Dear Baby Batts,
Six weeks! Grow, baby, grow!
Ms. Linda and I went swimming last night and as I paddled back and forth down the lanes, I prayed for you: that you'd continue to grow strong and healthy; that you would be safe. There was a young family there with two little kids - one was just a baby - and they were playing in the water together, having such a good time. I am excited to do that with you one day, little one.
Arms and legs are starting to grow; your spinal cord is closing off; your heart is beating like crazy. I can't wait to hear it next week and know that you are doing well in the secret place.
I was so stressed out yesterday - one thing after another happened and Satan tried to steal my joy. I hope you didn't feel that. I'm exhausted today and felt nauseous earlier. I've been so thirsty. But baby, I'd do anything for you.
Memaw and I went shopping on Saturday for a friend who just had a baby. The little clothes were so cute and I'm excited to pick some new things out just for you. Your daddy and I drew a onesie for you already: it has mountains on it and says "Adventurer" underneath.
Our adventures next spring will be so delightful. Hiking. Camping. Playing music. Riding in the Jeep. I can't wait to introduce the world to you.
I love you, sweet one. Keep on growing!
Mama
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
5 Weeks, 5 Days
Dear Baby Batts,
What a weekend we had with you, little one!
On Saturday, we called your daddy's parents to tell them all about you - they were so excited. Your Grandma was smiling and beside her self with delight: we could tell in her voice, even from thousands of miles away. Your Grandpa was, too. They talked about us going down to Alabama in June for Aunt Mandy's wedding and how they can't wait to see us (all three of us!).
We also told Pastor Tom and Ms. Linda about you over ice cream at Cold Stone. I said to Ms. Linda, "You've been like a mama to me... how would you like to be like a Grandma to someone new in November?" She looked at me with shock on her face, started trembling, and gave us countless hugs. She told people in Cold Stone, "I'm going to be a Grandma!" Pastor Tom just kept nodding his head and saying how great it was. On Sunday, Ms. Linda told us that Pastor Tom sang out loud the whole drive home, he was so excited for us.
You're causing quite the stir already, baby!
On Sunday, your daddy and I were in bed by 9:00pm... then spent an hour and a half watching YouTube videos about your development. By six weeks (tomorrow!!) you'll be growing strong arms and legs; your spinal cord will be closed off; your little heart will be beating; and your brain starts working! Keep growing, babe!
We see the doctor next Wednesday... when you are seven weeks and one day old. I want to hear your heartbeat and I know it will be the sweetest sound ever.
Oh little one - we pray for you constantly and it's so special to us to know that the couples most dear to our hearts are praying for you, too.
We love you.
Mama
What a weekend we had with you, little one!
On Saturday, we called your daddy's parents to tell them all about you - they were so excited. Your Grandma was smiling and beside her self with delight: we could tell in her voice, even from thousands of miles away. Your Grandpa was, too. They talked about us going down to Alabama in June for Aunt Mandy's wedding and how they can't wait to see us (all three of us!).
We also told Pastor Tom and Ms. Linda about you over ice cream at Cold Stone. I said to Ms. Linda, "You've been like a mama to me... how would you like to be like a Grandma to someone new in November?" She looked at me with shock on her face, started trembling, and gave us countless hugs. She told people in Cold Stone, "I'm going to be a Grandma!" Pastor Tom just kept nodding his head and saying how great it was. On Sunday, Ms. Linda told us that Pastor Tom sang out loud the whole drive home, he was so excited for us.
You're causing quite the stir already, baby!
On Sunday, your daddy and I were in bed by 9:00pm... then spent an hour and a half watching YouTube videos about your development. By six weeks (tomorrow!!) you'll be growing strong arms and legs; your spinal cord will be closed off; your little heart will be beating; and your brain starts working! Keep growing, babe!
We see the doctor next Wednesday... when you are seven weeks and one day old. I want to hear your heartbeat and I know it will be the sweetest sound ever.
Oh little one - we pray for you constantly and it's so special to us to know that the couples most dear to our hearts are praying for you, too.
We love you.
