nothing to block the sound of your voice. I can’t wait! Will you sing me a lullaby? Your grandmother did that for my grandmother as well as for you. I know your singing will be beautiful. At least I’ll think so!

I’m really wondering how I’ll feel when I look at you and Daddy for the first time. I’ve heard your voices a lot, but I’ve never seen your faces. You’ve not seen mine, either. I’m sure the ultrasounds are wonderful, but they really can’t show what I truly look like.

It’s going to be such a wonderful moment when we look into each others’ faces for the first time. I won’t remember it, unfortunately, but you will. I won’t get to know that feeling until I have my own baby a long time from now. I know we’ll love each other immediately. Because I already love you!

And I wonder how I’ll feel when I’m in your arms for the very first time…feel your hands on my skin, your fingers wrapping around my tiny arms, holding me close, never wanting to lose the magic of that special moment. I’ll wrap my tiny hand around your finger, and we’ll be inseparable….Mommy and baby. You and me.

Yes, tomorrow is going to be an exciting day! For me, and you, and Daddy. There’ll never be another like it. Your very first baby is entering the world.

And nothing will ever be the same again.

Good night, Mommy. I love you, and I’ll be in your arms tomorrow!!

XOXOXOXOXO

Smile for the Camera!

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Yes, I sure did smile for the camera today! A lot! I wish you could’ve seen me! And I wish your photographer could’ve somehow taken a real picture of me as well! But she will be able to soon, Mommy!

You and Daddy had your pictures taken today, just the two of you, with little me right there inside you. I was sticking out in your tummy a lot, because I’m running out of room in there, and I was waving to the lady with the camera. Did it tickle you when I did that?

2016-04-25 06.49.43And of course you picked your favorite spot for your pictures…the beach. I’m sure I’m going to love the beach as much as you do, as much as I’ve heard you talk about it. It sounds like a fun place! I heard the waves and the sea gulls squawking while we were there today. Did you feed the sea gulls?

The sound of those waves was so wonderful, I couldn’t help jumping up and down with excitement! Did you feel me jumping and kicking?? I can’t wait to go to the beach with you! I heard you talking about getting me a bathing suit, so I guess you and Daddy will be taking me there to have fun!

2016-04-25 07.15.18I heard you and Daddy talking while she was taking our pictures. You were laughing and having a great time, and talking about me a lot! You know I can hear you, right? And I really liked it when Daddy was rubbing your tummy and talking to me, and telling me he loves me! I love him, too, Mommy! I’m so glad you picked him to marry and be my daddy.

And when he kissed your tummy, he actually kissed my little cheek. That was so special to me. I can’t wait to feel both of you kissing me and hugging me. And I’ll learn to kiss you back as soon as I can! I promise!

2016-04-25 06.55.53Now I heard you talking about a pair of shoes you got for me, and they must be cute, because the lady was taking pictures of you two holding them. But shoes? Mommy, you like flip flops don’t you, instead of shoes? Don’t you wear them to the beach? So I’ll definitely need some. But I guess the shoes will be good for me when I’m learning to walk.

You also had some kind of stuffed animal with you, too, but I couldn’t tell what kind it was. But whatever it was, it tickled me a couple of times right through your tummy, and it made me giggle! I can’t wait to play with that one. I hope it’s waiting for me in my crib!

I can’t wait to see the pictures. I can’t wait to see what you looked like with me inside you. I’m sure you were smiling a lot because you’re so happy. I’m happy, too, because I’m going to be meeting the best parents in the entire world in a few weeks…you and Daddy! And one day I’ll be able to show those pictures around and tell everyone, “that’s me, right there!”

It’s been another exciting day, hasn’t it Mommy? I hope you had as much fun as I did! And by the way, that pizza you had for dinner after taking our pictures, well, that was really good!!! I’m going to like pizza, too.

I’m really tired now, so I’ll say good night. I’m sure you’re tired, too. And Daddy! It was a fun day!

I love you, Mommy!!! I’m going to be in your arms soon!

XOXOXOXOXO

The Mother to a Mother of a Child

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Anyone who’s following my blog, or who’s read more than two of my recent posts, most likely knows we’re about to become grandparents. We’ve had about seven months to get used to the idea, just like our daughter and son-in-law have had that time to get used to the idea of becoming parents.

I remember the excitement and anticipation I felt when I was expecting our daughter. We were nervous, excited, scared to death, and thought the time to deliver her would never get here!

