are excited to meet you would be an enormous understatement. We find ourselves
laying in bed at night asking each other questions about you constantlyโwhen
you will get here, who you will look like, what our friends and family will
say, what the first few weeks with you at home will be likeโthe list goes on
and on.
As I hit lifeโs rewind
button, I venture back to our wedding day last year–June 11, 2011. This
was the happiest day of my life, the day I married your daddy. We had talked
openly quite a bit about how we hoped to have a child sooner rather than later,
but agreed that from that day forward, we would leave that up to God, for we know
that His plans are far greater than ours. As one can see, we didnโt have to
wait too long-July 8th was the day we found out we were pregnant.
When I think back to the
moment I saw the word โpregnantโ in that test strip window (and the 5 positive
tests that followed), I knew our lives were going to change in the most
profound way, a way that neither of us could comprehend at the time. I remember
riding in the car, my stomach about to burst out of my body because I was so excited/scared/nervous
all wrapped into one. I remember the look on your daddyโs faceโa look of pure
joy and happiness that God was going to bless our family with a baby. Jeff was so
close to his father before he passed away and I know he prays he will have a
relationship like that with you as well.
The next few months
were some of the happiest times, in that we were able to share the news with
our family and friends, venture to countless doctor appointments to check up on
you and your growth/progress, and then finally find out we were having a sweet little
Caroline. The gender reveal party we had was one of the most fun daysโeveryone
was over the moon excited to know a little princess was coming into our world,
even though I seemed to be the only one shocked since most everyone had said we
were most assuredly having a girl all along.
Shopping, nursery
planning, and reading all about babies quickly started consuming my every waking
thought and it seems like you always come up in conversation when I talk with
friends, family, work colleagues, and even with strangers when Iโm out and
about. I was told I have that pregnancy โglowโ and now I know what people
meanโI canโt help but be ecstatic when I think of you and all the joy
you have already brought to our family.
We have been blessed
beyond measure as some very important people went above and beyond to shower us
{and you} with good tidings and sweet gifts as we prepare to bring you home in
just a few short weeks. Both daddy and I know these are the people that will undoubtedly
shape your world just as they have shaped ours, and we feel lucky to know you are
going to be surrounded by some mighty incredible people.
To be honest, I never
knew how I would feel about being pregnantโฆthe constant crazy rollercoaster of
emotions, the changes to my body, and all the โfunโ things no one tells you
about until youโre experiencing it first-hand, but without a shadow of a doubt,
I know you will be the single most important contribution I will ever make to
this world.
On the other hand, Iโd
be lying if I didnโt acknowledge the fact that we are a wee bit nervous about
youโฆneither of us have been around babies that much and we have no idea what weโre
going to do with a newborn of our very own. But, we know God wouldnโt give us
something we couldnโt handle, and that is also why your beloved Mimi is coming
to stay with us so she can properly educate us on caring for you. That is also
why I am lucky to have some wonderful mommy friends who I can call in a
momentโs notice {Amber, Cami, Brittany Darling, and Jennaโyes, I am referring
to you} J
about whatโs to come and I am trying to be as patient as possible as we count
down the days until you say โHello Worldโ. Nothing will ever be the same, and
for that I am thankful. I know life is only going to get that much better once
you make your grand entrance.
making me understand what it is to be a mother. Your Mimi always says nothing in the world compares to motherhood and I truly understand what she means by this statement
already. I am forever grateful and humbled by this experience and know you, daddy, and I are in for a lifetime full of happiness.
And now for this weekโs
progress:
wonder I feel her legs poking out all the time) and she weighs approximately 6.3
pounds
pants, tunics, dresses, and flats-this is what Iโm wearing each and every day-so
boring, but at least I can still accessorize!
Weight Gain? 28 pounds and counting
Stretch Marks? Nope!
Gender? Girl!
Tylenol PM could do for a pregnant lady? I got the green light from my
doctor to try it outโฆit only took 1 little pill (1/2 a dose) for me to snore the night away! Sleep is OK one night, and then bad the next,
but I am trying to tell myself this is all in preparation for what my life will
be like once she is actually here
cereal, and chips
working out
last nightโฆWEIRD feeling. Not the most โenjoyableโ moment, but definitely tolerable,
at least for now. From my checkup this week, not much progress to report, but I
am being optimistic!
the nursery-once and for all! Iโve promised a tour and I am going to give it to
you tomorrow, so stay tuned.
Awe that is so sweet, you look so good friend, and your pregnancy cravings…ummm those are my everyday cravings!
I'm always here for you and CC! Love you both! Enjoy these last few moments of just you and Jeff. The best is yet to come! ๐
That is the sweetest letter to Caroline! I almost started crying at my desk reading it! SO excited for you all!
So sweet! You are almost there, can't wait to see the nursery this week ๐
just teared up a bit!! 17 days!
sweetest post!
you are going to be an AMAZING momma to that beautiful little girl ๐
This was so so sweet Natasha – the line about her being your greatest contribution to the world made me tear up. So happy for your family and what's to come.
You are so adorable! Loved this post! ๐
This letter is pure perfection and you are going to be so happy that you wrote it. When Caroline gets old enough to appreciate things like that, she's going to be thrilled that you did all of this documentation for her. You're still looking amazing and only have a few short weeks left. Or maybe she'll be early? Knowing you though, an unexpected and early arrival would freak you out. Haha!! At this point, every day counts!
