41+ Weeks Pregnant: BABY TIME!

Dear Spawnie, Lady Bug, Baby Girl, Lil' J:

There've been so many names I've called you through this journey but soon I'll get to see your little face and call you by your real name.

Everyone always talks about how amazing it is to see your baby for the first time. I guess it's one of those things you can't imagine until it happens. It's hard to picture what it will be like meeting you. Will I feel like I know you? What will I think of you? What will you think of me?

It's funny but I keep jokingly telling people "I hope she's cute," I know you will be but it's just so strange having no idea what you look like. I wish we had done those 4D ultrasounds, but I guess it'll be an even better surprise when we see you.
It's funny thinking I'm going to have you forever and I didn't really have a say in what you're going to be like. See, with Snoop I got to pick him out of the bunch. I picked a calm, cute puppy. With you, well... You chose us! I guess that says something. It probably means we're in for it!

If I had to guess what you'd be like I'd guess you'll come out with squinty eyes, like mine, though I would love it if they were big and round like your daddy's. I kinda hope they are grey because then you have a chance of them staying light-colored and maybe having blue eyes like him!

I think you'll have a nose like mine, and a chin like mine. It already looks like you do from the ultrasounds we saw.

I think you're going to have lots of dark curly hair. At least I hope you do! Your daddy and I both had lots of curly hair when we were born. His was read though. I don't think your hair will be red. That would be crazy!

I think you'll be pretty chubby since you've had so much extra time to bake. Your daddy was over 10 pounds at birth and I was well over 7 pounds and I was quite early. The doctor hasn't made any guesses but if I were to guess I'd say you're going to be about 8lbs 5oz. That's my guess but we'll see. I think you'll be long too... Maybe 22in.

I don't think you're going to cry a ton when you're born, though I kind of hope you do. I hope you like me when you see me. I hope you are a good eater. I really hope you wiggle as much as you do inside me now.

In fact, I'm sure you're ready to come out cause last night you were wiggling SO MUCH. I'm not sure how you have room to wiggle but I'm sure you were trying to bust out of this joint. I even caught you on video!

Last night your dad and I were so excited we could hardly go to sleep. I told him I felt like I was waiting for Christmas and he said "yea me too!" We're both so anxious and excited to meet you. We were actually kinda bored last night.. Something I'm sure we won't be feeling for a long time!!

Please come here safely little one! I can't believe the next letter I write to you you'll be OUT HERE! In the world!

I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with you little one. We're in for an adventure!

Love you so much little Spawnie!


Anxiously awaiting,


Mommy

40+ Weeks Pregnant

Lil' J,

Well well well little one. Still baking are we? I hope you're having fun in there but I also hope you realize you're playing in a studio apartment when you have a whole mansion that's yours out here. Don't worry, mommy will till be here to cuddle with you when you come out. I'm not going anywhere!

I will say I'm SO grateful we made it to 40 weeks. SO many babies are born early and for a little bit I really worried you would be one of them! But nope, we made it! We made it full term and... Well, and then some I guess. According to my calculations on when you were conceived you're a little older than we had guessed. But just a day older, so no big deal! Today you're 40 weeks and 4 days. Believe it or not the last four days actually went by quicker than I expected.

I did get a little sad this week when you weren't born on one of several days which I thought would be your birthday. I cried a lot and felt silly for crying. Especially since I know it's just a guesstament. I just really thought that by now we'd be here together and you'd be keeping me up at night. The positive side is your daddy and I have had more time to spend alone together before we become a family of 3 (actually 4 including Snoop).

I've gone through a lot of mood swings since I hit the 40 week mark... The day I thought you would be born. But I'm SO grateful for your daddy who's helped me through them all. He's really the best, you are going to love him so much!

(photo of my big 40+ week belly coming soon!)

I've been analyzing almost every symptom wondering if it means your coming... Diarrhea (gross I know but I hear it's a symptom) loosing my mucus plug, nausea, your slowing movements, every leak, cramp, and contraction I'm wondering if "THIS IS IT."

Last night I had a lot of contractions. I was actually having consistent contractions for about 22 hours. For a couple of hours they were just a few minutes apart lasting over a minute long. But I knew it wasn't time to go yet because they weren't very strong.

When I woke up this morning I still was having some contractions but they were more spaced out, and eventually they fizzled down to nothing. I was sad because I thought we were about to finally meet you. Your dad packed his bag and I went to bed hoping my water would break or something but nope. Not yet.

I've been thinking and praying about this a lot but I've decided Saturday is a good deadline to give you. We're going to talk it over with our doctor tomorrow but I'm pretty sure that's the day we'll schedule to be induced if you're not here yet. I'm a little sad that I may not get to experience the whole timing contractions and rushing to the hospital, but your daddy keeps reminding me that we'll be so happy once you're here, and not to get too caught up in the process. Because really, it's in Heavenly Father's and your little hands! Ours too, but we've just got to enjoy the ride, no matter how it takes us to you.
It's so exciting now to think that I'll be meeting you regardless in less than a week!! Just 5 days! You'll be over 41 weeks then, but for now, you're probably about 7 1/2 pounds and 20in long, though we're predicting you're a little bigger.

