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

Dear Baby,

Today we got all checked in with Dr. Branaman. We got to see you and hear your heartbeat today… that sound takes my breath away!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Just wanted to post a quick update with some new picture of fun and funny things that have been happening!

Love you,
Mama

If you have not napped and you swing in the afternoon, you fall asleep in it:

You are getting very good at making Hs. Sometimes you paint with watercolors in the bathtub:

If I leave my duffle bag out to pack for a trip, you like to climb inside it:

Sometimes you say, “I’m going to relax.” Then, you put your feet up and put your hands behind your head. This even happens at PetSmart when you and Dad are getting litter:

Dear Baby,

Today we got to see you and your precious little heartbeat! We are so excited about you!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

We had a very nice Easter this year! We went to church, you hunted for eggs and found stuff the Easter bunny left you, and then we went to lunch with Nana, Papa, Grandma and Jiddoh. After lunch we came home and colored Easter eggs, which you loved!! Grandma and Jiddoh spent a lot of time with you on Saturday because Dad and I had to take a class. You got a new bike with training wheels and Jiddoh taught you how to ride it! Overall, it was a great Easter weekend!!

Love you,
Mama

A tantrum before church

Easter basket

Hunting for eggs

Checking out the eggs

Your first Peep

New bike

Coloring eggs

Coloring eggs

Eggs

Dear Baby,

Today we learned that you are on the way! This is such exciting news to us because we have been hoping and praying for you for well over a year now. Your little life is proof that prayers do get answered and that everything comes in its own time. We love you already and can’t wait to include you in this fun family! Your sister is going to be so excited to meet you!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Today you went to a tea party for Lily’s birthday. I couldn’t take you because I had another obligation, so Dad took you. After the party, Angie sent me this sweet picture of you and Hannah Jane snuggled up with Dad to watch Lily open her presents! Dad is wearing your tea hat! Too funny!

Love you,
Mama