Two Days

The emotions are starting to set in. Emma's arrival is only 3 days away, and I can't help but think about how our world is so drastically going to change. Mostly - at this point - I'm thinking about how Ava's world – and our world with Ava - is about to change. Sure, she loves babies, but she has no idea that there is going to be one in her house...all the time...requiring Michael and I to share our attention. Will she be jealous? Helpful? Emotional? I'm sure all of the above...at least a little bit.

Last week I had a friend give me some advice...some advice I had never been given before...but am so glad she shared with me. She said, “Prepare yourself for when you see Ava for the first time around the baby, because she is going to look like such a big girl.” We know she's grown up so much, but we had never thought about that at all. However - it makes perfect and complete sense.

In the last 22 months, Ava has grown from a 5 lb baby to a walking, talking little girl. She is so independent at times - yet will still cuddle up on our laps for us to read her a book. She wants to try to put on her own shoes - yet still asks for “help, please” when she can't quite get it. She wants to jump into your arms - but makes sure you're always “ready” to catch her first. I can't help but imagine if bringing a newborn baby into the picture will only cause her to grow up more - something I'm not sure I'm ready for yet. In my eyes, she is still, and will probably always be my baby...

Only time will tell. I'm praying that Monday, when baby Emma arrives, that Ava will welcome her into the family with just as much love and excitement as much as Michael and I will. Until then, I have two days left to cherish some more memories with her. Two days, I’m sure, I will remember forever.