18 Weeks Pregnant: I Can't Believe It

Dear Spawnie,

You are more than 18 weeks along now. It's really crazy how big you're getting and how quickly this is all going along. We're almost HALF WAY there!! Can you believe it?! I can feel you every day now. I really love it, sometimes you kick harder and longer than other times... Like when I'm at work and reading the news. I'm not sure if you really hate my voice or really like it but you kick a lot when I'm doing that. I laugh to myself when I think about what you must be thinking.

I can't help but wonder if you're strong cause of the vitamins I'm taking. I've been taking them since before I was pregnant with you so I could get my body to stock up on the goods for you. Maybe that's why I can feel you so much already.

Monday your daddy and I find out if you're our son or our daughter. We're very excited to know... Especially me. I can't wait to go out and buy you a little sporty outfit, or a dress. I think I'll go straight to the store after we find out to celebrate.

I already feel a little bad for your siblings after you. I'm so excited and I love you so much already I just feel like you feel complete our family! I hear the first pregnancy is the most exciting. It's hard to imagine being this excited every time. Don't tell your future brother or sisters how excited I am about you ok? They may get jealous!

You are on my mind ALL of the time now! I think about what you're doing, how you're feeling, what I've been feeding you, what you'll look like, how big you're getting, if you'll get here ok... It never ends! I'm just SO EXCITED to meet you and hug you and kiss you, and I can't believe you're actually MINE! It's really crazy to think about it. I love your daddy a lot and it's so cool thinking about you being exactly one half of me and one half your daddy. I hope you get his good looks.

Spawnie, I'm getting huge! I guess that means you are too, but more on that in a moment.

We already have plans for the three of us! Next year, when you're over a year old we want to take you to a football game... BYU vs UT. It's gonna be AWESOME. And we'll get you all dressed up in BYU gear. You need to watch the game if you're going to play it (assuming you're a boy).

You're about 5 inches long now, and you're flexing your joints more, you're also forming this weird skin stuff around you this week to keep you from getting all wrinkly while you're floating around in there.

You're making mommy have to go to the bathroom a lot, and I've been very faint when standing for a long time... I've blacked out twice at work in the past few weeks... But that's another story. The doctors say we're ok, I just need to drink more water and sit down when I feel the symptoms coming on. (Photo from Baby Center)

You're also taking up a lot more space in my stomach now. Last night my stomach was hurting REALLY BAD and I wasn't sure if it was because I was having Braxton Hicks contractions or if you've just pushed my stomach way up to my chest and it was hurting from all of the moving. When I took a picture of my stomach this week I noticed my bump got more stretched out, and it looks like I'm carrying you higher now. According to the wives tales that means you're a girl! We shall see in just 5 days!

I love you Spawnie, keep on growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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Question of the day: Did you feel like your stomach was squished up into your ribs? What did Braxton Hicks contractions feel like ot you and when did you get them?

19 Weeks and Mystery to be Revealed!

Dear Spawnie,

This may be one of the last times I address you as Spawnie. Maybe not. I kinda like the nickname and I think I'll keep calling you that after I know what you are.

I just wanted to give you a little talk before we go to the doctors TODAY! I'm going to be frank with you like I was frank with my Aunt Flow before you came along.

You're about 19 and a half weeks now... Your boy or girl parts should be showing very obviously. I've been studying ultrasound pictures myself lately and I've kinda got it down... Turtle head poking out=boy and three white lines= girl. The possible problem will come in if you decide to fall asleep in a bad position while we're doing the scan and we can't determine what you are.

This would be very bad Spawnie, because, you see... I have plans for us. Right after our appointment we're going to get you a new outfit and start shopping for some of your room decorations. I also am having a BIG PARTY the Tuesday where I plan to tell everyone what you are. This won't work if you hide. Not only that but your mommy will be very sad and crying a lot, but the doctors office will probably have to drag me out kicking and screaming.

