To Josie Grey..

My dear sweet girl, 

It's very weird to say that. Girl. I have Immersed myself in all things boy since your brother was born. He is all boy. He loves choo choo trains, mud puddles, and being a growling monster. I love those things too. But I'm very excited, and maybe a little nervous, to enter the pink world. I can't wait for us to share that special mom and daughter bond. I have a really good teacher who taught me how to do it. I can't wait for you to be here. When we found out your brother was coming, I wrote down some things I wanted him to know one day so I'm doing the same for you. 

Telling daddy about you: 

It was a total random week night in August. He got home late from work. He knew I had taken one pregnancy test a few days earlier and it had turned out negative. 2 of those little stickies come in a kit these days. I was about to throw the other away until I thought oh well why not just take it too.....

Your daddy walked in hudsons room while i was putting his pajamas on. I said "check out that chalkboard on the wall" I had written "baby Webb #2...." On it. Your daddy just grinned and said well alright! You see, daddy remains very calm and collected in all stressful or shocking situations. And then later on when he is by himself, I'm fairly certain he freaks out a little...or a lot! He is so excited about having a girl now. He's been working very hard at getting your brother to say "Josie" and he makes comments like "Josie Grey is never wearing that", " she can go hunting with us", and "I'll be ready to scare some boys away". So I apologize way in advance if you have to go to prom dressed in a sack...

Telling your BB and the rest of the crew: 

I wanted to tell my whole side of the family together but I just can't keep secrets from bb. I've tried. It doesn't work. So after lunch with some co workers mid week, I called her. She can always tell something is up in my voice.   She just responded with laughter (and a little shock)! She and your aunt Mallory are super pumped to welcome another girl on our shopping trips. The rest of the crew was told fairly quickly after because well I don't keep secrets well from Big daddy and Mallory and uncle puddin either. 

Telling Granna and Paw: 

I was lucky enough to catch their response on video. It's pretty cute. They came to Starkville for a visit pretty soon after that random week night. I bought Hudson a shirt that  said "big brother Hudson". Granna immediately picked Hudson up when she walked in the living room door. She began talking to him and admiring my new piece of furniture...oblivious to hudsons shirt. So finally I said " hey read his shirt!!" Ha! The look of utter shock on her face is priceless and I will never forget it. 

Cravings and moods: 

Well I'm pretty certified crazy this go round that's for sure. I do silly things like drive up to the chic fil a window and ask them " do y'all have any chicken". I put a roll of frozen sausage in the pantry earlier tonight. And I cannot remember that there are wet clothes in the wash. Dont think your dad is not loopy too In the last few weeks, I'm certain that he has bought enough bacon for ten years worth of meals. Our freezer drawers are just full of packs of bacon. I don't know why. You'll have to ask when you get here. 

I've drank about 100 strawberry limeades in 8 months. Taco night is my favorite. And butter beans are seriously awesome. Yesterday I cried because Strombolis put meatballs on my spaghetti instead of just sauce. Your sweet dad took it back to the restaurant and I'm sure he said my wife is pregnant crazy and cries at the sight of meatballs. 

Your name: 

Josie was your paternal great grandmothers name. And Grey is a family tradition name that was given to like five generations of women before you on your dads side. It's Grannas middle name, and Great Granny's middle name, and cousin Amanda's middle name,etc. We would like for you to stay Josie Grey please. So don't let anyone call you "joe" or "jay gee" or any other craziness. Except for Hudson, right now he calls you "baby" and that's perfectly adorable. 

Josie also means "may jehovah add" in French. And the Lord so wonderfully has added you to our family. I am so overwhelmingly thankful for our new addition. You will most definitely be a light in our world. We pray that you will learn to love all people, seek God in all that you do, and be a blessing to all who meet you. 

We love you oh so much Josie Grey! See you when you're ready! 

Moma 

P.S. Hope you like bacon. 

Photos by Kate Spitz Photography :)