Dear Santa,

I made this list just for you... hoping for a few fun things for Christmas.

I asked for a baby brother or sister, but you know that I really just want a sister... right?

Daddy says he wants his wife back. What's a wife?

Mommy says she wants a new body. Huh?

Anyway... if you could please bring all of those things along with:

--- a cape (preferably pink)

--- some art supplies

--- a robe like Mommy's

--- and a sled like yours.

Thanks!

Love, Eden Raine

Hope Street

I found myself in the bathroom this morning at 2:00 am, freaking out that I may be going into labor. Although it was a false alarm (darn Turkey Tetrazzini!), I was surprised to realize how scared I am of this next step. You may not know this, but I had a wonderful pregnancy with Eden - even a fairly easy delivery. The events that followed are what haunt me... purple baby, life-flighted to another hospital, in the NICU for weeks.





Yes, we have been watched much closer this time and have no indication there will be any health complications, I would be insane not to wonder, right? More than wonder... I have lived the last 9 months in an emotional state that waivers from fear to anxiety to denial. However, "hope" is what I'd like to call it.







I am hopeful for the best possible scenario. I am hopeful for a baby that cries after delivery, that effortlessly takes it's first breath, and that settles onto my chest to feed. I pretend to care about things like the car seat and a Christmas birthday, but oh how I would fall in love with just good health.

If you're reading this... consider yourself "on call" for what will be in the coming days. I may need you more than you know. (But hopefully NOT)

Scratch that!

Little Two,

I just learned that your carseat has been recalled and a new one will be delivered in 10-14 days!

Can you wait!?!

The invitation

My dear little "two",

I just thought you should know that we are ready for you. I mean, as ready as we'll ever be. We've cleaned all the carpets and rugs...

even in your big sister, Eden's, room...

We've cleaned out the spare bedroom for you (although you'll still have to share with our guests now and then).

Mommy's been to the spa...

and celebrated your upcoming arrival with friends...

I even casted my belly as to never forget the impression you've already made on me.

So, you see... we're ready. Really.

Wouldn't it be nice to have your birthday before Christmas? I'm just saying...

Mental Health Day

Eden stayed home from school with me on Friday... she'd been pretty teary all week and I just felt like she needed a "Mommy and me" day. In fact, I found myself second guessing this whole pre-school thing all over again (she was doing great before the Thanksgiving break).... maybe we were pushing too hard, maybe this schedule is too long, maybe she didn't need to go for another year.

But much to my surprise, guess what she wanted to play ALL day?

SCHOOL!

"work" mat:

snack time:




nap time:

the lesson:

(I was roughly able to follow... something about the location of America on the globe and the stars in the sky...)

Needless to say, she'll be going back to school tomorrow!

The Nesting Crew

came to town.

We walked.

We talked.

We shopped.

We cooked.

We prepared for little Two.

(I'm still in a bit of denial that this is all going to happen.... soon!)

37 weeks

and counting...