Hello little one,

Last night your father and I dined at one of our favorite restaurants in town called Turkuaz Cafe. It’s a nice little Turkish place where people sit on the floor amongst exquisite rugs, tapestries, and low round wooden tables. The walls show a bit of culture with handpainted plates, jars, etc. and the corners often have books a person can read about Turkey so while we’re eating… we can learn about the country!

It’s family-owned and operated and so far, every time we go there, the same few people are working there so it gives us an opportunity to develop a friendship with them over time. We’ve been going there for close to a year and each experience leaves us smiling, happy, and overall joyous. I can’t explain it. There’s something very intimate about sitting on a rug with pillows lined against the wall. Even before I was pregnant, I would prefer going there simply because of the extraordinary comfort level. Sometimes, when there are few customers, I can sprawl out, lie down, stretch my back. It’s sooo nice!

So anyway last night we went there and it was pretty packed with customers. I loved seeing them busy, if for any reason, because their place keeps getting better and better (it seems every few months they add something to the decor to keep it looking really cool)! After we sat down, the waiter took our order (I always order the same thing: vegetarian pide - which isn’t on the menu but they graciously accomodate). And within seconds, the male cook (and I assume, the manager/owner of the place - who also works with a female who I also guess is his wife), came out and greeted us as he always does when we arrive. He (and his wife, although I haven’t spoken to her as much), treat us kindly and so very special. He always asks how the baby is doing, how the pregnancy is going, smiles, waves, cracks a few jokes, and always remembers what we ordered. Even when the place was PACKED, he still made time to come see us. Whenever I see him, my heart starts pounding - in the sense that he always makes me feel good! It’s like a boost of energy. Even your daddy has noticed that any time he wants me to be in a great mood, we just go to Turkuaz Cafe. I always leave beaming from ear to ear… happy… energetic… and oh so glad to be alive.

I’m not even sure what the guy’s name is (we always call him Mr. Turkuaz but I KNOW that’s not it)… and I’m slightly embarrassed to ask him what it is, but trust me, as much as we eat there, I have to find out! Anyway this Mr. Turkuaz guy has said on many occasions, “When you give birth to your baby, bring the child here first!” He’s so thrilled to meet you and asks about you all the time. So you’ve already got a friend. He’s been following my pregnancy since I found out, so when you come into this world, he’s probably gonna be one of those guys who simply loves to watch you develop and grow up. I’ll be sure to introduce you to him as soon as you pop out. Literally… if I can help it, I’ll even try to swing by his restaurant the day after the delivery so he can hold a little newborn in his arms.

I know I’ve spent a bit of time talking about this man (who I don’t know very well or even his name), but as you can see… I get very excited just thinking about him. He has such a sweet, soft spirit and a compassion for life that I can just see through his eyes. His wife asked me last night how far along I was and she smiled as she wiped some tables. I told her how much we loved the food and how special we feel when we come there, how great the service was, and how we simply love the place. It never hurts to compliment over and over again when it’s heartfelt and genuine! That’s one piece of wisdom I offer you

Last night at the diner, there was a couple sitting next to us with a 6-month-old baby girl and I proceeded to have a conversation with them about their pregnancy and what it was like to have their first child. It was really nice. They had waited till the baby was born before finding out the gender…. which really has me mystified! I mean, as much as I would like to wait and be surprised… it is SO hard to go shopping for gender-neutral items (except all the Winnie-the-Pooh stuff) for all the things you would want without at LEAST knowing what gender you are.

Your daddy and I haven’t bought anything for you yet cause we’re waiting to find out if you’re a boy or a girl. Then we can go nutso shopping! One of my best friends (who I’ll refer to as Aunt Kasha) bought you two pacifiers, a Winnie-the-Pooh blanket, and a cool rattle thingy that is designed so you can safely put it in your mouth. It’s funny, I actually can visualize you already slobbering and drooling over it and me having to clean it pretty regularly. It was such a great feeling to see our first baby items! And Aunt Kasha is such a fabulous person, I’m sure you’ll totally dig hanging out with her from time to time! She’s so awesome. See… you totally have friends.

Love
Mommy