In less than 48 hours, I become a mom.

Talking on the phone with a 5 (now 6) year old is interesting. We've been lucky enough to talk with Tyla several times over the past week, hearing all about her birthday party at her foster home, what gifts she got (lots!), and how many sleeps until she moves to Saskatoon (1!). Our conversations were often punctuated with "just a second, I've got to go talk to my brother/find that toy/see where the movie is at/do something", which left us on the other end of the phone, waiting for her to come back. The waiting theme continues...

Tonight, Tyla will be back at our house for a "sleepover" - the first of two consecutive nights that will lead up to her official "placement" with us on Thursday (as long as all goes well and she's ready). It's odd having such a strange progression to becoming a parent. Right now, we don't feel like Tyla's parents (yet) - we're more like neat family friends she likes to hang out with. But, in a few short hours, we will be moms. Her moms.

It's like we're pregnant and Thursday's our due date... but we didn't have nine whole months to try and wrap our heads around the idea of being parents. Lately I've found myself thinking a lot about how much things are going to change for Lisa and I. Like how tonight is the last night it will be "just us". Like how this last week was the last time we'll go to the fair as a childless couple who can get soaking wet, freezing cold, and just shiver our way through endless grown up activities like chuckwagon races and Blue Rodeo concerts. Like how much fun family get togethers will be when we have our own child to photograph, cheer on, feed, and supervise.

I will be off work from tomorrow (Wednesday) until Tyla starts school full time on September 1. I can't wait to be a full time parent, even if it is only for a few weeks. The Martha in me has been kicked into high gear, so I'm looking forward to baking, crafting, many adventures, and one fabulous "bonus" birthday party.

This week I become a mom. Am I excited? Yes. Am I ready? No. Am I hyperventilating as I write this? You bet.