I’ve been asked if I plan to create a whole new blog just for Ella, but as we all know, I can barely keep up with this one. That said, this post is for Ella.

Dearest Ella,

When you look back at the many many many pictures of and posts about your sister, you may feel slighted, as many second children do. Though you’re not even here yet, we simply won’t have the time to capture your every move as we did with your sister since, well, your sister will be around. Let’s just say she likes attention ;)

Even now, as you hang out (kicking and punching) in my belly, your sister keeps us busy. But I want you to know that every single day, your father tells you he loves you (that’s the muffled shouting you no doubt hear), and your sister giggles, blows raspberries and kisses you good night. You are loved.

And sure, in contrast to the nursery we obsessed over for your sister when I dragged your father all over the planet looking for a red dresser, YOUR room might look a little more like a guest room with a crib in it. And yes, you’ll be wearing many of the clothes your sister wore first (but only the gently worn ones, of course).

On the bright side, toys, blankets, stuffed animals, shoes, plates, bowls – you name it – they’re all here waiting for you: broken in, pre-loved, and ready for you.

Think about it this way: We wouldn’t even still have all that great stuff if we weren’t hoping beyond hope that Zoe would have a little sister to share life with – YOU! See? You’re loved!

So forgive us if things seem a little different. I promise you this: we will do our very best, and not for one moment have we been anything but excited (well, maybe a little nervous, too) about your arrival. And we will love you just as much as we love your sister, who, for a while, will love you almost as much as she loves her favorite thing of the moment, sometimes more ;)

Thanks in advance for sharing, well, everything, as you will no doubt have to do.

Enjoy your alone time there in my belly – 26 weeks down, up to 14 more to go! Oh, and if you don’t mind, let’s make this birth thing a good experience for everyone involved. Thanks.

Much Love,

Mom & Dad

(and yes, these are actual 3D ultrasound pictures of Ella – she looks great already!)