Tuesday, June 30, 2015

18 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Yesterday's appointment was a dream. We heard your heartbeat - so strong, so loud! It was between 145 and 148 BPM and Donna said that if your daddy puts his ear on my tummy, he may even be able to hear it! I was down 2+ pounds from my last appointment, but was told that's okay. And I measured at 17 weeks, not almost 19 weeks, but I guess that's okay, too.

It was so nice hearing your heartbeat again. I told Donna, "That never gets old!" and she said, "I've been doing this for 38 years and you're right - it NEVER gets old!"

We scheduled our anatomy scan for July 13th. Less than 2 weeks away, now! We were even told that we can get a DVD copy of the scan, so we're going to do that, too. Yay!

Last night, I ended up in bed before your daddy. He was finishing homework and I was reading. Then all of a sudden, those new butterflies erupted in my tummy and I could feel you moving! It was magical.

Today, you've been moving even more - I've felt you off and on all day, sometimes just little whirling sensations and sometimes an intentional prod. It's so special, to be the only one who knows what you feel like from the inside. I can't wait for your daddy to feel your little moves, too, but until then, you get to be all mine. I just keep grinning and I don't think I'll ever get used to this sensation... nor do I want to! Feeling you move is confirmation that you are growing strong and healthy. You are moving and grooving. Whether you are our little ballerina or karate kid, I'm thrilled that you're ours.

Keep it up, little one! Work those muscles so you can be strong and healthy when you appear on the scene.

Love,
Mama

Monday, June 29, 2015

18 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Oh, little one - you have been a doozy today! I woke up, got a drink of water, and promptly got sick. I felt nauseous all morning and when I got to work, got a bloody nose. I ate breakfast and it almost came up, too. I thought we were past this?!

I have some raspberry tea brewing now and I'm praying that settles my tummy some.

I don't like feeling this way, but mostly I'm worried that you're okay. We have an appointment this afternoon and I pray you are doing well, growing strong and healthy, and wiggling around a lot!

Yesterday, Betty gave us some more treasures that she found at yard sales - a brand new bouncer and cute little clothes! We are so blessed. Betty has already laid claim on getting to hold you a lot. You'll be fought over, little babe!

Love,
Mama

Saturday, June 27, 2015

18 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Sitting at work yesterday, working away, I all of a sudden felt a little prod in my tummy - like you threw an elbow or a foot out there! It delighted me! Oh, babe, I want to feel that all the time now!

Papa and I went shooting today for my belated birthday present. I wore a bullet proof vest in order to help protect your delicate hearing. Our midwife said it was okay for me to go, but we wanted to take every precaution! It was a lot of fun, spending time with Papa. I hope you grow to love those hours on the range as much as I do.

Your daddy and I had a movie and dinner date with Memaw and Papa tonight, too. We watched "Jurassic World" - which really liked - and ate at Arby's. It was our first time going to the movies in over a year - maybe two!

Also (drum roll, please!) I finished your rug tonight! It feels so nice to have that big project done! Now I want to organize your little room and move everything where it will be so that we can start decorating. We have to move out a bunch of stuff for the yard sale though, before we can move your things in.

Just a few more months! Can't wait.

Love,
Mama

Thursday, June 25, 2015

18 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

Look at the fun things we've collected for your room:
Little baby decorations!

The rug is not quite done (but maybe this weekend). The three hot air balloons that I crocheted are to hang above your crib. And the painting is for your wall. 

I told your daddy, it's funny how we are putting so much work into planning your room, when we didn't do that for the rest of our apartment! The rest of the apartment came together slowly, as we had time and money to get things. Now, home is looking more like a home, and I want your room to feel welcoming, too.

Home will be even better when you're in it, too.

Love,
Mama

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

18 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

18 Weeks. This week, your bones are starting to harden and you're able to start hearing my voice. You're even yawning and your heartbeat is steady. You are now a whopping five and a half inches long from head to tail and your nerves are developing. So exciting.

Here's what I look like now, little one:
Belly poking out, little by little.
Side shot!

I haven't gained much weight (and in fact, I think I've lost some since my last appointment). I've been trying to eat better and drink lots of water, plus I'm walking 3-4 times a week while at work. That helps, too.  As long as you're growing like you need to, little one, I"m okay with that.

