23 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

What a crazy week it has been! Between Lola's passing, bad news at the midwife, being away from home for five days, your daddy's truck's brakes not being fixed, going live with new software at work, and the regular rain, a little weekend break is very welcome. I'm so thankful that it's Friday, that tomorrow, we get to sleep in and just relax most of the day, that the weather is sunny again.

Some things for which I am grateful this week:

1. Charlie, a student in our college small group, brought me the LARGEST coffee I have ever seen when he came to my office building this week to pick up an application! It was blended caramel goodness and so huge that I couldn't even finish it! I'm so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us to love on these kids, Ruth, and I can't wait for you to meet them. I have a feeling you'll love having them over on Fridays as much as your daddy and I do.

Yummmmmmmmmmmm

2. You are going to be one well-dressed babe, Ruthie! A student at your daddy's work gifted us a bag of clothes recently and a sweet sister-friend of mine sent you the cutest onesies and ruffley pants this week. Your daddy and I are constantly in awe of how blessed we are. 

Your clothes are taking over our apartment!

 3. Today, I'm thankful for the sunshine and warmth as Memaw and I walked around the Friday Fling. But I do love the rain, especially when it brings mysterious clouds that cover our mountains like veils.

Covered mountains this week.

4. A coworker texted me after she left work one day - she had stopped at a thrift store and saw this darling cradle. We'd been looking for something smaller than a full-size crib for your first few months, and for $30, I knew this would be perfect! It can rock or be stationary and will fit in your daddy's and mine bedroom perfectly until we move you into your nursery. We've picked out a new color to paint it - kind of a blue / gray / purple color that will match the rug I made you much better than this cherry red.

Your new cradle!

5. I found out that Memaw's employee, Bob, is expecting a baby with his wife, Yasinta! Yasinta recently moved here from Africa and is so sweet. I'm really excited for them and - who knows?! - maybe we can have African play dates in the future with them. Bob and  Yasinta have a farm and grow some of the largest zucchinis ever. When I saw Yasinta at the Friday Fling today, we talked babies and pregnancy and how to get over morning sickness. Then, she gave us a huge bag of veggies and said I needed to eat them for you :) You will love them, little one. I'm going to brainstorm a present for them this weekend - she's due in March, so maybe a lightweight blanket or a little toy.

6. Both Caitlin and Juliet are back from vacation and were at Bible study Wednesday night! I missed those ladies, Ruthie, and am so glad they are home.

7. We are doing a school supplies drive at church and our collection box is already overflowing! I can't wait to see how much we get. Your daddy and I will be out of town (if I'm cleared to fly) the day of the give away - August 15th - but Memaw is going to be there to help. She loves stuff like this as much as (or more so than!) I do. I think I got it from her. I hope, little one, that we are able to instill in you that same level of love and caring for other people.

Deep breath. In spite of life, the Lord is good. He is faithful and His name is to be praised. I'm thankful for big things (like cradles and coffees and bags of baby clothes) and small things (like friends returning and sunny days and fresh veggies) that He blesses us with. May our growing family always be careful to honor Him above all else.

Love,
Mama

23 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

Well, little girl, we had an appointment on Monday to review the results of our ultrasound with Donna, our midwife. And the results were less than stellar.

You are doing great, Ruth. You are developing as you should; you weigh one pound; your measurements are on target.

But I may not be doing great. Due to some concerns on the ultrasound, my pregnancy is now deemed "High Risk" and I have an appointment to see a specialist next week in Anchorage.

Right away, we put the news on our church's prayer chain and I know people are praying for you and me. Mom and Dad and other family members. Ms. Linda. Betty. KD. The Zuyus family. As I was praying about it the other day, the Lord impressed on me to pray for His name to be glorified in this. So little one, that's what I'm praying. I'm praying for healing, yes, but more than that, I'm praying that the Lord's name is lifted high in this (somewhat scary) situation. He is good all the time.

In other news, you are now 23 weeks along! You are going to double in weight in the next month as your body starts to store fat. Your daddy has heard your heartbeat through my tummy once, and starting this week, he should be able to hear you more easily! You've been moving a lot lately; Memaw got to feel the other day and Papa felt a little nudge last night.

I'm still sick from last week; Donna said it could last anywhere from 10-14 days, so I'm at about the halfway mark now. Lots of fluids for me! And last night - after putting off my craving for three days - I finally had some ice cream with peanut butter, banana, and Heath magic shell. Delicious, even with all my congestion!

More people are asking if I'm pregnant and how I'm feeling. Guess you aren't my little secret anymore!

My polarfleece is almost too short now!

Basketball bump, with an innie belly button still.

Love you, Ruthie. We're praying and trusting that everything will work out according to God's perfect will.

