Dear Lila,

Hey baby girl. Your daddy and I are getting so excited to meet you. You will be "full term" and healthy enough to join us in just a few days. Well, as much as I want to meet you, sweetie, I want you to stay in there until you are fully ready to come out. A few days ago I was getting impatient (and uncomfortable) and I hoped you make your appearance early. And vainly, I thought if you came early I wouldn't gain more weight or get any more stretch marks and my heartburn and carpal tunnel would go away! Well, even considering those things, I think I've changed my mind about wishing for an early arrival.

I know my life is about to totally change when you get here. I'm going to be home with you for a few months and I won't be going to work everyday like I'm used to doing. I'll probably not be sleeping very much and instead of focusing on myself or on shopping or on what book to read next, I'll be focusing on you. As much as I am ready for that change, I'm also not ready. So, if it's okay with you, stay in there for awhile, baby girl! I want to feel you kicking in my belly for a few more weeks... while I spend time with your dad, get things wrapped up nicely at work and get everything prepared for your arrival.

It might sound selfish, but I think I need these next few weeks to really be ready for you. So keep growing and getting smarter and healthier and cuter in there and I'll meet you so soon. I'm thinking February 12, 14 or 17 sound like great days to be born!

See you soon little one,

Your mama :)

A letter to my daughter

My sweet Lila,

I was in a little bit of a funk yesterday and I finally realized it's because I miss you. I know that sounds crazy because I haven't technically even met you yet, but its been a month since I saw your little face on the ultrasound monitor. I cannot wait to see your sweet face again and meet you in person. I'm so tempted to pay for a 3d/4d ultrasound, even though I said I wouldn't do that. I just want to see you again and see how you've grown and changed.

I've also realized this month that I love you! I mean, ever since I found out about you in June I've of course been thrilled and excited. But since finding out you were a baby girl and feeling you move in there, I've really fallen in love with you. I think your dad is pretty smitten too. He has felt you kick and we actually SAW you kick this weekend. It was really cool. You must be getting strong in there if I can already see your kicks. I just know you are getting really big and healthy, baby girl!

I've had some dreams about you and you are so beautiful and such a good baby. I never truly imagined myself with a daughter, but I am honestly so excited and honored to get to be your mom. I know nothing about taking care of a baby and your daddy and I might screw up a little in the beginning, but we just plan on loving you like crazy! When we are in the throes of sleep deprivation and exhaustion here in a few months, I'm just going to kiss your face and hold you and hopefully it will all be okay!

There are so many people out here in the world who can't wait to meet you. You have four pretty awesome grandparents who can't wait to hold you and love on you. You have lots of aunts and uncles (real and honorary) and even a few little friends who will get to grow up with you.

But most of all baby, you have an amazing daddy! I cannot wait for you to meet him. He makes me laugh everyday and I know our life will be filled with even more happiness when you get here. He is the best husband, friend and person ever, so I have no doubt he'll be the best dad to you as well. I can't wait to see you two together. We're going to have so much fun!

Hopefully I can get another glimpse of you in 3D before you're born. If not, I really will see you soon. Just a few more months until you'll be here to really join our family. But in a lot of ways you're already a part of it. I love you and I'll see you soon baby girl.

Love,

Your mama.