Dear Baby Dunigan,

These last few months have been kind of crazy for me and you, kiddo. They have been a blessing and a wonderful journey, but they’ve also been challenging and life changing. Right now you’re just about ready to come into this world and I’m eagerly waiting. I’m very large and uncomfortable these days but when I feel your little body rolling in my belly, I am overwhelmed with an emotion I can’t quite compare to anything else.

I’ve never looked forward to anything as much as I am looking forward to meeting you.

And holding you.
And teaching you.
And playing with you.

I can’t wait to start family traditions with you. Like take you on road trips to see the country just as my parents did with us. And do family day on Sundays. You’ll probably get your picture taken more than the average kid, but your mama loves photography. And I’ll want to remember every birthday party, lost tooth, and moment of your self-discovery.

I might embarrass you here and there, but I promise I won’t try to ;) Jesus Christ Superstar Karaoke sessions are a family tradition you might have to get used to. And dancing in the kitchen while cooking and cleaning just makes life a little more fun.  I will love watching you try new things and I’ll be there in the stands as your biggest cheerleader. That’s what mamas are for.

I promise to be honest with you, kiddo. The world isn’t always an easy place to be and there will be lots of lessons you learn through life that aren’t fun. You’ll fall in love and have your heart broken. You’ll experience rejection a few times. And unkindness. You’ll have some wonderful victories in your life.  And sometimes you will lose. We all experience these things and it’s just a part of being a human. I promise to be your mom first, and your friend second. And I’ll do everything I can to help you learn the best coping skills to manage these things and build your self confidence.

Sometimes you might not like me. And that’s okay. There were times when I didn’t like my parents very much either. They made me stick to sports I wanted to quit, try new ones that I had no interest in trying, and always made me contribute around the house, often without the recognition I thought I deserved. I always had to be the bigger person in arguments with my siblings simply by default of being the oldest. Tough life, huh? ;) But you know what? I’m so glad they did all that. They knew ME, knew what I needed, and I’m only better for it. I learned so much from them.

We want a lot for you, kiddo. Your dad and I are going to work really hard to make sure you have a fun and adventurous childhood. We can’t wait to explore with you, watch you try new things, show you wonderful places, and learn together. And we’ll do everything we can do raise you to be a kind, gracious, hard-working, and happy person. We’ll make mistakes along the way, just as you will, but we promise to always be there for you. And love you for who you are.

You will be making your appearance any day now buddy, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! I hope you like giraffes because your mama may have gone overboard with decorations & toys. We’re just so excited. We’ve got so much to show you and so many people waiting for you. Do you know how loved you are, already? See you soon my little guy!

I love you. Always.

Your Mom.

Dress: ASOS | Similar Shoes: Sam Edelman | Similar Necklace: JCrew | Watch: Daniel Wellington | Ear Jackets: Gorjana | Foundation: YSL | Lip: YSL

*Hair and Makeup by Kelsey Davies: @kelseynicolebeauty * Photo location: Hotel Ella* Photos by Brandon Hill *

 Thank you for reading! XO

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