Dear Jennifer:

So.....7 days and counting until our new little baby girl will be here. Her clothes and blankets are washed, her bassinet is all set up, I think we're ready! (Except for her name. We have it narrowed down to Allison Charlotte or Sarah Caroline. I guess we still have a few days to decide ;)
Anyhoo...although we are soooo excited.....there is still a part of me that is still a little intimidated when I think of the next year or so with six little kids at home.
A friend of mine once wrote a post like this and I thought it was a good idea.
It's a letter to myself. Hopefully a letter I can look back and read on one of those unavoidable "no good, very bad, days" that happen once in a while.

Dear Jennifer:

Remember, this time in your life is just a phase. You won't always feel this way, you won't always look this way, it won't always be this hard.
Remember that trials and blessings often come wrapped up in the same package and you are so lucky to have 6 little "trials and blessings".
When you are feeling discouraged remember that there is renewing strength that can be found in the scriptures, in prayer, and in a kind and patient husband who loves you.
Although this is a difficult time for you, try to focus on the "rainbows" rather than the "rain". In a few years you will look at this time and wish you could have it all back. You will fondly look through pictures of this sweet little baby girl (and the other kids) and wish she was that small again. You will miss holding her, snuggling her, rocking her, smelling her, bathing her, feeding her, and wonder how it all went by so fast.
When you feel depressed that those pregnancy pounds aren't coming off as fast as you want them to, remember how blessed you are to have a healthy body, that although may not look exactly how you want it too, is strong enough to handle the rigors of caring for a home and a family of 8.
Remember that although sometimes time seems to stand still and some of those "tough moments" seem to never end.....time is actually flying by.....try to enjoy a moment or two along the way.
Do your best to be patient with the kids, even when you don't think you have an ounce of patience left.
Remember to be patient with yourself. The house won't always be clean, there won't always be a hot meal to serve your family at the end of the day. It's ok. Take a deep breath, tomorrow is another day.
Hang in there. This too shall pass. Enjoy this unique and special time in your life. It will all be over soon......much too soon.