36w - A letter to our baby

Dear Frankenbaby,

We are 36 weeks pregnant today. I can't believe you have been living and growing inside of me for 34 whole weeks. Sometimes it seems like it has gone very quickly, and other times I can't imagine a time when you weren't there. Because of you, I have tried very hard to eat more protein and more vegetables. I am not always successful. I do hope you forgive me. I have also completely eliminated artificial sweeteners - just for you! Please feel special because I really miss them.

A week from today you are officially considered "full term," which means you could come at any time! Mommy and I are pretty confident that you will be late in making your appearance and we are okay with that. I am enjoying being pregnant with you and while I can't wait for the day when we can see you and hold you and touch you, I am happy having you grow and develop on the inside.

You wouldn't believe the number of things that have changed in our lives since you came into being. We moved two hours away from where we lived before, and we bought a house with a nice yard in a safe, crunchy area. We have different jobs, and different finances, and different challenges. And we had another baby - your twin sibling - who unfortunately wasn't able to make it to play with you. It has been a very busy 36 weeks.

We are so excited to meet you and learn all about you. What will you look like? What will you smell like? Will you let us get any sleep? Mommy and I have never had anyone else in our lives; it has always been the two of us. We are looking forward to the change that is coming - and it is coming really soon!

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know what you're about to get yourself into as you enter into this world and our family. We have a little room all set up for you, and three curious cats who can't wait to sniff your soft skin. We have extended families who are eager to meet you, and lots of people who have already begun spoiling you with toys and clothes and necessities. You have a set of great-grandparents who never thought they would live to see a great-grandchild, and you have already received your very first heirloom - a ring that belonged to your great-great-grandmother.

Last night I washed all of your diaper covers and inserts, and as I set about stuffing them all together, all I could imagine was your scrappy little body sitting inside of them. It's really getting down to the wire around here and Mommy and I are going a little stir-crazy without you. Mommy keeps dreaming of you, and you are all we can talk about these days. This is going to be an exciting summer!

Enjoy your time on the inside. We are here on the outside loving you.

Love,
Mama