This Christmas - your first Christmas! - we are spending a couple of days down in Alyeska. I booked our hotel room today and had to say that we would have two adults and one child! Later tonight, when I was talking with your daddy, I mentioned that "just the three of us" would drive down to the resort together... and it stopped me mid-sentence! It was the first time I had mentioned "the three of us" referring to our little family. Yay. Can't wait to celebrate with you!

Love,
Mama

Monday, June 22, 2015

17 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I try to walk a mile four times a week at work so that I can be healthy for both of us. Originally, my goal with the walking was to be consistently under 15 minutes, which used to be a challenge. Two weeks ago, my time was 14:40. Then it dropped to 14:25. Then 14:18. Today, I had my fastest time yet - 14:10. Soon, I should be below 14 minutes!

I hope all this moving and grooving is helping you get strong!

Love,
Mama

Sunday, June 21, 2015

17 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today is Father's Day and I got to celebrate two of my favorite men: your papa and your daddy!

Papa, me, and your daddy at the Maryland Zoo in May 2015
Your papa (my daddy) is one of the strongest, wisest men I know. He has taught me so much - how to butcher pigs, how to shoot a gun, how to make the best spaghetti sauce, how to drive a car, how to work hard, how to not give up.

Your daddy (my husband) is one of the most caring, sacrificial men I know. He has taught me how to love and forgive, how to serve and how to camp. He's taught me how to enjoy the outdoors more and find my element. He's taught me to not be so selfish and how to surrender to the Lord.

I love these men. You will too, little one. But I know they'll always love you more. I'm so thankful you get both of them in your life to teach you things and show you the love of the Lord.

Love,
Mama

Saturday, June 20, 2015

17 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

This morning, I spent some much-needed time with some lovely lades painting pottery at a new studio in Wasilla! These ladies in my Bible study group (plus a little sister) have so richly blessed my life the last year. Their friendship, prayers, support, and love are boundless. You will love these ladies as much as I do - and I can guarantee they will dote on you, little one! (PS - I made something for your room at the studio! It matches the picture we bought you and the rug. I get to pick it up in about a week and hope you love it!)

Joann, Shannon, Caitlin, Me, and Juliet

Memaw and I ran errands together later in the afternoon and ended up talking in the WalMart parking lot for about an hour! It's always so nice to just chat.

Your daddy and I had a great, relaxing evening together: Chinese food from Carrs, two movies (Mockingjay, Part 1 and Frozen), cookies in mugs, and I worked on your rug! Here's an updated picture -

Progress!
It was a great Saturday, little one, but will be even better when you can be here with us on the outside!

Love,
Mama

Friday, June 19, 2015

17 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Last night, your daddy and I had the best time going on a sweet adventure date in the mountains yesterday. It was the first time we had gone on any adventures like that - just us - in a while and it was so needed.

While we were up there, I read you a book - your Dr. Seuss book came in the mail yesterday! I had hoped that you would wiggle around some while I read, but not yet... soon, baby! Soon!

Here's some pictures:
Eating our picnic!

Beautiful views.

Your handsome daddy

Just a *little* PDA

Jeep. 
These feet and sandals love adventure.

Loving this sunshine!

Paparazzi shot of your daddy!
When we started heading down the mountain, we ended up at the end of a 4-Jeep convoy! It was so funny that we just laughed the whole way down. The Jeep were just like us - JKUs - and were in various stages of being "topless."

Later, we met Pastor Tom, Ms. Linda, and Thomas for icecream at Little Millers. Great way to end the night with sweet friends and sweet food!

Can't wait to take you adventuring with us! We'll get you some matching Teva sandals. :)

Love,
Mama

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

17 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

We are 17 weeks today! You are the size of my hand... just a few short weeks ago, you were the size of my pinky fingernail!!! I'm in awe. The Lord is so good to be knitting you together, making you a complete being in just 40 weeks. Perhaps it's pregnancy emotions or perhaps I'm just being sappy, but I'm getting choked up at the miracle of it. We are praying for you daily - to grow strong and healthy, to know the Lord as your Savior.

Your fingerprints are forming and you're startled by loud noises now. I sang to you this morning and I'm excited hat you'll soon be able to distinguish my voice from all others. You're the only one who will have heard my voice from the inside.

Someone told me today that I'm not showing very much for being 17 weeks pregnant. It made me a little sad, but I'm wearing a maternity shirt today (my pink peasant-style one) so that's probably why they can't tell. I also fit into my black skinny jeans, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to wear them! They feel tight around my tummy.



