18 Weeks

I sure love these belly shots! My friends keep telling me that I'm glowing. And you know what? I think I am! I feel more beautiful every day, carrying this little one around with me. 

I also think people are nicer to you when you're pregnant. Like strangers and people at the store. Walking down the street, I get lots of smiles from people passing by. But I think I also smile when I pass a pregnant woman. I'm always just so excited for her and her growing family.

Kyle and I were talking in the car last night (after we pulled out the Dairy Queen parking lot, our second trip in two days). I told him that I don't think I've ever been more ready than I am to be a mom. I'm so ready. Now it's not that I'm ready to change diapers or figure out breast feeding or give up sleeping late (no, you slept in until 11am today!). But I am so, so ready to be a mom to this little guy or gal. This little one that's half of me and half of the love-of-my-life. What a blessing we have been given-- to share the gobs and gobs of love we have with a little person made of the things we're made of.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

God has given us a gift and I hope in all the years that I get to spend with my family, I never, ever forget that. Not for one second. Not when this little one tries on all of mommy's makeup, or gets into the litter box, or steals the opals out of his mommy's earrings (no I don't have opal earrings, but Kyle did this when he was little-- he was playing pirates and he pried those opals right out because they were his treasure).

Thank you, Father, for this perfect, perfect gift.

***

Happy 18 weeks little one. I'm dying to know if you're a little mister or miss. Just a few more weeks until we find out! 

We decided on a nursery color for you, and I hope you like it. It's mommy's favorite color and it will be warm and sunny and perfect for us to spend lots of time together. Don't worry, daddy will be there too!

You know what I can't wait for, little one? To experience all of your "firsts." I don't really mean your first steps or your first words, although that will be exciting too. 

I mean the other kind of firsts. The first time you experience the things that mommy and daddy have long taken for granted. Like the first time you see a bird fly or a butterfly lands on your fingers. The first time you blow bubbles and see your little reflection in them as they flutter about. The first time you taste ice cream (mommy's favorite food right now!). Or the first time you feel the wind in your hair as you learn to pump up and down on a swing.

There are so many things I can't wait for you to do. We're going go to swimming, and we'll pick flowers, and we'll play music in the kitchen with pots and pans. We'll go apple picking and eat them right off the trees. We'll get you your first baseball glove and teach you how to throw a ball in the backyard. We'll take you horseback riding because daddy's been promising to take mommy for a long time. Now we can go with you!

And we'll dance! We'll dance to every Hootie and the Blowfish song ever made because that's mommy's favorite band.

Gosh, there's such a big world out there Baby D and I can't wait to welcome you to it. There are so many things that me and your daddy can't wait to experience with you. I hope you're ready!