Dear Caroline,

This is the first of many letters I will write to you as you grow. You will have no memory of these young days, and my memory fades so quickly that we will both cherish the documentation these letters provide. This first letter comes to you just a day and a half from your birth.

A few notes about my pregnancy with you...

I found out I was pregnant with you on September 22, 2010. Kate had just turned 8 months old! Daddy and I were excited as we hoped God would add to our family soon, wanting our children to be close in age. We also felt nervous and overwhelmed that Kate would still be a "baby" herself when you would arrive.
I was sick for the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. I took medications to stop the nausea. (With Kate I wasn't sick at all.)
Braxton Hicks contractions started early with you, as they did with Kate, at about 18 weeks.
We found out that you were a GIRL on January 3, 2011, when I was 18 weeks along. Daddy knew you'd be a girl, but I thought you'd be a boy since I wasn't sick with my first pregnancy. I was thrilled to know you were a girl; you and Kate will share a neat bond.
We decided on your name when I was about 20 weeks pregnant. I always knew I wanted to use my grandmother's name for one of my girls. You're fortunate to be named for two of your great grandmothers; Caroline on my side, and Grace on Daddy's.
I had all the normal aches and pains of pregnancy: heartburn, sciatic pain, sore hips, etc. It was hard at times with Kate being so active to keep up with her.
I didn't have much swelling with you at all! My rings didn't fit, but other than that, I don't think I retained much water at all. (Very different story with Kate!)
Since Kate was delivered by C-Section, we decided early on that you should come that way, too. Your birthday has been planned for several months! You don't seem to want to come any sooner. Thanks for sticking to the schedule!

I feel you now, moving inside me, pushing your boundaries as you run out of room in my belly. I feel like I've been pregnant for such a very long time, yet I somehow can't believe the date we've anticipated for so many months is almost here! But God has been anticipating you even longer, sweet child...

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
{Psalm 139:13-16}

We can't wait to see you; to count your tiny fingers and toes, to smell your sweet baby smell, to kiss your sweet head, to hold you close.

We already love you so much, Caroline.

Love,

Your mama (& Daddy, too)