Love,
Mama

22 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

We've been playing a game with you - you'll kick, and your daddy or I will poke you. Then you kick again, and we poke again. I'm not sure what you think about it, but we LOVE feeling like we can interact with you. It's fun, before your even born, to be able to play with you.

We pray that, as you grow up, you never forget how to play and have fun. We pray that you enjoy using your imagination, that you see the good in things, even on really hard and sad weekends that never seem to end.

Love,
Mama

22 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today was a terrible day. We said goodbye to a very dear friend, one you would have loved to pieces:

Lola

Your daddy and I were watching Lola while Memaw and Papa are out of town. She started acting really lethargic and not eating, so we took her to the vet. After some blood work and testing, they determined that she had an auto-immune disease wherein her body recognized her blood as a foreign object and was trying to destroy it. She needed an immediate blood transfusion and months of steroid therapy... with no guarantees she would ever fully recover.

We made the terrible, difficult, gut-wrenching decision to end her suffering and illness by putting her to sleep.

Your daddy and I hugged her, loved on her, kissed her, petted her, rubbed her ears, and told her what a good girl she was before, during, and after the procedure. She smiled her goofy smile for a few final seconds before she fell asleep.

Walking into Memaw and Papa's house afterward. So. Hard. 

Oh, Ruthie. You would have loved Lola. She pranced. I'm not even kidding. When she got excited about something, she would prance around, kicking her little paws out in front of her. And she would sing. She hated other dogs, but loved her people fiercely. She played with that football incessantly, tearing it to shreds from time to time, and loved to get treats in her ball. 

She was such a sweet friend, especially to Papa, and saying goodbye is one of the hardest things yet. 

But, little Ruth, we have to find joy in things, even in hard things. Lola isn't sick anymore. And the Lord is still good. He is so good. 

We are praying for peace; we are praying for comfort. And the Lord is answering.

Love,

Mama

22 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Sick. Sore throat. Cough. Runny Nose. So congested.

I stayed home sick yesterday and today. We spent our time sleeping, drinking lots of tea and water, and crafting! Look what I made:

Little baby sweater!

Sweet baby moccasins 

I hate being sick, little one, and I'm so worried that it is hurting you, too. So I'm praying that you are still growing strong and healthy, even while I am not.

Love,

Mama

22 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

You are a pound of sugar this week! At 22 weeks, you are the size of a spaghetti squash and you, my dear, are learning to bat those eyelashes that are developing! You can begin grasping things with your hands - but I'm convinced your daddy and I are already wrapped around your little finger.

More and more people at work are finding out (not that I'm hiding it well anymore!) and wishing me well. And people have started touching my tummy. I don't know what they're feeling for - the veggies I just ate? You to aim a well-timed kick in their direction? Either way, I'm not a fan. You are growing inside; I don't particularly want people touching the outside, too. I used to say that I would just reach out and touch their tummies, too, but I'm not that gutsy (come to find out) so I basically just don't know what to do, except feel really awkward.

Growing more and more!

Bump

Typical.

My throat is hurting a lot today and so far, neither raspberry tea nor water has helped. Maybe I'll brew a cup of lemon tea and add some honey. If I could choose, I'd rather go home, crawl into bed, and Netflix "Gilmore Girls" until it's time for Bible study tonight.

Keep growing, Ruth! Your daddy and I pray for you daily and I can't wait to see what the Lord does in your life!

I love you!
Mama

21 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Look what I made you last night!

Teal felt booties!

I've always thought it was a bit silly to get shoes for babies when they can't even walk... then I read some where that in the winter, babies do need shoes because it's colder. Duh. So I made you this pair and last night, K.D. started a mustard yellow pair for you. I'll finish them tonight, I reckon.

Yay for cute little baby things taking over our apartment!

Love,
Mama

21 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

What a weekend! You had your very first sleep over at Grandma Linda's with the college and career class - but you surely didn't sleep much. Instead, you kick-boxed in my tummy all night! You silly girl.

We went shopping with Memaw this afternoon. I found some maternity pants, two shirts, and a sweater... and we founds lots of treasures for you, too! You'll look so cute this winter in your little snowsuits. Now that we know you're a girl, it's so hard not to buy all the cute pink things! We sure had a great time together, walking, shopping, eating dinner, chatting... Three generations *kind of* altogether!

Now, time for some rest. I'm one tired mommy after being up late Friday night and shopping all day Saturday.

Love you, Ruth!
Mommy

21 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

It's official! Everyone knows you're a girl and that your name is Ruth. Here was the announcement I posted on Facebook and Instagram today:

I love your ultrasound pictures!

Your Papa texted Memaw something about "Baby Ruth" and that made Memaw think of the Baby Ruth candy bar - which I hadn't even considered! Of course, I had to go buy some mini ones! For the record, we did NOT name you after a candy bar... but I DID eat one last night and it was delicious. I guess my aversion to chocolate is mostly gone.

