Peppermint.

Peppermint by author and illustrator Dorothy Grider was hands down my favorite book when I was a little girl. It's the classic tale of the overlooked and unappreciated; a sad, tiny kitten who finally finds love in the arms of a sad, tiny child.

I still have my copy, worn and tattered from years upon years of turning the pages, falling asleep with it in my bed the way most kids would with a teddy bear. There was something about Peppermint that I could relate to...

Misunderstood and lonely, hoping that someday someone might love me in the way I was sure I'd always deserved.

Just like Peppermint, my wish was fulfilled. A boy, not so little anymore, scooped me up in his arms and promised me that I would never feel so alone, so unnoticed again. He took me to a special place and taught me the meaning of true love. That boy was your Daddy.

We are so lucky to have him.

Why are there so many songs about rainbows?

When my brother was a baby, our mom would often sing him to sleep listening to Kenny Loggins' album Return to Pooh Corner, bouncing him around our living room wrapped in a soft blue satin-trimmed blanket, almost dancing to the music. I remember the pitch of her voice as she sang, and can see her swaying to this song and whispering these words to her sweet little boy.

"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection... the lovers, the dreamers and me."

My heart swells and I cry a bit when I consider the all encompassing adoration my mother must have felt then, so in love with her new child, warm and peaceful in her arms. He was so tender and kind with her. One of my favorite memories is of him,  less than two-years-old, toddling over to her as she lay on the couch, with a brush to run through her hair. His method was primitive, but the care he took with her, the gentleness of his touch, was remarkable in the total devotion and love he clearly felt for her.

I think of Tommy, and I can't help but compare these images to the love I feel for this life growing inside me. Already so strong, so truly wonderful... I think my heart might explode when he is born. In that really gooey, melty, overflowing and unconditional way - so full of awe and pain and deep infatuation for this tiny person that has been a part of you as long as you have lived.

"Who said that wishes would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star?

Someone thought of that, and someone believed it.  Look what it's done so far."

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Heartbeat, 22 weeks by Daddy, Tommy & Mommy

At nearly 24 weeks, I listen back to our 22 week prenatal visit and marvel at the fact that the pants I could wear then, I already cannot wear now. My feet are beginning to swell and my belly button is quickly disappearing. Still, even with the ongoing spatial expansion I feel prettier than I think I ever have before.

I am marveling, too, at the connection I feel with this little unseen wonder moving inside my belly all day long. His movement has definite patterns now, and I can count on his stretches and strides after just about every meal. When I can't get back to sleep after my daily 3-4am nature call, I lay on my left side and feel him rolling and tucking, letting me know I'm not alone in my restlessness. My palm at my navel, I wait for him to give me a pop, our intrauterine goodnight kiss, before I settle back into my pillow fort for slumber.

We have every heartbeat recorded since our 6 week prenatal appointment. The cadence of each is consistent, and strong. Like a little engine, a fast approaching choo choo train, he chug chug chugs... steady, reassuring.

I can't wait to feel his tiny heartbeat under the tips of my fingers... against my own, beating full rushes of love in my chest. Whoosh whoosh whoosh, his will say... boom boom boom mine will resound.