We're Close to Meeting

Dear Honeybee,

I know we're close to meeting. Lots of things feel very different today. We've been in "labor" since Friday. At least that is what our midwife keeps telling me. But I have a feeling, that today, is the day that we get to meet. The day I finally get to hold you in my arms. I can't wait to look into your eyes. And kiss your sweet cheeks! Just thinking about it, makes me so excited!

Over the last 9 months, we've grown so close. We've been through so much! Your growth has been magical. I still remember the 1st time I felt you kick. I cried. I realized that you were really in my belly. Growing big and strong. It's been magical. Just all the new feelings. All of your kicks. And all of the love. We have so much love already. I feel like our bond is so strong!

It hasn't been an easy 9 months. I'd be lying if I said that. But together, we've made it through our pregnancy. You've been so strong for your Mommy. When I 1st found out about you, I was scared to death! How was I going to be a Mommy? What was going to happen? Would your Daddy be excited? And going through all that hard stuff, it's only made the 2 of us stronger. We've made it through all of those things. The 2 of us. We've started over. And I promise you, it's been all well worth it!

I'd do anything for you Charlotte. Anything in the world. I want you to have all the opportunities in life. I want you to be happy. And very healthy! To have a better life than me. I want all of those things for you. And I'll do my best to make your life a good one. A life that is fun, meaningful, and full of love.

Not only do I love you. But there are so many other people in our lives that love you too. All of your Mommy's friends. Mrs. G is already talking about how one day, you and her son are going to date. And get married. That scares your Mommy. But it's nice to see how my friends love you. All of us mommies, we're planning lots of play dates. I want you to have lots of close friends. To grow up in a community that loves you.

There are also 3 very special people in our lives. They're so excited to meet you. Your Uncle S, he just loves you. Everything about you, it makes him smile. You melt his heart. He's a big "manly man." But when he hears your heartbeat, sees your little face, or feels you kick, he just melts. He wants to protect you. And to provide for us. He wants to love us. And he even asked me if he could be your Daddy. We're still working on that. But I know, your Uncle S, he will always be in your life. He will love you like you are part of him. Because you are. You might not be his DNA, but you my dear baby girl, are part of his heart. And you now own his entire heart!

Then there are your Godparents. They love you more than I could ever imagine. They're always calling me. Checking on us. Making sure we're OK. Your Nono, he is always doing thoughtful things for us. Like your nursery at his house, helping me with our move, and with my job. He loves us. A lot!

Your Nana, she just amazing. She loves you with every ounce of her heart. That's one thing you're going to learn about her. She is very independent. And has everything in order. All of her life. But she loves with all of her heart. To the point were it makes her weak and vulnerable. But that's a good thing. Because you can never love too much. Or be loved too much! Your Nana does such thoughtful things for us. Sends us little presents. Writes us the perfect cards. I'm telling you, she loves you like you were hers.

That's why I picked your Nana and Nono to be your Godparents. They're strong people. Hardworking. But they love with all of their hearts. They're going to teach you so much in your life! And they have so much love to share with you. So much love!

We have so many people that love us. We might not have a family. In the traditional sense. But we have people that love us. We've made our own family. And we're going to be your family. The people you can depend on. We're going to love and protect you, for the rest of our lives!

You might not have a Daddy. In the traditional sense. But you have men that are going to help fill that void. Uncle S, he's the guy that I want you to love like a Daddy. He already loves you. He thinks of you as his daughter. He wants to protect you. Love you. And provide for you. In his eyes, the sun rises because of you. I'd have to agree.

My bestie and I, we've been through a lot in our 27 years. Lots of things. But we've always been there for each other. Always! I hope and pray that you have a friend just like her. Someone that you can always depend on. To be honest, I also pray that your Nana and Nono will one day get married. They're perfect for each other. And they have so much love to give each other. Maybe you can help me with that. We can come up with some sort of plan to "Seal the Deal." And maybe they'll have you a little playmate soon! :)

For the last 9 months, we've grown together. You've grown big and strong. And I've tried to grow as a person. And as a Mommy. I've taken all the classes. I've prepared for you. And I've loved you. Now Charlotte Madeleine Grace, I'm ready to meet you. So if 10/10/10 is meant to be your birthday, I'm ready for the ride. I'm ready to celebrate this day with you.

