Hiccups!

Hello sweetie!

It's been so long, but rest assured that Mommy has NOT forgotten you! We have been preparing for your arrival. We also have been working with Miss Tiffany and her new family. Next year, right around Halloween Mommy will go back to babysitting for Miss Tiffany's children- just like she did this year. However Miss Tiffany was expecting a new baby too- and baby Angela arrived a wee bit early to surprise us all! She was born in June even though her due date wasn't until the end of July. So, barring all complications, she and her big brother Roman (you'll LOVE him!) will be coming to our house a few mornings a week to play. YEA!

As for you baby, many things have been happening. Mommy has been privy to, and these are just a few: charlie horses in the legs and feet (OUCH), sciatica (OUCH), loss of appetite and then HUGE appetites are just a couple of the big ones. All ones I would gladly go through again to make sure you got here safely. But the biggest monumental moment for me so far happened on July 3rd, around 8:30pm. Daddy and I were out with friends seeing a movie and in the middle of one of my favorite scenes a tiny, yet rythmic thumping began in my belly. After about 10 seconds of absolute I surprise I figured out that you had the hiccups for the very first time! Well, at least the first time that I could feel them as well! And Daddy put his hand on my belly and felt them too! It was such a special moment for all three of us and it made me realize that your arrival is even closer than I thought. And THAT makes me so happy...

You have had the hiccups at least once every day since then! And everyone is eager to meet you. For Mommy's birthday Grammie and Aunt Carrie took her downtown to the Taste of Chicago. It was a lot of walking and it was hot, but fun! And that night they threw me a mini baby shower for you! Auntie Karen was there with Jen and Kelsey and Aunt Laura too! Some of Mom's favorite gifts were the blue octopus robe from Carrie, the teaching clock from Grammie and the blue stripped hoodie one piece outfit from the Lang girls. Such a fun weekend.

So YES- we are anxious for your arrival. And don't tell Daddy but I think we are all pretty close to settled on your name. You will be our sweet little Ian Robert. How does that work for you? We've narrowed our search for the perfect name to Oliver, Ethan and Ian. So far, EVERYONE we've quizzed ALL like Ian the most. And that's Daddy's favorite. And Mommy loves you so much anyway it doesn't matter to me what you are called Sweet Boy. So unless you arrive looking way more like a Chirstopher or a Emmett or something, we'll stick with Ian for now.

Love you baby. Keep cooking, keep hiccuping and Mommy will see you soon!