Aww Natasha, this is so sweet! I think it's so great to write down just how you're feeling at this moment so you don't forget any of it…you were a gorgeous bride and you're going to be a beautiful mom! xoxo
Cutest picture yet!!
Anytime now… Soak up all of the emotions; your life is about to get 100% brighter. ๐
Okay, I am sooo pregnant…I just got teary-eyed reading that! ๐ What a sweet sweet letter to Miss Caroline!
And you look fabulous, can't believe you are almost 38 weeks! Any day now!
Can't wait to see the nursery!
Your letter to Caroline is just so sweet…got me all teary eyed! You get to meet your sweet girl so so soon! ๐ And I cannot WAIT for the nursery tour tomorrow!! YAY!!
This is such a sweet post! Caroline is going to be a such a lucky little girl to have such loving parents!! ๐
What a sweet note. It brought tears to my eyes! So happy for you and your hubby! Can't wait for the blog world to meet Miss Caroline ๐
What a precious post! This is something you are sure to look back on one day and read to your little princess. You two are going to be incredible parents ๐ And you carry pregnancy well!
Can't wait to see pics of the new little blessing soon ๐
Tara xo
I definitely teared up throughout the entire letter to Caroline. She is so blessed to have such a wonderful mommy and daddy. I am over-the-moon for you, Natasha!
just soo sweet!!
I love the letter. I always get teary eyed writing to my little guys. You look great too! Can't wait to see the nursery! ๐
What a SWEET letter. This lil' one is so loved already. Cannot WAIT to see her nursery tomorrow!!! ๐
Such a sweet note! Your little Caroline is a lucky girl. You look great- can't wait to see the nursery!
Aw this is beyond sweet. IT is getting close for you! This letter was so touching. I love that you have are having a little girl and have already named her. Seems fitting for you to be having a little princess. I also love the shot of you holding the C!
Sheila
http://livelaughlovemrsrj.blogspot.com/
it's so awesome to see you signed "mommy" because in just mere days at this point, you'll be a mommy to precious and perfect little CC!! sooooo happy and excited for you all. you look wonderful.
on another really cheesy note… isn't blogging amazing that you can write letter to little cc and she'll read the entire progress years down the road? sorry, i guess i'm a little emotional today. haha!
thinking of jeff during all this too! such a great and supportive man to have by your side. we're lucky gals ๐
Your letter to Caroline is perfectly sweet and something she will treasure forever. You look amazing and are getting so close to meeting your sweet girl…what a perfect day that will be!
You are such an adorable pregnant lady! My sister's having a girl in May and she's going to be Caroline too! Love the name ๐
So sweet! Love your photos too – BEAUTIFUL!
Oh my you are too cute! She is such a blessed baby girl!
Such a sweet letter! You are looking SO cute!!!
Such a sweet letter! You are looking SO cute!!!
Love the letter – too sweet for words! You're so close!
that is so sweet. what a precious letter you wrote your sweet little caroline. so happy for you!! you are going to be an amazing mother and your husband an amazing father. you look fantastic!! ๐
I absolutely LOVE your letter to Caroline. I wrote a letter to one of my best friends' little girls before she was born and it was one of my favorite things to do on my blog.
I am so excited for you and Jeff and everyone close to you. ๐
Such a sweet letter. I really think you and Jeff should give this to her when she goes off to college. My dad did something similar for me and it was the best thing in the world. I still have it and cherish it. You and Jeff are going to make the world's best parents. I just know it. ๐
Beautiful letter. Loved it so much. Caroline is one lucky baby to have you as her mom. I know you can't wait to meet that sweet baby girl! Enjoy your last few quiet moments with Jeff these next few weeks! xoxo
Sweetest message ever. BTW-where are you getting all these cute maternity dresses?
You seriously may be the cutest person Ive ever seen EVER!!! I love this post and Im so happy for you and your family!!!
Cant wait to see that babe!!!
So sweet. I just looked back at the letter I wrote our girl before she was born and it was so fun to think back to the anticipation. Love all the wonderful pictures!
This was incredibly sweet and so sincere! It's a crazy feeling to be excited with a stranger. I've been following your blog for a little over a month now and just am so happy for you! You are going to be a great mommy!
So sweet! and dont worry, you will be amazed at how much you 'know' the second that baby comes out. Parenting is so special!
reading your note to baby c made me cry ๐ i am so blessed because i have a mama who loves me as much as you love baby c already, and i can attest that that kind of love makes you the absolute most amazing, competent, perfect mother in the world. goodluck with these last weeks girlie, you can do it ๐
That is such a sweet and heartfelt letter to Caroline. So touching. You are going to an amazing mother!
So sweet. I know you can't wait to meet that sweet baby girl
That is so sweet!! I love the name Caroline. My husband and I also got married on June 11, 2011 and decided to have a family right away, we are due August 17, 2012. Love reading your blog!
What a sweet letter to your princess!! ๐
What a sweet, sweet letter to little Caroline!
This was so sweet! Praying for y'all!
You look great! The letter to sweet Caroline is so touching.
Weird Q… how do you have great color during your pregnancy? You look like you have a little tan, and I'm just wondering if you're using a lotion? If so, what are you using?
You dress is super cute!
You are just glowing ๐
xoxo
Samantha
YOU are SO cute!! Can't wait to see that gorgeous daughter of yours. Hang in there!
congrats again! the nursery looks amazing, too!