The day we knew

Dear Little Baby Mini Hill,

Daddy and I have been praying for you and about you for a while, and hoping we would be able to have a baby without too much trouble. We had accomplished some major milestones, including nearly three years of marriage and Momma's graduate degree. By all accounts, it was time to open the door to adding to our family.

And then you came along.

Momma had not been feeling herself for a few weeks. I first noticed on our way home from Uncle Blake and Aunt Rachel's wedding in St. Louis on August 4. We stopped at the world's largest McDonald's (no kidding, ask your Daddy), and it was REALLY hot inside. I felt queasy and lightheaded, but I figured it was just from traveling and getting tired of driving. When we got home, Momma went straight to the couch and laid there for the rest of the night. This is pretty odd - naps aren't really Momma's thing.

The next week, Momma had a business trip to Louisville. I knew something was different because I took a nap each day. I was totally wiped out for no apparent reason. When I got home from my business trip on August 10, I decided to take a pregnancy test. The first one (and the second, and the third) said I was pregnant!

I called Daddy right away. He had been out of town showing a property and was on his way back to the office. I tried to convince him (without giving away the surprise) that he should come home and see me before I left again for a trip with friends that weekend. But, as Daddy can be, he was stubborn and insisted that he had to work. No longer able to keep the secret, I spoiled the surprise and he said, "I'll be right there."

When Daddy came home, he scooped me up in a big hug. He was so excited and loved you from the very first second he knew. The first thing he thought of was how he wants to build a swing set for you (Don't forget to hold him to that...)

August 10 was one of the most exciting days of our lives. We are so in love with you already, and waiting for nine more months to meet you seems like forever! But, we will wait patiently as you grow healthy and strong.

We love you, LBMH,

Momma