Like Ashley and Chris, we used the time to get our daughter’s room all ready, buy cute baby clothes, and stock up on diapers. We counted down the weeks. And worried and wondered if we’d be good parents. And every day the realization of our upcoming change in status from merely husband and wife to parents was very obvious to me, because I was carrying our daughter inside me. I felt her move, I heard her heartbeat, and saw her inside of me as the ultrasound technician moved her wand over my expanding belly.

Every day was a constant reminder of the new life that was coming.

Image2But being an expectant grandparent is different. Because I’m now going to be the mother of a mother of a child. It’s actually sort of hard for me to wrap my brain around that. My daughter, the little girl I carried inside of me for nine months, who I gave birth to, is now going through the same thing. And she is getting ready to give birth to her own daughter very soon.

And that has made me stop and reflect on what that actually means.

It sounds so different to say mother of a mother of a child. Even though that’s what a grandmother is, if you have a daughter. But that’s actually what I’m going to be.

Image3As a mother I still tend to think of my daughter as still being a child – my child – rather in terms of her being an adult who is married. She’s already been a wife for over a year, but for some reason I have an easier time thinking of her being a married woman than I do thinking of her as a mother.

Because to me, her being a mother, her and her husband being totally responsible for a new life, means I have to look at my daughter in a new way. As an adult. And that’s something I’ve had a hard time dealing with. Not that she hasn’t been an adult for several years, but this is different. We’re entering a new stage in our mother-daughter relationship. It’s going to suddenly become more of an adult-adult relationship.

How’d she ever get old enough to be married, let alone have a child?

And now I’m becoming the mother of a mother of a child. How did I get old enough to graduate to that status?

Mom and MeI’ve often wondered over the past few months if my own mother felt this way when I was expecting. Did she wonder where the years had gone? Did she have to reconcile in her own way that her only child had now totally passed over the threshold of childhood, never to return again? Because my mother’s only daughter (me!) was becoming a mother herself.

And now that mother of that child is becoming a grand mother…the mother to a mother of a child.

I don’t know if I’m ready for this or not, but I’m certainly going to do my best. I may make mistakes, and so might our daughter. We all do in this parenting/grandparenting game.

But in the end, being a mother to a child is one of the very best things a woman can be. And being the mother to a mother of a child is an honor that I cannot even begin to imagine.

The baton is being passed down our family line once again, and now it’s my turn to be the one ready to impart my wisdom and years of life experience, not only to my daughter, but eventually to my daughter’s daughter when she grows into a young woman.

May the Lord bless all of us who are the mother (or father) to the mother (or the father) of a child.

A Party Just for Us!

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Wasn’t today just the most fun day??? My grandmother and your friends really gave us a wonderful baby shower. Yes, us! You wouldn’t have had the party if it weren’t for me. I’m not bragging or anything, but it was my first real party, and it was great! At least it sure sounded like it! I can’t wait to see the pictures!

The food was sure good, and I’m so glad you were able to eat today. I’m sorry I’m still making you sick all the time, but I can’t help it, so please don’t be upset with me. But we did get to enjoy some of the yummy stuff. The shrimp was delicious, even though I only got a little taste. I know I’m going to enjoy that when I’m older. The sandwiches were good, and the chips, and of course you loved the gummy worms, although I’m not that crazy about them.

2016-04-02 11.56.41Now the cupcakes….oh my, they were delicious!!! I needed more of those! I heard my grandmother giving you some to take home, and I know I’ll get more!! I think I’m going to like dessert as much as you do!!

I heard all the excitement when you started playing games. Everybody was talking at once, but I heard a lot of what was going on. Your friend was asking you questions about what my daddy had said about me, and you got almost all of them right! You and Daddy know each other really well, don’t you?! I know he’s got to be special, because he’s my very own Daddy, and you love each other so much, God is blessing you with me! He chose me just for you two, you know!

2016-04-02 14.45.59There was another game I remember when everyone was trying to guess how big your tummy is…..with me in here! I’m the size of a coconut right now, so I’m getting bigger, and so are you. When your friend was measuring you I wasn’t sure whether to see how little I could make myself, or stretch out to make your tummy HUGE!! Your friend tickled me when she was touching your tummy, and I couldn’t stay still! That was fun!

I heard you talking about how many presents there were piled up for you to open! You were so surprised about how many there were. Your friends must really love us to give you so many great gifts! I heard you talking about the clothes, and sheets, and blankets, and toys….and hair bows…there was so much you couldn’t get it all home in one trip!!!