This is a special day. The date is special all on it's own. It's also your Nono's birthday. He'd be so excited to share his day with you! And my dear baby girl, it's special because it's the day we get to meet! I just know it. I know that by tonight, I will get to hold you for the very 1st time.

I just pray that your Uncle S will get back in time. He's trying his best. I pray that your Nana helps your Nono celebrate his big day. And I pray for a safe and healthy birth for you. I want my little girl to be healthy. And safe. And happy. Most of all, happy. That's important in life.

W and me are ready to meet you! We've spent months getting ready for this day. Preparing our home for you. Getting your nursery ready. We're ready to welcome you into our home, our lives, and our family. Most of all Charlotte, I'm ready to be your Mommy. I already love you so much. And I'm going to do all that I can to protect you. For your entire life. Baby girl, I'm ready to be your Mommy. Now all you have to do is come into our world. I love you baby girl! And I'm ready when you are!

Love,
Your Mommy

Happy Birthday Blue Eyes

Today is Mr. Blue Eyes' birthday! Happy Birthday! I hope you have an amazing day. You are so incredibly special to Charlotte and me. I really hope that your day is fun. And that you get everything that you want. Including a date and a birthday cake from my bestie! I've really been working on that! And who knows, maybe your Goddaughter will be born on your birthday too! 10-10-10 would be an easy birthday to remember. :)

More than anything, I want you to be happy. You have completely gone over and beyond your call as a friend. I'm so grateful for that. You've been my shoulder to cry on. More than once. As my life was falling apart, you were there to help me through it all. I'll never forget that.

I know, we have 40 more years to celebrate birthdays together. But I really want you to be happy. You deserve that. You do so much for everybody else in your life. Not only today, but all the time, I want you to be happy. To be able to have everything that you want in your life. Happy Birthday and Good Luck today! Your 2 biggest fans are cheering you on. :) H

GumDrop Pacifiers

I'm so excited! I got a big package today. When I got home from work, today was my last day by the way, I found a HUGE box on my front porch. :) And there was also another box there. Hmm, I didn't know what it could be.

Then I remembered, I had ordered from GumDrop Pacifiers. I first learned about them from my bestie. She works in L&D, the NICU, PICU, and Pediatric Departments of a hospital. So whatever advice she has for me, I take it!

My Bestie was telling me how they give these little packets of GumDrop Pacifiers to Breastfeeding Moms. Perfect! They're designed to not "confuse" babies. Because of the shape of the nipples.



My bestie gave me 3 of these "Basic Baby Bundles." Each pack has 2 GumDrop pacifiers, 1 Cuddle Square, and 1 MAM Pacifier Keeper. These are a great deal at only $10!



I originally put in the order for some GumDrop Pacifiers. They're having a deal right now. Buy 6 and get 1 free. Oh, and it comes out to $10.50. Much cheaper than the regular pacifiers I see at the store. There are 4 colors, and 2 scents.



I also ordered 6 "Cheaper Keepers." And I got 2 free. They're having a buy 3, get 1 free deal going on right now. For under $7 you get 4 "Cheaper Keepers." And they come with all sorts of stickers to use too!



These are Cuddle Squares. I had 3 from my bestie. But I liked these polka dot ones. So I got a couple more. For $6 a piece! A steal. Because each one comes with a pacifier! :)



The Soothie Nipples are supposed to be designed exactly like the pacifiers. So I had to get some. :) For when I go back to work, and Charlotte is at Daycare. They're 2 for $4.50.



And of course, I needed the Soothie Bottles to go with the nipples. For when Charlotte is at Daycare. They come in 2 packs for $4. In either 5oz or 9oz sizes. I got a few packs of both.



I also bought this blanket. It's Winnie the Pooh. And it's supposed to be a soother. It also has rattles. And was only $10. It's super soft!

The small box, it was my order. The one I put in last week. The large box, well S put in a rush order on Monday. And both orders happened to be delivered today. Charlotte got 8 Canisters of GumDrops. Yes, I said 8 Canisters. Each Canister has 25 pacifiers! What are we going to do with them all? S also got Charlotte a variety of things from GumDrop's website. I'm positive that my little girl will have everything she needs when she's born. H

Lalaloopsy Dolls

Have you ever heard of Lalaloopsy Dolls? I hadn't. Until our Baby Shower. A friend of mine got Charlotte one. So cute!

These are the 8 dolls so far. With their little animal friends. Each doll comes with an animal.

They are seriously cute! And actually pretty big. About 13 inches tall.