Tomorrow we'll check the fluid levels around you and make sure you're still doing ok in there so I can go another week. I'm so happy now, knowing it's not much longer until you're here!

Get here safely little one!

Love,

Mommy

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Antsy at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Lil' J,

Today is the day I dreamed you would be born. I'm not sure why the date stuck out in my mind but about a month ago I dreamed you'd be born June 19th... Juneteenth actually. There's lots of parades and festivals going on today to celebrate the occasion of the ending of slavery which was officially marked June 19th 1865. Next year I hope to dress you up and bring you to the parade, I think you'll like it!

I'm so excited to do things with you. I know I'm probably going to be really tired a lot, and there will be days when we won't leave the house for one second, but I hope to take you out on walks with Snoop, and get some fresh air together from time to time. I don't want to force it or anything but I think the sooner we attempt to do things together the less scared I'll be as time goes on.

It's really hard for me not to wonder when you're coming. I'm trying to think of ways to take my mind off of constantly wondering... I'm thinking of exciting things to look forward to BESIDES you coming. Of coruse there's nothing as exciting so this is VERY hard.
I want to go to the temple one more time before you come. But it's an hour and a half away, and your dad is working so I'll have to go alone, or find a friend who can go with me. At least that would be smart... If I end up going into labor sometime that day it probably won't be best to be driving by myself. But I REALLY want to go. But I have a feeling if I DO go alone, you'll decide it's time to show up. If I don't, well of course you'll stay put.

I'd also like to see Toy Story 3. I would bring you once your out but I figure you can still hear it in my womb and we'll both probably enjoy it more this way. Don't worry, I'll buy it when it comes out on DVD so you can see it. Now I just have to convince your daddy to come with me!

The carpet cleaners are coming Wednesday, I guess that's a little something to look forward to.
Snoop's groomed and ready to meet you. I don't know what else to do! Oooh, maybe I'll make another piece of artwork for your room to hang over your door frame. I was going to use vinyl but maybe I'll just draw and paint something myself. I really want to make you a sign that says "Princess: Daughter of a Heavenly King." That'll take time, and be fun! We'll see. I also still need to find you a cute baby memory book. I looked at some at Babies are Us for like and hour yesterday but none of them seemed right to me. I don't know what I'm looking for.

I bought you a cute bathing suit yesterday. You don't have one yet but since we live around so much water, and may do a little splashing around this summer I decided to get you one. I think I may also get us a kiddie pool to go in the backyard. I can just picture it now. You me, and Snoop cooling off in the little plastic pool.
Earlier this week when we went to the doctor we found out I was 20% effaced and 1.5cm dilated. So we've made a little more progress. I have my last scheduled appointment next Tuesday, but we'll most likely have to set up another one in case you decide to come much longer after your projected due date.
You're pretty much done cooking now. Just adding extra fat and stuff. You're still moving a TON (I think you're trying to escape) and squishing my bladder. Thanks.

Well Lil' J. I hope you're having fun in there. I hope you'll like it more out here and decide to show your pretty face sometime between now and Friday.

Love,

Mommy

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Ok, You Can Come Out Now!

Dear Lil' J,

We've made it! You won't be premature if you're born any time now so you are good to come whenever!! I still have projects I'm trying to finish at work and like I said before, the cleaners are coming on the 14th, so it would be nice if you could wait another week or so but really, I know it's up to you. I just wish I knew when you were coming so I could plan accordingly. But I guess this is just getting me prepared for you running the show for the rest of my LIFE!

I should be done with my work stories after this next week, I'm hoping I am at least, it'll be so nice to feel completely and totally ready and I think I will after that. Right now I worry if I went into labor I'd have to go to work and rush to get things done before going to the hospital. It's crazy I know. I'm obviously not that worried though or else I wouldn't be taking a vacation day today and writing to you right now. It'll all work out!

We are going to put your car seat in the car this weekend, and hopefully go get it checked somewhere before bringing you home in it to make sure we did it right. It can't be too hard right?

Oh my goodness, I downloaded a video ap on my iphone and FINALLY caught you moving in my belly on video! I'm glad I'll have that to save.

We went to the doctor this week and she measured my tummy and said "Wow, you have a big baby!" I couldn't help but smile cause at least that means you're healthy right?

She says you're very long, you don't have much room in there as your head is very far down, and your butt is all the way up in my ribs... Your legs are squished in there too. She predicts if you go to your due date you'll most likely be well over 8lbs and maybe as long as I was... 22 inches! I guess we'll see.

She also said you may get a bit of a conehead coming out which worries me a little. I know it's not permanent but I already sometimes have scary dreams about you coming out as an alien, so a conehead may remind me a little of that.

It's ok though, we have lots of cute beanies we can over it up with until it goes down if that's the case.

We also checked and we're already dilated 1cm. So just 9 more to go!! Woohoo. I'm trying to walk a lot, park further away, do yoga, jump around and stuff to help the process. I also bought some Evening Primrose Oil pills... who knows if they'll work. I didn't start taking them yet but I may in about a week and a half.