I've heard drinking orange juice before helps get babies to move around a little. You're normally pretty active so I'm not too worried, I just worry that 2pm may be your nap time... Which can't happen tomorrow. But you also can't move around too much cause then we won't be able to tell!

I know there's a chance they can get it wrong, but I'm taking my chances. If they tell me one thing and you come out another that'll be a BIG SURPRISE and pretty dang funny if you ask me. That said... I still plan to take their word for it! I really don't mind either way what you are, I'm just ready and excited to KNOW!

Your sensory development is exploding now! Your brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Quite a few sites tell me that you may be able to hear my voice now, so I'm trying to sing to you sometimes, play music for you. I even bought an iPhone ap today with good prenatal lullabys to play for you. I also need to make a new playlist with church music, and soon I hope to start recording your daddy and mine's voice reading books to you and play them to you on our Lullabelly.

I also got you a BabyPlus which uses beats and rhythms that are suppose to help your learning skills. We shall see what this all does to you Spawnie! I dunno about you but I already think you're smart. I can feel it!

(photo from babycenter)

You weigh about 8 1/2 ounces now and measure 6 inches, head to bottom. Your arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of your body now. Oh and get this baby... Your hair on your scalp is sprouting! I had a dream two nights ago you were a German baby and you had blond hair and for some reason could only understand me if I spoke German. I'll have to tell you more about that later.But back to your task... Show yourself today. It's the one time I'll tell you not to be shy about your privates! See the pose the baby in this picture is doing? I'm sorry, it doesn't look very comfortable but that's the PERFECT place to be for us to see if you're a boy or girl. Listen to your mommy and do as I say!

Love,

Mommy

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Question of the day: What have you heard is good for getting a good ultrasound view of boy or girl parts? Foods to eat? Myths? I'll try it! Also, were you told results that were proven wrong at birth?

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20 Weeks Down 20 Weeks to Go!

Dear Spawnie,

We've made it! Can you believe it? We are to our half-way point! Not only that, but this week I found out you're my baby GIRL! I can't believe it. Partly because all of the tests seemed to think you were a boy and partly because it just seems to good to be true! I know boys aren't that bad but girls are just so much fun! I told myself if you were in fact a girl then I'd be in for it, cause you're one to go against the grain already. But you know what... That's a lot like your mommy!

Let me tell you something little girl... I want you to know you can be WHATEVER you want to be! You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a firefighter, a teacher, and you can be a mom too! As you're growing up you'll see all sorts of moms and women who do all sorts of things! I want you to know you can go for whatever you dream! I did, and I'm so happy I did. Especially since I'm finally going for my biggest dream, and that's to have you!When we went in this week for our ultrasound I was SO surprised to see you were a girl. Finding that out really made me the happiest mommy alive! It also makes all of this seem so much more real!

Your daddy bought you a dress that day and I got you one the next day. People tell us not to buy too many clothes and to stock up on things like diapers but it's so hard when dresses are the fun things. I'm not sure I'll ever buy you a pair of pants!

When we got your measurements you were looking nice and healthy! You kicked me quite a bit during the ultrasound too! I could see it and feel it at the same time! You were upside down, it didn't look very comfortable, you were really standing on your head! I was worried at first because your pictures didn't look like other pictures I've seen where they can clearly make out all of the body parts. At first it looked like you didn't have any arms! But you aren't armless! The tech pointed out your arms to us!
You look like you're weighing about 10 1/2 ounces now. You should be about 6 1/2 inches long now, or about the length of a banana. I can't remember what you measured to exactly during the ultrasound.

You're swallowing more now, which apparently is good for your digestive system.

There were a couple of things the doctor talked to us about concerning you. Number one, mommy is five months pregnant now and I've only gained about 3 pounds! You wouldn't think it looking at this picture though. You can even see my belly button sticking out through my shirt!

