12 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

It’s the last day of 2016. Starting tomorrow, I can say, “Baby Batts #2 is going to be born THIS YEAR!” which is really exciting. 

We went to a New Year’s Eve party tonight – it ended at 8:15pm, right after the ball drop in New York City and we plan on going to be early for church tomorrow. Dada and I are planning on taking you and Ruth to Ghana next December for a mission trip to serve with the Gelatts, so next New Year’s Eve, we could be in Africa. Wouldn’t that be fun?!

We’ll be writing our list of Imaginings for 2017 soon. Our family will be growing this year (numerically, yes, but hopefully also spiritually!), but we also want to invest in retirement, get in better shape, etc. It’s going to be a big year, that’s for sure!

Oh baby, we love you…

Love,

Mama

12 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Today, you are 12 weeks old in mama’s tummy! This week, your little earlobes have developed, your reflexes are kicking in, and you are already squirming around in my tummy. I can’t quite feel it yet, but you’re the size of a lime and I might be able to soon!

I had today off work, so we went on a family date day in Palmer this afternoon. Dada and I like to get coffee together, so we drove through our favorite coffee stand (and even got a steamed milk for Ruth). We parted the car, bundled up, and walked around a little bit. It was COLD and windy, so we hopped in and out of stores together, too. We didn’t buy anything (we were all spoiled over Christmas!) but had a lot of fun. After a little bit, it got too cold… so we headed to Wasilla. We looked around Value Village for a few minutes before going to dinner. We ate at Mat-Su Family Restaurant (one of our local favorites). It was practically empty so we enjoyed a delicious and very filling meal in a quiet atmosphere.

Family Date Days are one of our favorite traditions. Soon you’ll be bundled up (probably in mama’s carrier) and adventuring with us. Yay!!

Love,

Mama

11 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Merry Christmas!

It’s different being pregnant this Christmas. I think of Mary, expecting her first child – the Son of God – and how she must have felt traveling a long distance to Bethlehem. I think of how her time came for Jesus to be born and how scared she must have been, in that dark and cold barn. And I think of you, nestled safe in my tummy, warm and secure and healthy and happy.

We celebrate the life of our Lord and Savior today, baby… and we celebrate the life He is growing inside me, too.

Love,

Mama

11 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Tonight, we are having a formal Christmas dinner with our College & Career Bible study group. We’re excited… but especially because now everyone knows about you! We posted the photo of your 4^th little stocking, all hanging in a row, this week on Facebook. The word is out and excitement is mounting!

Next Christmas, you will be here with us on the outside, already rolling over and getting into things. I’m sure you’ll want to be chasing your big sister all over the house, eating foods, and starting to play. And we can’t wait.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We are just hanging out at home in the morning and going to the Christmas Eve service at church that night. I’m wearing my new purple / blue lacey dress that highlights my small (but growing!) bump; dada is wearing gray pants, a cream shirt and a purple tie; Ruth is wearing a gold and cream dress.

I love you, little one!

Love,

Mama

11 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Today is my second midwife appointment with Donna. I’m excited to hear your little heartbeat this afternoon. Your BIG heartbeat, I hope! Dada and Ruth are coming to the appointment with me, so that Donna can meet Ruth. She provided all of her prenatal care, too!

All day today (starting at about 6:30am, if not sooner), I have felt so sick. I have a sore throat and congested sinuses. But even more than that, my stomach has been hurting. I threw up a little this morning and have felt like I needed to again all day. Yucky.

You and I took a two-hour bath last night! We played Candy Crush and read. It was so nice and relaxing and I loved that quietness with you, your heart beating beneath mine.

I love you, little one. XOXO

Love,

Mama

11 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

You are 11 weeks and about the size of a lime! Your face is distinct now, with ears in their final place (almost!), lips and mouth formed, and open passages in your nose. You are getting longer and straighter – no more curving around for you! Your paper-thin skin is translucent, but your bones are in place. They are starting to harden, but are still soft… that means it’s easier for you to tumble around in utero!

