Dear Baby

Dear Baby,

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately where the writers are moms of little ones and they are inspiring me to use this space to write down all the things I want to share with you later on. I'm going to try to be as honest and true as I can, not worrying about what others think when they read this (a good lesson for life in general- worrying about what others think will only hold you back from being your true self). 

Your dad and I have been doing a lot of things lately to get ready for the day you decide to join us. There's not a moment of the day when I don't think about things that need to get done before you get here- and that often includes the times in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping. Your dad has been doing so many things around the house to get your room ready for you. He's been working many long days, but then he comes home and puts something like your bookshelf together. I'm hoping that your room will be done in the next week or so and I'll have pictures to post here. There are curtains and bedding on the way, so I am anxiously awaiting the mail each day!

On another note, when I'm up in the middle of the night thinking, you also seem to be up and thinking/playing/what are you doing???, moving around in there. I usually feel you move the most in the evenings and late nights, so I can't help but think you'll be a night owl like your daddy. But, I recently read that this is the time most babies are the most active in the womb, so maybe this will change when you are here. For awhile, I was feeling you kick and punch a lot. But, these days, you seem to have less space to move around in there so now I mostly feel different body parts like your knees, arms, or butt press against my belly. It's so distinct that your dad can even see the lumps in my belly where you are pressing in a certain spot!

Speaking of my belly, it's getting BIG...like, people- stare- at- me -when -I -go- places- big. People try to reassure me that people just like pregnant women, but I have had several questions about how 'big' you are supposed to be. For the record, the midwives say that you are 'normal size' based on the measurements they do of my belly each appointment:) Last week, when I was almost 34 weeks pregnant, we were lucky to get our pictures taken from my dear friend, Cathy, who is a wonderful photographer. She met your dad and I before we ate dinner at JCT Kitchen (so yummy- you'll love it) and took some pictures of the three of us.  It was so special because she lives far away in Maine and is due with her 4th baby on the same day you are due! Here are just two of the pictures, courtesy of Cathy Clicks Photography (www.cathyclicks.com) Aren't they great?

Love,
Mom