To Our Baby. . .

We’ve called you “Baby K”, “The Baby”, “Baby”.  Sometimes, we’ve even called you “Crazy” because that’s how your movements are almost all day long. . . crazy. We’ve waited, anticipated, talked about, guessed, dreamed, hoped, and longed for your arrival. 

Finally, it’s almost here.

It was back in July, I believe, when we got our first glimpse of you.

We were so excited to see you move around and flail your arms as you rested comfortably in my womb.  You were so very tiny back then.  The weeks and months since that time have given you time to grow bigger and stronger.  I have felt your strength grow in your movements and we’ve even seen it in on the “big screen” a few other times.

Look how much you’ve grown!  You look like a real baby now!  They tell us you have fuzzy hair but we can’t help but be suspicious of this claim.  Both your brother and your sister were born completely bald. 

We are so excited to meet you.  We purchased your first pack of diapers, your crib is all ready for you, and our arms are preparing to hold your tiny frame.  The anticipation is almost more than we can bear.  We know, though, that you will be arriving in a matter of days.  We have been assured. . . you will be here THIS WEEK

Yes, in just a matter of days I will gaze into your eyes and feel the warmth of your breath against my neck.  The questions that we have been tossing around for months will be answered.  Boy or girl?  Hair or no hair?  Will your name be M________ or B________?  Will we remember how to change diapers and swaddle you in a blanket?  What will it be like when Charlie and Chanelle first lay eyes on you? 

Speaking of Charlie and Chanelle. . .

They, too, are so excited to meet you. Ever since we learned you would be arriving this week they let us know each morning/afternoon/evening how many days until Baby (that’s you) will join us.  For months we have prayed for your safe arrival and finally we are within days (or hours) of meeting you.  Someday, when you are bigger and if you ever read this, I want you to know how much your big brother and sister loved you. . . even before you were born. 

When you join us Charlie will be 6 years old and Chanelle 4.  They talk about you all the time. Lately, though, they have admitted to being scared.  Change can be hard.  The unknown is often scary.

Charlie told us that he is scared about holding you.  He’s never held a baby so small.  He has also told us that he can’t wait to snuggle with you and to see you laugh for the first time.  He thinks that will be pretty cool.  He is adamant, though, that you mustn’t pull his hair. 

Chanelle recently set aside a few stuffed animals for you.  Animals that she thinks you will like.  She also offered you her prized blanket–the blanket that was her constant compainion for 4 whole years.  Her fear has remained the same for months. . .she fears you will poop on her.  We’ve tried to explain to her that you won’t be pooping on her, but I think she just needs to see it to believe it won’t happen.

Oh, and your Daddy. . .

You will be pleased to know that you hit the jackpot with him.  Yes, you have a really, really good Dad.  Even now, before we have welcomed you into our home your Dad likes to play with you.  He likes to place his hand on my belly and chase you all around.  He feels a limb here or a baby bottom there and he just laughs at the reality of you.  Oh, my wee one, I can’t wait to see you in his arms.  I suspect you will be quite content there.

Today was my final day of work before your arrival.  As I closed my day in the quietness of my office, your “crazy” movements were at an all time high.  I placed my hand on what I think was your foot and a closed my eyes and smiled.  I imagined what it will be like when I see you for the first time.  How I will feel the first time I hear your sweet cries. For 39 weeks you have been as close to me as my heartbeat and in just a few days I will share you with the world.  Like I said, there are so many questions that your dad, your brother, your sister and I can’t wait to learn the answers to.  There is one thing, however, that we know for sure. . .

We already love you.

  • Sassytimes - November 15, 2011 - 12:58 pm

    Days?! Yay! I will be thinking of you and praying for a healthy delivery! So exciting.

