a letter to my baby girl

40 Weeks

Today I am officially 40 weeks. Yes that's right, today is my actual due date. And even though I'm pretty sure this little one is not going to make an appearance anytime today I wanted to tell her how excited I am to meet her.....

Dear Gabby,

Oh my goodness little one! Your soon to be father and I are getting quite anxious for you to arrive. We have read every book about you while you have been growing in my belly and what it might possibly be like to raise you, and even though I'd love to say that we are going to be a pro at this whole parenting thing, I think you're going to be secretly laughing at us when we finally get to take you home! The three of us are in for a real treat, I can tell you that. We are all ready for your big arrival and have thoroughly enjoyed putting together the final details of your room, picking out your crib, dresser, swing, outfits, stroller, car seat all the way down to your name. I sure hope you like it as much as we do.

It's hard to believe that it's already been nine months! I remember the day we found out that we were going to be parents. I was quite excited and scared at the same time! Ask you're father....I didn't know if I should laugh or cry! These past nine months have FLOWN by! I remember thinking that it would be a long time until you got here and I was so worried about how I would feel being pregnant. But let's be honest my dear, you have been one amazing little baby inside my belly and I am really going to miss you swimming around all day and being the only one that gets to feel it. We already have a special bond that I love and I'll be sad when you're not in my tummy anymore. Now don't get me wrong,I am very excited to snuggle up with you but then I'll have to share you with everyone else that finds you extremely adorable, which I'm sure won't be easy, because so far its just been you and me.

I wanted to tell you a few things before you arrive. First, how grateful I am that our Heavenly Father is giving us the opportunity to raise you. I can't tell you what a privilege it is! He must really think that we can do this and that makes me happy knowing that he is confident in your father and I. I promise we'll do everything we can do make sure that He is proud.

The second thing I wanted to tell you is how lucky you are to have Scott as your soon to be dad. He has been there every step of the way with me while you were growing in my belly. He has done everything from attending doctor appointments to rubbing my feet at the end of a long day of teaching. I know that he is very anxious for you to get here as much as I. I see the way he is with our niece and nephews and I can tell you right now, there will never be a dull moment in our house as long as your dad is around. He is a very hard worker in everything he does. He never gives up and he is very dedicated. He is a worthy priesthood holder and I know that he will give you a Father's blessing whenever you need one. I can tell already that you are going to love your dad as much as I do.

Third, I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. It really is a remarkable thing. I hope that you will know how important it is in your life and that you will continue to stay close to your Heavenly Father in everything that you do. I hope one day that you will marry in the temple and start your own family unit and be sealed for time and all eternity. It really is one of the greatest things your father and I have ever done. I hope that you'll remember The Atonement of Jesus Christ and its purpose and reason for it in our earthly life.

Any day now you'll be making your appearance and your dad and I cant wait to see if you'll have big eyes like me, brown eyes like your dad? Will you have a bum chin like me and long fingers? Or will you have a mole on your right cheek and flat thumbnails like your dad? We've wondered about it for a long time so it will be fun to see what you'll look like and hold you for the first time.

We love you so much already so we can only imagine what it will be like when you get here. Your Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends are anxiously awaiting. We can't wait to meet you! Hurry home!

Love, Mom