Dear Lexie Raye,

Ok, let’s have a talk. I know it is nice and dark, warm, and floaty in there, but it is really nice out here too- It is warm and humid, kinda the same thing.. Daddy and I are very anxious to see you and hold you and everyone is pestering the snot out of us to get you here!

The house is ready for your arrival:

• the kitchen is spotless and reorganized
• the regridgerator has never been cleaner
• the baseboards have been wiped down (although in a 60 year old house, you won’t know it in a few days for all the dust that reaccumulates…)
• the cabinets have been emptied and reorganized
• All the DVDs have been reorganzied and re-alphabetized (we won’t let daddy put them away anymore, because he apparently does not know his ABC’s)
• Everything that is not used has been taken to Salvation Army (in the equivalent to about 100 trips)
• Mommy and Daddy spent a lot of time “compromising” over what would stay and what would go from both of our hobby rooms in order to give you your own room. We now share a hobby room which is crowded and looks junky-but I am sure you are worth it. =)
• closets have been rearranged so you have your own
• all your clothes and linens are washed and put away
• your nursery has been primed, painted, decorated and furnished with much love from: Daddy and me, Mia, Sue Sue (previously known as Gwennie, but we changed it recently), Aunt Courtney, and Granddaddy Payne.
• You have lots of clothes to wear-REALLY CUTE clothes- and lots of shoes and hair bows!! You will love hair bows and shoes, they make clothes so worth wearing (until you become a tomboy at about age 8) Oh, even your Daddy has enjoyed shopping for your clothes, so this is like a BIG deal here, Kid.
• Missy Cat knows we are expecting you (that is her laying on you and purring for hours on end) and I am pretty sure Scarlet does too. Stitch, well… he is pretty clueless but I know he will love you. And he is great with kids, so you will like him too.
• We recently bought a new car from a used car dealer so it is safer for you, not to mention it is more comfortable for Daddy and me too. I’m so happy with the car, I love it!! Your car seat is in and ready to go!!
• Our bags are packed and in the car (minus daily hygiene stuff) so we are prepared whenever you start making your way
• We have your jogging stroller ready to go so you can see the beautiful outside world! Plus, it will be fall soon and you will LOVE fall. There aren’t many thing better than hot tea, crisp leaves, open windows, and a nice stroll outside to make you love life.
• Daddy is just as ready as I am for your arrival-you will fall madly in love with your dad.
• He even started driving again today, so he can be sure he can drive us to the hospital-which made Mom very nervous, but he did just fine.
• Now, Daddy’s bathroom (and our laundry room) is still in a bit of a mess because he didn’t get to finish it before his back went out, but I promise that is the only thing not totally ready.

• And most importantly (well, maybe not most important but a very close second)- Mommy is tired of being poked and prodded every week like a Thanksgiving Day Turkey. This, you will soon learn, isn’t a good thing (but we do LOVE Granny’s turkey and dressing and Thanksgiving..)

• Oh, I also got you some wonderful educational toys for when you are a few months older which you will enjoy playing with. I promise they will be more fun than dancing on my bladder and kicking my ribs all day. Honest!

So just keep these things in mind, as it is your “due” date today. This may just be an estimate date, but the doctors do this to torture pregnant women all over the world. Also, Mommy is ready for weight loss, running, spin class, sleeping on her tummy (when I will get to sleep), and a drink. So let’s move this process along, shall we?

Love,
Mom