I liked the poem your friend read to you when you opened her gifts. And so did her baby that’s inside of her tummy. He and I will be really good friends, you know.

There was also a special gift for you, and a very special card. Your grandmother had your mother give me the silver comb and brush set that she’d given you when you were born, a baby blanket she’d made for you, as well as a couple of books she’d given you. And she had your mother write this card from her:

“My precious granddaughter, I may not be here today with you physically, but I am always with you in spirit. I have been watching over you, and also watching over your precious daughter Rachel. She’s beautiful, and I cannot wait for you to meet her. I know you will be a wonderful mom, and Chris will be a great dad. The gifts in this bag I gave to you when you were born, and now I’m passing them on to my great granddaughter. Be sure to tell her about me. I love you so much, and I am so proud of you. You have exciting days ahead of you! Love, Grandmom”

I know you were about to cry when you started reading it, Mommy, but it’s ok. Your grandmother will always love you, and she’s so excited for us!

2016-04-02 16.14.35

I wish I could’ve watched Daddy when my grandmother’s friend was giving him all that funny stuff in that tool box to use when he was changing my diapers. I really need to see those pictures! I’m sure he’ll do a good job, though. He’s going to be a good Daddy…the best!I’m falling asleep now. It’s been so much fun today! Not much longer, Mommy, before we see each other’s faces. That will be the best moment ever!!

I love you!

XOXOXOXOXO

Let’s Do That Again, Mommy!

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Mommy, you sure know how to do a lot of fun things! At least from my point of view they’re fun! And you must like them, too, or else you wouldn’t do them!

Snow 4 wheelerBack in the winter when it snowed you decided to go out with Daddy on our 4-wheeler and drive around in the snow! It was noisy and bumpy, but you were laughing and yelling for Daddy to drive faster! I guess I can say that was my first time on one of those, because you had no choice but to take me, since I was inside of you! I was only the size of an artichoke, but I enjoyed it! I also heard my grandmother telling you how you shouldn’t have done that, but….

Mommy, I had fun. I mean, I couldn’t see what we were doing but I felt us going around in circles and over some little hills, and it felt like fun! Can we do it again after I’m born? Well, I guess it’ll have to be a few years after I’m born, but I really want to go again. Maybe you and Daddy will even buy me one of my own when I’m big enough? But it’ll have to be pink, of course.

And then today you took me around on the riding lawn mower! Now that was noisy, too, and you were going in circles a lot more! And talk about bouncing around…you had me jumping up and down, and not just a few times! I’m the size of a big cantaloupe right now so I bet you felt me a lot! I hope I didn’t kick you too much!

Do you think Daddy will let me cut the grass when I’m older? Of course he’ll have to wait til I’m a lot bigger, but I bet I could do a good job.

That reminds me of some other fun things I want to try. When I’m old enough, of course. I heard you talking to Daddy one night about roller coasters and how much you love them! And how you can’t wait to go on them again this summer. I know from what you said I won’t be able to go, because they go too high and way too fast! So I guess I’ll have to wait for that. But you can still go…I’ll stay home with Grandmom and Grandpa, at least for the first few years, because I’ll not be big enough to ride those big rides. But one day we’ll be on them together! More things to look forward to!

Your grandmother told me some stories about other things you’ve done like that. She wasn’t around to see you do some of them, but she sure knows about them! She said you went parasailing with my grandfather for your twelfth birthday, and when she called you for your birthday that night, all you could talk about was how much fun it was, and how you couldn’t wait to go again!

She also told me about how you and one of your friends went jumping off a big rock in Hawaii. She said my grandmother was really worried about it, but of course you couldn’t wait! She also knows that when you jumped the first time you landed wrong and hurt yourself, but what did you do? You went back and jumped again to make sure you got it right! I don’t know if she was watching you while you were doing it, but she sure told me all about it!

You sound like you’re going to be a fun mommy! I bet we’re going to do all kinds of interesting things together! I know God picked the right parents for me…my Mommy and Daddy are going to be perfect! I’m sure our new life together will be nothing but fun! I can’t wait!

I love you, Mommy. All this excitement today has made me tired, so I’ll say good night. Oops! Sorry, but I had to stretch. Did I kick you again? It’s getting a little tight in here and I needed some room. Which means I’m going to be born soon! Hooray!

