20 Weeks - Halfway There!

Update 6/28: I found my camera! So here are some belly shots from 20 weeks. I just got out of the shower which explains the wet hair and no makeup (and not looking at the camera haha).

Wow, halfway!! It's so weird to me because in some ways it feels like as if I have been pregnant forever (be sure to check back with me when I'm 9 months pregnant, I'm sure I'll laugh at this statement); in other ways it feels like it's flying; in some ways it feels as though there is so much time left before I get to meet Adelaide; and in other ways it feels as though there is not enough time left to prepare!

We have begun clearing out the spare bedroom. And by spare bedroom, I mean the only other bedroom we have besides ours haha. This room served as my personal walk in closet, storage space for items that didn't have a home (the island of misfit toys if you will) and my office. Unfortunately, it will still need to serve as my office although my desk and equipment only takes up the small wall to the side of the door so it's not very obtrusive. I have moved my stuff over to our master bedroom closet which is a walk-in but very small. I have started rounding up the stuff that needs to go to the garage which thankfully Chris cleaned out last week. Everything must go! I am attempting to sell some older clothing on ebay to pick up some spare change but I think that mission will be ending shortly and just give it to Goodwill.

Once we have everything cleared out, the fun can begin! Painting and decorating. We have decided to go with "Owls" as the theme. Cute, girly owls. I have a slight obsession and it doesn't help that there are a lot of freaking cute owl things out there! We are thinking of painting the nursery two different shades of a pale aqua color. I have found some really cute owl wall decals on etsy.com for behind her crib. We will probably go with a white crib. We are taking the furniture from our room and repainting and repurposing it. We'll be adding new knobs and fun colors. Probably splashes of pale yellow and pink. I'm excited for the fun projects but even with 5 months to go, I get nervous about getting it all done! I thinking there must be a slight nesting instinct this early on because I have had more energy to clean and organize than I ever had before! Better put it to good use!

I have a doctor's appointment next Wednesday so I'll have more updates about the baby and me then. Overall, I am feeling great. I am very lucky to have had a smooth pregnancy thus far. I have been pretty by the book as far as symptoms are concerned. My sleep isn't always great but most nights are pretty good so that's fine by me. The biggest news as of late is getting to feel Miss Addie June move about! I had thought I have felt flutters the past few weeks, and I think I had, but they are most certainly baby movements now. I feel little movements that can only be described by saying think of a little person doing somersaults in your belly because that is exactly what it feels like!! That has been a great feeling and I always look forward to the evenings when I lie down and she seems to pick up steam!!

Dear Adelaide,
I can finally say for certain I feel you moving! Although I think I have felt you fluttering around, when I was out to lunch with my friend last week I felt for certain somebody having a little dance party in there. I was sitting down eating pizza so maybe pizza went over well with you? I hope so because your mama loves pizza!! I have to say though one of my favorite moments was the other night when your daddy came home from work and he and I laid on the couch together. He laid his head on my belly and we were just talking, the two of us, and you started moving like crazy! I think you loved the sound of his deeper voice compared with mine and the sound of the two of us talking back and forth. I love to think of how you will know our voices right out of the womb. That amazes me. I try to talk to you more often now and even sing to you from time to time. Your daddy teases me about my singing voice but I know you don't mind (at least that makes one person in this house haha). We are going to make a mixed CD soon - the Adelaide Mix - and I plan on singing the songs to you so you recognize them when you are born. I am so glad to feel you move. It reassures me so much that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing in there. I am glad I am making a good home for you already because I feel like I have a lot more work to do on this side making a home for you! We do hope you like owls, little one, because I'm afraid you'll be seeing quite a bit of them! I look forward to our next appointment to hear your little heartbeat. Until then, keep on dancing away in there!

All My Love,
Mama

19 Weeks... It's a Girl!!!

Holy guacamole, it's a girl!!!

We had our ultrasound done yesterday. More importantly I should note that she appeared healthy and had a good heartbeat (finally got a #, 168) and was moving (eventually) around.

The ultrasound room was wonderful! We had a private room and on the wall they had a big flat screen tv mounted so Chris and I could just sit back and watch the show! Our tech was really nice and funny and outgoing and took her time showing us all the different parts and measurements. Our little girl (who we didn't find out was a little girl until the very end) was quite a modest lady! First of all, we had to wake her up. She was quite comfortable it seems before the tech started poking and prodding. She had to nudge her to get her moving. Then she yawned and stretched!! We were laughing because it seems she already takes after me haha! It took some more nudging and then she finally got moving. But, when it came time to see if she was a boy or girl, she kept putting her hands between her legs covering herself!! Hey, if she stays that modest her whole life, fine by her dad and me! She finally moved those hands and, it's a girl!! Without getting into details for sake of her modesty, they can tell it's a girl not by absence of a you know what but by 3 lines defining her lady bits. I never knew that! That's how the tech could tell for certain it was a girl.