I don't get a lot of time to eat during the week when I'm working hard so I'm going to make a conscious effort to eat more this week. We also couldn't see the front of your face because of the way you were positioned so we'll be doing another ultrasound in three weeks to make sure you're looking nice and healthy there too... I'm sure you are! We also have to get more pictures of your umbilical cord.I'm already beginning to shop for you! I ordered you a princess book, and some other story books. I also got some butterflies to decorate your room with, and I'm looking for your crib bedding now! I can't wait to meet you my little daughter... Oh. And we decided on your name! I hope we don't change it, I like it! But I'm not telling anyone yet. I will tell you though that you and I will have the same initials! J.L.!

Love you baby girl, keep growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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Question of the day: Did you ultrasound pictures confuse you too or did your baby look more like a baby at 20 weeks?

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21 Weeks Pregnant With a Dancing Baby

Dear Daughter,

I had a dream about you last night. It seemed so real. I was holding you, staring into your beautiful big hazel eyes, adoring your caramel skin and head full of fluffy hair. I was kissing your sweet cheeks.

I woke up feeling so sad at the realization that you weren't here with me, my eyes still water every time I think about that dream and the love I feel for you already. But then I pat my big belly and know that it won't be long before we meet face to face. It all feels so much more real now, so much stronger. I'm ACTUALLY having a baby... You, my baby girl, my daughter! Daughter... I can't get use to that word. Just about every day I've bought something else for you. I'm thinking more seriously about how I want you to come into the world. I didn't think I cared that much before, so long as you're healthy, but I'd really like it to be a pleasant experience if possible, and I'd like to be able to play with you shortly after if you're up for it. By playing I mean dress up, I have so many things I want you to try on. You are going to be my little baby doll.

Babydoll... Hmm, maybe that will be the new nickname I call you. Your father says I don't have to call you Spawnie anymore since we know you're a girl but I can't help it sometimes.

I feel you every day. Usually in the evening, or during the day when we're using your BabyPlus. I'm not sure if you love it or hate it but I know you love to move around when that thing is on!

You also seem to like to dance around when I'm playing music. Earlier this week I hadn't felt you move yet that day and I started playing the song "Daughters" by John Mayer and you started kicking a lot. Sometimes you used to feel like flutters but now I can feel your big kicks!
You now weigh about three-quarters of a pound and are about 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot! In other developments, your eyebrows and lids are now developed, and if you're lady parts are also developing!

I'm soooooo so so excited to meet you. Some days I wake up worried I've been dreaming it all. This really does all feel too good to be true. And I give thanks in my prayers every day to be so blessed to be having you.

Every day when I look at your daddy and Snoop I picture you joining us in a matter of months and my heart just melts from the excitement and joy. I know there will be hard times with lack of sleep and lots of tears. I know there will be times when we're both crying, I'm sure if it. But I know that it will all be worth it, and that we're all going to make a great team!

Keep growing little girl!

I love you with all my heart,

Mommy

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Still Alive! At 22 Weeks Pregnant

My dear little LadyBug,

This past week was a pretty difficult week for us. Definitely the most difficult so far. I think part of it is my hormones are magnifying the stress I was already feeling. Then I got sick. I went to the Dr's office to see if you were ok because I just didn't feel right. My stomach hurt and I wasn't sure if I was having contractions. When we went in they checked your heartbeat and you were swimming around, so it was hard for the midwife to keep track, but you were doing just fine! Sure enough it was just a stomach bug and I threw up a bunch. I guess it was payback since I didn't have much morning sickness.

The next day I was really weak because I hadn't been eating anything the day before, but I had to go into work for a couple of hours. It ended up being a scary day later when I passed out at the store. I didn't fall on you or hit my head though, so I was grateful for that. And since then I've been doing SO much better!

I'm trying to get used to having a bigger belly now. I was so excited to have my tummy grow and grow and grow but the bigger I get now, the more I realize it's not the most comfortable predicament. It's nothing to really complain about, but I notice it's harder to get my socks and shoes on, and it takes quite a bit of effort to pick things up on the floor. It's also weird but I feel like I'm always full because my stomach is so stretched out. Now's the time I need to remember that stretch mark cream!

