Our Journey: The beginning to a great year...

Another letter to our sweet baby boy,

It's hard to believe you have been cooking up for six months already! You will be here before we know it, and daddy and I could not be more excited, anxious, and even a little nervous for your arrival. It seems most of our conversations revolve around you. We talk about our hopes and dreams for you, how our lives will forever be changed, and mostly how elated we are. We discuss what it will be like to finally meet you, hold you and love on you. I cannot wait!! Daddy says "watch out, I may be a smother mother."
We have cleared out a corner in the bedroom to make room for you, Cohen. That was overwhelming! Mommy had a breakdown, thinking of how we could possibly fit any more stuff into our tiny little house... but we did it, and it's very cozy and cute! Mommy made your name to put up on the wall, which turned out very sweet. Working at a preschool has come in quite handy... I have received clothes, blankets, and toys for you to last us awhile. Your small little corner is beginning to take over. Hey, at least you'll have plenty of cute outfits... and will always be stylin'.

We survived the holidays, and mommy's belly has really started to grow. It is a definite baby bump now. Grammy and Papa bought you some very cute outfits for Christmas! You even got your very first piggy bank and ten dollar bill to start your savings. You aren't even here yet, and you are already getting spoiled!
You sure are an active little guy! Mommy feels you moving all the time. I am not sure what you are doing in there, but you really get going! (Maybe it's all the sweets; Oreos, candy and anything chocolate are your favorites). You must be eating a lot, and growing big... mommy's appetite has increased tremendously!! Everyone is amazed at how much you and I can "put down". I tell them "Hey, he's a growing boy... gotta keep him fed!". Lots of people have got to feel you kicking on the outside of my belly. You gave daddy and auntie Kerry a few good kicks... they were both so excited to feel you moving around! Daddy still likes to talk to you in mommys belly... sometimes that gets you moving too! It's pretty cute.

It's been really fun working at the preschool and hearing the children's reactions and comments to my growing belly. Here are a few of my favorite conversations:

Louise: "Mrs Kristen your belly sure is growing big"
Me: "Yes, it is..."
Charlotte: "That's because she's growing a baby in there"
Me: "Yes, thats true. It's a baby boy!"
Charlotte: "Aw, that's a bummer... I dont really like boy babies."
(She has 2 big sisters... so I think it's more that she doesn't know much about "boy babies". It gave me a good laugh)

Elise: "Mrs Kristen, your tummy is really getting big!"
Me: "I know, it is... the baby needs room to grow, so my tummy will get bigger and bigger."
Elise: "Ya, I know, that's what happened to my mom... Mrs Kristen, you might need to go to the hospital tonight."
Me: "Well, I hope not... this baby isnt due until April!"
Elise: "It's January, you have awhile... I sure hope you don't pop!"

I find myself watching the little boys play, imaging what it will be like when you are old enough to engage in activities they enjoy. Trains, race cars, lego blocks and wrestling are in my near future... I feel it. I cannot wait to crawl around on the floor with you, build tall towers, play spies and army, zoom race cars and build train tracks (or whatever else you want to do).
Daddy and I both promised to love eachother, in good, bad and hard times... and we both make the same vow to you!! You are our sweet baby boy (always, no matter how big you get) and we are so excited for you to join this family.