I ordered two new things on Amazon today: this belly band and these shoes. It's been so hot lately (in the 80s and 90s!) that I though they'd be great for the rest of the summer...plus I got Amazon gift cards for graduation. :)

Tonight we have church - my ladies and I are reading "Redeeming Love" and the book of Hosea together. I can't wait to meet with them and chat!

Love you, little one - keep growing!
Mama

Monday, June 15, 2015

16 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Your great grandma from Oregon - my grandma Lynda - sent you the sweetest present today: a handknit sweater with giraffes on it, plus little matching mittens.

Grandma Lynda has really bad hands - her fingertips split and crack, plus she was so so sick recently that she hasn't had any strength at all. The fact that she made you a present - that she made us an heirloom that all our little Batts babies can wear - is so touching to me.

I'll have to post a picture of it later.

We've received so much love and support throughout this pregnancy. Friends are giving and caring. You are loved more than you know by people who haven't even met you.

Love you forever,
Mama

Sunday, June 14, 2015

16 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Beautiful weather today! Last night, after shopping and whatnot, we went to Fred and Betty's for s'mores. I had one (it was delicious) and we just sat talking and enjoying the sunshine. Betty went to a yard sale and bought us a Pack 'n Play, a highchair, and baby girl clothes (she's convinced you're a girl!). We set the Pack n' Play up in our living room - it's adorable... and it's surreal seeing it there.

Today, I spent the afternoon in the sunshine working on your little trunk from Pastor Tom. I finished scraping the inside lid (thanks to help from Papa, Memaw, and your daddy) and we have plans on how to finish it: new hinges, interior lined with cedar, clear coat on the outside. Maybe in the next couple of weeks we'll have it done.

Your daddy is so adventurous. I love that spirit in him. He wanted to take the top off the Jeep, and since the forecast is good for the whole week, we did that today, too... then we went for a ride with Memaw and Papa around the neighborhood in it. So. Much. Fun. He wants to take doors off, too. Go big or go home!

Love,
Mama

Saturday, June 13, 2015

16 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Memaw and I went shopping today to celebrate my birthday! We had so much fun walking around, eating lunch, and chatting. I found lots of treasures at Old Navy and Kohls:
- some colorful pants
- a white maternity shirt
- a pink maternity shirt
- some black maternity leggings
- a blue skirt

And (drumroll, please)... I finished the first knitting project I started for you! Your little gray bunting is done being knit and I purchased the buttons to finish it off. Hopefully I'll sew them on this weekend, then I can start the next project. Currently, I'm working on your little rug... but that should be done (hopefully) by the end of the month. It's a slow and steady and fun progress!

Last night, we had ten college and career students over for Bible study! It was so much fun having a full apartment. I'm really excited that your daddy and I get to raise you in an environment that is open to others. I hope we can grow a desire to serve in you, too.

Love you, little one... can't wait to feel you moving soon!

Love,
Mama

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

16 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

We are 16 weeks into this pregnancy! You are the size of an avocado and will double in weight in the next few weeks - so exciting! You're growing like a little weed.

I've been munching on so many fruits and veggies this week - the tartness of grapes has replaced sour gummy worms and mini peppers have been like potato chips. Lots of spinach, hardboiled eggs, and cheese. Mmm...

Today was the first day when someone at work mentioned that I was starting to show! Oh, babe, I got so darn giddy that someone (other than me) noticed! After that, every time I went to the restroom, I stood sideways in front of the mirror and looked at my growing tummy... and at my little babe inside.


Last night, your daddy and I put together your stroller (a present from several of your aunties and family members in Alabama). Seeing it in our living room was surreal. Like, "We will actually be using this in a few months." We were so blessed to have those items gifted to us.
Your stroller and carseat! You can even see your little rug in the bottom left-hand corner!
We ordered you a book yesterday, too - a book by Dr. Seuss that we are supposed to read to you while you are still growing inside of me. I found out today that you're starting to be able to hear sounds and I got so thrilled. I want to talk to you and tell you all the things and I can't wait to take you to FLBC on Sunday so that you can hear worship!

Today is really the first day I've felt pregnant. Maybe it's my outfit. Maybe it's a coworker noticing my tummy. Maybe I'm glowing. But for whatever reason, I love being your mommy.

Love,
Mama

Monday, June 8, 2015

15 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

We are home! After what seemed like non-stop travelling for a month and a half, we are home with no plans to board a plane again any time soon! We didn't get much sleep last night, but what we did get was nice... it'll be a long week, trying to get back to a normal schedule again.