My back also hurts a little more now that my weight is shifting. I know I need to improve my posture, and I think prenatal yoga will help too. I'm just a little worried to think about how it's going to get over the next several months! ... I try not to think about it too much right now.

On to the good news now...
Your daddy says he'll help me put my socks and shoes on when I can't do it anymore. You have a really good dad. Just wait until you meet him! In the mornings when we wake up, and at night when I come home he rubs on my belly and tries to feel you kicking. You've been kicking a lot harder this week, I even noticed you kicking hard enough so I could see my skin bounce up! I put a cell phone over you on my stomach and you kicked it off! I tried to get it on video tape but you of course, stopped just in time.

I love feeling you move around in there. Sometimes if I think too hard about it it seems strange, but it's really comforting knowing you're ok!

Oh my goodness Babydoll, I got the CUTEST outfits for you this week. I've stopped shopping for awhile now but I have over 20 dresses for you already ranging up to 1 yr old. So don't you worry girl, you're going to be STYLING!

I also just learned how to make you tutus and now I'm OBSESSED! I've decided I'm going to make you tutus to match Snoop (that's your dog)'s dog collars, and we're all going to go out on walks together and trips to Petsmart and MATCH! I'm excited because it gives me an excuse to stop ignoring Snoop and make him some new stuff too! I think I've spent a little bit too much money on tulle for the tutus this week, but at least I know you'll have one for every season.

I'm also making good progress on your mobile. I think I'll be finishing it this week! I'm a little worried because I have so many ideas for your room and so many things I'm already planning to put in there, I wonder how it'll all come together. I'm not a good decorator, and I'm sure you won't mind either way but I really want it to be pretty for you!

I started reading books to you this week. I read you two Dr. Seuss books I liked from when I was a kid. I'm hoping to keep the tradition up, and read to you every night after you're born! I want you to love books like your mommy does!

(photo courtesy of BabyCenter)

I couldn't believe how big you look now when I look at this picture for this week. You're about 11 inches and almost 1 pound.

You're starting to look like a miniature newborn. Your lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and you're even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. Your eyes have formed, but your irises don't have color yet. When they do I wonder what color they'll be! I have dark brown eyes and your daddy has blue eyes. Inside your belly, your pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
I get to see you today for another ultrasound to check on your face and umbilical cord so hopefully I'll see how long and big you are too! I'm excited and hoping you're in a better position for pictures this time because I want to update the photo on my desk and another frame we have at home. I'm a little sad because this will be the first appointment your daddy can't come to (he has to work). So it'll be just you and me. You'll have to behave and pose pretty for pictures so I can show your daddy when we get home!

I love you baby girl. Keep growing strong!


Love,

Mommy

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I Can't Believe I'm 23 Weeks!

Dear Baby Girl,

I can't believe I'm already more than 23 weeks pregnant and that I'm going to meet you in a little more than 16 weeks. It's really quite crazy when I think about it. I'm trying so hard to get everything organized before you get here. It's not as easy as it looks because number one, I work a lot... A lot, a lot. During my free time I usually want to make you something for your room or try to set something up for you but I usually get so tired that it it takes me weeks to do something that would normally take hours.

I know people say having a baby is so hard and so time consuming and can be so stressful, but to be honest I kind of look forward to things slowing down once you get here. Sure, we'll be up together a lot around the clock, but I think it will be nice to just focus on you for a little while and not have a million other things running through my head. Like right now for instance... I'm thinking about waking up in less than 7 hours to go to work and thinking about what I'm going to be covering. I'm thinking about a post I need to write for another blog that I have, and I'm thinking about a half-dozen emails I need to respond to. Also in the back of my mind is finishing making what started as 90 hair bows for people who donated to March of Dimes just before I found out I was pregnant with you.

Your mommy is one busy lady! One BIG busy lady... I use to be so excited to get all big and fat with pregnancy but I'm really starting to feel like I'd be happy if I stayed about where I am now. I can't believe my stomach will probably more than DOUBLE in size!