This is the doll that my friend got Charlotte. I just think she is so cute! And she comes with a little Zebra!

I just couldn't resist. Look at those cute pjs. And the little sheep! I bought this little one just last week. :)

These 2 are on my list. They're twins! :)

These have to be the cutest little dolls! Like I said, each doll comes with a little animal. These are like a "Modern Rag Doll." At least that is what they remind me of. They are a little pricey. About $45 for a doll. Or the 2 last ones can be bought together for $67. But I think they're a great buy. Because it's something your little girl can grow with. And the fabrics are so lush! H

Gifts for Me!

My bestie is amazing! Not only did she shower Charlotte with a ton of presents this weekend, she managed to throw us 2 Baby Showers. Yes, 2! We got some many amazing presents. All handmade, from my bestie. Charlotte's Nana (Godmother.)

But my bestie is so completely amazing! She also gave me some presents. Like this beautiful crochet shawl, that she made me. It's a beautiful mix of blues. My favorite color. And it's so incredibly soft! I already snuggled up in it last night. :)

My bestie also gave me this gift set. Lush's "The Art of Bathing." There are 11 different "Bath Bombs" and "Bubble Bars." They all smell amazing! And after a weekend jam packed with fun and adventure, I was so looking forward to an amazing bath last night. That's exactly what I got!

Thank you Bestie! You are amazing. If I haven't told you enough, we love you! And you are incredible. Thank you for traveling across the country, to see me all fat and pregnant. For being so excited at Charlotte's appointment on Friday. And for being an amazing friend. I had so much fun this weekend. And I'm already counting the days for you to return in October!

My best friend is leaving later today. And that makes me so sad. But we had such a great time. I need to find my camera so I can blog about our Baby Showers. We got so much stuff! And all the stuff that my bestie and her parents sent, is so amazing! Everything is so beautiful! And I can't wait for Charlotte to start using it all. :) H

Sweet Baby Things

I've been watching Shandell's videos for a while now. She is a mommy, expecting baby #2. A girl! She already has an adorable baby boy, Noah. I like her mommy channel and her makeup channel. :)



But it was this video that just made me stop tonight. I'm so excited! In 2 short days, it's our Baby Shower!!! I can't wait. Mostly because I get to see my bestie. But also, because I get to see so many friends. So many people that love my baby girl! And I finally get to see all these amazing things that my bestie has been making. I know she's been busy. Because she's hinted around a little.

I can't wait to see the cute things my little girl gets. Just over 3 weeks until my due date. I'm so excited! I can barely control myself! I honestly can't wait to meet my little girl. To hold her. Love her. And give her so many kisses! H

Diapees

I recently found these Diapees. I was looking for some Baby Shower presents. So many of my friends are expecting this year! I just think these cases are so cute! And they're only $15.



I really like this one. It's cute. I like the colors. Girly, but fun! And not too babyish. It's stylish and fun! :)

And this one, it's so sophisticated. I just love the print of this one. I think if I had seen it sooner, I might have done Charlotte's nursery in this fabric. It would have been so cute! And something that she could have grown into.

But I really like these Diapees. I need to place some orders soon. For my friends. And I really want 1 or 2 for myself. A perfect way to throw a few diapers in my purse. H

Moses Basket

Mr. Blue Eye's Mom bought me a Mother's Day present. Isn't that so sweet? I seen her this morning. A beautiful gold heart necklace. On the back it's engraved Charlotte's Mommy '10. On the front, it has another heart outlined, with 2 diamonds inside. I cried. I literally cried when she gave it to me. And she "Welcomed" me into the "Mommy hood." So sweet! I wish I had a camera to share it with you!

She also got Charlotte this Moses Basket. She said it was a must! I think it's beautiful. And just perfect. You can remove the mattress thing and all the fabric for easy washing. It's absolutely perfect. I love the print too!

Thank you so much Mrs. J! That was so sweet of you. I really miss working with you. And seeing you everyday. I hope we get to spend more time together. Because I really do miss you! H

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! I've always liked Easter. There is just something fun about it! Today, I was invited to an Easter BBQ. I'm really excited! Since I moved and changed jobs, I don't get to see a lot of these people anymore. I can't wait to eat and laugh. It's going to be a lot of fun!

And I can't help but think about next year. Having my baby with me. With a fun Easter outfit. And a big Easter basket. I just can't wait! My baby will be 6 months old. I just can't wait! Have a Happy Easter! H