Until then…. (BIG KISS!!!)

XOXOXOXOXO

Happy Anniversary, Mommy and Daddy!!

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I bet you didn’t think I knew today was your anniversary, did you?? Well, I did…your grandmother actually sent me a dream last night and reminded me! Don’t you remember I told you we babies dream when we’re inside our mommies? Oh I’ve had some wonderful dreams I haven’t even told you about! Maybe one day I’ll be able to tell you.

I also heard you and Daddy talking about your anniversary last night. I heard how excited you were, and heard you talking about how you can’t believe you’ve been married for a year already! AND you’re having a baby! Like almost any time now!

Image2But do you know what the best part of your anniversary is today? You’re going to get to see ME again. Because you’re going to have another ultrasound, and Daddy gets to be there, too! I’m really excited about this one, because it’s hopefully the last one before I’m born! Isn’t this going to be a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary? We’re actually going to be celebrating it together… All three of us! I wish I had a gift to give you, but that’ll have to wait.

Image1When I was still in heaven, your grandmother told me all about your wedding. She said it was beautiful. That you and daddy looked so perfect together, and she could tell how much you loved each other. And of course you still do! She said my grandmother was so proud of you both, and that my grandfather was starting to cry when he walked you down the aisle to give you away to Daddy. And you do know that one day, my Daddy will be doing that for me. And I bet he’ll cry, too.

Image3She told me all about your dress, and your flowers, and all your friends there with you, and how you had a charm on your bouquet with a picture of you and her together. I can’t wait til we take our first picture together! And I want to see the picture she was telling me about. She actually said she liked that one of her, and you know she didn’t like to have her picture taken!

And now you’re getting ready to have me! What a great anniversary present! Except I don’t come gift wrapped! So I guess I really AM giving you a present, aren’t I? (Giggle!!!)

I’d really like to be born today, so I could be your anniversary present, but I think it would be better for me to have my own birthday. You can celebrate your anniversary on your own special day, and then I can have my own special day, too.

Image4So after you see me on that ultrasound (and be sure to watch me waving at you – I’m so excited!) You and Daddy can go celebrate your anniversary. Please have some yummy food, and be sure to have cake! Celebrations always call for cake, and your grandmother told me you’re supposed to eat the top layer from your wedding cake on your first anniversary. I hope it tastes good, and I hope it has a lot of icing! I love icing!

Happy first anniversary, Mommy and Daddy! I love you both! And I’ll see you real soon!

XOXOXOXOXO

I’ll Be the Best Dressed Baby

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Wow, Mommy, ever since you found out I’m a girl, you’ve really been having fun shopping! It seems like almost every day we’ve been somewhere looking at baby clothes! I hear you talking to your friends about what you’re finding, or calling my grandmother and telling her.

I wish I could see all the things you’re buying, but I can only hear you, so I just have to imagine what everything looks like. Your grandmother told me about colors while I was waiting to be placed inside of you, and I’ve already picked out my favorites, and I did hear you talking about some things you bought for me!

I really like pink; pink is probably my very favorite color. Of course I’m a girl, so you know I’m going to like pink! I know it’s not your favorite, but I AM going to be the one wearing them! I like that pretty teal blue, too, and yellow. Yellow reminds me of summer, which I’ve been told is the best season ever! I can’t wait to see the rainbow of all the colors in my closet! I bet it’s already getting full!

I heard you showing my grandmother some of the things you got the other night. She sounded excited, too! You were talking about little dresses, and cute play outfits, and even bathing suits! And flamingos. Your grandmother told me how much my grandparents like those pretty pink birds, and how you had to get some flamingo outfits for me to wear to some kind of flamingo party. It sounds like fun! I can’t wait!! And it sounds like I have the clothes for it already.

I also heard you and my grandmother talking one day about buying me some pretty little socks. Grandmom said they had bows and rhinestones on them. I’m sure I’ll love those! Your grandmother also told me you never liked to keep socks or shoes on your feet when you were a baby. She said you always found a way to kick them off, no matter what, and your mother had threatened to glue them to your feet! I don’t know how socks and shoes feel when you’re wearing
them, but I love wiggling my little toes around, so I hope they don’t squash my feet too much! Or I’ll probably do the same thing.

Of course I won’t need a lot of shoes until I learn to walk, so you don’t have to worry about that yet. Just socks. Pretty ones.

