Hey there, little stranger.

Have you heard all the talk about how we are getting company one of these days? Lord willing, in December, (that's this month!) someone is coming to stay at our house. And from the looks of things around here, you'd think it were someone pretty important.

The house has been cleaned from top to bottom. A bed is prepared, with fresh clean sheets and a soft blanket. There are lists lying everywhere… "things to do," "things to buy," "people to call," to name a few.

Seems like our life is revolving around this upcoming arrival. Only once before have we been so excited to welcome a guest we've never even seen before.

You, my little one, are this important stranger, and we can't wait to meet you.

Two cute little sets of clothes are ready… one of which you will wear when we bring you home… one boyish outfit- one your Pappy would like, with dump trucks and excavators; and one for a girl. You know, hearts and polka dots and stuff.

Either outfit is going to be made even more precious, with the addition of the adorable hat your Aunt Julia made- just for you. We can't wait to meet you. To see which outfit you will wear home, and finally in person, tell you how much you are loved.

I asked your Papa if he's hoping for a boy, and he said he just wants a baby. I feel the same way, but curiosity does have me impatiently waiting to find out just who you are. I wonder, will you favor Papa's family like your big sister, or will you look like me? Will you be born with lots of hair, or just a little bit of fuzz on top? Be assured that we will love you no matter what.

You know what? Even before we found out you were coming to live with us, we've been praying for you. Now we thank God for answering our prayers, and we still pray for you. We pray for your health, and for your safe arrival. We pray that you will grow to be a man or woman whose first love is Jesus Christ, and whose greatest desire is to serve Him.

More recently, I admit that sometimes I pray that you would just hurry up and get here already. You see, from my experience with your big sister, I know that it could be a few days after Christmas until you finally show up; but according to my midwife, and Google, and the experiences of others, technically you could come tonight.

And since I know that you could come tonight, there's a little part of me that feels like if you don't, then you're already late. Don't you know that being late is rude? ( I mean, why put off 'til tomorrow, what you could do today?)

The considerate thing would be for you to give me a little more information on when I can expect your coming; but I guess it's only fair to assume your mother hasn't taught you any manners.

I'm sure you are comfortable where you are, but there are some things you should know. This is a really special time of year, and if you come after, say the 24th of December, there's a lot of nice things you will miss.

Surely you don't want to miss the Cramer family Christmas meal, where we get together with Papa's family and eat ham, and shrimp, and all kinds of good stuff. And the one with Mama's family… there's more good food, and we will play games, and talk, and sing songs about Jesus. Songs like "Silent Night," "The First Noel," and "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem."

You probably aren't really into shrimp and oysters, but I assure you, even just the smell of them is worth coming out of your hiding place; trust me, you'll see. (And just so you are informed, Christmas won't come again for a whole year.) That's longer than you've existed. No pressure.

Another thing you should know, is that you have a big sister who LOVES babies. She points at your crib, and says "Baby! Night-night!" She loves to climb up to the drawer that holds all your tiny sleepers; and she says "Awww!!" over and over, as she unfolds each one, hugs it, and drops it on the floor.

I pick them up, and put them away again, smiling partly because I'm glad she's so excited to get a new baby… and partly because I love folding those tiny clothes as much as she loves digging them out.

Also… If you are planning on dragging this out, to make me into a more patient person, I need to tell you something. Been there, done that, and it doesn't work. Your big sister already tried it. Yes, I do need to learn more patience, but im pretty sure I'm not going to learn it that way. (Plus, I'm the one who's supposed to be teaching you stuff, just so we're clear. )

So there, baby dear, you have my case for why you should hurry up. I know it's a big scary world out here, but you have a Mommy who loves you, and the best Papa a little one could ever have. He's the king of four wheeler and skid loader rides, and only with Papa will you find your stroller bouncing through the woods, while he checks fences, etc. Mama is more boring and sticks to the level terrain, but you never know where your Papa's going to take you.

You have Pappy and Granny, Grand-dad, Nanny, and lots of uncles, aunts and cousins, just waiting to meet, squeeze, love and spoil you.

That's not even mentioning all the "aunties and uncles" who will claim you even without being blood kin, just like they do your sister. They will carry you around, feed you sugar, and give you lots of attention, and then when you're about 2, they will start to wonder why you're seeming a bit spoiled. Don't ask me how I know this. 😉

There's more I could tell you, but lest I ruin the fun, I will leave some things for a surprise. If you want to know what else to expect, you will have to come and find out! Remember, you are welcome anytime!

I pray your journey here will be a safe one.

Love, Mama