May 12th was the day!

Dear Adalynn Elizabeth,

A week ago today, we thought was the day. Instead, it really ended up being the next day...May 12th at 5:55 in the morning. You made quite the entrance.

We couldn't be more ecstatic that you are finally here. You are even more perfect than we imagined. Your first few days have already been the best days of our lives.

No more looking forward to tomorrow, everyday is now the day.

We love you more than you will ever know.

Xoxo,

Your Mom and Dad

Will Today Be The Day: Day 24

Dear Little One,

No today was not the day, but tomorrow will be. This has been one incredible adventure.

We are so blessed to be your parents and we love you so much.

See you tomorrow:)

Love,

Your Mom and Dad

Will Today Be The Day: Day 23

Dear Little One,

We celebrated your Great Grandma's birthday today. She thought it would be fun to have her first great grandchild as a birthday gift, but I guess you were thinking that you would just be your Mom and Dad's special gift. You are a very thoughtful little baby, but your Dad and I really would not have minded if you decided to show up today...or in the next few hours. Your Great Grandma is very excited. Since she lives around the corner, literally, you are going to be seeing lots of her. You are a lucky baby to be loved by so many people.

Well today is officially the last day of speculating when you will be here. Tomorrow we will be able to say that you will be here tomorrow or at least starting to make an appearance. (Just in case you are wondering your Mom would prefer the former to the latter;)

Whatever time it is, you should know that you are expected, anticipated and loved by so many people.

So for one last time...will tomorrow be the day?

Love,

Your super excited Mom and Dad

Will Today Be The Day: Day 22

Dear Little One,

Today was Mother's Day. Everyone was thinking that maybe you would be a great Mother's Day gift, but apparently that wasn't what you had in mind.

This morning both of your grandmothers came over for brunch. Your Dad cooked, he is really good at that, and we enjoyed sitting out on the deck. I can not even begin to tell you how excited your grandmas are for you to be here. They are already spoiling you rotten.

For a little bit of insight on your Grandmothers, your Grandma Darlene is the best at making sure your Dad and I are always well fed. She also indulges in any fun (or not so fun) projects your Dad comes up with. She was a saint today and helped your dad sweep off the pool deck today. Now, your other Grandma, you will probably first hear a piercing squeal of excitement from her whenever you meet her. (You get used to it after awhile;) I am certain she will be best at making messy art projects with you and is a pro at homemade playdough.

The day ended at your Great Grandmother's for a cookout. Tomorrow is her 75th birthday, so it was filled with debate over whether we will be going out to a birthday dinner to celebrate 75 years or if we would be celebrating an actual birth day.

If you weren't waiting for Mother's Day, then maybe you were waiting for your Great Grandma's birthday?

I love you. Thanks for making me a Mom.

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 21

Dear Little One,

It has officially been four weeks since we first thought you might appear. Now we only have four days left where we are left to wonder.

Today your Dad and I spent our final Saturday, just the two of us, enjoying time together. Neighbor Jeff, who you will meet shortly, came over this afternoon and took a few photos of your Dad and I. As much as I love taking pictures of other moms, I have not been so great about taking them while I have been pregnant with you. And while your Dad is a fantastic photographer, we needed to get a few with him:)

Your Dad, as always, was super patient with me. Even after Jeff left, I made him take even more photos and we even set-up a few with the timer. It was fun..for me at least and I am very thankful for your patient Daddy. Just so you know, when we were getting married, our favorite engagement photo was sitting on our front porch. Now this is the shot we take to mark momentous occasions and hopefully in another week, we will have a photo with you!

Tonight we had a Saturday date night. We went for dessert first at Jimmy Cone (twice in one week...yum!) Then we headed to our favorite Chinese restaurant. It was a great day and we can not wait for you to join us for days like this.

So thank you for giving your Mom and Dad some time together, but will tomorrow be the day??

It's Mother's Day and I would love to celebrate it with you!

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 20

Dear Little One,

Your Dad and I went to the doctors today. We received news of progress, but we also received something else...a potential birth date!! If you do not decide to make your appearance this weekend, then you will be making your appearance on May 11th!

Of course we would like you to decide, so if you like the idea of the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th better you might want to act fast.

So will tomorrow be the day?

We can NOT wait to meet you.

We love you so much!

Love,

Your Mom and Dad

Will Today Be The Day: Day 19

Dear Little One,

This is about all we did today...relax and sleep. At the advice of the doctors, I didn't partake in the walking, eating, cooking, speculating etc. in an effort to try and give you and I a little break. The pups joined in.

So Cinco de Mayo wasn't your day...maybe tomorrow?

Xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 18

Dear Little One,

There is not much to report today. Your Dad and I kept relatively quiet. Since food seems to be the highlight of our days right now I thought I would show you our latest creation.

Your Dad and I have been living on a constant supply of mushrooms, tomatoes and strawberries- of course not together. So, today I decided to do something different with the strawberries and made Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. They were great.

Tonight, your Grandma Darlene brought over dinner and more strawberries. Guess I will have to make something else tomorrow...unless you decide tomorrow is the day!

So will tomorrow be the day?

Xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 17

Dear Little One,

I think you are having a good little time in there right now. I know you like when I move around a lot because the minute I stop you are kicking away and the past few days I have been moving around more. Since you are so content in there, I thought might want to see what is going on outside....this is what is going on on the outside.

There is this little thing called the "nesting" instinct when you have a baby. You might experience it yourself if you are a girl, or you might be unfortunate like your Dad and have your wife go through it. My nesting instinct started right before the contractions. Poor Brody dog was my first victim. I suddenly decided he needed a good scrubbing at 10:30 at night. The contractions started an hour later.

Since I have been home, and for the first few weeks I had to stay off my feet, I had lots of time to think about all the things I would clean and notice all the new dust that was settling where your sweet little face will soon be. Couple that with the fact that your arrival seemed imminent, I felt like everything had to be cleaned immediately.

Weeks and multiple cleanings later... it has hit new extremes. Today, I woke up early and decided that the couch needed to be vacuumed and every cushion needed cleaning. This photo was the result. (Also, please note the can of Pledge. This is the second can in three weeks.)

Your Dad and I will always do whatever we need for you, but we would really really really appreciate it if you would come tomorrow so we don't have to clean the house again;)

So the house is clean...even the couch cushions!...so will tomorrow be the day?

We love you.

Xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 16

Dear Little One,

Last night, your Dad and I were able to sleep...a lot. I woke up one time in the middle of the night with a strong contraction and neither your dad, nor Jack, nor Brody even budged. I don't think any of us (including the dogs) have slept like that this entire month. It was amazing.

After getting out of the house yesterday and sleeping well for the both of us, I thought I might be a little more active again today. On top of that, today is the anniversary of when your Great Poppa went to heaven so it is a meaningful day to our family.

Of all the things I am sorry that I can not show you when you are here on earth, I am most sorry that you will never know your Great Poppa. He was one of the biggest parts of your Aunt and I's life. When we were little, we would always cuddle up with him, your Aunt on one knee and me on the other. Our summers were spent at his and your Great Grandma's house and we would explore parks, caverns, restaurants and historic sites near and far. He was infamous for taking us to the candy store and we had a joke that you couldn't touch anything without Poppa buying it for you. He spoiled us rotten.

One of the last conversations I had with your Great Poppa, your Great Grandma said he didn't need to worry about her, that "Brittany would be giving her great grandchildren she could love on." I have never forgotten that. When I found out that I was pregnant, I had a hunch because of an extreme craving for an Oreo milkshake. Strangely enough, Oreo's were his favorite treat. I thought it so fitting when I realized your original due date (May 3rd) was so close to the day he went to heaven. God has such a perfect hand in everything and his timing is always right.

What better way then to spend the day than with your Great Grandma. Your dad and I picked her up along with your Great Aunt and took a ride through Great Seneca Park and then went to Jimmy Cone. It was perfect.

So today wasn't the day. I guess the timing wasn't right.

Will tomorrow be the day?

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 15

Dear Little One,

Today was a rainy Sunday, but that didn't stop your Dad from working on the yard. The picture here is a view from the front door. Your Dad picked up a hanging basket from church and worked on trimming the bushes and trees despite the rain. You can also see the newly painted fence in the background. He has been working so hard.

Your Grandma came and took me to the mall today to get me out of the house. It was nice to walk around. We looked at lots of cute clothes. I can't wait to know who you are and get you lots of cute things.

Another great thing happened today- it's May! Welcome to the best month to have a birthday in!! It was strange thinking that you might be an April baby because we had thought May the entire time. I am also a little partial- my birthday, your Great Grandma Orndorff's birthday, and your Great Aunt Luann's birthday are all in May. It's a great month to be born in...So now that it's May maybe tomorrow??

Xoxo,

Your very excited Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 14

[No Photo]

Dear Little One,

There is no photo today. I am very sorry. However, the reason is not because I was tired, but because I seemed to have a good amount of energy! Your dad and I got up early and he made me delicious pancakes with banana and strawberry topping. Your dad worked on some things around the house while I was able to get some photography sessions completed.

Since you still didn't seem to be budging, we thought we would get things moving with some spicy food for lunch and a long walk. Actually, we took TWO walks- one with the dogs and one with just the two of us. No such luck. We came home and I read while your dad went back out in the garden. It was such a nice day.

It will be an even better day when you are here.

Can't wait.

Love,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 13

Dear Little One,

So you weren't looking to upstage the royal wedding...very sweet of you. You did however do an excellent job of keeping your Mom awake for it:) Your dad slept while I watched the wedding. The bride was beautiful and if you are a little girl, I am sure you will hear about this wedding like I heard about Princess Diana from my Mom and Grandma.

Today for lunch, your Dad got me out of the house. It was a thrilling trip...Starbucks and the grocery store...per my request of course. I wanted to just go somewhere where I could walk around a bit and find something to eat. So a decaf Frappe in hand, we got some things for lunch and groceries for the weekend. It was just nice to be out.

Your dad has been working hard on everything around the house while I have been taking care of you. He has worked especially hard on the yard and garden and today his hard work paid off- We enjoyed our very first strawberries of the season. They were tiny, but delicious.

