Dear Cael

Dear Cael,

This is your Mommy writing to you. I can't wait until you come, and I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I can't wait to see who you look like, and if you have hair; Can't wait to see how long you are and how much you weigh. I can't wait to meet the special little guy who has been kicking me, and moving non-stop inside of me, throwing knees and feet into my ribs.

The last 9 months have certainly been a roller coaster ride. They've been filled with joy, terror, hope, excitement, happiness and frustration. It's bittersweet, being at the end of my pregnancy with you. I am extremely uncomfortable and can't wait until you come out. I honestly feel just so done, and that I can't go another day of being pregnant. But at the same time, I will miss feeling you inside of me and outside of me - something that only I can experience with you. I will miss feeling your hiccups ALL.THE.TIME. I will miss trying to guess what body part is poking me. But with the end of my pregnancy comes the new life that you will live. And I'm so excited for that.

You certainly have been giving Mommy and Daddy a run for their money already. From the charting, temperature-taking and OPK's I peed on, to the moment you were conceived on December 11, 2010; To the agonizing and tortuous wait for a phone call that my Betas doubled; To the gut-wrenching wait in the waiting room for my very first ultrasound at 5 weeks 5 days, which we saw your heart beating for the first time; To the morning sickness that lasted until 24+ weeks; the visit to the pediatric Cardiologist (which thankfully went perfect); From the pre-term labor and my shortened cervix diagnosed at almost 31 weeks, to the 6 weeks of bed rest and being pulled out of work until after you were born; From the 13 hours of labor you put me through at 37 weeks to the roller coaster of emotions I felt when that labor suddenly stopped on its own. It has all been worth it for YOU.

Now Mommy and Daddy are patiently waiting for you to arrive. You are due tomorrow, and although I don't think you'll be making your appearance by then, I know you can't stay inside forever - no matter how comfy and cozy you've become. I know I will meet you one day very soon, and I can't wait for that day to come. Until then, Daddy and I sit and wait until you're ready. Just know that I love you so much already. My life has already changed for the better because of you, and I love you for that.

Please come soon, baby Cael.

With All My Love,

Mommy