Soon...

Dear Baby,

Technically you won't be 39 weeks until tomorrow. But I thought I might go ahead and share something with you this week that other people have asked me about as well.

It’s pretty much a given that when people find out they are pregnant, they also find out if they’re having a boy or girl before the baby comes. Your dad and I chose not to. Some people think that’s crazy, some people think it’s pretty cool. But just in case you’re curious one day as to why, here’s a little of what was going on in my head and my heart and why I’m thankful I followed that feeling.

When we found out we were pregnant, we threw the idea out there about not finding out your sex and soon after I had a total peace about that being the route we would take. And once we decided, I simply didn’t consider any other option. It became overwhelmingly satisfying just knowing that you were part me, part your dad, part generations of family, and were being knit together by God. That was enough. It’s like it allowed me to just simplify. My thoughts were consumed with praying for your health and design, for the gifts and talents you would receive. Praying that even while inside my womb, God would fill you with love, joy, peace, and all of those Fruits of the Spirit. And it was just taking care of me and this baby growing inside. Your dad feels the same way. It hasn’t been about whether he’s going to have a son or a daughter; he gets to become a father.

But I’m not going to lie. When friends or family announce they’re expecting, there is part of me that hopes they find out because I want to KNOW! :) But that’s kind of how we’ve become with everything, we just want to know and we want to know immediately.

I've had some people ask how you plan a nursery without knowing. Well, just like you, your room is part me and my favorite things, part your dad and things that he loves, part things past down from family, and then we’ve left room to add things you like too once we meet.

And yes, it would be neat to call you by name those last months of growing in my belly.

But here’s how your dad and I see it too...

When you decide you’re ready to come, your dad will be there to literally help ‘catch’ you :) He then gets to lay you on my chest and tell me that we have a son or we have a daughter. Then during those next moments, your first moments of life outside of me, I’m going to hold you and feed you and look into your eyes, and talk to you and then your father and I will say “Hi, it’s so nice to finally meet you…”, and you’ll be given a name. And I know I will be changed forever. So baby here’s to that moment!

I’ll meet you soon…

Love, Mama

38 Weeks

Dear Baby,

A lot has been going on since I last wrote, besides you and me continuing to grow.

Your cousin Martin turned One! We had a fantastic party surrounded with family and it was just crazy to think that this time next year I'll be planning your first birthday.
Oh, and this beautiful woman here, your Great Grandma, turned 85!



Your Great Aunt Sandra also hosted a baby shower in your honor at the Governor's mansion.
It was incredible how many things we received for you! Your dad and I were overwhelmed and were reminded how blessed we are. I'm so excited for you to meet all these friends and family who have already been so supportive and generous with helping us prepare to welcome you.

But the biggest thing was when your Nana and Papa came to visit and we got to put everything together. Your Nana brought all the finishing touches that she has been sewing for your room and then we put everything in it's place. Kid…it looks amazing!!! Nana also helped me with my checklist of things still needed before you arrive and she helped organize everything we already have. You'll find that she is very good at that. And having that kind of help lets me stay in La La Land just thinking about you :) But we are ready, ready, ready. We are absolutely ready for you! This doesn't mean rush though, you take your time and continue to plump and come when you're ready.

Oh, and it's March. We get to meet you this month.

You are so loved.



Love, Mama

Week 36

Dear Baby,

36 divided by 4 equals 9. This is the first day of our 9th month of pregnancy. That is pretty awesome. Your dad and I have been going to our natural birthing classes for five weeks now and have learned so much about this incredible experience and how God has perfectly designed everything to work, from the preparation that you will begin going through, to the preparation and changes my body will go through from now until you arrive. But we still have lots of things we'll be learning in the weeks to come. It's amazing what a little faith combined with good ol' fashion information will do to put a person at ease. I am so excited and filled with peace about what we will soon be going through together. And you better believe your dad and I are preparing! I've been doing all my stretches and exercises and your dad's been making sure I eat right and we walk every evening. He's also been working on relaxation techniques with me…as well as dealing with a sudden increase in my sensitivity and ability to create tears lately. But that's nothing for you to worry about, your dad is a very patient man. We also finished writing our birth plan last week, and we are so happy with our Nurse Midwife and Doula that will help us bring you into the world. There are still things for us to take care of before your arrival, but I'm having a hard time feeling like there's anything more important I should be doing then just simply waiting for you. You are definitely worth the wait.

Love,
Mama

Valentine

Dear Baby,

Happy Valentine's Day! I will definitely be asking you to be my Valentine next year (I'm sure your dad won't mind). I got to celebrate a little early this year. Two years ago your dad was the first to receive the Young Heart of the Community award. It basically means he has a big ol' heart and is constantly giving back and serving others. Well, they throw a nice fancy party where they present these awards and we get to dress up and enjoy dinner and dancing. Since he still helps set everything up, I got to go as his date again this year. Getting dressed up in a formal gown at 35 weeks pregnant did have it's challenges. But it was a wonderful date. Your dad cleans up nice I'd say :) And I did love having you with me as well.



And as much as your dad is involved in the community, I realized that night there are quite a lot of people excited about your birth and ready to meet you.

We're getting close...so close.

Love, Mama

Happy 34 Weeks from Daddy

Dear Baby,

This is your Pa here. Just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know how excited I am to meet you. I have been filled with anticipation and excitement for months now. Your mom doesn’t even know what’s gotten into me lately because I have been so busy making this house perfect for your arrival. I’ve always been known to be a perfectionist, but I think this takes the cake! I can’t wait for you to meet your four-legged sisters-Shelby, Callie and Toccoa. Up until now, they have been my sidekicks everywhere I go. But I know that once you’re here, you’ll become the leader of the pack. You’ll be my new sidekick. But don't worry, the girls aren't going anywhere! They've already been very helpful.

They check on you and your Mama in the mornings:



They're so eager to help prepare for your arrival that I even caught them helping Mama test out your new rug in the nursery...




And I know they can't wait to include you on their walks and hikes and swims.


There is much that we’ll be able to do together and much to learn together. I will be teaching you some things along the way but you’ll probably be teaching me even more. This world is a big beautiful place and I can’t wait to show it all to you!

Until then…

I love you,

Daddy

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