For Tricia...

Several moms who read Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth's blog have put lists on their own blogs of things they can't wait for Tricia to experience as a mother. I thought this was a great idea, so here's my list. (There may be some repeats as I haven't read the other hundreds of lists.)

Tricia, I can't wait until you can experience...

• The joy of snuggling your child close, skin to skin, without gloves and masks and sterile gowns.
• Open-mouthed, slobbery baby kisses.
• That first real smile, when it's all because she sees Mommy.
• Having her sneeze right after a full mouth of peas, and having those peas spray across yourself, the kitchen, the dog and anything else within 20'.
• The giggle that will come after those peas shoot across the room.
• Seeing the pride Gwyneth has in herself when she first rolls over, sits up, pulls up, takes a step...
• Feeling the pride you also have when she does all of the above things.
• Being at Wal-Mart or Target and having her do a complete blow-out, then realize that you forgot the diaper bag or you forgot to put a clean outfit in the diaper bag.
• Seeing your "baby" get up and sing in front of the entire congregation for the first time.
• Getting Gwyneth all dressed up in a cute little outfit, then the next time you go to put it on her she's already outgrown it.
• Putting her on the school bus for the first time, or walking her to that first classroom and having to leave her there.
• When she repeats something that you shouldn't have said, or says something completely embarrassing, at just the "right" time.

Tricia, someday you WILL get to experience all of those things and so many more! Good luck with everything and we continue to keep you all in our prayers!

**Keep reading, I've done a few updates in the last 2 days**