Eviction Notice

Dear Baby Girl Hopkins,

We certainly have had some fun times over the past 10 months.

Remember before I found out about you and all of my friends told me I was pregnant with you because I couldn't hug them without my boobs feeling like there were daggers in them? That was fun.

During my first trimester, I amused your Dad with my inability to a. heat up leftovers for lunch and b. clean out Tupperware containers without wanting to vomit. He got the biggest kick out of me dry-heaving into the kitchen sink. I guess he was lucky I never actually expelled anything into that sink!

Around 16 weeks or so, your Dad and I were driving to Buy Buy Baby and I swore I felt something move in there. It felt like someone was playing a tiny little drum inside my belly. I made your Dad turn off the radio and drive very slowly so I could see if I could feel it again. 2 weeks later, I really started feeling you move.

At 17 weeks and 5 days, we found out you were a GIRL! We picked out your name and have kept it a secret this whole time. Our friends and family have tried to pry it out of us, but we held firm! Your name will be announced when you are born. I do get amused by the family and friends who have guessed what it will be, though. I had two more ultrasounds along the way and at the final one, I asked the ultrasound tech to do one more check to make sure you really were a girl. Oh yes, you're definitely all girl. :) That was the first time I could really tell what was what in that picture.

My second trimester was a breeze. I may have lost my writing mojo and my ability to do much more than work and go home and eat but I felt great physically. I ate a lot of food I probably shouldn't have eaten and I got scolded for that by one of my OB's. I cut back on the sweets and my weight gain slowed down. Feeling you move around in there is still the highlight of my day. Your Dad has felt you move a few times and enjoys seeing my belly pop here and there when you stick a fist up or kick out with your foot.

During my third trimester, things slowed down a lot. Literally. I slowed down. I got bigger, you got bigger and I think we're both ready for you to make your appearance into this world. You spend a lot of time shoving your rear end up into my belly and stretching out with your feet up under my chest and your arms down near my belly button. I am thankful you're not punching my belly button anymore but you are obviously running out of room.

I had some fantastic friends and family throw me a shower and then my ladies group at church threw me a shower, as well! You have a nursery that is ready to go and a very well-stocked library that we can't wait to start reading to you. Your Dad has been nesting. He painted the nursery, painted the table and chairs for the front porch, painted the wicker laundry basket so it matches your room. He has done a lot of work in the yard to get ready for your arrival, too so he doesn't have to do much once you're here and he can spend as many precious moments with you as possible.

All that being said, we're ready. So, this is me, officially giving you your eviction notice. You have kept me up the past two nights for who knows what reason. I have had 5 hours sleep in 2 nights, constant headaches and heartburn. I love you to death but I'm ready for you to be here. Tomorrow I see my doctor for my 40 week appointment. What will he tell me, BGH? Will he tell me you're ready to come out?


Forty Weeks, BGH.

Your due date is on Saturday. I would like you to be an on-time baby. Could you do that for me? If you can't, you'll be forced out by the end of next week. No one likes to be pushed out when they're not ready yet, I know you wouldn't like it much either if you're anything like me. I know you are probably stubborn and I'm okay with that, it means you're my child. But let's be honest, we're both ready for this already. So, let's do this. You come on out on Saturday (you know, your Mom was born on a Saturday, too...) and we'll have a little birthday party for you. Sound good? I'm so glad. See you soon, Baby Girl Hopkins.

Love,
Mom