One of the big highlights was watching her attempt to suck her thumb. She tried many times unsuccessfully, bringing both her hands up to her face and opening her mouth, until finally she got her little thumb right in there and all 3 of us (the tech included) applauded and yelled and poor little girl got startled and dropped her hand quickly out of her mouth. Too much commotion for her liking! It was just so amazing to see her movements. Some of them already so human which is so amazing to me since she has no one to mimic. The stretching and yawning and the thumb sucking that are all natural instincts, really cool. We saw her in 3D as well but that was a bit freaky haha. The tech warned us it wasn't going to be cute. She hardly has any fat on her so she appears somewhat skeletal which is not how you like to picture your little bundle of joy! Still neat seeing some of her features more defined though. The tech even complimented her adorable nose haha! We received a dvd of 10 photos (a few are above) and we just really enjoyed our time getting an inside look at our baby's temporary home!

Now that we know it's a girl we can finally reveal her name to all! We are so confident about our name that we don't mind telling anybody who will listen. Her name is Adelaide June. Adelaide is a name that Chris and I have liked for years now. It's the name of a song by the band Anberlin. We also used one of their songs for our wedding song. Seems fitting that our daughter's name comes from them as well! It's funny because I had really been wavering in thinking it was a boy the past couple weeks. I kept being less and less certain. And I kept thinking of the lyrics in the song, one of them "Adelaide, you really had me going this time." And I couldn't help thinking that our little girl really had us fooled she was a boy! Guess it was a sign after all! Her middle name, June, is in honor of her aunts Katie & Sarah. We wanted to find a way to honor both of them but we didn't like any combination of their names so we finally figured out a way to do it - they were both born in June and June is such a pretty name. Plus, we loved how it went together so Adelaide June it is!


Dear Adelaide,
Adelaide! We get to call you by your proper name!! The joy that gives me is unbelievable. Your dad and I are completely and utterly OVER THE MOON! A precious baby girl. A princess. Daddy's Girl! When the ultrasound tech told us, we just stared at the screen in amazement. A girl. More importantly - a daughter. I will just never forget how we felt yesterday. Your dad and I went out to lunch after we found out and I think we barely could concentrate on anything but thoughts of you! Our whole lives seem to flash before our eyes in the best possible way. What will you look like? Will you look like your mama with a mass of dark hair? Will you be tall and thin like your daddy? A song came on at the restaurant, one they play at weddings quite a bit for the Father/Daughter dance and my head reeled with the thought of you some day dancing with your daddy at your wedding. I thought of all the special times I had and still have with my dad, your Pop-Pop, and thought of how you will have that special bond with your daddy. I thought of you and I shopping together with your Aunts and Grandma's (on both sides haha!). I thought of so, so many things. It is amazing how one moment can define your life like that. Your daddy and I have always said that having children is where you get the enjoyment from in the second part of your life and that couldn't be any more true. It's as if I feel my new life separating from my old one. I foresee so much happiness and joy that your little self will bring to everyone around you. You are already so very loved. We area already so blessed and you haven't even arrived yet! So many wonderful things await you on this side. I only hope I can teach you to be a strong and independent woman like my mama has taught me. That every man treats you with respect the way your daddy treats me (the way he was taught by his mama). So many things I hope and dream for you my Adelaide!

All my Love Precious Daughter,
Mama

17 & 18 Weeks

A busy 2 weeks! The first shot is of my mom, sister and me in my parent's backyard over Mother's Day weekend (17 weeks) and the others are from 18 weeks before taking my mother-in-law out to dinner. I am wearing my brand new pair of maternity shorts that I would probably live in if someone let me. Why don't all article of clothing have stretchy bands?? Sure, we'd probably get huge and fat without realizing it but dammit we'd be comfortable!! Oh and the second picture is me with Mr. Max, one of my furry babies. He thinks he is a human child. Man, he is going to be in for a rude awakening!

