Dear Hayden,

This weekend, we were down at Grandma and Jiddoh’s house. You went swimming 4 times in less than 48 hours! You absolutely loved their pool — probably because it was as warm as your swim school pool!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Tonight at dinner, we told you that you are going to be a big sister. You touched my tummy and said, “I will take care of it.” We asked you if you want a boy baby or a girl baby, and you are definitely hoping for a sister! I think it’s really important to have siblings.

Here is an excerpt from one of my favorite books, Five Star Families by Carol Kuykendall:

My older sister and I had our share of disagreements growing up. First over toys. (Of course, I always shared.) Then over who cheated on the rules to games we played. (Of course, I never did!) Or who got to ride shotgun in the car. (Oldest always wins.) By high school, the disagreements were about clothes and whether I could ride in the car with her because she was a senior and I was a sophomore. But I will always remember one great gesture of sibling loyalty. It was the springtime of my sophomore year and the day I had tried out for cheerleading, along with three of my best friends. I was sitting in eighth period algebra when the principal came on the public address system.

“I have the results of cheerleading tryouts,” he announced, “and I will read them in alphabetical order.” My heart was pounding so loudly; I was sure my friends could hear it.

My last name started with a V, so I held out hope… until the final name was read… and it was not mine. I didn’t make it, but my three best friends did. Soon the bell rang, and I panicked. How would I get out of this classroom and all the way down through the long, crowded hallway onto the school bus? How would I – a loser – face my friends? Numbly I stuffed my papers into my notebook and hurried toward the door, head down. Suddenly, someone took my arm, and I looked up. It was my sister, who was waiting for me. She walked with me all the way down through the crowded, noisy hallway out to the parking lot and into her car. For the life of me, I don’t remember a word she said. But I will never forget her gesture. She understood. She was my sister.

So, my dear, it is my prayer that this baby on the way will grow to be not only your brother or sister, but your greatest ally, confidant and friend.

Love you,
Mama

Dear Baby,

Today you are 11 weeks and 6 days old on the inside! I went back to the doctor today, and she said everything looks great! Your heart is beating 168 beats per minute and you were jumping everywhere during the ultrasound! It was fun to watch you move while I was there, but it made it hard for Dr. B. to take good pictures.

Love you,
Mama

You, 11 weeks, 6 days — your feet are to the left, head to the right, and you are laying across the bottom of the sac.

Dear Hayden,

Yesterday, you and Dad flew a kite! You had a great time! Alex came out and joined in on the fun for a bit, too!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Today, you and Dad planted a bunch of flowers in the pots from GG’s house. You love being out gardening with your dad, and your garden boxes are growing quite well! Looks like you are developing a green thumb!

Love you,
Mama