Your grandmother also told me how she used to make a lot of your own mother’s clothes when she was little. She said she had so much fun doing it. She told me she kept a lot of them because they were so pretty she just couldn’t get rid of them. Your mother still has some of them, because she couldn’t get rid of them either.

She also told me about the fun she used to have with your mother going shopping for clothes for you. You’d all three spend all day shopping and looking around to find just the right outfits for you to wear. She told me she’d love to be able to go shopping for me just one time, but she’ll just have to be happy knowing we’re having fun.

But she also told me about a very special dress that both your mother and you wore when you were christened. Your grandmother’s sister-in-law made it all by hand especially for your mother for her christening day, and you wore it as well. It’s been saved for me to wear, too, when I’m dedicated. Isn’t that exciting? And so very special. I’m part of such a wonderful loving family, aren’t I??!!!

And please, I’m a girl, so I’m really going to need a few headbands and bows. Please? They don’t need to be big….just cute!!! And they need to match my outfits!

Thank you, Mommy! I love you! I’m going to sleep now and dream about wearing my flamingo pajamas I heard you talking about! I bet they’re adorable!

XOXOXOXOXO

Did You See How Big I Am?

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How’d you like my pictures today?? You could really see what I look like now, can’t you!? I’m so excited, because it’s getting closer to the big day! Well, I know it’s four more months, but still…

I’m the size of a mango now. You probably don’t like mangos, but they sound really good. And my legs and feet and toes are all formed, and so are my arms and hands and fingers! I know you saw me waving at you, didn’t you! The ultrasound tech took a lot of good pictures, and I was smiling at you as hard as I could. And that wand tickled me again, and I started giggling!

I hope my hair looked ok…I have some now, and I hope it’s curling like yours! I can’t really tell. Your grandmother said she tried to get your hair to curl, but it wouldn’t until you were older. So she put bows and headbands on you whenever she could. I know you don’t like them, because I’ve heard you telling your friends, but my grandmother thinks they’re cute! And I want some! Please?

Ultrasound And you’ve finally started to feel me moving around. I know you didn’t know what it was at first, but that was me! I sometimes have trouble getting comfortable as I’m growing, so I have to move around a lot. I’m sorry if it hurts, but I can’t help it right now.

What did Daddy say when he felt me kicking you? I could hear the amazement in his voice when he felt me the first time, but I’m not sure what he said. My doggie brothers were making too much noise.

I hope you save all the pictures of me that you have so far. I want to see them, too. Your grandmother said I’m just as beautiful as you and your mother are. Of course I think she’s supposed to say that…

Are you getting more excited now, Mommy? I sure am! I want to come out and meet you and snuggle with you and Daddy, but I know it’s not time yet. Waiting is so hard, isn’t it???

What do you think you’ll say when you see me the first time? What will Daddy do? I wonder how I’ll feel? I’ll probably be a little scared, because after all, I’ll have been inside you for nine months, where it’s all warm and soft, except when I’m laying on your backbone, and that’s not very comfortable. I’ll be counting on you and Daddy to protect me, and love me, and I know you will. I know you’ll teach me all I need to know about the world, and so will my grandparents.

I get so excited thinking about it, I just want to jump up and down again….

Sorry, I know it’s late and you’re trying to sleep, but I just couldn’t help myself! Maybe I’ll go to sleep now, too, because it’s been another exciting day in the womb, and posing for all those pictures was hard work!

Good night, Mommy. I love you!

XOXOXOXOXO

I’m A Girl! I’m Rachel!

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I’m so excited!!! You finally found out!!! I’ve wanted you to know for so long!!

You were so sure I was a boy. I’ve heard you and Daddy talking, and I couldn’t help laughing. Boy, did I surprise you both!! You were so sure, at least most of the time, but every once in a while I heard you saying, “well, maybe it IS a girl…”

2015-12-13 13.50.44My grandmother knew though, even before she found out for sure. And I’m so surprised you didn’t give in and let her go ahead and tell you. I know you wanted Daddy to find out with you, and you wanted to see each other’s reactions, but I don’t know whether I could’ve waited, knowing all you had to do was ask. I’m still amazed you wouldn’t even let her tell my grandfather though.

It was so funny that day when my grandmother said something about me, and said “he”. You were sure you knew then, and I was laughing so hard, and clapping my little hands….I almost did a cartwheel inside you, I was laughing so hard! I may be only the size of a peach right now, but I’m surprised you didn’t feel me jumping and kicking!

