to the littlest one

Dear Littlest,

Two things happened today: Your mom turned 36, and your dad circulated the 4-D photo of your ultrasound taken this morning. There is so much to celebrate.

You are due to debut in about ten weeks. I doubt you'll make it that far, if your big brother's timeline is any indicator. He came barreling into the world two weeks early at nine-and-a-half pounds, so, do with that what you will.

When we found out about you, Kaki and Audie and Pat and I were all together in Athens, huddled around a computer Skyping with your mom, dad, and brother. Your dad nudged Little Man and said, Carter, tell them what you wanted to say.

While he played intently with his trucks, he mumbled Gonna be a big brudder. No one understood him -- not so out of the ordinary -- and when he repeated it, I got it. We cheered. It was a treasured moment to share all together.

Speaking of your big brother, Little Man knows he has a baby brother growing in his mom's tummy, and he'll give you a kiss when prompted. He stays up late feeding the practice baby that your Emme gave him for Christmas. As best as we can expect, his own little preparations have begun.

Your mom and dad are in a very different place than when they welcomed No. 1. They are several states northward; your dad is out of school and into residency; your mom is working hard in and out of the home; and together they lead a family of three now, not just make up a family of two.

I've thought so much about what your world will be like, and truth be told, I don't know. I'm the eldest sibling, so I know only the anticipation and thrill of (twice) receiving a baby brother, not being the new baby.

So I can tell you this, Littlest:

You will not disrupt your family; you will enhance it.

Your brother will adore you at times and envy you at times; but brothers you will always be.

You might wear a lot of hand-me-downs; but so did your brother, because your mom has great girlfriends who share all things. (On a side note, your mom has great girlfriends because she is one herself. You'll be wise one day to take notes.)

Your dad anticipates a wild and crazy and stressful season when you arrive; that will become a new normal that they will quickly and joyfully embrace.

You may always feel like a comparison, but you'll know no different. You'll be fine.

Your mom and dad have done this before; but you'll never be less important or unique.

You'll not have your mom and dad to yourself; but once you're here, they'll forget what their lives were like before you.

Your grandparents are making plans to be there to greet you, just like they did the first time around.

You're being ushered into a broken world, just like Little Man was; that'll never change. Neither will our worries and cares for you.

You are a delight to our family already, and we are wild with excitement over meeting you.

Stay comfy until the time is right. We'll see you very soon!