Of course, in my business I'm always thinking about you, and what you're doing in there, and how you're feeling, and if I'm eating right, and if you're going to get here safely. I also am thinking about where I'm going to put all of your clothes!! We really need to get you a dresser because I think you already have more clothes than your daddy. Mommy's not the only one shopping for you anymore either. Your grandma sent a box of cute stuff for you and your daddy is already scoping out pink sports attire for you. He says he's rather buy it for you once you get here though.

This week I know your sense of movement is well developed by now, you can feel me dance around, and believe it or not I do that from time to time. Probably more so now that I know you can sense it. You should now be more than 11 inches long and weigh just over a pound. I can even see you squirm underneath my clothes.

(photo from Baby Center)

Blood vessels in your lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. Your ears are getting better and better now too. You can hear Snoop barking and it probably won't bother you once you're born! If it does though we'll understand cause he doesn't bark often, and when he does it kinda scares us all.

Speaking of Snoop, he LOVES to lay by you. He curls up right on my lap next to you. You even kicked him this week! He didn't seem to notice... Or mind.

I've noticed this week I've started to worry more about you when I notice you haven't moved for a little while. You usually always are moving when I first wake up so when you don't I worry a little. I guess I'm just going through a worry phase. I hope it doesn't last for long cause I'm usually not a pessimist. I just want so badly for you to get here safely and I've heard so many sad stories that make me nervous sometimes.

I'm so grateful for you and grateful to be having you little girl! Keep growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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6 Months Down 4 Months to Go!

Dear Baby Girl,

I can't believe it but I'm less than 4 months away from meeting you. I thought I'd let you know in this letter how much you are changing my life already.

I was into writing and spending time online and blogging... Things like that. Now All I want to do is make things for you, and get ready for you to get here. I said I'd never make my own clothes for my child but I've already made you a little dress. I said I wouldn't want to be a stay at home mommy but I'm so looking forward to having three months off from work to get to know you! People tell me once you see your baby you never want to leave their side. That's not hard for me to believe since I already feel so attached to you.

I never thought breastfeeding was a big deal since I wasn't breastfed but since I'm having you I've been reading and watching so much about everything and I definitely want to try to breastfeed for a year!

You're growing a lot, and so am I! My uterus is about the size of a soccer ball now! That's a little hard to believe as I don't feel like I'm THAT big yet. This week I discovered I've developed cankles. They aren't very attractive but somehow I feel like it's a neat sign that you're growing and I'm earning my war scars.I'm so in tune with you now that it's a little scary when I don't feel you for a little while. I've realized though that the more I move around the more you stay put and sleep. You like to kick and move around when I'm resting or trying to sleep.

Your growing steadily, and you've gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts you at just over a pound! Since you're almost a foot long you are pretty skinny right now. I thought of getting a 3D ultrasound to see your pretty little face but I think we may wait another month or two. But then again at that point we'll only be a few months away from meeting you so I may just wait to see you then.
Your body is filling out proportionally now though and you'll soon start to plump up. Your brain is also growing quickly now, and your taste buds are continuing to develop. Your lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help your air sacs inflate once you hit the outside world. Your skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

I've heard of a few people who have had their babies this young and they survived. You NEED to cook for another 4 months but I'm happy to know that you're getting stronger and stronger.

I also have a really bad shopping problem. I mean... it was bad before I was pregnant. Then I didn't shop for awhile because I wanted to save to spend some money on you and now I can't remember the last time I bought something for myself. And you... You already have 30 DRESSES! (Here's the inventory). Don't worry though, I'd much rather you be wearing cute things than me, and it's much more fun shopping for you.

Keep growing little one so you can fit in your stuff!

Love,

Mommy

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Spawnie, We're Showing to the World Now!