I'll start off with the doctor's appointment last Monday. Everything was nice and healthy. Heard the heartbeat loud and clear. The doctor put the little microphone thingy (not a technical term I'm sure) on my belly and got the heartbeat on the first shot! I didn't get the official # and although it sounded much quicker than mine it didn't sound like it was racing. Not sure if that helps anyone in the boy vs. girl debate. I actually weighed in at only 4 more pounds so go me! I was telling my mom my appetite is not really all that different (or should I say not that much increased) and I had read in one of my books that you are usually hungrier with a boy. She said her appetite stayed the same with both my sister and me. Could it just be me? Could it be a sign? I was at 100% boy but now I am wavering a little, I won't lie. I digress.

The rest of the appointment went well. I met with a new doctor who patiently answered all of my questions and reassured me that taking Claritin everyday really is fine, my sleeping issues are normal and tylenol pm is perfectly fine and all of my previous blood work came back normal. He then gave me one of the things I was hoping for the most - the order for the ultrasound!! He asked that I wait a couple weeks and I obediently said yes and of course scheduled it almost 2 weeks to the day from when he gave it to me haha. Our appointment is next Tuesday (the 17th). I'll be polling everyone I know before then!

I flew up north on Thursday to visit my family. I would like to say that I had a very uneventful flight but that would be a lie. We had a terrible and turbulent descent & landing and I got horribly sick (without being graphic, no I didn't just FEEL sick; I WAS sick). The wonderful woman across the aisle from me handed me tissues and gum and was very sweet thank God. Of course I threw my pregnancy card on the table because you can't (well morally speaking) be mean to a pregnant lady. Other than that rough start, I had a fabulous weekend and it was SO great to finally see my mom and dad and give them great big hugs and have them rub my belly and give love to the baby. I got to spend so much time with my sister and nephew too. My nephew would pat my belly and say "hi baby" over and over again. It was one of the most adorable things I've ever witnessed. He is a freaking riot and I miss him already. It's so exciting to think of our baby and him playing together and in the future going to "Cousin Camp" (my mom's hilarious idea). Katie thinks if we have a girl that she'll be the boss but I don't know; Charlie bear has a pretty strong personality so we'll see! My mom, Katie and I went up to NYC to see my sister-in-law dance and Sunday, Friday was maternity shopping and Sunday went to Babies R Us and my sister gave me a ton of info on everything which was awesome. I wish I could have gotten to see some more friends but I did get a lot accomplished on my trip and came back happy but exhausted! It was just so great to spend so much time together. It always goes too fast.

Chris picked me up from the airport on Monday and we had our own little mother's day celebration. We went out to lunch and he gave me a really funny card and a beautiful necklace he picked out. We ran some errands and then went home and relaxed. All in all I had an absolutely perfect first mother's day! I can't wait until next year when I actually get to have the baby too haha.

The rest of the week is now flying by and here we are at 18 weeks, crazy! I can't believe in a couple weeks I'll be halfway through my pregnancy. Unbelievable. At the same time it seems like it is flying, it still seems so far away that we'll get to meet this little peanut. My pregnancy now is starting to be more and more enjoyable (physically speaking). I am still not sleeping 100% but it's much better than it was. I feel more energy. My belly is rounding out and looking actually pregnant. My hair looks so nice and healthy. I feel a bit more like myself! I am really enjoying being pregnant. That brings me to my letter...

Dear Baby,
I got to hear your heartbeat again. That always makes your mama so happy. I think from time to time I might feel you moving but I'm not sure if it's just wishful thinking. I have your daddy lay his head on my belly and I ask him if he can hear anybody haha so far not so much! I wonder when you like to move the most. I wonder if you're sucking your thumb like some of the books say. I cannot wait to see you again on your ultrasound so I can see those adorable arms and legs and that precious noggin. Of course we're hoping to see (or not see) something else too so please don't get too modest on us! We really cannot wait to call you our son or daughter instead of just "the baby." I was talking to your Aunt Katie the other day about how emotional it made me to think of you as my son or my daughter. It made you so very real. It made me proud of you already! I imagine I'll probably be that embarrassing mom in the bleachers yelling for you the loudest. You won't mind, right? Well, maybe when you're a teenager. Geez, a teenager?? I don't want to jump that far ahead. I am content to just think of you as a wee little thing snuggling in my arms. I like to just think of the time when you, your daddy and I will all be together. Our own little family. Your daddy said he really missed us when we were gone. I like that there is an "us." I love having you with me as my companion. Well my little one, I'm sure the next letter to you will be about how excited we are to find out if you are a little girl or boy. Until then I'll savor the anticipation of it all!

All my Love,
Mama

16 Weeks & The Great In-Between

A photo taken of me on the way to the grocery store by Chris who was laying on the floor - a real ace photography team we are!