Memaw stocked our fridge with lots of fruits, veggies, eggs, milk, and more to help welcome us home again. In addition to eating right, I'm trying to get back into my active routing. I walked a mile at work then worked out for 30 minutes tonight while watching "The Bachelor" on Hulu.com (that show is ridiculous: oh, the drama). I feel better when I eat better and move more, so I'm trying to keep it up even when I'm exhausted.

I got a lot more work done on your little rug, too! I only have a few more colors to go before it is finished. I can't wait to see the finished product. I hope you like crawling on it and snoozing on it as much as I like seeing it come together.

In a couple days, we'll be 16 weeks along. Can you believe it?! At the end of this month, I think we get another ultrasound, even! We are (well, I am) still debating whether or not we should find out your gender. Your daddy wants to, but I'm not sure yet... we have until June 29th to decide!

Either way, you are ours. And we are so thrilled.

Late at night and early in the morning, your daddy likes to rub my tummy and talk to you. It's so sweet and I love hearing what he has to say. We pray for you daily, baby.

Love,
Mama

Saturday, June 6, 2015

15 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts.

Aunt Mandy got married today! I must say, you were the best-behaved guest at the wedding.

The wedding was beautiful. It was a sunny day in the mountains, the ceremony was short and sweet, and the reception was fun. I ate lots of fruit and meat at the reception but didn't touch the veggies (just not feeling them lately - carrots make me sick). I drank water with lemons in it and just a few bites of cake.

Lately, I've been concerned with what our midwife said - I'm trying not to gain too much weight!

After the wedding, your daddy and I changed clothes then went for a walk. Look what we found:
A sign that says BUMP! Of course I had to take a picture!
I don't know that you can tell I have a bump yet... but I can feel you in there. My tummy is getting harder where you are, and while I haven't felt you wiggling yet, I'm hopeful that I will soon. I know you're growing - I can feel things stretching and aching at times.

Walking in the mountains, hiking around, the sunshine... I think it's been good for this part of our journey together, babe. I feel like I have more energy during the day, even if I'm exhausted by nightfall. And that feels good.

Love,
Mama

Thursday, June 4, 2015

15 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

We traveled all day long yesterday (from 2:00am until about 10:00pm Alaska time) and made it all the way to Alabama. After a good night's rest in a comfy bed, your daddy and I awoke to tackle the day, visit family, and attend our first baby shower!

Grandma Batts is in the hospital - she broke her hip earlier this week. Praise God we were already planning to go down to Alabama, so the timing was great for us. We visited her, taking books, flowers, an apple, and a card... but I think she was most excited when your daddy pulled out his phone and let her hear your heartbeat. It's a little muffly sounding at times, but we hear you loud and clear, little one!

You're in there, and you're getting strong - 4 inches now. That's the size of my iPhone! Sometimes I hold my phone up to my tummy just to picture how you look in there.

Our first baby shower was tonight. Your aunt Holly hosted it for us and we had a great time playing games, opening presents, and eating yummy tacos. We got a carseat and a stroller for you, plus a cute stuffed giraffe, two mugs, and lots of fun baby clothes.

Soon we'll need to bring your little dresser over to our apartment so we can put things away for you... but before we can do that, we'll need to clean and organize your room! If we stay in our two-bedroom apartment, you'll be sleeping in the guest room / study / nursery... well, after a few months of sleeping in a bassinet in our room, of course!

We think everyone here in Alabama is excited to meet you, too... you have two cousins already (and will have a third one by the time you come!) and I know you'll love visiting them. Here's a picture of my Alabama baby bump!
My first time wearing a maternity shirt!
Can't wait to have you at our family reunions!

Love,
Mama

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

14 weeks, 6 days

Dear Baby Batts,

Yesterday, we heard your heartbeat again! And when the sound got all crinkly, Donna said it's because you kicked! I was so delighted. Our little ninja baby.

Guess what else I found out yesterday?! Your Aunt Hannie is having a baby, too! She is due in January. Aunt Hannie and I have been friends since second grade, so being pregnant and having babies at the same time is THE BEST. Really. I hope our babies are friends, too. Second generation friends.

Today, great grandma Batts fell and broke her hip! I'm glad your daddy and I get to fly down to Alabama tonight so that we can be there to help out some. Aunt Mandy's wedding is on Saturday, so it's really poor timing. Any time is poor timing, really.

It rained all day today. This weather feels so cozy, but life isn't really cozy right now.

Love,
Mama