Oh, sweet Baby Dot –

It’s Wednesday, April 14, and we’re still waiting on you. I’ve heard from several mothers with teenage daughters that I should get used to this… the waiting on you. But I’ll admit, it’s already not my favorite thing.

When we were supposed to be able to find out whether you were a boy or girl, you made us wait on that, too. Little girl, you are all about the dramatic entrance.

We really didn’t think it’d be this long until we got to meet you. A few weeks ago, you started your journey into the real world. And then… BAM. Stopped cold. It’s like being on the way to Dairy Queen and getting a flat tire. I kept thinking labor would start again on its own, but no such luck. Since then, you’ve seemed perfectly content to stay just where you are.

Someday, when you’re all grown up and expecting your own babies, I bet you’ll wish you’d just come on out. Life has a way of repaying even these pre-birth actions, so I wouldn’t be surprised if your little one drops early and you feel like you’re sitting on a shot-put for two solid weeks. 😉

Anyway, all that aside, I’ve pretty much lost hope that you’ll ever decide to be born on your own. That’s not really surprising… your brother had to be chased out of the womb with a cattle prod. Apparently, I’ve just made my uterus too darn comfy.

As of today, the decision has officially been removed from your tiny little hands. Well, you’re still more than welcome to come out on your own. Any time. Like, now, even. I don’t have to finish this blog. But if you don’t decide to come out… if you hang on real tight and try to hide… you’re still coming out. We have a date at the hospital in 149 hours. Not that I’m counting.

By this time next Wednesday, you WILL be born, whether you like it or not.

The thing is, Darling Dorothy, I really think you’ll like it. You’ve got the sweetest yellow nursery in the entire world. You’ve got a little brother who’s just dying to hold you and read you stories. You’ve got a Daddy who already adores you more than he can say.

You’re also a little famous. Every day, dozens and dozens of people ask about you, and you’re not even breathing air yet! They’re all anxious to see your chubby cheeks, and see how your post-birth pictures compare to the somewhat-squishy sonogram images we got.

And sweetheart, you’ve got me. I’m so anxious to meet you. I’ve had dreams about you, and in all of them, you’re the spitting image of your Daddy. I won’t hold it against you if you aren’t blond… but in my head, you are. I want to snuggle you and squeeze you and rock you and sing to you.

Honestly, I’d also like someone ELSE to hold you for a while… but I think that’s just my fatigue talking.

Baby Girl, the whole world is ready to greet you, and the world is an amazing place. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn cool… and it’ll be even better as soon as you’re in it.

So feel free to come on out any time. We’ll come in after you if we have to, but rest assured, there will be a big ole party to meet you whether it’s pre-scheduled or not.

Dorothy Jane, we love you so much.

See you soon!