I’ve been seeing a chiropractor recently (due to some pain in my jaw) and it’s helped my back a lot, too. I’ll probably keep going, even though my jaw feels better, but maybe not all the time. Back pain is no Bueno!

THIS WEEK we get to hear your heartbeat again! The day after tomorrow… the winter solstice… yay! Speaking of winter, we got a lot of snow this last weekend, so it finally looks like winter again. Unfortunately, the wind picked up and blew some of it away. Winter solstice also means the days will be getting longer again which is always nice!

Today after work, I have a chiropractor appointment, then we’re going to Memaw and Papa’s house for dinner and to help them with a couple projects. They’re trying to finish their house so they can put it on the market and then move to Oregon. We are really going to miss them!!

Well, baby – we pray for you daily: that you grow strong and healthy, that you keep developing as you need to, and that Wednesday’s appointment goes well.

So keep it up! You’re doing great.

Love,

Mama

10 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Today we celebrated Christmas with Memaw and Papa, since they’ll be out of state on Christmas. We ate a yummy lunch, read the Christmas story from the Bible, prayed, and opened presents. And guess what! You even got presents!

Memaw and Papa gave you a beautiful muslin swaddle blanket and some gray Burts Bees onesies. So cozy, but lightweight, and perfect for our summer baby!

I made Memaw a braided wool rug for their cabin in Oregon. I can’t wait to take you and Ruth down there and see you crawling around all over it while we watch you and chat. I’m sure Ruthie and cousin Blaire will be running all over the ranch and you’ll be wanting to chase after them!

For now, though, I’m glad you get to be with just me – inside just my tummy. Soon I’ll get to feel you moving and kicking, stretching and reaching. Magical.

Oh baby. We can’t wait to meet you!

Love,

Mama

10 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

ONE MORE WEEK until we hear your heartbeat again! I can’t wait. It is such a lovely lovely sound and I feel so much better knowing we can hear it and you’re still doing okay.

The other day, your dada pulled out his stethoscope and we tried to listen to you through my tummy… but no luck yet! You’re still too little for us to pick up on it. That’s okay. One week from today, we’ll be back in Donna’s office, with my shirt up over my belly button, and blue goo spread all around while we listen with the Doppler. Yay.

Until then – keep growing, little one! We love you

Love,

Mama

10 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

At ten weeks in utero, your vital organs are functioning and will continue to mature. Your head is about half the length of your body, your fingernails and toenails are growing already on your no-longer-webbed digits, and your hair is starting to fill in. You can swallow amniotic fluid and kick! Wow! Who knows – maybe those little kicking legs will turn you into a karate or ballet master!

I’m finally feeling like I’m over that terrible tummy flu I had last week… it was rough! Thanks for sticking through it with me, little one.

Christmas is in less than two weeks and we are busy packing boxes to mail to Alabama, addressing Christmas cards, wrapping presents, etc. I found an ornament on line that your dada ordered to add to our tree: it has a mama, a dada, a little girl, and the mama has a baby bump!! I labeled all of us and we put it front-and-center on the tree in our living room.

When we go to stores, I look for things to put in your bedroom when the time comes… but since we don’t know if you’re a little he or she (but dada says “HE”!!), we will wait. We’ll have to do some massive decluttering and reorganizing when the time comes so that you can fit in your room. But of course, at first, you’ll sleep in our room in the cradle.

The preparations are so worth it, little one, for you to be in our family and in our arms next summer!

Love,

Mama

9 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

This morning, in Sunday School, I said, “I have a praise! I’m almost at the end of my first trimester which means no more morning sickness!” People said, “Oh, great!... WHAT?! I had no idea!”

And your dada and I just smiled and laughed.

Love love love,

Mama

9 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Your dada and I went to our Sunday School Christmas party tonight and I know I was showing a lot! I kept expecting someone to ask, but no one mentioned the size of my growing tummy. We’re planning on mentioning you during praises and prayer requests at church tomorrow, but for one more night, you are (mostly) our little secret.

Love,

Mama

9 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Tonight, we told our College & Career group that you are coming! Well, actually, we hung up an itty bitty crocheted stocking, next to our stockings, and tucked your ultrasound picture inside… and waited for them to notice.

