Dear Baby

Well little lady, we are so very blessed. 25 of our closest friends and family got together over the weekend to celebrate your life. Your Aunties Ali and Lindsey hosted the baby shower and added so many beautiful touches, it brought tears to my eyes. Each guest left you a "Wish" card that I will put in your baby book for us to look through together in a few years. We decorated onesies for you and I was spoiled with such generous gifts to help us prepare for your arrival. Your Aunt Lindsey also made you a time capsule box which everyone filled with story prompts for us to share with you when you are older. It was so fun reading through prompts about your papa and me from people who have known us throughout all stages of our lives. I can't wait to share those special memories with you someday.

I've been growing you for 32 weeks now, my love. This third trimester has been pretty great to us so far. I scored a 61 on my glucose screening which made our midwives very happy since they want to see a number below 150. We finished our birthing classes and loved our doula instructor so much that we decided to hire a doula for your birth. We begin interviewing women later this week.

Your movements are getting slower and more pronounced since you are now growing so rapidly. My belly is so big that your papa has to help me get my boots on and off. I still haven't had any heartburn to speak of so I'm thinking you won't have much hair when you come out. My milk cravings subsided in my second trimester and now my body just wants a lot of healthy protein. You and I go to the gym at least 3 times a week to use the elliptical and weights. I'm pretty sure you enjoy the movement because you are always very still while we are there. Frequent and consistent exercise has been crucial for my health during this pregnancy. I attribute that and a whole lot of praying to my relatively pain-free back during these past 8 months.  

We are working hard to get your room prepared. I made your curtains and last weekend we picked out your crib and dresser. I'm anxious to get all your clothes and goodies organized and put away so we can start hanging things on your walls and adding the finishing touches to your space. 

I wish I could express how much I already love you and how ready I am for this next stage of my life. I truly feel that I was made to be a mama and that you are our greatest gift. Your daddy feels the same way and has been so calm and steady throughout this process. Not once has he expressed any fear about becoming a father or having to give anything up when you get here. We know that you will enrich our lives more than either of us can fathom. 

As we tell you every night, keep growing healthy and strong, sweet girl. We can't wait to see your face. 

All my love,

Mama