(Baby Girl Week 36) Monday, July 21th 2014

Dear Baby Girl,

I took your big brother and ran some errands this morning. Initially we were on the hunt for something specific, but ended up taking a couple of detours to do some shopping. We ended up buying you some new clothes and I couldn't help but marvel at how soon you will be here. Hopefully you will be arriving in less than one month! We are all getting very excited to meet you, name you, and bring you home with us to stay forever. It is such a sweet thought in my head, but I can't say I am ready to meet you just yet. There are still a few things to do before you get here. I mean, clothes are not the only priority.

Perhaps the most pressing thing is your room. We are making room for you in the house little girl. Slowly, very slowly, we have been cleaning out the office and turning it into the cutest little girls room. G.G. and Auntie Laina were helping me a couple weekends ago to paint and clear and organize. Most of the main parts of your room are coming together, and we will just have to sort out some details over the next few weeks until you arrive. Big brother and I have spent several quiet hours just sitting in there talking about you and your new room. I have to say, I think big brother is a little jealous of your crib. He keeps trying to get in the "baby bed," and is upset when I tell him he is too big for it.

Well, we have another check up on Wednesday to measure you and see how things are coming. Then I think maybe just one or two more appointments and you will be here! Thinking of it on that schedule really puts things into perspective. I better get hustling.

Love You Always,
Mama

(Blake 2 Years Old) Saturday, July 19th 2014

My Dear Blake,

You are such a joy, especially lately. Yes, you have your moments of tantrum and break down. They are getting a little more frequent as you express frustration and figure out all these emotions you are dealing with. I get it and try to be most patient with you during these times. However, the rest of the time you mostly just amaze me. 

First, you talk so well. You can almost always tell me what is going on, what you are up to, and a whole bunch of other things. There are three particular places you like to chat: at the breakfast table, in the car, and laying in my bed right before your bedtime routine. One thing I have really noticed talking with you is that you love having a plan. You like talking about things we did during the day and then you simply must know what we are doing the next day. Then, you remember it all in the morning. Amazing. For example, today you were going to a movie with Grandpa, Tio, and Papa. It has been all you've talked about for days. You get this big smile and can't hold still, just talking about it. It brings such light to my life. 

Next up, you have this innate sense of direction. Somehow you always know where we are, or even when we are almost to something. At a certain corner about 6 blocks away, you know we are almost to G.G.'s house. Same goes for LaLa's condo. And, just the other day, you told me when we pulled up close to Burger King and Wendy's. Yes, this probably means we eat too much fast food, but it also means you know where we are. That is just astounding. Today you said, "Oh, almost to G.G.'s," as we rounded that familiar corner and your dad and I were just beaming. 

Finally, I am always amazed when you happily give out hugs to me when I need them. I am going to really hate the day when you are too good to hug your mom. I love those hugs. They make everything better. Sometimes I forget to ask for those hugs, and I can really tell that those days are not the best. Usually those are the days I am frustrated, you are frustrated, and no one is happy. Honestly, those are the days we both need hugs the very most. So, yes, I'll be asking for more of those hugs in the future. 

Well, you are just plugging along in the development stages. Can't wait to see how much more you learn and grow in the next few months. I also can't wait to see how things go with baby sister joining us in just a few weeks. You will make one awesome big brother, I think. 

Love you!

Mama