Mama
Friday, March 27, 2015
5 Weeks, 2 Days
Dear Baby Batts,
Last night we gave Memaw and Papa their presents. Papa has been sick, so we told him it was a "get better" present. When he read the "Papa's Bug out Bag for Baby Batts" he stopped before he reached the end and exclaimed, "Are you guys having a baby, too?!" and he started laughing. Memaw pointed her finger at me and said, "I knew it!!" Then they both laughed and smiled and jumped up and gave us hugs and asked questions and we were all so excited for you, little one.
They are praying for you, too.
Memaw reminded me that you are going to take all the nutrients you need, even if that means having to take them from my body itself, and not just from what I eat. That's fine, little one - you take what you need and I'll replenish. But that means that I have to be eating lots of protein, fruits, veggies, dairy, etc. I'm trying to eat healthy and workout more so that you and I both grow strong and ready for this adventure.
Memaw and Papa were NOT happy that we asked them to wait a couple weeks before telling anyone. We want to go to the doctor and make sure you're doing what you need to before we start shouting from the rooftop.
On Sunday, we are telling Pastor Tom and Ms. Linda. Then we are calling your daddy's parents. I can't wait to hear their reactions, too.
Oh little babe, you are going to be so loved. You already are... especially by me.
Love,
Mama
Last night we gave Memaw and Papa their presents. Papa has been sick, so we told him it was a "get better" present. When he read the "Papa's Bug out Bag for Baby Batts" he stopped before he reached the end and exclaimed, "Are you guys having a baby, too?!" and he started laughing. Memaw pointed her finger at me and said, "I knew it!!" Then they both laughed and smiled and jumped up and gave us hugs and asked questions and we were all so excited for you, little one.
They are praying for you, too.
Memaw reminded me that you are going to take all the nutrients you need, even if that means having to take them from my body itself, and not just from what I eat. That's fine, little one - you take what you need and I'll replenish. But that means that I have to be eating lots of protein, fruits, veggies, dairy, etc. I'm trying to eat healthy and workout more so that you and I both grow strong and ready for this adventure.
Memaw and Papa were NOT happy that we asked them to wait a couple weeks before telling anyone. We want to go to the doctor and make sure you're doing what you need to before we start shouting from the rooftop.
On Sunday, we are telling Pastor Tom and Ms. Linda. Then we are calling your daddy's parents. I can't wait to hear their reactions, too.
Oh little babe, you are going to be so loved. You already are... especially by me.
Love,
Mama
Thursday, March 26, 2015
5 Weeks, 1 Day
Dear Baby Batts,
I had my first (of many, I'm sure) pregnancy dream last night. I dreamt that when you were only 5 months old, you told me you didn't like the taste of my breast milk. In my dream, I said, "I've been eating so many fruits and veggies! What do you mean?!" and then you asked for your mama. I was so sad and taken aback that you thought I wasn't your mama and you wanted someone else.
Tonight we get to tell Memaw and Papa that you are coming! We have little gift bags for each of them to break the news. Memaw gets a "Care Kit for Baby Batts" that has a picture frame, two little books, diapers, wipes, a pacifier, a stuffed animal, onesies that we decorated the other night, and some little pants. Papa gets a "Bug-Out-Bag for Baby Batts" that includes diapers, wipes, onesies, some little pants, food, spoons, and a toy. We tried to think about what Papa would need to care for you in a bug-out-bag and what Memaw would want to pamper you a little bit. These grandparents are going to dote on you so hardcore, little baby.
Oh, baby - it is so exciting to see God's faithfulness in our lives right now. We are praying that He knits you together to be strong and healthy. That the strands he uses to create you will hold fast.
In my Wednesday night Bible study, we've been studying attributes of God: God as the Creator, God as All-Seeing, and God as Leader. It is amazing to me that, as we are studying this, He is creating you; He is the only one who can see you right now; and He is leading us to care for you the best we can. I praise Him for being so good to His children!!
We love you to the moon, dear one. Grow, baby, grow!
Love,
Mama
I had my first (of many, I'm sure) pregnancy dream last night. I dreamt that when you were only 5 months old, you told me you didn't like the taste of my breast milk. In my dream, I said, "I've been eating so many fruits and veggies! What do you mean?!" and then you asked for your mama. I was so sad and taken aback that you thought I wasn't your mama and you wanted someone else.