16 weeks, 4 months... or is it? I don't quite understand how to figure out the months when it comes to pregnancy. 16 weeks is, in normal life, 4 months roughly. According to one book it's the 3rd month (I guess after conception) and to another I'm not in my 5th month until 18 weeks. I'll just leave it at 16 weeks.

In order to not jinx myself, I'm not going to talk about anything sleep related. Instead I will talk about the in-between stage I have found myself in. It's an odd stage to be in. According to the grocery store scale (which is the only thing I have to go by in between doctor's visits and so far has been accurate), I have gained about 5 pounds this month. That's a little more than I'd like in one month but overall I have gained about 6 pounds which is okay with me. It's difficult because I feel as though I don't want to be obsessive about my weight gain yet I absolutely want to track and keep an eye on it. I have always tended to be an average weight for my height. I was actually probably my thinnest in college which amuses me since my diet consisted of beer and ramen noodles. I think my metabolism hit a wall at about 25 or 26 and although I eat mostly healthy, anything unhealthy took a greater effect on me. During my pregnancy, I have eaten nearly the same and without alcohol that means an even healthier diet. I exercise. I could exercise more. All in all, I think if I continue with how I am eating and exercising I should gain an amount I'm comfortable with. But that's not what I am referring to with the great in-between...

Most of us could probably gain 5lbs (if we wanted to) by eating junk and being lazy. 5lbs is easily an amount that could be mistaken for simple weight gain - not pregnancy. I seem to not know whether I want to stick my belly out and arch my back (as in my previous photos) or stand up straight and suck it in as I normally would. Do I want to look pregnant yet? Is that okay? Should I look pregnant yet? I'm sure a lot of women struggle with the weight gain pregnancy brings. I am happy to gain the weight that my baby needs, do not get me wrong, but this stage is awkward. In that photo I am standing perfectly to the side (not 3/4 as in some of my previous photos) and standing up straight. I'd consider this a "normal" pose (well I don't typically stand around with my hands on my hips; Chris may disagree with that haha). Those that know me might notice the rounded belly as a baby bump but casual passersby would probably just assume that's how I normally look. So who cares about those random strangers? I'd love to say that I didn't. And truly I don't really, but I'd by lying if I said I didn't care about what I look like! I absolutely, 100% look forward to having a big ole belly and people on the street smiling at me knowing baby is on board. For now, this in-between is a very odd stage.

One thing I do know... it's time for stretchy pants!

Dear Baby,
I can't believe I will probably have to wait another month probably to find out what you are! I have a new respect for people who wait until their babies are born. Your mama can't handle the suspense! I seem to get more and more distracted lately daydreaming about your nursery and paint colors and decorations. It seems hard to focus on anything else sometimes. I read that you have eyebrows and eyelashes now. I can't even deal with how cute that is. I truly hope you have your dad's eyebrows because mine are screwy haha. I wonder what long lashes would look like if you're a boy? I wonder sometimes if you will surprise us with blue or hazel colored eyes as opposed to your daddy's and my brown eyes. We have some on your mama's side. Wouldn't that be a funny surprise!? I have a feeling you will have lots of hair. Your daddy was a bit of a fuzz head from what I can tell from photos but your mama had a mop of hair from the moment she was born. I have a feeling that trait may be pretty dominant. I feel bad sometimes because I tend to refer to you as "he" a lot so if you are a little "she" I hope you won't be too offended! I am looking forward to our checkup on Monday. I don't like not knowing what's going on with you. Now that the morning sickness has faded and before I can feel you move, I need to know for sure you're doing okay! I look forward to hearing your little heart beating again. Until then...

All my Love,
Mama

15 Weeks

I. Am. Sleepy. For real. I totally jinxed myself. I had a few nights of really great sleep and yesterday I felt like a million bucks, went for a long walk, went to the grocery store, made dinner, stayed up till after 11 watching tv without feeling like I was in a coma. I thought I GOT THIS DOWN! No siree. I need to work on clearing out my brain. This is the problem. I can't get comfortable physically (on my side it's just not comfortable, my leg falls asleep or my hip hurts). My normal position pre-pregnancy was on my side but half on my belly. I said this last post and I think this still that the baby is on my lower right side (or at least mostly there) because I feel very uncomfortable when I lay like that. On the flip side, on my left, not as bad. On my back I spazz because you're not supposed to lay on your back after 20 weeks (yes, I know I'm 15 weeks but try telling my subconscious that at 4am). So that's the starter, then we move on to random things running through my brain, weird dreams, etc. AHH! I started a little journal to write any worries I may have down. Mostly they are the typical worries - work, money, planning. I don't think they stress me but they pop up (along with a random song in my head - yeah don't ask) in the middle of the night. Chris and I had a conversation about his work and him taking off shortly before bed which was my fault because I brought it up. It wasn't a particularly taxing conversation, we just discussed it in general, but since I am Planny Magee it must have stuck in my brain. I have always been a pretty good sleeper. I usually can tuck things away until I wake up in the morning. I think the physical elements along with hormones and just a big life change are quite the mix.

