Hello World.

Forgive me for being a little shy and not posting sooner. My parents refer to me as "the bean" because I'm still a wee thing waiting to make a grand entry into the world. I'm really enjoying it in here - I get to swim around in a warm pool of fluid, poke my mom in the belly, listen to her giggle with my daddy, and experience the motions to she makes every day (what is up with the prenatal yoga and bouncing on the treadmill?). Sometimes I hear my dog Greta bark, I think she's really excited to meet me.

When my mom and dad announced to my grandparents that I was arriving in May, there was a flurry of commotion. I'm lucky because I will have lots of "grand" figures in my life! Grandma Judy and Grandpa Arlin went into shock because they didn't think they were old enough to be grandparents. Now mommy tells me that they are bragging to their friends about my upcoming arrival. In fact, she said Grandpa met another set of expectant grandparents on their recent trip to Atlanta and grandpa said he "trumped" the other couple because they're baby isn't due until June. He is so funny.

Great Grandma Claire said she knew ("I'm a witch! I knew it!") and Great Grandpa Tom thought mommy was kidding!

Grandma Diane was thrilled and shared the news with my Great Grandma Anita and Great Grandpa Guenter. Of course Daddy got the privilege of telling them the news, and he made up a dumb knock knock joke that he "knocked mommy up." I don't get it. I guess pilots tell a lot of jokes or something?

Grandpa Gene and Grandma Lisa almost got into a car accident when daddy told them the news. They were so happy they had to re-focus to stay on the road! It sounds like there were delighted to hear about me!

And then there's Grandpa Ted, who was happy for mommy and daddy, too.

I'm not really sure yet if I'm going to be more like my mommy, or daddy. Probably a nice blend of both. I know they both like to laugh, and did I ever have them fooled. Mom was convinced that I was a boy, and I fooled her so good that she managed to convince everyone around her that I was a boy, too. Until the ultrasound...then the cat was out of the bag. I was wiggling around and trying to hide, but the technician saw my "parts" and labeled me a girl.

Daddy made mommy so embarrassed, he asked the technician was she meant by "labia." Mommy had to explain it in second grade terms. I think her cheeks were as red as tomatoes and she explained that I didn't have a "hot dog," but that I have "buns." I am really too young to understand any of this, but I know mommy and daddy made a lot of jokes about it later. Maybe it's good that daddy sticks with airplanes instead of anatomy.

I've heard a lot of commotion lately about a stroller. Grandma and Grandpa Keyes sent me a new stroller and car seat so I can take lots of walks in the neighborhood. Mommy put it together and has been walking it around the house with Greta. I can hear her laugh, but I wish I could see what was happening. It's kind of dark in here.

Grandma Judy is coming to my baby shower in March and she is going to help mommy finish getting my room ready. It sounds like a lot of people love me and can't wait to meet me! Some people have already sent me little presents and Great Grandma Claire made me a beautiful pink hat (well, I have to trust mommy's description because I haven't seen it yet...). People keep asking mommy if they can help with anything - cooking, painting, shoveling... It's nice to know that so many people look out for our little family.

Well, I am getting ready for my evening kick-boxing session. I love to jab mommy in the ribs for a while when she first gets ready for bed. Then I can usually feel the warmth of her hand on her belly as she lets me know she loves me. I probably won't write again for a little while. Mom has a really busy week and lots of upcoming classes to learn how to take care of me.

Have a good week everyone!

Love,
Baby Emily