One Christmas morning, we received the sweetest gift. It wasn’t the wrapping that made it special because it couldn’t be wrapped, and it wasn’t the cost because this gift is truly priceless. We were able to be with my brother Matt and his sweet wife Ashley when they opened a present that would tell them if the little baby inside of Ashley’s tummy was a boy or a girl. It was probably one of the most beautiful moments of our lives.

Ashley knew she wanted to find out the gender of her baby because she’s such a little planner and decorator. She wanted to have a decorated nursery and a mini-closet full of clothes ready for baby when he or she came home. She knew that knowing if it was a boy or girl would help her feel even more connected to her little one.

So, a week before Christmas, she and Matt went in for the sonogram that would tell them the gender of their baby. She asked the nurse to put the results into an envelope and promised she would patiently wait until Christmas day before she opened it. She then took the envelope to Nordstrom, picked out one girl outfit and one boy outfit, handed the cashier the envelope, and asked her to wrap the outfit that corresponded with what was in the envelope. Then it was time to wait.

On Christmas morning, I asked Ashley 42 times minimum if it was time to open the gift. She was so patient, waiting until after all the stockings were opened to open her gift. We all took guesses. 

Boy.

Girl.

Girl.

Definitely a boy.

Boy.

Boy.

I’m not guessing.

Girl.

And then finally it was time.

This was the moment.

IT’S A GIRL!!!!!! 

It was such a sweet, special moment. We cried and hugged.

Jacob & I couldn't wait to be auntie & uncle to another little girl.

And now, that sweet baby who was wiggling inside of her mama's tummy is a beautiful, sensitive, sweet 10 year old. Happy 10th Birthday Carina Violet. We love you.