Dear Toot,

you're a boy! (A small cantaloupe sized boy!) You probably already knew that, but it's a lovely surprise for the rest of us. We're very excited -- not because we wouldn't have been just as happy with a girl, but we're just excited to be learning things about you.

I'm going to try to wean myself off calling you Tootie. Toot should do just fine. Your real name will be Alexander Kennedy Garrett. Your Dad wants to call you Xander, so that's probably what we'll call you. I have a dream that one day, you'll grow up, embrace your inner liberal (like Mommy, like son?) and decide to go by Kennedy. No pressure. =D

So, this might be boring for you, but I thought maybe one day, you might want to know these things.

The first movie you saw (in utero, of course) was "X-Men: First Class." You've also seen the final Harry Potter movie (twice) and "The Help."

Your first concert was the Crystal Method at the Orange Peel in Asheville. You also saw Toad the Wet Sprocket at the Handlebar.

Your first baseball game was on August 15th -- Greenville Drive vs. the Rome Braves. It was a double header. The drive won the first game and lost the second.

Your first road trip will be to Charleston next month, for your parents' anniversary.

You made me throw up four times total:
1. On a bush in Piazza Bergamo.
2. After eating some chicken tenders from Burger King. I drank a Sprite, and it tasted weird and bitter to me. Your father said it tasted normal to him.
3. After I saw some cat puke in the floor.
4. On my way to work. Fortunately, I had a cup in the car to catch it. There wasn't much in my stomach besides the water I used to take my vitamin.

I'm really looking forward to having a boy in the family. When I was growing up, it was just me and your Aunt Colette, so I've never spent much time around a little boy. I know your father is going to do a great job of teaching you how to be a man.

Love,
Mom

20 weeks, 4 days in the oven