It's a...

Wow, it's been a while.  And to make it worse, it's been a while and I left you all with a depressing post the last time.  haha.  Oh, the drama!  But that's pregnancy for you.  I promise I'm not a drama queen. (really, I promise)  


I have wonderfully exciting news to share with those of you who don't already know...

WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!

I can't even explain how excited we are.  Although, I can't say that I'm altogether surprised.  Van knew all along.  Big brothers are like that.  For the last couple months, I've been trying to teach him to be gentle with my ever growing tummy.  We've learned to "kiss the baby", "say hi to the baby", and "give the baby a GENTLE high five".  He's been precious.  And every single time I've asked him if it's a boy or a girl (doesn't matter how I phrase it) he says, "GRR".

I have to admit, in the beginning I was wrong.  As soon as I found out we were pregnant, I just assumed it was a boy.  That's what I know.  When you're pregnant, it's a boy.  UNTIL all the drama started happening.  Bleeding?  Bed rest?  What?  This has to be a girl.  And ever since then, I've never wavered.  I just knew.  I never had that with Van.  I think I was secretly nervous to say what I thought it was either way.  I mean, if you think it's a boy and it turns out to be a girl--what kind of mother are you?  I'm much more secure in the type of mother I am this time around.  I'm a silly, cuddly, (sometimes) impatient, can't get enough, gotta squeeze him all the time kind of mother.

So, what you're all dying to know....the name.

I know that a lot of people would be nervous to say the name of their baby before it's born (especially on their non-private blog), but I can't help it.  We did the same thing with Van.  As soon as we found out he was a boy, we knew what his name would be.  And I called him by name throughout my entire pregnancy.  It makes it feel more real to me, and it makes me feel closer to them.  And as far as the ever dreaded name stealing issue:  If you steal my name, I know who you are.  Someone already stole my next boy name, but I don't care.  I'm using it anyway because I thought of it first. haha.

Anyway, back to more important topics.  Her name will be Piper Nicole Osborn.  We both love it.  It's sentimental for Clayton.  Some of Clayton's best childhood memories are flying airplanes with his dad.  It hasn't happened yet, but he's never given up the dream of becoming a pilot just like his dad was.  And he never will.  Their airplane was called a Piper Cub.  It's Clayton's dream to own one.  One day it will happen, but for now we're both completely satisfied to have our own little Piper.

The story of how we told everyone:

My parents and Clayton's family are all out of town, so we just told them over Skype.  (Booooring, I know.)  So, I decided to have a gender reveal party for my siblings.  I hollowed out a bunch of cupcakes and filled it with pink filling, and then I iced them in blue and pink.  I had everyone pick which color they thought it was: boy or girl.  Then, we all bit into them at the same time to find out what color was inside.  Surprise! It's a girl :)

Yum!

 The PINK filling.

Blue and Pink icing.

Hollowed out cupcake. 

In goes the filling. 

Cover it back up. 

All done and ready for the surprise!

It was such a fun night full of all kinds of surprises. (wink, wink)  Now, I have to get myself into baby mode.  I guess I'm still in baby mode.  Never really had time to get out of it!  I'm so excited that Piper will have her big brother to look out for her and make her tough.  I know he'll be just awesome at that.  Two kids.  When in the world did I get old enough to have two kids?  I love it.

Dear Piper,

Hi love.  It feels good to give you a name, my precious little Piper.  We are so excited that you are on your way.  Right off, I owe you an apology.  I haven't written you many letters yet.  I have to be honest and tell you that I was afraid.  I was scared to death that we were going to lose you.  Part of me didn't want to get my hopes up, and then have my heart broken if you weren't ready to come down to us yet.  But you are strong.  You are doing so well, and growing every day.  The doctor told me that everything was going to be fine, and I'm trusting him.

When we went to the doctor to find out what you were, I already knew that you were a girl.  I just felt it.  Your big brother knew too.  He says hi to you all the time and gives you kisses.  Do you hear it?  I know he remembers you from up in Heaven.  He seems so excited when we talk about you, and I can just see it in his eyes, "She's coming down already?!"  I hope you know how much we all already love you.  You are the missing piece we've been waiting for.  

When the doctor had your picture up on the ultrasound screen, Van was waiving and saying hi and he blew you a kiss.  He loves you.  I hope that you will always look out for each other.  Always stay close.  You will be able to keep each other strong and you will be each other's light when everything else seems dark.  I can promise you one thing, you couldn't have asked for a better big brother.  I'll warn you, he'll probably be rough.  He likes to tackle and wrestle, but you can be tough, right?  I don't know why I'm telling you all this.  You're probably thinking, "Mom, relax.  I KNOW all this.  He's my brother, remember?"  I know, I know.

It's funny, you are kicking the bajeezes out of me as I'm writing this.  I just told you hi and that I love you.  Did you hear it?  I hope so.  Piper, my girl.  I still can't believe it.  You'll be here in less than 5 months.  I can't wait to meet you.  I can't wait to hold your tiny hands, and kiss your cheeks.  (I do too much of that, just to warn you.  Van can attest to that.  Sorry, but I seriously can't help it.  It's a real problem.)  I promise to write you more letters.  I think about you constantly, now I just have to put it on paper....or screen.  haha.  You get my point.

Well love, we'll talk soon.  More important than that, we'll SEE each other soon.  Ohh, can't wait.  I love you baby girl, all the way around the world and touching.

Love,

Mama