I heard you all making plans for the day you’d find out, and I was as excited as you were! I thought Daddy would never get home from his work!!! I know you felt the same way.

2015-12-13 13.34.45I woke up early that morning…did you feel me moving around?? I just couldn’t keep still!! You and Daddy were excited, too, and when my grandparents got there I knew it wouldn’t be long! Now I heard you talking about a big balloon, and it sounded like there was a party going on, from all the excitement I heard!

Then all of a sudden you were yelling, “Pink??? Are you sure??”

Yes! I’m sure!! I’m a girl!!! Now you all finally know!!

I don’t know how many people were there today, but I sure heard a lot of voices, and a lot of people talking about dresses and ruffles and bows and all kinds of fun girly things! Mommy, we’re going to have such a special relationship, you and me! I can’t wait! And I know Daddy will be so protective of his little girl…you’ll probably have to talk to him about that, because I heard him say when I’m older he’s not going to let me out of the house without him!

2015-12-13 13.55.49And by the way, that cake my grandmother brought over for the party? It was delicious! I’d like some more of that, please. With some ice cream? And a big glass of milk!

I’m sure you have lots of pictures from today, too, and you know I’m going to want to see them! I want to see your faces when you found out that I was Rachel and not Ryan. Ryan will come along a little later I’m sure.

So now instead of just calling me “baby” and “it”, you can call me Rachel and talk about “her” and what “she” will be like! Isn’t this exciting, Mommy? I knew you’d be happy!

And by the way, your friend who lives down the street, who was there today, well, she’s going to have a baby also. She hasn’t told you yet, and I can also tell you she’s having a little boy. How do I know this? Because God told me. I’m going to have a lot of fun playing with him, too. He might even be my first boyfriend!

But don’t tell Daddy! I don’t think you and Daddy are ready for that just yet. After all, I’m not even in your arms yet. I’m still inside of you.

And it’s been a busy day for all of us, so I’ll say good night now. I know you’re tired, because I hear you yawning. Good night, Mommy. I know you’re going to dream about me tonight. And I’m going to dream about doing fun things with you, going for walks, having you read to me, swinging on the swings in the park, oh, it’s going to be wonderful!!

Sleep good! I know I will! I love you!

XOXOXOXOXO

Telling the World

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We sure had a good time today, didn’t we? I heard Grandmom ask you so many times when you were actually going to tell everyone about me, and so finally you did! I know it must have been really tough not to tell people until you had your announcement planned just right, but I’ve been wanting you to announce me since I came to be inside of you!Three dogs

And I’m glad you got my doggie brothers involved in the whole thing, taking their pictures and letting THEM make the announcement. I heard all of the commotion when you were trying to get them to cooperate with the lady taking the pictures! They sound like they’re going to be such fun to be around, and I’m sure when I’m a little bigger, we’ll all have a wonderful time together.

Drake with signEspecially that Drake puppy! You kept telling him what to do all the time, and it didn’t sound like he was cooperating too well. I bet he’s really going to be a lot of fun! And please don’t let him steal my socks!

I heard you talking about all the people congratulating you because of me. It’s so exciting, isn’t it! Your grandmother told me everyone would be so excited for you and Daddy! Just like all her friends were when she told them you were coming into the world. I heard you reading some of the congratulations messages, and it sounds like you have some really great friends! I can’t wait to meet them all! Do you think they’ll like me? Will they babysit for me?

I can’t wait to meet you, Mommy! And Daddy, too! I mean, I’m already here, sort of, even though I’m only about the size of a lime. And you’ve already heard my heartbeat. Wasn’t that a great moment? I’ve been hearing yours all along, and now you’ve heard mine. They beat together, you know, yours and mine. Isn’t that amazing how God designed us? And everything you eat or drink, I get to taste as well. I particularly like ice cream, and milkshakes, just like you do, so please keep giving me those. They’re yummy!

Some of the people are already asking you if you think I’m a boy or a girl! I wanted to scream out, “I’m Rachel, and I’m a girl!” But of course, I can’t talk yet, and no one could hear me either, if I did. But your grandmother also told me that YOUR mom already knows, just because…. I know your mother, my grandmother, is a very special person, and she’s going to be a big part of my life, just like her mother was such a big part of yours!

You’re already showing that little bump in your belly where I’m growing. And you’ve already had to get some new clothes because of me, but I think you’re enjoying that part as well. I know how much you like to shop, and I also know as soon as you find out I’m a girl, you’re probably going to have a great time buying things for me. And I’m sure I’ll love them all!

