One Week & Two Days Away

I still can't believe it. Your arrival is so near!

The nursery is long done, the pack n' play is installed, and the car seat is already in the car. We're ready for you lil' one!! Come on out anytime. I'm still nervous about the actual delivery. I mean, let's face it, the idea of getting a watermelon to fit through a pencil is pretty scary isn't it? But, every other Mother has made it through, and this lil' mother has God watching over us. We'll be okay, you and me!!

Your Dad is just amazing. Yesterday he took me to the park, and we took the girls with us. Cookie & Cocoa loved it. Your dad and I played on the swings while the girls ran & played (the most exercise they've had in a long time). Your dad couldn't resist testing out the slides with the girls. First up was Cookie, down the big tubular slide that makes several loops. Now, I resisted this, but your Dad insisted, so I stood at the bottom ready to catch her. Wow, she must have gained wings, because her little 15 pound body flew down that slide so fast, and landed right into my arms. The poor thing. I felt so bad for her, but, I think she got over it a few minutes later and we did have a little chuckle over it. Next down, was your dad, who didn't have wings. He actually had to shift himself around a few times, to get his body down the slide. Now, that was pretty humorous. Cocoa took her turn, but on a much smaller, and straight slide. Unfortunately, I don't think she liked it much no matter the size.
We walked by the water and watched people playing discgolf, a new fandangled sport using a frisbee. It was so nice to just walk hand in hand talking and enjoying nature. It won't be long before we're taking you there, to play on the swings and go down the slides. :) Oh what good times we have to look forward to.
Your Daddy and I have already discussed when to take you on your first trip to the Magic Kingdom. Oh, you will love it. I'm so excited to see your face the first time you walk down Main Street USA and the first time you get to see your favorite Disney Character. :) I was always a huge Winnie the Pooh Fan, but I wonder who your favorites will be.

Well Lily, we're ready. If you decide to wait as long as possible, then at the very latest, I look forward to meeting you next Thursday. :) I'll be the one crying with joy.

I love you.

17 DAYS TILL YOUR ARRIVAL

That is...if you hold out that long. I can't believe the time is almost near. Yesterday, your Daddy and I had the second half of our Childbirth class. 6 hours in a classroom is brutal, but I think we both feel a little more comfortable with what is going to be happening. I am so anxious for that day, and yet, we're both so nervous that we won't be good parents. We will love you like crazy, I know that. I just don't know what the day to day is going to be like with a new addition in the family. Please God, we're going to need you with us for all of this.

You do have an amazing friends group that you will be born into. You had so many people at your Baby Shower, it was overwhelming. I can't believe how many clothes and bibs and everything else you have received. What a blessing. Your Aunt Sister put on an awesome party, and everyone there was so generous. The running comment is that I'm going to be able to change you 5 times a day, and still not repeat any outfit. So, feel free to spit up or poop all over them. :) Well, then again, I could just change you and you could avoid doing those things. :) That would be great!! Okay

Well, so much to say, but right now, I need to get back to working. Only 8 more days here in the office.

I love you sweetie. I will write to you again real soon.

SURPRISE

Holy Cow, was I ever surprised!!!

Last night your Grandma was coming in to town to stay for a couple of nights due to her work. I was really looking forward to it. Well, come to find out, as soon as she arrived, she asked me to go outside and help her bring stuff in from the car. The "stuff" she was referring to was your Aunt Becky (my best friend) in Arizona and her mom. I couldn't believe my eyes. I just stared at them for a few seconds, and then I think the first words were something like Holy Cow! (changed from original for your viewing). :)

What an awesome way to start the new year, and what a perfect Baby shower this will be. Your Aunt Becky is almost 28 weeks pregnant right now, so I really would never have expected her to be able to come out here. Your cousin Grace Maureen is expected to arrive somewhere around March 21st, just shortly after you.

Today, I had to go in to work, but I'm leaving in about an hour for yet another Dr. appointment and then to play hookie, go home & enjoy the company. I can't wait.

For yet another Surprise, Phil Grimes brought me in a huge gift bag with your name on it. I'll open it later, but what a sweet gift from him, Janet & Amy. They are so kind.

Okay, one more surprise for the day. Hopefully this will be it, because I'm not sure how much more I can handle. The guys (my elderly male co-workers), threw me a Baby Shower today. Complete with cake, a card, and a gift (the high chair from our registry). For a bunch of older men, that's pretty impressive.

We are so blessed with wonderful people in this world. I can't wait for you to meet them.