Waiting for your little sister

My little love,

Any day now, you'll be a big sister. You're excited, curious and maybe a little jealous.
You play in your sister's room sometimes, and carry the toys and books from her room to yours. Most of them were yours when you were a baby. We tell you that the toys belong to both of you, and so do the rooms, and you two can play and sleep in any room you want.

You like playing with mommy - tea parties, orphaned baby bunny that needs to be rescued from the animal shelter, dress-up, you like to help me cook, paint your nails, and you like to talk, like a little humming bird. Between work and housework, I do what I can, because I know, nothing's more fun than playing with mommy. But with pregnancy, it's harder. Sometimes I'm glad we have a tablet where you can watch a show. Sometimes I tell you that I need to sit on the couch a bit until my belly feels better. Doesn't always work, but sometimes you understand that I'm uncomfortable, and you caress my belly and my arms like a caring little mom.

We'll try to have a lot of fun together when your sister Echo comes. We'll laugh at her stinky poop as we change her diapers, and wash her butt together, making funny faces, to make her laugh. I'll spend a lot of time with her nursing, and helping her grow. You'll probably be a little jealous at first, and maybe annoyed when she cries. But I will still love you more than anything in the whole wide world. I will also love Echo, just as much. And Echo will think you are the best thing on earth, and will follow you, and try to be like you. She will bring you a gift.

"What should Echo bring you as a gift, Zoe?"
"Just love. Real love."
"She will love you a lot. But she also wants to bring you a gift when she is born. Maybe a toy."
"Apple White."

I wanted to have multiple gifts for you from Echo when she is born. So I bought a dress-up game of stickers. But you found it already. I should have hid it better. You didn't find the "Apple White" doll yet. She'll be waiting for you at the hospital room.

I will also start a blog for Echo, introducing her to the world, because she is part of our family too. Your life will be part of hers, and we'll record your joint adventures in that one blog. She'll never have a chance to be the only special one, but papa and I will make sure she gets a fair chance in life as you continue to be loved. I know everything will be fine, because you already know we love you and so will Echo. Here is her hand, saying "Hello!"

Love,

Mommy.