33 Weeks

Hey Baby,

Sorry I missed last week. But we have been working so hard getting the house ready for you! I know I've said it before, but your dad is amazing. He works so hard to provide the best for me and you. But mainly he works hard because that is just who he is. No one has to be telling him to or watching him. When he chooses to do something, he's going to do it right and he's going to follow through every time. There are so many traits I hope you learn from him.

Your Nana, Papa, Uncle Tyler and Aunt Amanda also came to visit and helped paint, clean, organize, stain wood, clean and paint some more. But I know they loved it. You will learn very quickly what this family is about. They will always be there for you, just like they have for me my entire life. I'm already thankful that you will get to grow up knowing what it feels like to be loved unconditionally with no judgements and to be surrounded with support and encouragement. And believe me, it's a wonderful feeling.

So we're just about finished with making the house and your room even more beautiful and perfect for you. But your dad and I both know that at the end of the day, the house, your room, the things...have nothing to do with your arrival. We have been ready for you for a long time.

Love,
Mama

31 Weeks...and 1 day.

It snowed baby!! Your dad and I had so much fun playing with Shelby, Callie, and Toccoa in the snow, but what really made us excited was seeing all the kids out sledding and building snowmen and just seeing their pure joy and excitement. We're looking forward to playing with you and being there to introduce you to your first snow.




See you soon love!

Love, Mama

What? 30 Weeks!

Dear Baby,

The BIG THREE O! Weeks that is :) That means after this week I will be counting down in the single digits the number of weeks until I meet you. This last weekend we celebrated the New Year in the mountains with good friends and your Nana and Papa. I'm so excited to have you with us next year. Even though I am very aware of what an unbelievable, life-changing year this will be, I’m really not sure if there’s a way for me to fully comprehend it all. This year I will be working for myself and returning to my Renaissance roots in writing and photography and music and whatever else inspires me. Which I can not wait to teach and expose you to it all! But I have such a peace about it and am blessed to have your father who is so supportive and truly believes in me. And then of course, there’s you. 2011 will forever be seared in to my brain, your birth year. The year my first child was born.

I continue to ask God to work on my heart, to make me a more loving, patient, joyful, and content daughter and sister and friend and wife…and now mother. I’m not sure if I have ever prayed for something more fervently then for God to reach into my core and teach me to live the Fruits of His Spirit in every secret and quiet corner of my life so that every moment I spend with you will be teaching and revealing to you the God that so desperately loves you and is creating you now in my belly. Forget the New Year’s resolution, I will call this a Life resolution. For you child, I pray for Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

Just a couple more months of winter and then you will be here, ushering in my new Spring.

Love,
Mama

Christmas Eve Eve and 28 Weeks

Dear Baby,

Today you are 28 weeks old. That means 7 MONTHS!! Today is the first day of the third trimester. We're in the home stretch kid. It's also Christmas Eve Eve tonight. You will love Christmas! Lucky for you, I pretty much listen to Christmas music when ever I feel like it all year round. I usually only listen to it in my car or when I'm by myself so that your dad won't make fun of me. But I figure if I introduce you to it early on as well, you will naturally see how wonderful it is to listen to the catchy joyful tunes all year long. And then your dad will be out numbered! Does that sound like a good plan or what?!?! And just wait until you hear the story behind the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate. It's a pretty amazing story, I'll tell you all about it.

Next Christmas I'll be holding you. But this year I will treasure having you tucked warm and cozy and safe inside my belly.

Dear Santa, I have everything I need.



Love,
Mama

27 Weeks

Dear Baby,

What a couple of weeks it's been!! You actually turned 27 weeks yesterday and are definitely now full blown athlete in my tummy! But I love it. Except for maybe when you kick my bladder. That one I'm not too fond of. Especially in situations like Wednesday night, I was stuck in the car for two hours on my normally ten minute commute home from work because of the icy weather. Well, mostly because of unsafe drivers and people who freak out in response to bad weather. But we'll talk more about all of that in about 15 years or so. I did appreciate your company during that time, but again, I could have done without the bladder kicks. We also found out some news at the Dr.'s this week. Your legs and head are measuring 3 weeks ahead. Um, WOW. They said that meant a few different possibilities:

A. You had a growth spurt and would now slow down and let everything else catch up.
B. Due dates are not an exact science and I just might deliver a couple weeks earlier.
C. I may just give birth to a big headed, long legged baby.

Your dad and I are pretty positive we're looking at scenario C. You'll see when you meet the rest of your family. Your cousins are fairly long with big heads as well. But don't worry, I'll be able to give you plenty of advice and help you through the years of high water pants and never finding hats that fit. Throw in some really large feet, over sized glasses, and an overbite and you'll basically be re-living my childhood. I hope I'm not scaring you! You will be absolutely perfect and one day you will look back at your childhood and it will be the most treasured time of your life. I treasure my childhood memories dearly! And I can not wait to bless you with that same gift. Be prepared for lots of love and laughter and joy and music and adventure! You are so loved already it is ridiculous.

Love,
Mama

25 Weeks

Dear Baby,

Today you're 25 weeks old! Crazy!! I can't believe how quickly time is flying. Last week was Thanksgiving Day, and I don't think I could be more thankful. But you might want to ask me that again next year too :)

Your dad and I spent some good old quality time together and with family. It was so neat to watch all of your cousins playing together and knowing what a fun, loving family event you will get to be a part of next Thanksgiving. Oh, and that woman below is your great grandmother. Just another amazing woman who will be in your life.



Then it was off to the cabin! We can't wait to take you to the mountains, and quite often! It's one of our favorite places. We had such a cozy perfect night.

We had hot chocolate,


treats by the fireplace,


and we played Scrabble until 2am. I promise we're cool.


I'll explain the game to you when you're older. But just so you know, we didn't have a dictionary with us and there was one word I tried to use but your dad said it didn't count because he didn't think it was in the dictionary. The next day I was curious, so I checked on the word...it was so in the dictionary. I realize this doesn't mean much to you right now, but it was a small victory for me :)

I'm so crazy about your dad kid...and you will be too.

Love,
Mama

23 Weeks

Dear Baby,

Your dad is working late tonight. It doesn't happen a lot, thank goodness. I just miss him so much when we don't get to sit down and have dinner and spend our evenings together. Speaking of dinner though, have I told you what a great cook your dad is? Delicious! Of course I'll be providing your meals for a good while. But he can't wait to start cooking for you too. Now don't get me wrong, you'll eat just fine when your dad's not home. I can cook. Your dad just likes to add a little bit more pizazz to his meals. It's something he truly enjoys. But take tonight for example. I made a scrumptiously delicious pot of white chedder macaroni and cheese...and added sausage!! Ummmm, fancy!

Oh, and I read that you can now hear all the way through my belly. Yay!! I've been looking forward to this. My car CD player isn't working and I do not have a radio antenna, so I could use some company when I'm driving by myself. I hope you enjoyed the songs I sang to you on the way home today. I can't wait to sing to you while you're in my arms.

I'll make sure your dad tells you goodnight when he gets home.

I love you,
Mama