Dear Chipmunk

39 weeks!  We can hardly believe that we're here.  Your father and I had started to believe that parenthood was not in the cards for us, and now here we are, waiting for you to make your appearance.

We are ready, Chipmunk.  Your father checks the carseat positioning almost daily.  Your sleep sack is clean and sitting in your bassinette.  More importantly, so many people have hearts that are ready, open, and waiting to swallow you up.

Your Uncle P is hoping you're born on the 27th.  He predicts that will be Game 4 of the World Series and that the Cards will sweep the Red Sox (you know, he and your Aunt L can have the whole house divided thing).  He's so funny when he talks about what it's going to be like for us to be parents to a newborn.  I'm pretty sure he's never even changed a diaper.  Wait until you get to know him.  You'll see what I mean.

Your grandmother can't wait to be a grandma.  She says she's so excited to get here and take care of your father and me so we can take care of you, but I think she is really just dying to snuggle you and know you are here safe and sound.  She talks about your first baseball game and your first trip to the zoo (all in St. Louis, of course - couldn't have it any other way).  She's got her Skype all set up and a stack of books to read to you.  She's had so many years of pent of grandma energy and she's bursting at the seams with love for you.

Uncle D isn't going to know what hit him.  He thinks there should be no problem with us going to see a movie a few days after you're born.  Don't worry we'll break him in slowly.  He made sure to get his vaccines all up to date so he can come see you as soon as we come home.  He'll be your only family in town so we have to get him up to speed on this baby thing.

Halmoni and Halapoji are getting impatient!  They call all the time.  Halapoji calls your daddy and reminds him to make sure I'm careful on the stairs and to see if we are playing Mozart for you.  Halmoni wants to make sure I'm healthy.  She's excited about you being a Hapa which is wonderful.  She wants to show you off to her church friends, I think.

Halapoji gave you a great middle name.  It means "wisdom" and it goes well with the first name we chose for you.  That name means "blessed with God's bounty."  It has a little reference to how hard it was to bring you into being and it's German as a nod to my family.  We couldn't squeeze anything Sicilian in there, but don't worry - you'll get that in food.

Even Scout is ready!  She knows her new rules and she's been so good lately.  We know she'll take care of you and protect you.  She is ready for her new pack member.

Most importantly, your father and I are ready.  We think we know you a bit already.  You're a little bit of a drama queen. You hate Braxton Hicks and go berserk whenever mommy has one.  It's really uncomfortable at 2 AM so whenever you want to cut that out would be great.  If I rub your back or pat your hiney, you'll calm down for a bit.  Since you were even smaller your daddy has been able to put his hand on my tummy and it feels like you curl right up into the palm of his hand.  You still do that.  Never for me, only for daddy.  Daddy's girl already and he eats that up.  You like it when we play music with a good bass line and you startle when Scout barks in the middle of the night.  Get used to that, kiddo!  She's the great protector.

We want to hold you in our arms and know you are okay.  We want you here, alive, and healthy.  No matter what, we want you to have a childhood that is full of good memories and joy.  We hope to show you how to be a good, compassionate person.  We hope you laugh a lot, take advantage of every gift life brings you, and find your passion.