Grace, it’s official.  Time is flying by!  How did it become October?  How are there only 6 weeks until you arrive?!?  I’m not sure any of this will really sink in until I hear your first cry on that blessed day… whenever that ends up being. I don’t know what God has planned, but I hope you stay in there and get healthy and strong for as long as you need to.  I was born a day past my expected birthday and your dad… he was three weeks late!  I hope you don’t wait that long.

Today marks the start of my maternity leave.  Nix that.  Maternity transition.  I don’t think I can really qualify this time as “leave”.  I reminded your dad the other day that October 1st was getting close and he just laughed.  He knows I just can’t not be busy.  My list of things to do before you arrive is, indeed, a mile long.  So much to do and so much work to wrap up!  So, today begins my maternity leave transition.

I packed my hospital bag today and attempted to install your car seat so we can bring you home safely from the hospital.  Key word: attempted.  I failed miserably.  Your dad is going to have to help with that one!  This week, we also set up the little sleeper crib in our bedroom, where you will likely sleep for the first few months.  I love looking over at it before I go to bed and when I wake up.  I can’t wait to wake up to you in it!

I had a great week with the wonderful women I work with, too. We approved the magazine to start printing and have been busy preparing for the launch that will happen in just a few short weeks. There are so many exciting things ahead. One day I hope you SEE through me that it’s possible to truly love what you do and find balance and peace and purpose in it. No matter the challenges we sometimes face, I truly do feel all of those things and I’m so grateful!  I can’t wait for you to meet all of the ladies I spend my days with.  They are remarkable.  They can’t wait to meet you, too.  Your Aunt Emily (Ayer) is a ray of sunshine every day here. We spent one morning this week going through the calendar setting things up for the next four months so I can spend as much of this special time with you as possible. She made me feel so at ease. God is good. Your Aunt Emily (Ley) and I made a lot of big things happen this week, too, as we’ve been preparing for 20 new brand launches happening over the next month before you arrive. I love this work so much.  It makes my heart very full to see people’s dreams come to life and see them use their potential to the full!  Emily is my best friend and my biggest support and encouragement about you besides your dad. She is such a great mama and always helps me to know that God has everything in His perfect plan already. She has been and is going to be helping me so much in really taking this time to focus on you and our family. I can’t think of a bigger gift I could get from anyone! I have a feeling you’ll just instinctively know to hug her a little tighter when you meet her soon : ) And one of the best parts of this week was laughing with your dad and spending some really wonderful time with him.  We had an amazing conversation on Tuesday night that I’ll never forget.  We talked about God and Heaven and - like the pastor said in church - having nothing to prove and everything to give and wanting to go on a long mission trip someday when you are a little older so he can use his doctor skills to help heal people who really need help. Your dad’s heart makes me very happy. We are praying for you every day. 6 more weeks till we meet you, Lord willing. Wow! That’s just a remarkable humbling thought. We’re so grateful. I love you, Gracie Belle! 

Mom