Tonight we get to tell Memaw and Papa that you are coming! We have little gift bags for each of them to break the news. Memaw gets a "Care Kit for Baby Batts" that has a picture frame, two little books, diapers, wipes, a pacifier, a stuffed animal, onesies that we decorated the other night, and some little pants. Papa gets a "Bug-Out-Bag for Baby Batts" that includes diapers, wipes, onesies, some little pants, food, spoons, and a toy. We tried to think about what Papa would need to care for you in a bug-out-bag and what Memaw would want to pamper you a little bit. These grandparents are going to dote on you so hardcore, little baby.
Oh, baby - it is so exciting to see God's faithfulness in our lives right now. We are praying that He knits you together to be strong and healthy. That the strands he uses to create you will hold fast.
In my Wednesday night Bible study, we've been studying attributes of God: God as the Creator, God as All-Seeing, and God as Leader. It is amazing to me that, as we are studying this, He is creating you; He is the only one who can see you right now; and He is leading us to care for you the best we can. I praise Him for being so good to His children!!
We love you to the moon, dear one. Grow, baby, grow!
Love,
Mama
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
4 Weeks, 6 Days
Dear Baby Batts,
I called and made appointments for your pre-natal care today! Our first one is Monday, April 6 at 3:30pm. We'll meet with a nurse in preparation for our appointment on Wednesday, April 8th with a doctor. Actually, we are meeting on Wednesday with a mid-wife (Donna). I'm not sure what route we'll go for your arrival into this world, but we gotta start somewhere, baby!
I've also made an appointment with the HR Director at my work for next Monday so that I can chat with her about what to expect at work. I'll probably have a whole slew of questions by then about insurance, my right to work, my boss's expectations, right to privacy, etc.
All day, I've just been thinking, "Grow, baby, grow!" and praying that you are doing what you need to inside of me. I love the secret of knowing you are there. It's a secret shared with just your daddy and our Lord and Savior.
Today, your daddy said that he thinks you're a girl... but at this point, I just want you to grow strong and healthy. We did talk about names last night though... you may be a Viola or a James by the end of the year.
Your daddy and I have date night every Tuesday and Thursday. So tonight, we are going to buy items to go in "Papa's Bug-Out-Bag for Baby Batts" and "Memaw's Care Kit for Baby Batts." We're having dinner with your Memaw and Papa on Thursday and are going to give them their presents then and make our little announcement... but honestly, I think Memaw already knows. When we went to Costco on Sunday, I was feeling tired and a little queasy. Then I got super moody and I know she noticed... so Thursday's announcement may not be a big surprise after all.
You are so little right now - less than 2 cm long, they say. But your little heart starts beating this week. But in the next couple of weeks, your little limbs will start to stretch out and by the time of my appointment with the midwife, we may be able to hear your heartbeat!
It's funny - Brother sent a photo of Paige's ultrasound today and we saw your little cousin, who will be born just a couple months before you! I wanted to burst and say, "I'm growing one, too!" but I held it in. The time will come, baby Batts, but until then, you are our little secret.
I love you already,
Mama
I called and made appointments for your pre-natal care today! Our first one is Monday, April 6 at 3:30pm. We'll meet with a nurse in preparation for our appointment on Wednesday, April 8th with a doctor. Actually, we are meeting on Wednesday with a mid-wife (Donna). I'm not sure what route we'll go for your arrival into this world, but we gotta start somewhere, baby!
I've also made an appointment with the HR Director at my work for next Monday so that I can chat with her about what to expect at work. I'll probably have a whole slew of questions by then about insurance, my right to work, my boss's expectations, right to privacy, etc.
All day, I've just been thinking, "Grow, baby, grow!" and praying that you are doing what you need to inside of me. I love the secret of knowing you are there. It's a secret shared with just your daddy and our Lord and Savior.
Today, your daddy said that he thinks you're a girl... but at this point, I just want you to grow strong and healthy. We did talk about names last night though... you may be a Viola or a James by the end of the year.