I have your going home outfit packed with a cute dress, sweater, hair bow, and mary jane socks to match but my friend Danielle sent me these ADORABLE shoes and hair bow from Curly Birdie. So now I either need to change your outfit so they match, or get another pair... Oooh they are SOOOO cute! I don't spend $20 on my own shoes Lil' J, cause I have big ugly feet, but I will for you! Your feet are little and cute!

I may get you these to match the cute outfit I already have packed for you! We'll see though, I have to ask your daddy, and he thinks you already have enough shoes. ... Don't ever let a man tell you you have enough shoes Ladybug.

We are so excited for you to get here. I can hardly contain myself! I would say keep growing but maybe I should be more specific... Keep growing hair, cute chubby cheeks, and chubby legs. Keep getting smarter and practicing your blinking, thumb sucking and all that other stuff that will help you when you get out. Oh, practice sleeping too, we'll both be needing some of that once you come out.

I love you baby girl, I can't wait to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

Ok, let's here your guesses, what did you vote in the poll, when do you think she'll make her debut? My guess/hope: June 23rd!

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You've DROPPED! (I think)

Dear Lil Miss J,

Like how I have a new nickname for you every week? I like Lil J right now. Spawnie is beginning ot wear off... You seem less and less spawn-like the closer we get to D-day, which believe it or not is in FOUR WEEKS!! At the end of the week we'll be full term and you will be ready to come out at any time! I'd really prefer if you waited a little while longer though. I have some cleaners coming on the 14th and I'm thinking I'll get my hair and nails done on the 15th. Speaking of my nails, they are SO LONG! I need to get them cut so I don't scratch your pretty face. That gives you 10 days... I don't mind if you come after the 15th, you'll be good and big, and I'll be done with important work stuff by then too. Actually, I sort of like the 20s best, so sometime between the 20th and 29th would ROCK! Got that? Jot that on your Wombberry.

I had a dream you were born on the 19th, but it was the 19th today and I was worried about missing work that day... Crazy dream, I can tell you that won't happen in real life, don't you worry!
I know it's a little inconsiderate of me to try to tell you when to come out, I mean, you are in charge, don't you worry, but I just want you to know my preference. I like June better than July so you've gotta come before July! I know statistics show a lot of first-time moms go past their due dates but I don't think that'll be the case with you. I can feel it.. You'll be right around your due date, if not... I think early!

Lil J, this week I've been SO TIRED. I haven't had the energy I use to have! I come home and just want to plop down on the couch, take a nap, and when I finally get the strength I try to work on things for your room, or pack some more in the hospital bag, or work on our labor and just meeting playlists.

I haven't wanted to touch my computer or anything! I've just been to exhausted! I have SO MUCH on my mind that I'd love to write about but I am too tired to put it all down. What have I been thinking about? Well, here's a few topics on my mind lately:

My new quick thoughts on labor
My cure for cankles
Books I've picked out for you
My thoughts on breastfeeding you

One of these days, hopefully soon I'll get them all down while they're fresh in my mind to remember. I hear there's another burst of energy right at the end of my pregnancy and I can't wait for that! I've got some stuff I want to get done! Until then though I'll enjoy my rest, because I'm sure I'll be missing it once you're born.Another sign that means you're getting closer to coming is that I think you've dropped! I woke up this morning and your butt wasn't in my ribs as normal. In fact, all day you've felt lower, and I can tell with the way my belly now rests on my legs that you're lower! So exciting! To make sure I compared this weeks photo to last week's photo and sure enough, you're looking lower! ... And more pointy. A woman at work today guessed you'd be coming next week! ...But you can't come that soon ok?

Some women I know who had due dates close to mine have recently delivered their babies, so it's weird thinking how close we are!
You're still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. You now weigh almost 6 pounds and are probably more than 18 1/2 inches long. You're shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered your body as well as the stuff that covered and protected your skin during your nine-month amniotic bath. You're swallowing that stuff, and other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that'll form the contents of your first bowel movement. Hopefully you won't have that until you get out!

Keep growing little girl, we are ALMOST there and our lives are about to change FOREVER. I can't wait!

Love,

Mommy

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Time to take bets (not really) when do you think she'll show up? Early, late? On time? Vote in my poll (top left) and let me know what you chose!

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Dear Ladybug, I Made You Something

Dear Daughter,

I'm writing this on a big milestone day... We are 35 weeks today and have 35 days to go! I was so excited when I counted and realized that and wanted to tell everyone how cool it was, then I realized that it's not just MY pregnancy and due date that happens to have that coincidence... But everyone who makes it to 35 weeks has the same milestone. So much for thinking we were unique! I can be a ditz sometimes.
I'm so excited to meet you in about a month but at the same time I'm like "woah! slow down!" I really don't mind being pregnant and sometimes I think about how fast it's going and wish I could just put it on "pause" for a little while so I can finish preparing for you.

