Day 9 February 22, 2012

This post is going to be geared toward one of the most important people in my life other than Bentley. She has always been a huge part of my life.

To my very closest sister, Lara,

I want you to know how happy I am for you, and most importantly how proud I am of you. You have always been a shining star and someone I've always looked up to. You are the model of everything I ever hoped to be. In my eyes, you are invincible. You just never seem to be touched by all the problems I've seen. In a world that I just can't seem to figure out, you have it all together and I admire you for that. I wish I could be more like you. I've always felt like I'm living in your shadow, but I could never resent you for that. My life and the path that I forged for myself was not your fault. I should have been more like you. I will never stop loving you even though we never tell each other. Ours is a silent love, like telepathy you could call it.

Now you get to feel that love for someone else, and I promise you it will be amazing. I know there are things you aren't looking forward to, like the sickness and drawing blood and the belly and labor. Then feeding and changing and diaper bags and burp rags, but it is all worth it in the end. I remember when I was in labor and you cried when you saw me in so much pain, but it was worth it, pain and all.

I want to give you some advice. Don't focus on the negative things. Be excited! Take all your pills, even if it makes you throw up in your car, it happens to the best of us. And don't worry about people seeing you throwing up or anything like that. It doesn't matter what random people you don't even know think, and you have a pretty good excuse anyway, your modesty will fly out the window eventually.

If you start to go crazy and Mitch tells you so, don't worry, he's probably right and it is definitely OK. My friend, Steph told me so and she specializes in that stuff. When you do go into labor, people tell you to bring all this stuff to make you more comfortable, but even if you plan to use it, you probably won't so don't sweat the small stuff. Bring what you need and forget about the rest.

Milk that hospital stay for all it's worth. You will miss the nurses when you're gone! If you want, I am always here to help. Don't ever be afraid to ask anyone for help.

Last, don't ever give up your dreams. You worked too hard for them. You can do anything you set your mind to. I've always believed in you and so has the rest of our family. You are loved by many and Baby Ketterl will be, too. Keep on trudging forward and don't ever stop. Bentley and I love you and don't you ever forget it!

Love,

Kari

Mommy&B