20 Weeks: My Baby Girl's First Gift

My Dearest Daughter,

I am now 20 weeks pregnant as your tiny little body is rapidly growing inside of me.  Yesterday, your father and I got to see you via ultrasound, and we were finally able to confirm what we both already knew - that you are in fact a little girl.

A girl.

I wish I could explain to you how emotional I get when I see those words.  You are my daughter.  I have been waiting for you...because I knew you would come.  I have known it for about 12 years...all because of a yellow blanket with apples on it.

Darling Baby "K", this blanket was your very first baby gift.  It was handmade by my mother, your Grandma Raelene, in the year 2000, one year before she passed away.  When mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she began a project to sew baby blankets for her future grandchildren to have after she was gone.  She randomly chose various fabrics of blues and pinks and made about ten blankets to be claimed by whomever wished.  But there was one - this bright yellow and bold red blanket covered in apples - that was made specifically for you.  Mom took me to the store one day and told me to pick out a fabric for my baby girl.  I chose the apples, for some reason I no longer remember, and sometime in the middle of the night, this blanket was made.  I was only 14 years old, and was surrounded by brothers and nephews.  Girls were few and far between in our family.  But Mom somehow knew that you would exist one day, and out of all the blankets she made, this was the only one reserved - for her daughter's daughter.

There are not many women on my side of the family.  My mother and both grandmothers have passed away.  I had no aunts related by blood, and the only one related by marriage also passed away many years ago.  I have no sisters.  My older brothers have given you four female cousins - but they are outweighed by eight male cousins.  It would have been easy to assume that the idea of me having a daughter was far-fetched.  But I have always known you would come, and apparently your grandmother knew you would come.  And in a few short months, you will be here to join the incredible family that is waiting for you.

I don't know what you will look like, what color hair or eyes you will have, or what your personality will be like.  But I know you.  I know your name (and have for many years), I know your strength, and I know you will be loved more than you can imagine.  Your older brother also knows you, and has been telling us you were a girl before I even became pregnant.  He prays for you every night, kisses my belly, and tells you he loves you.  Your daddy smiles every time he says your name, and he is counting down the days until you can grasp his finger with your tiny hand.  You are the final step for our little family, and we cannot wait to meet you.

We are halfway there - you have 20 more weeks to stay cozy and snug inside of me before you must face the harsh Utah winter.  So enjoy your stay, and know that there is a soft yellow blanket with apples waiting to keep you warm.

Love,
Mom