There's still so much to do with work before I leave, and many things I'm trying to get organized and cleaned around the house. Nothing is as important as you are but I just know things may be a little chaotic for awhile when you first get here so I'd like to feel settled before if I can so I can devote all of my time and energy to you without stressing about other things... If that's even possible.

I know it's silly but I've been making a lot of things still. Crafting and putting things together for your room is my new favorite hobby. You daddy says if I spent this much time with the rest of the house our place would look really nice. That may be true but I'd much rather just have your area be the cute spot.

I never use to like decorating before but now I'm beginning to, maybe I'll get more into it now that I've gotten a taste.

This week I made you three things, and a fourth thing or you room.
I made this piggy bank for you. I painted your name on one side and painted ladybugs all around it. It sorta looks like a 5 year old made it but oh well, one day maybe you'll appreciate it. I'll start collecting change for you and teach you how to save with it when you're old enough.

I also made you a toybox. You don't have many toys yet but we'll work on that. Books can go in here too, you have LOTS of books already. Here's how the toybox started...
Not pretty. It had crayon marks on it and it was pretty yucky looking, but only $20 on Craigslist. So I cleaned it, added primer, and lots and lots of white paint and some gloss!It got to looking pretty but what REALLY made it come together is this vinyl I got from the Etsy shop Jazzy Graphics.They were so nice and sent me your name and extra butterflies when I told them I was making a toybox for you. I'm so excited with how it turned out and I think you'll love it! Your daddy really likes what I did with it. He's impressed with my skills.

I still need to make it safe so you don't squish your fingers. I'll add a hinge so it'll close slowly, then some padding in the corners to keep it from shutting too tight.

I also made these pillows for your room this week, they match your bedding and curtains.And I made these baskets to go up on the ledge in your room!
And finally... I made this paper chain.Some would say it's a little childish but I love making paper chains to count down to things I'm excited for. I had one for my wedding, for when your dad and I were going to be reunited when we spent a summer apart, and now for your arrival! I must say this is my prettiest one yet!

It's not like I need a reminder that you're coming, I think about that all of the time, but it's a fun way to count down the days.
You're about 5 and 1/4 pounds now, and about 18 inches, which is crazy to think you're like a full-sized baby! Your kidneys are fully developed, you're mostly just getting chubber and chubbier now, which is good. I want some chubby cheeks to kiss! It's weird looking at these baby drawings. I remember when it depicted you as a little worm-looking thing. The nickname "Spawnie" was much more appropriate then.

I feel like I can feel you from all sides at once at times! Other times I get paranoid when you're napping, but you nap a lot more now, and there's less room for you, so I'm not feeling as many hard kicks as I do just you squirming around. I'm trying to pay special attention since we're on the home stretch now and I want to get you here safely! Just two more weeks until you're full term and can come out any time!

We had a doctor's appointment this week though and oh how you were moving! Our doctor just sat and stared at you moving around your... She said knee, but I would have guessed foot or something.

Oh, you really like Beyonce. Especially that song "Single Ladies" I'm not sure what it is with babies and that song. I think you're going to be a little dancer!

I hope you're having fun in there. Keep cooking a little longer baby girl. Just 5 more weeks and we can play all you want!

Love,

Mommy

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Aloha Little LadyBug We're 34 Weeks Pregnant!

My Dear Precious Little Ladybug,

Six weeks still seems like a long time until we meet, but when I was reading one of my update emails talking about "relaxing" as much as I can and saving up, eating up etc. for labor I realized you really are almost here.

I think my "mommy paranoia" is already starting to set in. I've heard some people experience extreme anxiety after they have babies, worried something bad is going to happen to them. I'm normally not that kind of person.. I mean, I'm not afraid if you get a little rash from a new dress. It's not cause I don't love you, it's because I don't think you'll have super sensitive skin and be allergic to new clothes. We'll see. But I AM already worried that if I'm not watching you when you're sleeping you may go to sleep an never wake up. I'm not morbid, just paranoid or something. I hope it goes away once you're born. But I have a feeling it may get a little worse before it gets better.

I had a dream two nights ago that something bad had happened to you and I woke up startled. Then I was waiting for you to move and felt a BIG JAM into my rib. Your foot. It hurt, but I smiled cause I knew you were ok.

People keep asking my if I'm ready to get you out. I am ready to meet you, I'm so excited for that. But I also feel like taking care of you now is easier than it's going to be, and I don't mind giving you all time time you need... Well, until June 30th, I REALLY want you to be a June baby. Oooh, I can call you June bug! I'll add that to your list of nicknames.

I've been thinking about our morning/night routine. I like to sing to you, as you've probably noticed, so I bought an album called "Twenty Five Beloved Primary Songs" and it has all of these songs I remember listening to when I was young. Primary is where you'll go when you're about four years old, it's at our church. You'll learn about Jesus and sing songs.

I didn't really get a chance to go to Primary but my uncle gave me a CD of some of the songs when I was young and I remembered some of them when I'd hear them at church.

I don't know all of the songs on the CD I made you but we'll learn them together. I'm going to put that CD in your player every night before bed and I'll read and sing to you. Sound like a deal?

