Dear Baby Girl,

It’s going to take Mommy a little while to get used to this. For three years, your big sister Claire has been our Baby Girl…but we couldn’t be more delighted to have you stepping up (or, rather, coming out) into that role. Our new baby girl. Our youngest daughter. Wow.

We knew we wanted you since before Claire was even born. The timing, though — that was always a puzzle for us. We figured we’d just know when we were ready. This winter, a few great things aligned: Claire was potty trained, I was more comfortable at my work…and with lots of prayer, we decided to give you a shot.

We didn’t find out gender ahead of time for Claire, but thought it would be fun to know this time through. (Although we are keeping your name a secret still!) We planned a reveal party in April and had a blast sharing the news: IT’S A GIRL! I grew up with two sisters and there’s nothing better! Daddy and I can’t wait for you and Claire to be the best of friends.

There’s been something both so familiar and so foreign about your pregnancy, little one. My body remembered exactly how to stretch into my new normal — I relaxed into comfy maternity wear much earlier this time. I hate that I haven’t been able to simply sit and marvel at the miracle growing inside me, though…your big sis has been keeping us pretty busy! But you’re no less a blessing, and thankfully your sweet daddy encouraged me to sign up for a prenatal yoga class. For 90 minutes each Tuesday, it’s just you and me as I stretch, breathe, and thank my lucky stars to be carrying another beautiful child.

We have one hiccup to conquer — you’re still transverse, with your little head under my right rib, and your little booty under my left. We’ve been seeing the OB frequently, and they’re giving us a few more weeks to move you on our own. I’ve been walking on the treadmill and trying some wild inversion positions (like hanging off the couch upside-down — with Daddy’s help, of course) and am looking into a chiropractor. If we’re unable to move you into the normal head-down vertical position, we’ll need to schedule a C-section the week before your due date. Either way, we’ll have you here safely soon. We promise!

Your Daddy and I spent last weekend back at Lakeview at Fontana for our Babymoon — and all we could talk about was how totally giddy we are. Braxton Hicks contractions have started up full-force (something I never had with Claire) and your nursery is almost ready to roll. Less than six weeks (give or take?) to go til we get to see your sweet face. Grow, grow, grow, little one. And get ready for lots of kisses!

Much love,
Mommy & Daddy (and Claire!)