Happy 2010, Sweet Girl!

Dear Josephine,

This will probably be the last note I leave for you before your baby brother appears on the scene. He's due to show up February 26th, but it could be any day. You've been so excited to tell people about how you're going to be a big sister in February. You're always talking to "Baby Brother" (that's what you think his name is) through my belly. You love to include him in our conversations, sing to him, ask his opinion on things, etc. In fact, you've been singing this made up version of Jesus Loves Me for him. Kind of a make-it-up-as-you-go song that's different every time. You look very intense as you sing it. It makes me smile. You're definitely potty trained and so proud of that. It happened on our trip to Utah over Christmas. We had a great time visiting Uncle Simon, Aunt Cydni and their dogs Madison, Juan and Larry. January and early February have been filled with everyday things -- learning more each day at Little Sprouts with Miss Natalie, Mr. David and Miss Laverne, the greatest teachers ever! (when I pick you up, you always ask "Mommy, how was your day at Hallmark?") New Years Eve with the Poloncheks, playdates with the Frankos and Morrises, Logan and baby Dorothy Vanecek (you LOVE little babies and always want to "pet" them), evening get-togethers with other families, a few trips to the Matt Ross community center play room, and a trip to Marysville where you stayed with Gammi and Papa while Mom and Dad got some much needed R&R. We've been renovating our attic and you love to guess which worker you hear each day upstairs. (Is it "Austin the electrician? Shawn the plumber? Craig the carpenter?") You call them all "the mens" who work upstairs. You're always sweet-talking daddy into taking you up there when he gives tours to our friends. Oh, I mustn't forget you saw your first movie with Brooky, your favorite neighbor. It was "Princess and the Frog." You were mesmerized from the moment we walked into the theater and you saw the giant screen. There were some scary parts, but daddy held you and you were brave. We all ate popcorn and junior mints and had a fun time.  Speaking of princesses, you are still absolutely enthralled with playing the princess role (which mainly means twirling around in a dress and feeling "lovely"). Your daddy reminds you every day how very beautiful you are both inside and out. I know this special love from your daddy is a gift that you'll carry the rest of your life and I wish every child could know that kind of love. The other day you said the sweetest thing: "Mommy, God made me beautiful!" It just melted my heart and I wanted to remember it forever. Well, Mommy is feeling really sentimental these days about you not being her only little one anymore. I know it's going to take some adjusting for both of us, but we'll make a great family of four! I think you're going to be such a helpful big sister and I've been praying that even with a little brother in the house, you'll still know how very special you are to your dad and I. You are our first-born -- the one who has reminded us that the world is full of everyday wonders. What a precious gift you are, precious girl!