Oh little girl, you are getting so big now! You should be about 4 3/4 pounds now, and around 18 inches long! I have a feeling you're longer though. I was a really long baby, and based on where I feel your head, and kicks, and the fact that I think you're hunched over, I think you're long too.

Your lungs and central nervous system are still developing and you're only three weeks to being term! If you were born now though you'd most likely be ok after a short stay in the NICU, but just keep cooking, we've still got lots to do before you get here!

You're developing fat layers now so you should be nice and round when you come out. That's the downside of long babies... I was so long there was nothing round about me... You daddy on the other hand, he was round for quite some time. Yes, he was very chubby. ... And had red hair, but we won't get into that. I'm hoping you have dark hair like your mommy! And lots of it!

Your daddy and I were talking about doing some practice runs to the hospital in the next couple of weeks. Just to make sure we know the routes to get where we're going, where to park and what not. We also talked more about your birth. We both have learned SO MUCH lately but we've decided not to go into it with our fists up ready to fight. We know you'll come into this world the way you're suppose to, and as long as you and I are ok, we are going to be so happy. We're not aiming for what some see as a "perfect experience" because to us, the perfect experience will be meeting you, and really, it doesn't matter the means. Besides, after comes the fun part!

We are so excited to meet you baby girl! Keep growing for us!

Love,

Mommy

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Welcome to Aloha Friday! For any of you who do not know what Aloha Friday is...In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that people take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So, we take it easy on Friday blog posts by sticking to just one quick question that surfers-by can answer with just a quick response themselves. (I'm an overachiever and do this on top of my normal post).

This week I want to know:

What nicknames do you have for your family members?

My answer: I'm still coming up with nicknanes for Spawnie (besides Spawnie) but so far I have Ladybug, Baby Girl, Little J and now June Bug (if she's actually born in June).

My husband doesn't really have nicknames. I just call him "babe" and sometimes "hubby" or "hubs" on my blog.

Your turn!

Dear Spawnie: Thanks for Making Me A Mother

Dear Little LadyBug,

It's my first Mother's Day thanks to you. ... I think. Well, we're counting it as my Mother's Day even though you're not born yet.

I had a long night at work last night and had totally forgot about the holiday. I got home close to midnight and your daddy was up and excite to see me. When he opened the door for me he rubbed my belly and told me Happy Mother's Day. I had totally forgotten it was the next morning!

He gave me pretty purple flowers and my FAVORITE... Chocolate covered strawberries!! I had to stop myself from eating them all, and save some for actual Mother's Day today.

You must have loved them too because you were bouncing around in my belly all night.

Last night, I was talking to my mom, your grandma about when she was pregnant with me and she said I was "kicking kicking kicking" then her water broke! I'm not sure if babies can actually break your water by moving so much but you move so much that I sometimes wonder if you're just as excited to come out as I am to having you out!

My dreams about you have changed. I haven't had a dream about you being here lately, but me still being pregnant with you. I try SO HARD to imagine what you'll look like when you come out but I just can't picture it! It's so hard to imagine! I wonder if your eyes will be blue like your daddy's, or brown like mine. Or could it be possible they'll be a mixture, and be light brown?

Will you have hair?! I sure hope so! I want you to have lots and lots of curly hair! I had a lot of hair when I was born. I think hair makes girls look more girly. But it's ok if it takes awhile to come in, don't worry, you'll get it eventually. Then you'll have everyone telling you what EVERYONE tells me: "You have SO MUCH hair!!"

Will your skin be dark like mine, light like your dads or a mixture? But even if it is a mixture, will you be more on the lighter or darker side? I don't think other moms have as many variables to dream about as I do, so it's so hard to really think what you'll look like.

I kinda wish we had gotten the 3D ultrasound so I'd at least know what your face looks like, but your daddy says we'll be all the more surprised when you get here. I guess that's true, it'll be a great surprise to see what you look like for the first time!

We are 33 weeks this week! Going on 34. Just 4 more weeks until you're full term "done" as people as work keep saying: "it's done" and you'll be healthy enough to come out. Some people think you'll be born in July, not June, but can I ask you pretty please to come in June?! I really like June, it's half way from my birthday, halfway from Christmas (your due date is exactly the half way mark from then) and your birthstone will be pearl!

July... Well, July isn't so bad but I just have gotten use to the idea of June. Plus I REALLY want you to be born on the 23rd. So try for that ok? We'll have to step up our prenatal yoga a little bit and see if that helps any.

You may weigh about 4 pounds this week... FOUR pounds! Wow, you're growing fast! I'm waddling a lot more, and I can't help it. I try to stop waddling but then I'm sure I look even crazier for trying to hard NOT to waddle.

You're also probably about 17 inches long now, which is a pretty darn good length. I was long at birth... 22 inches!

Well, your mommy loves you baby girl. I can't wait to meet you in less than two months! So much to look forward to, and SO much to do before then! Don't worry, I'll be keeping myself busy in case you DO decide to show up in July.

Thanks for making this my first Mother's Day, and for being such a great baby already. Keep growing.

Love,

Mommy

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you Mamas, Mamas-to-be and Future Mama's out there! We're all mother's by design and I hope you enjoy this day!