For the most part, I really have been sleeping better. I have a LOT more energy. I think I need to exercise more now that I have this energy. Since I work from home, even not commuting on a daily basis tends to give you more energy which is usually a good thing but I was used to being so exhausted the past few months that it didn't matter. Now that I have more of an energy level like I did pre-pregnancy I think I need to treat it as such. Pre-pregnancy when I started working from home I remember having so much time & energy I didn't know what to do with myself and it was hard to wind down. I think that's what's happening now. The worries are not actively stressing me out. I am not sitting around all day pulling my hair out. Writing them down helps because it helps me to see there are easy solutions to most. Does anyone have any suggestions for winding down before bed? I usually have a snack and/or a glass of milk but I could use some relaxation techniques I think.

In other news, I went to prenatal yoga this past Saturday and that was wonderful! My lower back had started hurting by the end of the day. Although I have probably only gained maybe 3-5 pounds total, I think my posture is changing. As I read in one of my books, you tend to start sticking your belly out more and more to look as pregnant as possible haha and I think I am tending to do this. By the end of my yoga class, my back pain was alleviated and I felt like a noodle in the best possible way! There were a couple other girls in my class who were farther along than me (seriously, is it farther or further?) and it was reassuring to see that it's something I can continue to do. As with most yoga instructors, this one was super friendly and calming and took her time to readjust our positioning as needed. This is something I definitely plan on continuing in the future.

Letter time...

Dear Baby,

Mama promises to sleep better! I make sure if I don't I take a nice nap for you (and me). Even though you're a wee one yet, I rub my belly where I think you are and make sure I send you "good vibes" on a daily basis. If I feel myself getting stressed out or worked up over something silly, I take a deep breath and remember that I have something much more important and wonderful happening. It is a great way to stay grounded and focused on what's important. I was reading a book last night and in it the woman lost her baby when she was 4 months pregnant - this probably also did not help your mama sleep any better. I felt myself tearing up - even now - at the mere thought of that. You are such a part of my life already I'm not sure what I'd do without you! You are already such a great baby and I am lucky you have hardly caused me any hardships haha. Maybe a few weeks of being sick and maybe being tired and a little sleepy now but overall it has been such a great pregnancy. I must admit I am getting VERY anxious to find out if you are a little girl or little boy. Some people already know the names we have for you but they don't know your middle name and we're excited to have a name to call you in the near future. You keep on growing up the fruit scale (you're an apple now) and do your thing!

All my Love,
Mama

14 Weeks: Second Trimester!!

Woo hoo! 1 down, 2 to go! The top photo is me standing completely normal. The next two are me sticking that belly out!

I think my body must have missed the memo that once you hit the 2nd trimester you're supposed to have more energy. You hear that, body?? Actually, I do feel the difference in energy but the crappy sleep is killing me. Luckily, I'll have a few good days mixed in with the bad days and even more luckily I'm not literally up all night. Just tossing and a turning. I'm just relieved to not have the pukies anymore and although my sense of smell is still heightened is not not nearly as intense as it was (or maybe I'm just getting used to it).

My eating is relatively the same. It's funny because I'll have waves of hunger. I figured I would be hungry all day long but it's more I'm completely fine one minute and the next if I don't get some food in me within the next few minutes somebody's head is going to roll. Dramatic? This time probably not haha. I don't feel as though I am eating all that much more. Sometimes I consciously will even if it's a bowl of cereal and a snack or peanut butter bread and a glass of milk. I try to make sure to get those extra 300 calories. Other times, like on the weekends, I just don't feel as guilty about that pizza or french fries! Mostly, the extra 300 are healthy though, but hey every once in awhile a treat never killed anybody!!! As long as I eat healthy the majority of the day I have no issue with having a treat which I've been like pretty much before I was pregnant too. Weekends are for treats! I have been trying to exercise on a more regular basis. I did a Prenatal DVD (Fit Mama) and holy crap was I sore the next day. It is not a scene I want anyone witnessing - me trying to figure out what the hell the lady on the screen is doing. This one was divided up into salsa, yoga and then stretches and such. The easy salsa, not a problem. Combo moves, problem. Chris walked down in the middle of it, to my horror, and I think he may have actually been speechless. Regardless, I was sweating and out of breath by the end of it and sore as crap the next day so clearly I got a workout! I'm looking forward to my first prenatal yoga class on Saturday. I think that's more my speed ;)

And now my letter...