Tonight, your Dad went to the Dwelling Place's Annual Carnival of Chocolates. It is always such a fun event, but I obviously am a little busy taking care of you and too nervous to be out for any period of time. If I wasn't nervous enough about your arrival a few weeks ago, I certainly am now. It really feels like it could be at any minute.

How about in just a few minutes? Ok...maybe tomorrow will be the day.

Hope to see you soon.

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 12

Dear Little One,

So I guess day 12 wasn't a good day to come? Your dad and I weren't certain you were going to make your appearance last night. The contractions seemed to hit a whole new level, but were not regular enough and tapered off by morning. I have said the entire time that I would like to have you when the royal wedding was going on so the family could have it as a nice distraction while they wait around. Is that what you are waiting for? Everything and everyone is ready for you. Your nursery is as ready as it is going to be until we find out if you are a boy or girl.

Can we please find out tomorrow? Maybe during the wedding?

Your Mom and Dad love you and are so excited to meet you.

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 11

Dear Little One,

Day 11 and you are still not here. Today was a great day though- we had GREAT news! Your dad and I went for a doctor's appointment early this morning and the doctor said we are making progress!! At first she was hesitant to get us excited, but by the end of the appointment she seemed hopeful we would not be seeing her next week. The other great news was that if by chance we do see her, we will be scheduling your arrival. At that point, you will be (by your Mom's calculations) 41 weeks. We are soooo extremely excited and it is certainly helping ease these contractions.

In other news, the weather today has been extremely crazy. We are still under a Tornado watch until early tomorrow morning. Everyone keeps saying that this DeFrehn baby must be its the way! Well, after the appointment today, we are certainly hoping so.

Today, the only one who didn't seem as happy as your dad and I, was your doggy brother Brody. He slept in your room the whole day looking at the crib. We keep telling him..."Maybe tomorrow Brody?"

So maybe tomorrow?

We love you lots!

xoxo,

Your Mom and Dad

Will Today Be The Day: Day 10

Dear Little One,

Today's post is early so maybe there is still time left in the day for your to arrive;) I am beginning to think you are just enjoying your little (or not so little) home as much as possible. I am not convinced you have much more room in there. It is gorgeous outside once again. Are you waiting for a thunderstorm? I made Daddy take this picture of me. I think the same thing every time I take a photo as I do when I blog...will this be the last one?

So will today be the last blog and tomorrow will be the day?

I love you.

Love,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 9

Dear Little One,

Today was nice and warm and your dad and I are hoping we have turned the corner from winter to spring. Just so you know you never really get spring here in Maryland. It goes from winter to summer very quickly and with the 80 degree weather it is looking like that is what is happening.

I have not been able to do much lately other than sit outside, but your dad has been working on the yard and the garden. Everything looks nice.

Your Grandma and Great Aunt stopped by again. They say they are checking on me, but really they are just checking on you and enjoying the porch. When they were here, your Grandma asked for the dog's old crate. We don't use it anymore since there is now a cradle in our room (perfect for sleeping in if you want to a few nights from now.) When we brought it out, your big brother decided he would show how he could fit in it. A 90 lb dog in a crate meant for 20 pound dog?!?...It was funny.

Well it wasn't today...will Day 10 be the day?

Your Mom and Dad love you lots.

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 8

Dear Little One,

Today was Easter! In the morning, we went to your Grandma Darlene's for brunch. It was really nice to get out of the house and the morning was sunny and warm. On the way there, contractions started consistently for about 2 hours Everyone thought you might be on the way, but then they went back to every 20 minutes. After brunch, we came home and I slept through the afternoon before heading to your Great Grandma's for dinner. Fortunately she lives around the corner so we didn't have to go far. You were the talk of the night. Everyone is so excited to see you. Aunt Brilynne is headed back to New York tonight. Your Great Nan and Pap leave tomorrow for Pennsylvania and your Great Aunt Luann is already back in Virginia. When we said goodbye to everyone, it was very strange knowing for certain that the next time we see them, you will probably be here.

Guess you weren't an Easter baby... maybe tomorrow?!

xoxo,

Your Mom

PS- Can you tell that you are all we think about? Even when making Easter eggs!! :)

Will Today Be The Day: Day 7

Dear Little One,

Today everyone is in town for Easter. Your dad and I went for a long walk, hoping to get things moving (no luck) and then I slept for quite some time. Your Aunt Bri came over and sat on the porch with me while it was nice and sunny outside. (It's raining now...are you motivated??) Your Grandma and Great Aunt and Aunt Bri are all over right now dying Easter eggs and baking cookies. I will have to take pictures of this finished products in the morning. Or maybe I won't be able to;)

xoxo,

Your Mom

Will Today Be The Day: Day 6

[No Photo]

Dear Little One,

So day two with no photo. I apologize again. Today was basically a repeat of yesterday...lots of sleep! Your Great Grandmother Orndorff stopped by in the morning with your Great Aunt. They were very excited to see the nursery. Everything and everyone is ready for you. Hopefully the extra rest will keep me going for the Easter weekend.

Will this weekend be it?

We can't wait to meet you!

xoxo,

Your Mom