A Bit of Preggo Talk & Letter to Josie

Because, consequently, I am now 36 weeks, which puts me a mere 2 1/2 weeks from delivery (C-section scheduled for Jan 11). So...at this point, being heavily with child, it pretty much consumes my every action and thought. Actions being those akin to a mama walrus clumsily scooting itself across a beach. If sheer size were not enough, add in hemorrhoids, constipation, and a pulled rear end/leg muscle to the picture. I think miserable is a good description. And, yes, I did just blog about hemorrhoids and constipation.

Josie Amelia, we await your arrival with great anticipation. We can't wait to hold you and kiss you and hear that first red-faced cry. To watch in wonder as you snuggle up for your first feeding. To count your tiny fingers and toes. To sigh with relief that the 9 long months are FINALLY over :). That you're OUT. Because, dearie, you are somehow managing to lay on both my bladder and tailbone all at once.  Your Daddy is so patient to administer wonderful back rubs every night, but I sense that he too is ready for his wife to return to normal. I can tell that you are running out of room, because your movements are not quite so frequent and small, but slow, big and pronounced.

I wonder if you will be a thumb-sucker like your two sisters. Hopefully the paci will be a good deterrent. Speaking of your sisters, they are two very excited little girls. They love to get out all your pretty outfits and bows, bibs, and blankies and oo and aahh over them. So far, there has not been one inkling of jealousy, though that could change once you are here and taking up so much of Mama's attention. Your big brother still acts a little miffed that you are not a boy, but I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees you for the first time. No doubt he will be completely smitten.

You have a slew of cousins, aunts and uncles, and a church family waiting to love you. You have two sets of great-grands and still around as well. Plus 5 grandparents. You are a lucky little girl. 

I hope that you have grown accustomed to the ruckus around our house from inside your cocoon. Don't be startled when yelling, singing, and caterwauling breaks out around you. It's just the normal goings-on around here. Soon you will be adding your own wail to the chaos. Welcome to the family!