Dear Nugget

Dear Nugget,
We're close. We're really close to meeting you.
Life as we know it is about to change all over again and you are taking some last sprints through my belly, I know because I can feel it. all the time.

Dr. A says that we can pretty much meet you any time we want after March 17th. You're measuring "ahead of schedule", but I'm not really surprised by this since we were all a little confused by your due date from the very beginning.  Things are progressing quickly, much faster than they did with your Big Brother at least.  It'll be interesting to see how many things are different this time around.

 There are so many people that are excited to meet you, this little family unit is first in line though.  Are you the tying vote in our Benton World or will you outnumber me completely and leave me behind on weekend boy trips?  Cameron and your Dad play at your bedroom door, they call out to you and knock to see if you will answer and then laugh hysterically when they open it and you aren't there.

I'm so anxious for you to get here. You make it pretty difficult to sleep a full night as it is right now, so I'd love to just have you here already!  Blankets are washed and diapers are ready for you so just finish those last little bits of cooking and all will be well.

My stomach looks like it's bubbling over most of the time because you are moving around so much and my veins must be pumping some insane amounts of blood because the blue against my olive skin is looking pretty gnarly.  I explained to friends the other day about my missing belly button and how where my belly button once lived there is now a small, soft circle of heat. I know that sounds strange but it's like little hot spot -- it's beyond strange!  I know you don't so much care about all of my silly pregnant ways Nugget, but some day these little notes might make you giggle.

I've kind of packed a bag for the hospital but I'm sure I'll repack it a couple of times.  I'm not sure really how to prepare myself for anything since your Big Brother was late and we had to convince him that he was ready on his birth day.  There's a wedding that's on the calendar in two weeks, but it's out of town and we're all a little curious if we should make the trip or not. On one hand a little dancing and laughing with friends at a wedding might be just the distraction that I'll need at that point in time, but on the other hand - I don't know that I want to find myself too far away from the comforts of a "big city hospital"!

I'll be spending the next couple of weeks trying to justify daily trips to 7Eleven for Slurpee's, constantly grabbing at the front of my shirt since most of them don't completely cover this big belly, and trying to talk your Dad into working on any "last minute" things that need to be finished before your arrival.

Thank you for being so patient and for cooperating during your stay in there. I know that it's going to be a little different being the second child, it doesn't mean we love you any less, it just means that we're not as antsy as we were the first time around.  I'll never act like I've got this down, because parenting just doesn't work like that.  I'll wait and pat myself on the back when you're 30 and I know that I didn't ruin you and your Brother...even then though I'm sure I'll question.

Some tips before your arrival into this crazy world:

Remember the house rules.
Talk it over and pray every night before you go to bed.
Be kind.
Patience is a virtue. One that we all struggle with, but it's so important - so practice it every day.
Life always comes back around; remember that in everything you do.
Take risks. But use your head and be cautious with your heart.
Family comes first. This includes siblings...you'll fight and argue, but you'll always have each other.
Always make time for laughter.
Love.

We'll see you soon Nugget.
I love you to the moon and back,
Mama