Dear Baby,

Your due date is getting really close.  10 days until August 1st, which seems even closer now that I type it.  When I think about 10 days ago, I realize that was just yesterday.  So you'll be here just like tomorrow. 

I've been home a lot, since this is summer vacation, but I can't say I've been very productive.  I'm sorry if all of your things aren't organized when you get here.  I'm really a procrastinator, and not knowing the day you'll be here is not helpful for people like me.  No firm deadline?  You mean, I should get things done now? They say that the "nesting instinct" will kick in right before you come, and I'm hoping that happens.  There is still laundry to be done, clothes to be put away, boxes to be unpacked...maybe when I actually feel like doing these things, it will be my first sign that you are on your way?

The past few nights you must have really liked the pizza, and tacos and ribs I ate because you've been moving and shifting around my belly so much that it takes on all kinds of weird shapes.  Your dad and I watch in amazement, and he thinks it means you really want out of there.  Overall, you haven't been the most active baby, but when you move, you move.  I like to think you like a fine balance of exercise and rest, just like me.

We still haven't decided on what to call you.  It bothers me a little that I'm always changing my mind--it would be fun to start calling you Baby____.  Your dad wants to name you a name that is much less common than the other ones on our list.  I just can't decide.  But then I remember that you'll be here soon, we'll see your face, and then maybe we'll know.

You're going to change our lives really soon.  The enormity of having our own child has hit us at funny times.  I love watching your dad talk about this:  "He's going to be here so soon!" he says, and I think we are both filled with a mix of anticipation, nervousness, excitement and awe.  We are going to be your parents.

I'm going to keep praying that you'll enter this world healthy, and that we will do the right things as your new parents.  The other day during yoga class the instructor told us to send whatever message came into our minds to our baby, and right away I began to think, "Dear baby, I promise to love you.  I promise to love you no matter who you are or what you become.  I will love you."

See you soon!

Love,
Your mom