Dear Baby Koi,

As of yesterday you and I have been together for 25 weeks (well really a couple of weeks less I guess, but let's just stick with the LMP method for accounting purposes). The beginning was really pretty great. You went SO much easier on me than your sister did - I really appreciate those easy first weeks. You've definitely earned one get out of jail free card to use during your teen years.

But I have to ask, what's going on now? What did I do? Are you feeling the need to stake your place in the family now? Sort of a little "hey! I'm here! and coming! don't forget!"? If so, I get that - I do. I know I've been pretty preoccupied and not paying attention to this whole pregnancy thing. I mean I can't even get our butts to pre-natal yoga on a regular basis (and it's ACROSS THE STREET!). But really, is the incessant heartburn, sciatica and rib pain all in one week really necessary? If I promise to pay more attention will you ease up a bit? I know I have a short torso and all but there MUST be a way for you to fit in there without pushing my ribs out through my back? What if you just shift your legs a little to the right or something? And the heartburn! Does that mean you're going to appear with a full head of hair like your sister did? I can't really complain about that - it's pretty cute. But ugh, suddenly eating dinner and then doing some downward dog is NOT a good combination.

I know I've been somewhat remiss in my duties when it comes to prepping your sister. I hope you didn't hear her carrying on about "HER FOOD!" and "HER MILK!" the night I casually mentioned how nice it'll be to have four of us at the dinner table. I promise that we will work on the whole sharing concept over the next 3 1/2 months to prepare for your arrival. Please don't be too intimidated by her. I know she seems like a tough cookie, but I'm positive you two are going to get along just great. She will love you fiercely - just as your Dad and I already do. Honestly, if I had to pick someone to have on my side - I'd go with Lily any day.

So even though it may seem like I'm having a hard time imaging how you'll fit into our little family unit - that's not quite the problem. I think I worry more about fitting us all into our little(ish) condo. But not to worry! The Container Store is having its annual Elfa sale and your Dad and I are all over that. There will be space here for you, I promise. And even though you may hear me talk a lot about how caring for a baby again scares the bejeezus out of me, you should know that I am very very excited to meet you. I know we'll figure it out together - you, me, Lily and your Dad.  And besides, I've got like 3 more months to remember how that latch on the SnugRide car seat works.  I'm sure I'll figure it out in time!  There's lots of room in our home and love in our hearts for you - and we can't wait to share it all.

Love,

Your Mother

P.S. I thought it was pretty funny when you decided to come down with a case of the hiccups during the CLV load relief presentation last week.   Were you getting a little bored too?  Thanks for providing a more fun distraction!