Dear Sneaky,

This is the first letter I’ve written you my entire pregnancy. Each month would go by and I’d contemplate sitting down to jot down my thoughts but it’s been such  a whirlwind, I think writing this now, just around the time we expected you to arrive would be perfect.

As expected you’re snuggled in there and flew past your due date without much of a hint of that changing very soon. There were a lot of anxious feelings as we came up on your due date, but now that we’re past it I’m somehow relieved knowing you’re gonna be here at some point within the next week or so. Maybe that’s because there’s no more guess work on whether or not you’re coming early or on time. You’re just plain late. Like your other siblings. So I’m thinking you’ll fit right in.

Growing you has been the wildest experience for me. After your brother was born I’d never dreamed I’d have TWO daughters to raise. I’m pretty sure your daddy is thinking the same thing. He’s been cleaning and getting the car all safe and ready for you. A few days ago he unboxed the carseat, went and got my oil changed and vacuumed out our very messy car. I think it’s his own little way of nesting. Though we’re pretty much ready in most regards, we are still in heavy debates over the spelling of your name. I hope you like what we finally agree on.

With your siblings standing by with the biggest grins and excited chatter I imagine you’re going to be the most loved little girl around. Your sister wants to share her room and everything else with you. I think you’re the sister she’s wanted but never thought she’d get. Your big brother is also surprising me with his excitement. Lately he’s up before your sister and talking to you first thing in the morning. He’s so loud and you almost always immediately start kicking and moving around when you hear him. I’m sure you’ll recognize him immediately. It’s going to be so fun watching how he adjusts to being a big brother. Hopefully you go easy on him.

We have managed to collect all these fun contraptions to put you in once you’re here but the more I think about it the more I realize you will probably be in our arms 24/7. Everyone is ready and waiting to get a piece of you.

I didn’t think I’d ever get to raise another baby again but I know you’re meant to be a part of our family. I think you’re going to be the little puzzle piece we didn’t realize we were missing. Be prepared to squeeze in and get smothered with a ridiculous amount of love.

So come out whenever you’re ready. Preferably sooner rather than later. We are all waiting!

Love,

Mommy

A couple of weeks ago I made a to-do list with things I need to accomplish before this baby girl arrives. There were about 30 items. Ranging from getting my hair braided (for easier maintenance with a newborn). To eye exams, and dentist appointments for both of the kids (two days before my due date)…. read the rest.

  “When is my baby sister coming out?” You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard that question over the last six months. I’m certain I’ve heard some variation hundreds of times. It’s the first thing my daughter asks in the morning and her last question before bed. And she throws it out a handful… read the rest.

“If I was the parent making all the rules, I would probably say you could watch the iPad as long as you want and never have to do school!” My daughter proclaimed as we walked around the block. I’ll never get tired of hearing the thoughts that run through her little brain. My kids and… read the rest.

One of my good friends recently told me how she’d asked her 8-year-old son all the cuss words he knows. I wondered what would happen if I asked my daughter the same question. I mean, I don’t swear. Most of her friends are girls she knows from cheer and they don’t seem like sailors to… read the rest.

I’m in the homestretch of this pregnancy. Can I say that when I’m a little less than a month out? It’s really flown by and but I’m still feeling like “Wait, is this really happening?” The last several months have been a whirlwind of denial, anxiety and excitement. I’ve had so much going on that… read the rest.

I’m almost never nervous to pull out my camera in just about any situation. At a park? Of course! In a donut shop? No problem! At a grocery store? Why not?! But when I pull out my camera around my husband, sometimes I have my guard up. I never know how he’ll react. You deserve… read the rest.

Incredibles 2 is the most highly anticipated film of 2018.–At least for my family. And last week my son and I finally got a chance to see it. We had to hold our Incredibles 2 review until today to let you know our thoughts. But don’t worry, these will be spoiler-free. We want you to… read the rest.