Want to win the Prenatal Yoga DVD Spawnie and I use? It rocks! Just leave a comment letting me know and I'll draw a winner next week in my Letter to Spawnie! For more info follow @PrenatalYoga on twitter!

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Baby Girl... We've Made it to Month 8!

Dear LadyBug,

It's a little hard to believe, but we are now officially 8 months along. Every day I'm preparing for your arrival. Whether thinking about your birth day, organizing your room, or getting my rest now, it's all in preparation for you!

This week we made a milestone together... I felt your hiccups for the first time. I told your daddy to come feel them and he thought you were kicking. I told him I knew it was the hiccups because it was rhythmic and soft.

Some people say their baby's hiccups were uncomfortable but yours didn't bother me at all. In fact, I've felt them every day since and been so excited every time I feel them. I can feel what I think is your head jumping, and it feels lower than your feet so I think you're head down again! Or head sideways, I'm not sure. You really move a lot and I sometimes feel like you're just doing somersaults in there!

Every day I feel a little more anxious and way more excited about meeting you. There's so many little things I still want to get done, but mostly they're things I'm creating for myself to pass the time quicker before we meet.
I've also been thinking SO MUCH about the labor process lately that I'm starting to wonder if I'm over thinking it. The last thing I want to do is set myself up for disappointment and that take away from us meeting each other, but at the same time, I think knowledge is power, and your daddy and I will keep a good perspective on things, and we'll all be just fine.

I do sort of have a daily "to do" routine though. I listen to labor hypnosis and/or pregnancy affirmations in the morning while I also play a BabyPlus lesson for you. Then I try to write in my pregnancy journal as well. In the afternoon or evening after work I'll read some information in my Lamaze books about childbirth while you listen to another BabyPlus lesson, then your daddy and I practice the techniques we've learned in Lamaze class. It's crazy that it's so much stuff all leading up to just one day! It had better be good!

I am enjoying the fun stuff about preparing for that day. Making labor playlists, packing our hospital bag. I already have your "coming home" outfit packed, with matching socks and a hairbow!

I'm starting to get soooo much more tired, so exhausted, and walking really hurts my feet by the end of the night (they're swollen again). I still sleep really well though, partly cause I have a freaking awesome pregnancy pillow. I'm just getting up more to go to the bathroom.

I go to the doctor again on Tuesday and I'm excited to see if I'm still gaining weight. I'm sure I am because I feel bigger every day. You weigh about 3.75 pounds now and are gaining about half a pound a week right now, and you'll gain about a third of your total weight these next 7 weeks! You have toe nails, fingernails (which by the way according to that movie Juno, I thought you had at like six weeks) and hair! I hope you have lots of hair when you're born!Every day I think to myself and say to you dad: "Can you believe we're going to have a baby in a matter of WEEKS?" I don't think it's REALLY sunk in for either of us, but I know we're so excited or what's ahead.

Happy eight months my little princess, keep growing strong for us!

Love,

Mommy

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Little Girl, What Are You Doing in There?

Dear Daughter,

We are 31 weeks along today... That means there's just about 9 more weeks until you arrive! My mom had me a couple of weeks early, I wonder if that means you may be a little early. I had a long conversation with your grandma about all of her labors with your aunts. She had everyone pretty fast, she had me in about 12 hours with no epidural. 12 hours sounds like a long time but compared to other lengths I've heard it's not that bad.

I'm hoping you come on June 23rd. That's the day your daddy and I met, and it's exactly six months from our anniversary. I think it would be fun to celebrate your birthday on the anniversary from the day we met, and our half-year wedding anniversary! So try to plan for that ok?

I keep having dreams about you coming out WAY early, like now, and I was in a scramble cause we didn't get to take our Lamaze classes (they start on Tuesday!) and I didn't have my hospital bag packed, or my cute hospital gown. I know those aren't the important things, but I guess they're the things that show up in my dreams.

I also just had a dream you came out totally white with an alien-shaped head. I think it was a combination of writing about my "Aliens on Board" shirt and watching Independence Day last night.

We have your bed all set up, your bassinet, and your mattress in your crib, even your dresser has your night gowns already folded, and we have a bundle of diapers! I'm starting to feel MUCH more prepared! Now I can focus on the fun stuff and counting down until you arrive... OOH, maybe I'll make a paper chain, I LOVE paper chains!

Lately I've been wondering what the heck you're doing in my stomach. You are constantly moving, and I mean constantly! I'm suppose to do daily kick counts now and I have no problem counting you kick 10 times very quickly, even several times in a day! I wonder if you'll be this active when you get out. And I wonder what you're doing in there, dancing? Trying to get comfortable? You especially move a lot when I put the BabyPlus on. It's suppose to help you sleep better once you're born but with all the moving you do when you're listening to it I wonder if you'll actually just be wide awake and ready to play when you're born. I can't wait until you're big enough to play. I think at first you'll just want to eat and sleep a lot, which is great for pictures, but probably not the most entertaining. It's ok though, I'm sure I'll miss that stage as soon as you grow out of it, so I'll try to enjoy it.