It’s been an exciting day, and I’m yawning, so I’m going to say good night now, and I imagine you are, too. I know I’m making you tired, and we both need our sleep right now.

Good night, Mommy! I love you! I’ll talk to you later!

XOXOXOXOXO

Love At First Sight

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Today was a really big day wasn’t it mommy? You and Daddy actually got to see me for the first time! I was right there, just taking it easy, resting inside of you. I was trying to pose for the pictures but that ultrasound wand sort of tickled me and every once in a while, and I had to move around and start laughing. You couldn’t tell though, because I’m still only about the size of a raspberry.

My arms and legs aren’t quite formed yet, so I couldn’t wave at you like I wanted to, but I was smiling at you. Did you see me smiling? Your grandmother told me I have a beautiful smile, just like yours. And just like your mother’s!

I heard you and daddy talking about me while you were looking at me on the screen. You were both so amazed to see tiny little me right there inside of you. Now you really understand that I’m here with you, and you’re really going to have a baby. Me!!!

And my grandparents were excited, too! Especially Granddad, because I heard him crying. That was so cool!! And I heard my grandmother saying how she was just so overwhelmed that her little girl was having a baby of her own! I heard her starting to cry as well!!

2015-10-14 16.40.14And I heard the nurse giving you all my first baby pictures. I may not look a lot like a baby to you right now, but that’s ME in those pictures! Over the next few weeks my arms and legs, and fingers and toes, will be forming. My heart is already beating, and soon you’ll be able to hear it. Just like I hear yours every minute I’m awake. It lulls me to sleep when I’m tired, and reminds me how close we are. Mother and baby. Inseparable.

2015-10-14 16.07.05I know you’re already wondering what I’m going to look like, and in the next few months you’ll get a few glimpses from the ultrasounds, but you really won’t truly know until I’m here. Which will be sooner than you think. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but the days will pass by quicker than you think. Not quick enough for me either, because I can’t wait to be in your arms and look into your eyes. That’s going to be the most special moment ever!!!!

Well, I need some more sleep, so I’ll say good night for now! Don’t lose those pictures, because I’m going to want to see them all when I’m old enough!

I love you soooo much!!!!

XOXOXOXO

A Letter to our Daughter and Son-in-Law

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Our daughter and her husband are having a baby! We’ve known for several weeks and have been wanting to share their news with the world. And now we finally can!

I actually wrote this several weeks ago, and have patiently (well not really patiently) waited until I was given permission to make the news public.

To Ashley and Chris:

You’re having a baby! There are a million thoughts going through your minds right now. Joy, excitement, wonder…and let’s face it, I’m sure just a little bit of fear. Especially with your first one.

There’s so much to think about. Now that you’ve told your family, how are you going to tell your friends? What will he/she look like? How are you going to decorate the nursery? How is your life going to change? And how in the world can you possibly get everything ready before he/she gets here?

But there’s something else you need to think about…the wonder of actually having created a new life; a new person. There’s actually a very tiny living being inside of a mother-to-be. And for nine months, Mom will be carrying that other person inside of her, nourishing him/her, and looking forward to the day when that little person actually arrives and is placed in your arms. Leaving the safety of Mom’s body and entering a whole new world. There’s nothing like it!

The wonder of all of this struck me one morning driving to work as the Lord gave me this verse and asked me to write this for you.

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (NIV)

The Lord already knows this baby. He knew this baby before he/she was even conceived. He knows if it’s a boy or a girl, his/her name, what he/she will look like, what his/her personality will be. He knows the struggles as well as the triumphs he/she will face in life. He knows what career he/she will have, and where he/she will live. He even already knows who your baby will marry and how many children he/she will have one day.

Imagine the enormity of all of that. The wonder of the Lord is amazing. Here you are, just discovering you’re going to be parents, and the Lord already knows all about this little being who’s only the size of a lime right now. He knows his/her total future. He has plans for him/her. And He will make sure those plans are fulfilled, even if he/she gets off track. And He personally selected YOU to be his/her parents. How totally amazing is that?

Most likely you haven’t thought of all of this; at least not yet. There’s too many other thoughts going through your heads.
But the Lord is amazing, and He has gifted you two with a wondrous and precious gift…a gift He created just for you.

Dad and I cannot wait to meet our first grandchild! We love you all!