Dear Baby Girl,

We are both so big now that we're obviously showing. I was at Lowe's last week and a man asked me how far along I was, and yesterday a woman stopped me on the street... Recognizing me from work, and said "I didn't know you were pregnant, you look great!" It was a nice compliment, but a little strange to me since I didn't realize how "out there" we are! A few more people today asked me when I was due too. I guess I'm finally feeling "officially pregnant."

You're kicking harder and harder now every day! Sometimes you even startle me with your kicking. I've been trying to get it on camera but you always stop kicking when I start recording you stubborn girl you!!

I'm still having fun making you things. Your tutu count is up to 4 and I'm going to make you ladybug wings next week!

We have a gestational diabetes test on Monday so we'll see if I'm going to need to change my diet much. I think I've been eating well for the most part so I'm hoping it turns out ok.

We're also suppose to get another ultrasound of you since we didn't get one last time, to get a better shot of your face and umbilical cord. I hope we get to do that Monday, and I'm kinda wanting to check and make sure you're still a girl. I've had this fear that you'd come out as a boy and have all of these dresses!

If we don't get an ultrasound at the doctor's office I'm thinking we may go get a 3D one. They seem kind of cool and I'd love to see better what you look like! I'll have to double check how far along they recommend you be again but I think I'm about in that good time range. You just won't be as chubby as you'll be once you're born.

Growing wise you measure about 13 1/2 inches. Your weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but you're beginning to exchange your long, lean look for some baby fat. As you do, your wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and you'll start to look more and more like a newborn. You also should be growing more hair — and if I could see it, I'd now be able to discern its color and texture. I think you're going to have dark curly hair!

Like I mentioned before, I'm quite obviously pregnant now. I have a big round belly, though other parts of my body haven't filled out as much as I thought. My pre-pregnancy size 4 jeans still fit (cause they're low-rise) and most of my other things fit well with a bellaband.

Sleeping has gotten more difficult but I have the BEST pregnancy pillow to help with that, and I'm sleeping much better with that... I just am having more frequent bathroom breaks at night.

Overall I'm feeling well. I can tell my hormones are controlling my emotions a little more. Your daddy has been the sweetest man alive! He helps me so much, but the smallest things someone says or does can set me off and make me cry. Or if I'm angry about something it's completely magnified and I can get overly emotional.

I'm trying to get better at that. I want to go to prenatal yoga again this next Tuesday. If not, I REALLY need to start using my prenatal YOGA dvds (haha, I had "yoda" before... preggo brain). I think exercising more and yoga will help balance out my stress and emotions.

You don't stress me out though. I haven't been worried about taking care of you at all. I feel very confidant about that! It just all of the stuff I'd like to do to prepare for you that gets me a little worked up sometimes. But once you get here, it's gonna be all about you!!

Sleep well little one! Keep growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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Dear Spawnie: You're Always on My Mind

Dear Daughter,

You're on my mind constantly. If I'm not wondering how you're doing I'm wondering what you'll be like if you're born. If you'll look more like me or your daddy. If you'll sleep well at night. If people exaggerate about how hard it all is, or if I'll think it's much more difficult.

Sometimes I'm so scared that you're going to be here in less than 14 weeks, there's still so much to do in what feels like so little time! But sometimes I'm just so eager and excited to meet you that I wish you were here now.

Not long ago I debated if I was ready to have you. It felt like it was the right time, I felt confidant about my decision to move forward with trying to get pregnant with you, but I still was so afraid of going down a road that I couldn't turn back from.

I'm on the road now that I was terrified to travel on. Sometimes it is scary knowing that this is a lifetime commitment, but deep down I think you're a part of me that's been missing all along. I thought I knew myself, knew who I was, knew who I wanted to be. But every day that passes by now, every day you grow bigger and stronger in my belly I dream about my future with you, our future as a family, all of us, and it just feels right.

I was reading some stories today online about women who lost their children when they were just babies. It made me so sad. It's so hard for me to imagine not thanking God for you every day knowing how blessed we are to have you. How blessed we are to be healthy, and to have so many things to give to you.