I've felt you moving so much the last couple of days. About an hour or so after I eat, you start moving around. If I bend over at the waist, you give me a nudge. But even if I'm driving and singing to the radio, or sitting in a meeting, or doing anything, your little prods are there reminding me that you are, too.

Your daddy sent me this sweet video on Facebook last week. I almost teared up, it was so sweet. I love the idea of you talking to me and telling me about YOUR day, just as I write you letters and tell you about mine. Some day, I hope we have a great relationship where we've transcended the mom/daughter sphere and are friends, too. 

Oh I love you, Ruth. To the moon and back.

Love,

Mama

PS - Here's a picture of the cookies I baked to celebrate YOU! They were a hit at work and at church!

Yummy pink sugar cookies!

21 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

21 weeks - over halfway there! You've been doing jumping jacks and Zumba in my belly today so I know you're growing and getting stronger: you're the size of a large banana now!

We forgot to take a picture until I was already in my pajamas!

Little front bump.

This week, you can taste the foods I eat through the amniotic fluid - hopefully you liked the taste of that Mac & Cheese I had for lunch! I've been really hungry lately, so you'll be tasting lots of new things in the coming days. And I'm still craving Mexican food a lot. And spicy foods - your daddy and I have gone through several jars of jalapenos in the recent weeks. So far, you seem to like them, too.

I started knitting you a blanket last night - an easy pattern with beautiful colors. In a few months, in the dead of Alaskan winter, you'll be all cozied up in it. Can't wait. There are so many things I want to make you that I'm having a hard time deciding what to do next!

Your daddy and I call you by name. I'll text him and say, "So-and-so is doing this now!" It's so fun that - though we haven't met you - we know you. And even more so, the Lord knows you. Oh, we pray you grow to know Him, too.

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

It was so. much. fun. telling people about you at work today! I made three dozen cookies, and while only 12 or so of them were actually eaten, people's reactions to your news was just as fun. I want SOOO BADLY to post a picture of the cookies, but that would give it away, and I don't know that your daddy and I are quite ready for that. Maybe tomorrow.

You've been a little acrobat all day, dancing around in my tummy. You were so still and quiet yesterday that this is a happy change. I love feeling you from the inside and (when I put my hand on my tummy) from the outside.

But more than that, I just love you.

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

OH BABY!! What a scary, delightful, magical appointment we had with you today! You were a stubborn little thing, way content to be nestled into a cavity near my hip bone and too shy to come out and show your little face until the very end. Your heart, your brain, your legs, your arms, your skull... everything looked great.

You even waved at us, which is something your daddy specifically mentioned to me wanting to see! So that was pretty amazing.

Little baby wave!

The ultrasound tech noticed something on my placenta that we'll have to watch for the next couple weeks, but as long as it doesn't impede your growth and development, that's okay.

Right away, we started calling people, telling them your gender and squealing with delight over how good the Lord is. He is so good.

Your daddy and I picked out your name. As soon as your face appeared on the ultrasound screen, the same name popped into both of our heads and we both knew - that's baby's name. Calling you anything else just doesn't seem right or fair because we KNOW your name now.

Tonight, I'm baking some sugar cookies (with a certain color frosting) to take to work. I love sharing this special time celebrating YOU!

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today, Memaw and I went to Target after church to buy me some new sandals. While we were there, we perused the baby things... and I got so giddy thinking that tomorrow, we'll know what we can buy for you!

Several people have put in their guesses and so far, everyone says girl. I *honestly* just want you to be healthy right now.

I've been measuring small at my appointments, so I can't wait to see your little body, hear your strong heartbeat, and feel you moving inside me while I watch you on the screen. Last night, I put my hand on my tummy and felt you move from the inside and the outside for the first time yet. It was so surreal - like, how could these little kicks inside of my really be my baby, the one who will make me a mama? And how amazing that six months ago, you didn't even exist?

You are a miracle, little one. Your heart, your brain, your limbs and fingernails. Every inch of you is a miracle, a gift from above.

I can't wait to see you on that screen tomorrow, and then again in my arms in about 20 weeks.

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

What a great Saturday your daddy and I had! After sleeping in and a lazy morning breakfast of biscuits and gravy, we dropped his truck off at Master's Auto to be services. We played frisbee at the park, got some Blizzards at DQ, and walked around in the sunshine. After picking up his truck again, we went home, ate an easy dinner, and marathoned two Harry Potter movies. It. Was. Glorious.

People say that everything changes after you have kids. I believe that's true, but I hope we can still have days like today - relaxing, rejuvenating, and just fun. I hope you grow to love these days with us, too. 

Life is full of adventure, little one. We just have to find it sometimes. 

