3 More Days

It's Monday night now, which means we only have three more days until Tim and I head to the hospital. It also means we're that much closer to meeting our little girl!

I truly believe that we've made a wise decision in planning for Hailey's birthday. We've found that we are better prepared now that we are focused on that day with a date intact. I'm also relieved that I don't have to worry anymore whether or not everyone will be able to make it for her special day. Dr. Dodson will be there when we go to the hospital and when we deliver. Our amazing photographer and friend, Amy Knollmeyer, has graciously cleared her schedule to capture every moment of Hailey's life. Our church and the funeral home know the game plan now. There was just so many things that I was worried about, things pregnant mommies don't expect to worry about when they're about to have a baby. I know I've had four months to adjust to all the planning and preparing, but sometimes it gets to me that I'm planning a birthday and funeral all at the same time, and it's stressful. But my worries are no more, thanks to the wonderful people who have made themselves readily available for us. Now I just get to concentrate on the amazing day that lies ahead. I especially think this time has been beneficial for Tim and Ryan. Over the past four months, I have had Hailey to remind me of what is and what is to come. But for them, they've only had my big belly to look at. Now I think they are both in the zone, and it's all coming together, as we look forward to meeting Hailey in just a few short days.

Of course Ryan is very excited to finally meet his baby sister. We've talked about it quite a bit over the weekend, and when I asked him questions he knew the answers. He knows that Hailey is going to live up in heaven with Jesus. We talked about her birthday party, and he knew what he was going to help with - which is everything. He's in charge of giving the presents to her, helping her open them, blowing out the candles, and eating the cake. He also wants to play his guitar for her which will keep us all entertained. I think he understands how special that time is going to be with her, but I know that there will be times when he questions why she's not with us. Tonight he asked me if she was going to sleep on the couch or in her bed. He was so serious that I just had to smile.

Thursday I plan on taking Ryan with me to pick out a little birthday cake and some balloons that he will bring to the hospital on Friday. That evening we are going out to eat with our family to have a pre-birthday party. I've been hooked on McDonald's and McAlister's this pregnancy, and since I've had more than enough McDonald's to last a lifetime I think we'll be eating at McAlister's...although...I could fit McDonald's in for lunch! But that will be a good time, and I'm looking forward to it. We also plan to take Ryan along with us so he can see the room where Hailey will be born. That way when he comes back on Friday he will be a little more comfortable with everything.

Well that's all the updates I have for now, but I want to thank everyone so much for the extra prayers this week. I believe it's giving us the strength to focus on the joy of Hailey's birthday!