letters to the little one - about one week left

Hi in there.

So its almost show time!  Your room is ready:

and i MADE the mobile and the pretty cube drawers!

Your cat brothers are ready for you, and already stealing your toys:

A few notable things about your time in there:

• you've set up camp on the right side of my abdomen.  
• your little tush is wedged under my left rib cage, which has caused some unnerving pain, but I'm told all is well.
• I've been totally neurotic about the way I look throughout this pregnancy.  I want you to have a strong self esteem and not care so much about the superficial, but if you have been paying attention in there, you might come out saying, "Mama thinks she's the size of Argentina".
• Related - I want cookies by the dozen.
• Possibly the most frustrating thing has been this fainting.  I've fainted several times (like 15) since you came on board.  It was less of a big deal when you were smaller, but at this point, if it happens again, you'll likely have to come out a little early.  We'll see how that goes!
• Really, you've been so good to me overall so far.  No sickness really, not much discomfort (and for being 39 weeks pregnant in Tempe, Arizona in the midst of the longest stretch of 110 + degree days - that's pretty impressive).  I STILL sometimes forget that I am going to have a baby in days.

A bit of disclosure:  The past two years have been a bit of a whirlwind for your dad and me.  We got married, moved across the country, started new jobs.  You'll be meeting lots of people who already love you right after you are born.  Your Grandma and Grandpa Dickey and your Grandma Fisher are flying out here right away to see your little face.  And then Aunt Katie and Uncle Greg will be here soon after.  You'll meet Aunt Katie (Uncle Andy) and Aunt Allison and Naomi soon enough.

The past two years have been difficult sometimes too.  We lost some pretty important people.

A few days before your dad and I got married, Grandma Ellen passed away.  You would have thought she was the most stylish 75+ lady alive.  She had strong opinions, and a beautiful spirit.  (and, to be honest, I was definitely one of her favorites).  I wish you could have met her.

I so wish you could meet your Grandpa Fisher.  More than anything really.  We all miss him so much, but especially your dad.  He would have taught you how to take care of your car, and how to cook a delicious pork tenderloin.  He would have made sure you had your car insurance in order and that you made wise decisions about your college plans.  And he would have loved to see you grow up.  He was your dad's guy.  And your dad has alot of his dad in him - so you'll know your grandpa, even if you didn't get the chance to meet him.

We can't wait for you.  We are all ready for you.  Well... as ready as we can be.  I know you'll probably think you hate us sometimes.  And I know we will be your heroes sometimes.  And we will know you better than anyone in the whole world - your favorite flavor of popsicle and what scares you at nighttime.  We will mess up, and I'm so sorry in advance.  But know that we will always always try to do right by you.  And we will always love each other, your dad and me.  And we will always always love you.

Its almost show time.

Love,

mom