Love,

Mama

20 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I had an orthodontist appointment today and when I told the sweet ladies in the office that you were on your way, they got so excited. It's so funny - I got engaged while I had braces on, got my braces off just before our wedding, and now have checkups while expecting you! I'll have another appointment with them in December - after you've arrived - and they made sure to tell me to bring you in with me. I'll gladly oblige.

You've been so active lately. You were wiggling while in the orthodontist's office today and even now, sitting at my desk, you're moving more. I love it.

I love you.
Mama

20 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

You made me laugh so hard tonight! I was at Memaw and Papa's, waiting for your daddy to get home so that we could eat dinner with them and show them our "new" truck. When daddy's (LOUD) truck pulled down the driveway, you jumped within me! I'm sure it was just coincidence, but it tickled me nonetheless.

After we got home, I opened my door, then the little jump door in the back, and had a vision of a couple years from now where I open the door and say, "Okay kids, jump out!" and you and your siblings go barreling out of the truck. It made me smile and I look forward to those days with joy and anticipation.

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

20 weeks! We are halfway through this pregnancy adventure and I can hardly believe it. Your little movements bring me such delight. Hearing your heartbeat at our appointments is a dream. And even seeing my little belly protrude a little more each week is exciting.

Growing bump and skinny jeans!

Little baby bump!

Your eyes pop open this week (brown? blue? hazel? what color are they?!) and next Monday we'll (hopefully) get to find out your gender. You're about the size of a cantaloupe now and I think you're pushing on my tailbone because it hurts often these days!

I haven't had any heartburn or indigestion lately, but I sure am hungrier than I used to be! You're starting to pack on the brown fat that will keep you warm and regulate your body temperature and all the rhubarb I've been eating is sure to help with that!

Keep growing strong, baby, and I'll keep doing what I need to for you!

Love,
Mama

19 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I don't know what you're doing in there, but I have been so sick today. After a nice breakfast with your daddy (pancakes with homemade fresh rhubarb syrup), I got sick. And then again later at work. Ugh. I thought we were past this, little one?!

I've felt you moving today! It's such a sweet feeling, to know you're in there growing and moving.

Your daddy and I talk often about how excited we are to see you next Monday at our ultrasound and to - finally! - know if you're a boy or girl. It's so odd that the last time we saw you, you were the size of my pinky fingernail. And now, just 13 weeks later, you're as big as my whole hand - as big as the Nalgene sitting on my desk at work! Amazing. Earlier this year, you didn't even exist. Now I feel you pushing around in my tummy like nobody's business.

I looked up birthing classes at Mat-Su Regional. Your daddy and I will take some to prepare to meet you. I read the other day that labor and delivery are like endurance sports... I better keep working out!

Love you!
Mama

19 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Well, we bought a new truck today! It's a red Ford F150 with enough space in the back for three car seats. When your daddy test drove it yesterday, I just knew he loved it and it was the one we had to have. We're already excited to have you strapped into the back while we all go adventuring together!

A friend from church gave us some tires for free, so we pulled studs out of them tonight. Once we knew the best way to do it (use a flat-head screwdriver, not pliers!), it was a quick project.

Holding the bag of studs - and sporting a little baby bump!

We are so blessed. The Lord has provided enough for our family that we didn't even have to take money out of our savings accounts; we had enough with what was just in our checking accounts! He will continue to provide as we prepare for you. I know it.

Love,

Mama

19 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Your daddy and I had such a fun date-day today! Since we were both off for the 4th of July, we slept in, ate breakfast together, and adventured around Palmer. After picking up some icees, we parked the Jeep and just walked around. We looked in stores, explored the Friday Fling, bought you some presents at the thrift store, and grocery shopped.

It probably doesn't sound like much... but with both of us working, Allen going to school full-time this summer, and all the stress with his car, it's been a crazy season of life. Just enjoying today, in the beautiful sunshine and warm weather, was all we could ask for.

Love,
Mama

19 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

At 19 weeks, you are 6 inches long and weigh the same as a grapefruit! Oh, little one - no wonder I felt you wiggling so much yesterday! Your hair may be growing in now and your cartilage is turning to bone. Yay.

I've only felt you moving a little bit today. You must be tired after yesterday's acrobats! But last night, your daddy and I laid down in bed, and I read you a story. While I read, your daddy put his hand on my tummy and after just a minute or so said, "Did baby just move??" I said, "Yes! Did you feel it??" And he did! You settled down after that and (I like to imagine) just listened to the book, but it was such a sweet moment. Donna said he probably wouldn't feel it for a couple of weeks after I did, so it was a nice surprise that he could!

My belly is popping out more and more these days. I'm sure it's you causing it (and not the pizza and popsicles I've been munching!). It's been so fun taking weekly photos now that there's a difference in my look!

Side view!

Front!

Love you, baby. Keep up your growing and wiggling and we'll see you in about 21 weeks!

Love,
Mama