I pray every day that I can remember to give gratitude and enjoy every moment, good and bad, because they're moments not everyone gets to experience.

There are things I do when I'm excited about something. One thing I like to do is complete a task every day that's preparing me for what I'm excited for. Every day I've been making, or buying or writing something for you. I have a journal I'm trying to fill out and I hope to give it to you one day. I think I'm done buying you clothes. You have lots of socks, and dresses, and I think I'll keep making things like tutus and dresses, but I'm done buying them. I've got to worry about the bigger things like your car seat, and a dresser FOR all of your clothing!

Speaking of clothing, I'm starting to bust out of mine now. I'm getting quite big... At least my belly is. My pants are getting harder to button and although I love my Bellaband I'm beginning to wonder if I should invest in at least one pair of maternity pants. I've gained about 11 pounds total so far, so I'm about back up to the weight I'm suppose to be at I think, which is good.

You started to kick me in strange places this week. At one point I was beginning to think you were getting ready to come out but luckily I heard kicks in that region are normal.

(photo from BabyCenter)

Your nerves in your ears are better developed and more sensitive than before. Now, you can probably me and daddy talking. You're also inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of your lungs. These breathing movements are also good practice for when you're born and take that first gulp of air. You're also continuing to put on baby fat. You now weigh about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches. I'm still debating seeing you in 3D. Your daddy says we should just wait until you get here to see you but I'm kinda curious what you'd look like in 3D before you're born! We didn't get to have an ultrasound last week like I thought, but we'll get one at the next appointment for sure! Finally we'll get to double check and make sure you're still a girl! If not... Sorry about all of the pink.

Keep growing my little princess! Meet you in a few months!

Love,

Mommy

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My Little Ladybug, We're in For Some Good Times

Dear Ladybug,

Time is flying by now. I feel like just a few weeks ago I was writing my first letter to you, now I'm already more than two thirds of the way through meeting you.

Sometimes it doesn't even feel like you're real. I feel you kicking and moving but it doesn't always sink in that a person--You--are really in there.

But you are. And you weigh almost 2 pounds and are about 14 1/2 inches long with your legs extended. You're sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing your eyes, and maybe even sucking your fingers.

You aren't even close to full term but if you were born now your lungs would be develped, and with help you'd be ok! Don't try anything crazy though, keep cooking!

I've noticed this week some tiny rhythmic movements of yours, not as strong as your kicking, so I think they're your hiccups. It's really cute. I'm still trying to get you moving around on camera! It's a treasure I hope to preserve.

(photo by Baby Center)

When I see little newborn babies I get all teary-eyed thinking about what you'll be like. Thinking that I'm ACTUALLY going to have a child, a daughter. It's hard to wrap my brain around.

I hope I'm a good mom. I hope I can teach you the important things in life and that we'll have a good relationship. It's hard for me to think about you and how I want to raise you without imagining you being in my shoes 24 years from now.

Time flies little one. It seems like I was a little girl not too long ago and now I'm having my own! I don't even want to think about the next 25 years going by as fast! It's scary thinking about being the mother of a teenager, or eventually another adult. But I can't dwell on it that way. I should really just slow down and take things day by day.

I do want to tell you though that I know we'll run into some hard times. Everyone does. But we'll get through them. There may be times I wonder why I chose to become a mom when I did, but know that I feel so sure about you coming at the right time. This is right!

I'm afraid there will be times I have no idea what I'm doing... Like today when I was making the curtains for your room. But that's ok, we'll learn and grow together.

I love you baby girl. And I'm so excited to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

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A word from a sponsor: For more on being 27 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

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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For more on being 28 weeks pregnant visit our sponsor: Pregnancy Corner.

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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A word from a sponsor: For more on being 29 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

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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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Word from a sponsor: Check out more about being 30 weeks pregnant by visiting Pregnancy Corner.

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.

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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Word from a sponsor: To learn more about being 32 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner!

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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A word from a sponsor: To learn more about being 33 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.