Yesterday my friend Tara took some pictures of us. You were kicking then too of course, and spinning around. I've always been excited to take maternity photos. I can't wait to see more of the pictures she took. She's not only talented but she goes to our church, loves babies, blogs, AND photography! It was raining outside so we went to her house and made a fun little studio. I can't wait for you to meet her. She may even be at your birth! She takes great baby photos so you can bet you'll be growing up in front of a camera lens... Sorry. Notice the little line on my belly? It's called a Linea Negra. I didn't have one before I was pregnant but I hear some people develop it and it can go away. We debated editing it out but decided to keep it in the photos since it's a part of you!

I like taking pictures, mostly cause I like capturing the moment. Your dad... Not so much. I think it's a guy thing.

Last night I told him he'd better be all smiley and happy for our family photos cause those are very important to me! I'm hoping he'll be more excited to take pictures once you get here... We'll see.

You're about 3.3 pounds now (about the weight of four naval oranges), and about 16in long. You can turn your head from side to side, and you're plumping up with lots of fat now, yay!! And I guess it's normal that you move a lot at this time. If only I could catch you on camera... Hmm, That will be my mission this week!

Happy 31 weeks baby girl, keep growing for mommy, I can't wait to meet you!!

Love,

Mommy

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For more information about being 31 weeks pregnant check out Pregnancy Corner.

Want to get a BabyPlus for your little one on the way? Use coupon code "bpblogger1" to get $20 off!!- I was sent one to review after Spawnie is born.

Dear Daughter: I Look Like I Have Elephantitis

Dear LadyBug,

Wow, we've gotten bigger this week. Me especially. I feel myself waddling when I walk and I can't help it. I love penguins, always have, but I don't really enjoy FEELING like one.

I also have a bigger appetite now. I went to Chick-fil-a the other day, and got a meal, then about 15 minutes later I went back to get more fries and the guy in the window was like "You again?" I lied and told him it was for my husband. If only they could have seen my big belly, they wouldn't have asked questions!

You're ALWAYS dancing around in my belly. You are a very very active baby. I've heard that means you'll probably stay that way once you come out. You can see my stomach jump all of the time, last weekend people at work even saw you and all said "WOAH" at the same time when they could see you push up like an alien trying to get out. I still haven't gotten you on video camera yet, and there's only 10 more weeks to catch you!

Just 10 weeks, I can't believe how time has flown! You'll seriously be here before I know it. It's like a crazy world when I go into your room and look around at all of your things... Your bed, your clothes, your dresser and decorations. I've never made a room look so nice in all my life and it's all for you!

I had a little scare this week. One of my feet got REALLY swollen, but I decided not to worry about it unless it hadn't gone down the next morning... It always goes down.

Well, when I woke up my feet were still swollen, especially my right foot so I started to worry. I had a headache and my face was tingling, and I was worried it was swelling up too... All signs of a pregnancy disease called Preeclampsia.

See, your mom is a little paranoid, and basically after I hear about a disease I worry I have it. Your daddy kept telling me I was fine, but I still worried.

I called the nurse at my doctor's office and she said you were probably sitting on one of my veins or arteries wrong and that's why one of my feet was more swollen. I didn't tell her about my headache right away because I wasn't sure if it was really there or if it was paranoia, or if it was just there because I was stressing about having one.

I decided I'd check my blood pressure and if it was high I'd call back. I drove around to several different pharmacies looking for one of those in-house blood pressure machines, and I finally found one at my third stop at a CVS.

It was normal. I calmed down (after leaving your dad a voicemail in tears, which he heard later when I was in a better mood and laughed at me) and I'm feeling better now... Although my feet still look HUGE.

You're still growing well! You should be close to three pounds now, and about 15.7 inches long. Your eyesight is developing more now too.

You're dad and I were debating today what you'll look like. I think you're going to be along the darker shade-spectrum and look more like me, and your dad says you're probably going to look pretty white, though he'd love it if you were my complexion, he doubts that will happen. I guess we'll see soon enough. I'm sure we'll both be surprised, and most likely you'll be something in the middle.

Our baby shower is today! I'm excited to take lots of pictures and see all of our friends! It's my first Saturday off in almost a year, so I'm looking forward to it! You really are one loved little baby!

I was up late making TONS of hairbows (more than 60) for people who donated to March of Dimes on my blog before I found out I was pregnant with you, and luckily I had a couple extra so I stashed a couple for you! Surprisingly they aren't pink! But they're still cute!

I'm finally starting to feel prepared for you so I can relax for the remainder of my pregnancy and just wait for you, it's a nice feeling. There's still so much to do but I have a lot of big things out of the way, which is nice.

I know some people get so eager to get their baby out at the end, and I can't imagine feeling that way yet. I mean, I can imagine being eager and excited to meet you, but for the most part I enjoy being pregnant... Swollen feet and all.

Keep growing little one!