    (I can't stop laughing about Chanelle thinking the baby will poop on her. So funny.)ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - November 15, 2011 - 1:22 pm

    What a beautiful post Summer. I became a grandma in August to a beautiful little boy and he has changed our life. In fact, he gets baptized this weekend. I will be sure to say some extra prayers for you and your family as you get ready to welcome this most precious gift. Oh…and I thought I would share my website with you in case you would like to put a name with a face. It is: http://newsfromthenungesters.shutterfly.com. There are some pictures on there of some of the DeRose family that you might recognize. Anyways…best of luck to all of you! CherylReplyCancel

  • Abbe - November 15, 2011 - 1:28 pm

    best.post.ever. can't wait to hear the good news of your little one's arrival! i'll be thinking of you!ReplyCancel

  • Trophy Life - November 15, 2011 - 1:34 pm

    wonderful, amazing, incredible words. so happy to read them this morning. Your little (getting so big) ones have the most astute thoughts and observations…it's too much to read sometimes!!

    love you and the whole family and the littlest one, too.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - November 15, 2011 - 2:59 pm

    Thanks Summer….

    Did you by chance see the Halloween 2011 page….you will notice alot of your relation. We gathered at your Aunt Carol's house and got ready for
    the party that was at lil Tony's place in Findlay. Most of the DeRose gang were there in costume. Fun time had by all.

    Anyways, good luck again. And I can't tell you how much I enjoy your blog and your photographs. You were given an awesome gift of being able to write such beautiful pieces and the pictures you take are just awesome. I definitely look forward to seeing your newest addition to an already beautiful family. And I'm sure, your mom will be looking down from heaven
    and will be with you every step of the way.

    We were lucky enough to spend a day on their boat, quite a few years ago, on Indian Lake. They showed us a great time and is a great memory for us.

    Take care,
    CherylReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - November 15, 2011 - 9:19 pm

    YAY! I am so excited. I am just so excited to "meet" this baby. I'm so excited for the completion of your family, too!

    I'm so excited about the name hints… (Will your name be M________ or B________?)

    I'm so excited that Charlie and Chanelle are getting a SIBLING!

    I'm SO EXCITED!

    AHHH!!!!!

    Love you and am praying for you, friend.

    **Again: I need to be on alert this week. Please have Chad text or tweet or SOMETHING.ReplyCancel

  • Summer - November 16, 2011 - 1:24 am

    Thank you so much Ladies. Your words. . . they mean so much. . . so very much.ReplyCancel

  • Tam - November 16, 2011 - 1:37 am

    Summer,
    You always bring tears to my eyes with your posts. You are the most incredible mother, the way that you capture and treasure every moment with your children. I am anxiously awaiting news already. I remember the day that Charlie was born. I remember it like yesterday. I was sitting in a hotel room in Cleveland calling Katy every 2 hrs "Hasn't she had the baby yet?!?". Seems he took awhile. 🙂 And 6 years later, look where you are. I am blessed to be waiting again. My prayers are with you. I know this child is going to have an amazing life–just look at the family he/she is joining! What a blessing! What an incredible, spectacular, beautiful blessing!! 🙂
    I LOVE YOU.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - November 16, 2011 - 3:22 am

    I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS!!!! Praying all goes well for you and baby girl/boy! I hope to visit you soon too. 🙂

    Prayers!
    JoEllenReplyCancel

  • Adopted Aunt - November 16, 2011 - 3:51 am

    O we can't wait either to hear the wonderful news of your arrival! It's hard to believe (except maybe Summer) that you will soon be here. You have and will be loved. You are a lucky child to be born into a beautiful wonderful family. You will have a great big brother and sister and I know they will love you. Your mom didn't mention how lucky you are to be able to call her mom. She has carried you close to her heart, given you a cozy warm place to grow these months. I know I can't wait to hold you! Your sweet sis said the other day "why can't it just be a baby not a boy or girl". I think she is a little afraid but that I'd ok and normal. Chad, Summer you are both already blessed and soon will be again. Love you all 5ReplyCancel

  • lisa - November 16, 2011 - 3:16 pm

    Ohhhh!! I'm so excited for you and your family…simply can't wait to hear and see the first pics of the newest member! Sending many prayers and much love your way!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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