Hi Blueberry :-)

Yesterday I met you, Felicity Jayne, at age 3½ hours old.

There were eight people there to meet you- your mom's mom, dad, step dad, and brother, me and my sister and mom (your paternal grandma), and your dad's best friend who took time off work to meet you as soon as you were born.  So we all had to take shortish turns holding you.
You have so much hair, it's unreal.

My dad (Grandpa) didn't get to meet you the day you were born.  He only saw a picture.  So we went back to the hospital for him to hold you.

Then Aunt Emma and I got more turns holding you for a long time.  We got to see your neat blue/brown eyes and your big yawn that's contagious to just think about.

Lots of snuggles will be had in the future.  I promise it was the doctor (or nurse, not sure what position she holds) who said we shouldn't pass you around too much during flu season.  We're supposed to mostly limit the people holding you to family, and not even at big family gatherings.  Fewer people holding you = more time with me, right?  ;)

Basically, I love you.  Sleep tight tonight.  Your mom was so amazed that you basically slept through your whole first night outside the womb.  You went semi-conscious to nurse every two hours, then went right back to fast asleep as soon as you were put down.  I know she shouldn't count on that lasting, but we can wish, can't we?

Dear Blueberry,

Oh. My gosh.  I get to meet you in, let's see- four days, give or take.  You are head down and in position in your mom's belly, just waiting to get out.  Trust me, she is ready for you to start hiccuping OUTSIDE her body.

(This is you, btw, not some random kid.)

I remember when we first knew you were coming.  There was a big rush to get your parents married.  It was for you, you know.  They wanted to marry each other and had planned to for a long time, but finding out that you were on the way was the final push, because you need to know that they care about being a family.

I was the first to open up the ultrasound pictures Alex (Dad) left us.  I fell in love with you right away.  I'd been ready for a long time!  It was a joy to finally call LeeAnn my sister-in-law, and I was happy beyond words to be an aunt at last.  I call the little kids at church my kidlets.  When Nathaniel was born in November I squealed about being an auntie, because our families are very close.  But you, you are definitely mine.  My kidlet.  No one else can claim you because you're MY nibling.

So, of course, I've paid way closer attention to your growth than to any of the other 7 pregnancies in our church since the start of 2014.  The waiting has almost made it seem less real.  You've been that bump growing on LeeAnn's front for so long, it's hard to believe that by next week you will be a baby in my arms- your own arms, your fingers and toes, a tiny nose and little eyes and probably a lot of hair, all there to be seen.  You'll have a name, dear Blueberry.  I am so ready to meet you!!

Seriously, though.  I thought by now my mom would be over the timing that wasn't your fault.  You're due to be born this weekend and still she underhandedly whines.  ("It was so funny it made me forget I was going to be a grandmother for a few minutes.")  Well, I, your Auntie Johanna (Aunt Jo?) will teach you how to handle people who can't love you the way they ought.  No need to attack them- just pour your love to people who will be able to accept it.  I'll love on you, kiddo.  I've got enough joy to fill in for what the grandparents are neglecting.  You're a part of my family!  I can't forget that I'm a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a granddaughter- or an aunt.  A new hat for a new relative to love.

See you soon!

♥❤♥❤♥❤♥❤♥❤♥