Dearest Oliver,

You're on pace to join this world right when we're expecting you. Let's keep it that way, shall we? Today is the  first day of the third trimester of our journey together. When I found out I was pregnant with you, you were smaller than a grain of rice. A tadpole cluster of cells. Now look at you! The only thing left for you to do now is get stronger, put on weight so you can stand the cooler temperatures of the world outside. We are so close to seeing each other face to face, there are so many things I can't wait to show you, so many people I can't wait for you to meet. Me, of course! Though, I suppose you know me already - and in a way no one else could ever know. Unless your father and I decide to go through this madness again and give you a sibling. I can't wait to see the look in your dad's eyes as he holds you for the first time. Or your grandparents' as they become grandparents all over again. I was the first in round one, it's only fitting I'll bring the first from round two to life. I am curious as to how long you'll have to wait until you have cousins your own age to play with. Everyone is playing this game smarter these days, going to school, taking their time. Not to say I didn't, I made sure to have some college under my belt - I just got lucky and met your father at a younger age I suppose. Maybe your cousins Zach and Devrie will decide to make a playmate for you soon. Well, never mind all that. Your god parents Joshua and Melissa are brewing up a playmate for you right now. I'm sure that whatever gender their baby is you two will be fast friends.

Oh Olly, I wish you were here already! I don't know I can possibly wait three whole months! Yet, as you'll find out soon enough, three months goes by in the blink of an eye if we let it. There is still so much for me to do to get ready for your arrival. So much organizing and cleaning to do, so many things to buy! I wonder how I should decorate your space, do you like blue or green?

I can see you dancing in my tummy now as I type this. I can't wait to dance with you for real. I can't wait to teach how to read and write, how to distinguish this world in which we live and try and help you make sense of it all. I'll be right there with you, every crawling motion, every uncertain step, every full stride of the way. My parents seemed so old and out of touch... I hope that for you I can be someone to look up to, to rely upon, to trust with your issues and your thoughts. After all, you and I, we share something special. Our life blood, our DNA, our very essence is as one. I'm sure there'll be days when you hate me, but remember that. We are family, we are one. Always and forever.

Love,

Mom