Love

Friday, December 27, 2013 Dear Asher- This week alone you have changed dramatically. We have had a lot of issues with your latch but you continue to eat really well and we will figure it out. You are so sweet, tender, and calm. It's such a dramatic difference from what we got used to with your brother that we spent the first few days worried there was something wrong--you are such a good little baby! You make this parenting thing easy. Keep making those adorable faces, I want to freeze frame you constantly. We are so in love with you! Love, Monma

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 39 Weeks Sweet pea- This week has been hard.  My hormones have been all over the place which usually means you're growing, so good for you and sorry about all the crying on my end.  This back pain is debilitating and it is hard to overcome most days.  I try to take it easy but sometimes it is just not possible; not when there are so many things I wanted to do before you arrive.  Suddenly it became really hard to imagine the changes that are going to take place once you get here; I was feeling a lot of guilt and anxiety both all at the same time which is strange.  You are going to brighten our lives so much I know that every moment will be worth it, every struggle and adjustment will be something we will eventually look past.  But wow, you will be here so soon. My body seems so ready and I know once you are here I will never be able to imagine the world without you ever again.  It is just how motherhood works; amazing and te...

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 38 Weeks Sweet Pea- Oh darlin', this week has been really hard.  I started having debilitating back pain that has left me laying on the floor in tears multiple times.  I also seem to be unable to do much during the day without it hitting again, so I have had to drastically slow down everything I do.  There were so many things left on my list that I have just had to prioritize based on what I will be able to handle until you arrive.  We had a crazy, freak ice storm for most of the week that locked us all in the house.  It was kind of nice to have all that time as a family before things change all over again.  All the Christmas things are around the house and it is hard to believe you will be here to be a part of the holiday with us.  Keep baking and fattening up in there; those tiny little feet are sure staying active so keep it up. Love, Mommy Likes Citrus Banana Bread Mango

Back when I was packing my bags for Lloyd I remember scouring the internet for ideas on things we should/needed to bring and the "checklists" being incredibly unhelpful.  Not to mention, woefully incomplete! Even then there were things I wanted to add or subtract from my list this time, so I figured I'd write them down again.  For reference, here is the blog post from way back when with Lloyd . Labor Bag iPod and speakers --and remember to put batteries in it this time, #facepalm. Cell Phone Charger s--for you and your coaches Mouthwash --the moisturizing kind, and not the small sample bottle because if you are a barfer (like moi) you'll need it a lot.  Sigh. Toothbrush and toothpaste for both of you --because nothing is more annoying than your spouses dirty breath in your face during pushing. Butter socks --just trust me Hair ties, hair clips, and hair bands --you don't know what you'll want. Camera battery charger and camera Pretty pillow case --for the pill...

Wednesday, November 4, 2013 37 Weeks Dear Sweet Pea- My goodness this week has been a whirlwind.  It started off great with Thanksgiving until I poisoned us and we ended up severely ill and in OB triage for fluids the next day to keep you nice and safe.  I spent the rest of the week resting up and finishing projects around the house.  It finally hit me that you will be here in sheer days and I need to finalize all the things I want before you arrive.  Why it has taken this long for that to occur to me is odd, I know.  Also, heartburn and feet swelling both turned up this week hardcore--yikes.  We also started going weekly to the doctor but I have barely started to dilate and you're still pretty high up.  Which is fine!  I need these extra days to finish your wall decorations and rest before you have me up all night with feedings.  I am so looking forward to breastfeeding, it is such a magical experience.  Keep baking, we will hold you so...

This is a bizarre month to be pregnant. There is so much to do and so much I want to enjoy with Lloyd. Yet every day we tick closer to the date we all decided to "strongly encourage" this baby to come out. It seems so odd to know his birthdate this time around, after spending a month dilated with prodromal labor with Lloyd thinking "is today the day?" every time I woke up. Then waiting an additional week and having to be induced. The mind game was awful.  This time I have this odd knowledge ingrained into me that I won't go into labor this time either. Call it experience, or family history (there's never been an early kid in my family. Ever), or hopeful premonition. But the count down is still official now. Weeks. Days. The absolute end to this pregnancy; the date we get to finally hold our miracle boy safely in this world. The sweet relief and beauty that comes with delivery.  The decision to encourage this baby out wasn't easy. I won't have pitocin...