Your daddy and I have date night every Tuesday and Thursday. So tonight, we are going to buy items to go in "Papa's Bug-Out-Bag for Baby Batts" and "Memaw's Care Kit for Baby Batts." We're having dinner with your Memaw and Papa on Thursday and are going to give them their presents then and make our little announcement... but honestly, I think Memaw already knows. When we went to Costco on Sunday, I was feeling tired and a little queasy. Then I got super moody and I know she noticed... so Thursday's announcement may not be a big surprise after all.
You are so little right now - less than 2 cm long, they say. But your little heart starts beating this week. But in the next couple of weeks, your little limbs will start to stretch out and by the time of my appointment with the midwife, we may be able to hear your heartbeat!
It's funny - Brother sent a photo of Paige's ultrasound today and we saw your little cousin, who will be born just a couple months before you! I wanted to burst and say, "I'm growing one, too!" but I held it in. The time will come, baby Batts, but until then, you are our little secret.
I love you already,
Mama
Monday, March 23, 2015
4 Weeks, 5 Days
Dear Baby Batts,
We found out about you (for sure, officially) just this morning. Just 5 hours ago. For seven minutes in the shower this morning, God and I were the only ones who knew about you. Then I quickly ran to tell your papa. But those seven minutes, where you were my little secret, the little surprise I shared with our Lord and Savior, were a dream.
As I stood in the shower, thinking and praying for you, I also wondered, "Did I see that right? Was that a plus sign? Is this real?" And it is, little baby. It is real.
I am praying for you oh-so-much. For your body to develop as it needs to. For your little heart to be strong. For there to be no complications. And praying for wisdom for your papa and me. That I will know how to care for my body and (by extension) you. That I will be able to protect you with all that I am and all that I have.
Your little body is only five weeks old at this point. Just big enough to know you are there: the size of an apple seed, they say. But small enough to be very vulnerable, able to disappear in an instant. The next 8 weeks are going to be full of trepidation, but I'm trying to be more hopeful than fearful.
You were certainly a surprise, little one. We imagined you, on December 31, 2014, writing our list of ten imaginings. But we didn't think you'd make your appearance this soon! Less than 3 months after we imagined you, you were on your way. The Lord is so good - He is able to do abundantly more than all we could ask or imagine.
Oh, the adventures you'll be able to go on with us this year! We have so much planned. Arizona in the end of April. Georgia in early-May. Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan in mid-May for my graduation from Johns Hopkins. Alabama in early June. And up and down mountains during our beautiful Alaskan summers. Hopefully a trip to Oregon in the fall.
But you... you are our biggest adventure yet.
I love you, my baby Batts.
- Mama
We found out about you (for sure, officially) just this morning. Just 5 hours ago. For seven minutes in the shower this morning, God and I were the only ones who knew about you. Then I quickly ran to tell your papa. But those seven minutes, where you were my little secret, the little surprise I shared with our Lord and Savior, were a dream.
As I stood in the shower, thinking and praying for you, I also wondered, "Did I see that right? Was that a plus sign? Is this real?" And it is, little baby. It is real.
I am praying for you oh-so-much. For your body to develop as it needs to. For your little heart to be strong. For there to be no complications. And praying for wisdom for your papa and me. That I will know how to care for my body and (by extension) you. That I will be able to protect you with all that I am and all that I have.
Your little body is only five weeks old at this point. Just big enough to know you are there: the size of an apple seed, they say. But small enough to be very vulnerable, able to disappear in an instant. The next 8 weeks are going to be full of trepidation, but I'm trying to be more hopeful than fearful.
You were certainly a surprise, little one. We imagined you, on December 31, 2014, writing our list of ten imaginings. But we didn't think you'd make your appearance this soon! Less than 3 months after we imagined you, you were on your way. The Lord is so good - He is able to do abundantly more than all we could ask or imagine.
Oh, the adventures you'll be able to go on with us this year! We have so much planned. Arizona in the end of April. Georgia in early-May. Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan in mid-May for my graduation from Johns Hopkins. Alabama in early June. And up and down mountains during our beautiful Alaskan summers. Hopefully a trip to Oregon in the fall.
But you... you are our biggest adventure yet.
I love you, my baby Batts.
- Mama
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