Love,

Mommy

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Talking Princesses With My Princess

My Little LadyBug,

Your room is really starting to come along. I got your dresser this week for a great bargain (that's how your mommy rolls) and I ordered your fabulous bedding. It should be ready for you in just a few weeks and I can't wait to put it up in your room. I think that's the most exciting part for me out of everything in your room... Getting your princess bed all ready for you, and getting the style I like... No matter how outrageous others will think it is.

Speaking of princess, there are some classic princess movies I think we'll have to watch together as you grow up. The Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and one of your dad's favorites... Princess Bride.

You'll find that your family is big on movie quotes, you'll fit in great if you catch on.

Last week we toured the hospital where you'll be born, we saw some newborns in the nursery and it was pretty crazy thinking we'll be meeting you there soon. I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time. I am just hoping everything goes smoothly with taking time off work, going into labor in an non-embarassing place (though I'm sure in the moment I won't really care where I am), getting to the hospital without you coming out in the car (a fear of mine with all of the traffic we have here) and of course getting you brought into this world safe and sound.

You're getting so much bigger. You now weigh about as much as a butternut squash and you're probably over 15 inches long from head to heel. Your muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and your head is growing bigger to make room for your developing brain.

I've been making sure I keep taking my vitamins cause you need more calcium now because you're bones are soaking up a lot. I don't like milk so I take a calcium supplement for you, and I try to eat yogurt and cheese throughout the day.

When we saw you on the ultrasound last week you were head down. My OB said you still have room to move around, but I think you're enjoying being head down. I saw your legs all stretched out like you were making yourself comfortable in there. That's my girl! Just be nice to my ribs ok? Sometimes I feel you stuck under them when I bend over and it gives me the weirdest feeling. You kick them sometimes too and that's not pleasant at all.

Guess what baby girl?! Our baby shower is this weekend! I ordered a dress online but I'm not sure it'll be here in time. I'm going to go to Ross today to look for another just incase. You can't ever have enough dresses anyway, especially in my condition. And you will know this first hand since you already have so many.

I can't wait to meet you baby girl! It's so hard to imagine what you're going to look like, every time I have dreams about you, you look different. I'm sure you'll look completely different when you come out too and that you're even more beautiful than I can imagine.

Keep growing baby girl!

Love you,

Mommy

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Dear Spawnie: You Have the Best Daddy

My Little Ladybug,

I want you to know just how good you have it. Your daddy is the best man in the world! You'll get to see for yourself when you get here, but trust me, he's already treating you like his little princess.
You and I are 28 weeks now, and in our LAST trimester (you can tell too cause I look exhausted in this photo!)! Because of that, you're a lot bigger now, and growing and growing more every day! Now in the morning when we get up your daddy likes to put his hand on my tummy and it never fails, you'll kick or swirl around for him. He talks to you sometimes too, and kisses you. I think it's going to be hard separating you two.

For Easter your daddy told me he had a present in mind for you. he got you your first set of golf clubs. Trust me, I had nothing to do with this idea! I do like the color choice he picked out though.You won't be able to play with them correctly for a few years but I suppose it'll make a nice chew toy for you at some point.

Your daddy and I have been setting things up in your room for you. He also helped me hang the curtains I made for you. Plus get this... When I got home from work the on Easter, he asked me if I wanted us to put up your crib this week, and I said "yes." Then he told me he had already started. I was SO surprised! VERY surprised. See, mommy likes to put together things, and that's just usually how we do things, but your daddy got it all out of the box and worked on it for hours without me! It made me teary-eyed because it was so sweet and such a surprise. Now we're on our way to having your bed ready!

I'm a little worried cause I'm getting more tired these days, I'm not sure how much longer I'll get in lots of nesting work. Just last week I had tons of energy, but like a switch I'm exhausted all of the time again. It's like I'm back where we started! I can't stay up late and get things ready for your room like I use to. But I'm also not as stressed about getting it all done. I feel like things are coming along well.
You aren't back where we started at all, we went to the doctor to get another ultrasound for you and guess what? YOU'RE STILL A GIRL!! We were a little worried about that for a moment but we got it confirmed again! You've also gotten A LOT bigger! You weigh about 2 pounds 13 ounces now! And I think you should measure about 14.8 inches from the top of your head to your heels. You can blink your eyes, which I saw you do! You also now sport eyelashes! I couldn't see them on the screen but I saw your cute nose and lips which look LIKE MINE!

With your eyesight developing, you may be able to see the light that filters in through my tummy. You're also developing your brain neurons and getting more baby fat! Oh, and speaking of that, I got you these new Baby Phat onesies! I can't wait to see you in them!

Your daddy and I are so excited about meeting you. This morning when I woke up he asked me what sport I think you'll play. I think it would be fun if you played basketball or volleyball. I think you'll be tall since we're both sorta tall. He wants you to play golf but I say that's too boring to watch. We don't mind what you do but I'd prefer you choose an entertaining sport ok? Or ballet! That's cool too!
We've also been talking about your baby blessing. I can't wait to hear the blessing your daddy gives you, I'm sure it will be great though. He's very excited to be having a little girl and so am I! We aren't rich by any means but one thing you won't be lacking is lots of love.

Keep growing our little princess.

Love,

Mommy

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