Dear Baby,

I sure hope you'll like sleep as much as your mama because I think I am missing it already. I joke that this is God's way of preparing me for lack of sleep in the future. Your dad worries because he knows sleep is one of my favorite things haha. But don't worry little one the lack of sleep will well be worth it, I know! But, I think you & I will have a lot of naps in our future together!

We wonder what your personality will be like. Although your dad is much more high-energy than me, we both tend to be more laid back and relaxed. Our moms (your Grammy and Grandma) say that your Dad and I tended to be more calm children then say your Aunt Katie and Uncle Adam haha. I do have a feeling if you're a girl you may have a bit of an attitude problem like your mama which I'm sure would give your Grammy some satisfaction after putting up with me in my teenage years. It will be funny to see what your little personality will be like. Your Dad and I are definitely alike in a lot of ways but surely different in others (big example there being athleticism). I know, no matter what, you will be a unique soul and that is just so very exciting to us.

I promise to try to get some better sleep soon and I think you don't appreciate me sleeping on my right side all that much because it's starts to get very uncomfortable if I'm on that side too long. I wonder if that's where you're hanging out? I'll try to make sure I give you more wiggle room!

I'm so excited we made it through the 1st trimester together safe and sound! We did it! The pukies, crankiness, exhaustion - all worth it!

Till next week...
All my Love,
Mama

13 Weeks (Formerly Known as 12 Weeks)

Sorry 12 weeks, you got the boot. I turned (or should I say Baby Shark turned) 13 weeks yesterday. Of course my stupid digital camera died so we had to take photos with Chris's cell phone. This is me trying my very hardest to look pregnant. The only time I actually want to look bigger in photos!!! I'm trying to stick out that belly and shape it the best I can haha. I have noticed in the past few days though that it's been sticking out more and more. I think Baby Shark is still nestled down in my pelvis but it's pushing everything else out of the way! Chris gets his hair cut out at the beach so we thought what could be a more perfect backdrop for my first belly shot than the ocean?? I know babies can hear sound (although I'm not sure yet when that develops a little more) so I hope he/she could hear the ocean. Taking a nap on the beach was one of my very first memories! I remember being under the umbrella on the blanket and my mom or dad must have put me down. I was probably around 4. I would love for that to be our baby's first memory. We talked about how we can't wait to take him/her on adventures and day trips with us and explore. We hope for the baby to enjoy all those things with us.

Not much new to report on the "how I'm feeling" front. I took some unisom last night to get a good night's sleep (it's approved for pregnant ladies) and although I did wake up once or twice I fell right back asleep. As my sister said, I have plenty of time to be sleep deprived so I should try to get as much sleep as I can now!

Now a little letter to baby (I'm thinking maybe of printing all these out to go with my belly book - thanks Katie & Charlie) ...

Dear Baby,

Your dad and I were so excited to see you the other day! We couldn't believe how big you were already. You waving to us was a nice treat. I wouldn't mind seeing more of you but I know I have to be patient. It was such a relief to hear your heartbeat and get the seal of approval from the doctor. I am trying to be nice and healthy for you but I was relieved to know you're doing well in there. I feel closer to you now that I've seen you. You aren't just an "idea" now. You're a real little human. I feel less and less nervous and more and more excited and happy. I know there will be a time closer to when I will meet you for real that the nerves will return but for now I am enjoying a peaceful and happy feeling knowing that you're perfectly content to grow and grow. Your dad and I talk about all the fun things we want to do with you someday and the things we want to show you. Your dad is a fun guy! He makes me laugh a lot and I know he'll make you laugh too. I hope I can be a good mama to you. I know for sure I can love you lots! I hope I can encourage you to chase after all your dreams. I think about that a lot. I know you're going to be a very special person (and clearly I'm not biased in any way) and I hope I can do everything I can to support you in every way. Well, Baby, until next time (and before my pregnancy hormones start making me get any more weepy haha) I want you to keep on growing and I'll take care of the rest!

All my Love,
Mama