Dear Alistair

My dear sweet son,

I can't believe in just 4 days I'm going to be holding you in my arms! I have had SO much fun being pregnant with you. As strange as it sounds, I'm going to really miss having you inside my belly. I love feeling you move and kick; watching my stomach ripple, rising higher and lower. Even Dada could see my belly moving from across the room. Every time you got the hiccups (which was like 3 times a day!) I'm smile and think you were SO funny. This has been the world's easiest pregnancy, which makes me think you are going to be the world's easiest going kid. I was never nauseous, smells didn't bother me, my appetite was totally normal, I was able to stay super active all the way until the end, I haven't had any aches or pains, I was able to teach until 4 days before your birthday, and I have just felt so wonderful this whole time. You are a footling breech baby (foot first) so I have to have a C section. The hospital picked your birthday March 26. It was the only day open for what they call an "elective C section" (meaning a planned non emergency situation C section). I'm a little nervous, but even this type of birth matches your personality and my pregnancy thus far: Easy. There won't be a long and painful labor, it will be quick and easy. We go in to the hospital at 5:30am (eeks! That's so early!!) and the C section will begin at 7:30am. I will have to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days, but there will be a beautiful outdoor garden just outside our sliding room door so I can walk you in the sunshine and show you the incredible view of Mauna Kea. This week I set up the travel bassinet beside our bed so I get used to having something right next to me. The dogs have been so curious and sniffing all these new things. Moki thinks your toys should be for him.
I can't wait for you to join your daddy and me with woodworking projects. I want to get you your own tool set so when we go up to the shop you can bring your tool box with you and help out. You are going to have so much fun riding on Daddy's Dingo tractor. Hawaii is going to be such a fun place to raise a little boy. We can explore tide pools, and daddy can teach you how to body surf. The weather is so nice all year long and you will get to play outside all the time.
Your grandparents are all so excited to meet you. My mom arrives tomorrow. I'm so happy you waited for her to fly out here so she could see the baby belly one more time before your birth. Tonight Dada and I are having a friend take a few maternity photos of us at the beach. I want one of daddy kissing my belly. He loves putting his mouth up to my belly and making funny noises for you. We call you our little Ali-gator. And Monkey boy.
We love you so much already and we will see you on Tuesday!
Here is a picture of you in my belly from today.
XOXOXOX
Mommy