Finally, right after we started Bible study, Auntie Juliet interrupted and said, “Wait, can I ask a question off-topic?” I said yes, and she just pointed to your stocking and asked, “Is that…? Are you…?” I grinned, laughed, and said yes!

Cailtin and Caleb were both there and it took them a couple minutes to catch on. Then Caleb exclaimed, “You’re having another KID?!” and Caitlin jumped up to hug me and look at your picture.

So much joy already, baby. You bring so much joy to us.

It makes me so happy to see your little stocking hanging up by ours. You are already such an important part of our family and I know you will bring an extra something special to our lives.

We love you.

Love,

Mama

9 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

I spent all day yesterday so sick with a stomach bug… and it was especially sad since it was Ruth’s first birthday! I kept praying that you were okay, deep in my tummy, and that this wasn’t affecting you at all.

You are now 9 weeks old… nearly an inch long, your eyes are fully formed. Your facial features are developing, and soon my placenta will be developed! Your little “tail” disappears this week (yay!) meaning that you look more like a little baby and less like a little froggie. Your joints are functioning and you can move all around. You could even make a fist and suck your thumb if you wanted to! You are a true miracle, little one, and learning about how you are growing and changing is so exciting.

We love you to the moon, our little nine-week-baby!

Love,

Mama

8 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

You have made your mama so nauseous and so sleepy the last couple weeks! I took a 45-minute nap yesterday at 5:00pm… and still slept like a rock all night long! I’ve been eating anti-nausea drops like they’re going out of style (and made your dada order me some more on Amazon at 11:00pm last night!).

Right now, I have an absolute aversion to potatoes – which is so weird; I used to want them for breakfast every day! But the thought of them makes my stomach churn. I could eat Mexican food just about any time (mmm, nachos and quesadillas), love toast and pancakes lately, and have been eating grapes and mandarin oranges like they’re going out of style.

So far, only three people at work know about you, little one: Charity, Luke, and Marianne. Although, my tummy is starting to pooch out more and I wouldn’t be surprised if more people have guessed!

We got our Christmas cards in the mail yesterday. We signed them, “With Love, Allen, Melissa, Ruth, and Baby # 2 (due July 2017!)”. I am SO excited to mail them to our friends and family. When we decorate for Christmas after Ruth’s birthday, we are going to hang up a mini stocking for you and just wait for our college and career small group students to notice! Then I’ll probably take a picture and put it on Facebook as my cover photo.

Oh baby… we can’t wait to hear your heartbeat and see your little face!

Love you to the moon,

Mama

8 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

You are now 8 weeks old! Your organs are developing, your arms and legs are growing longer, and you are getting bigger day by day. We are so thankful for you and so proud of your growth so far.

Thank you for being a great baby. We love you so much already!

Dada and I have been talking about names:

Girl Names We Like:

·       Clara

·       Jane

·       Avis

Boy Names We Like:

·       James

·       Wrangler

·       Declan

It’s hard to believe we won’t see you again until you’re about 20 weeks old… hopefully Memaw and Papa will be able to come up and see you then, too!

Our next appointment with Donna is December 21^st. You are the best Christmas present we’ve received this year.

We love you, little one. Grow strong and healthy!

Love,

Mama

7 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Amelia Gelatt emailed Betty and mentioned she heard we were expecting you… so now Betty knows, too! J We are trying to keep you a secret until your sister Ruth turns a year old (on December 4^th) but it’s so hard. We are so excited to meet you and tell everyone about you.

I designed our Christmas cards last week and we signed them, “From Allen, Melissa, Ruth, and Baby Batts #2 (due July 2017!)”. Soon, everyone will know about you!

I felt pretty ill during church today. I had to sit down for a large part of the service, feeling a little light headed and lethargic. I ate a snack halfway through the service and that helped.

Soon you will be sitting in church with our family… I can’t wait to cuddle you!

Love,

Mama

7 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

On Monday, November 21^st, I gave about a million gallons of blood so they could check for different diseases and whatnot. And today, we got to see you (and hear you!!) for the first time.

You are lovely.

We could see your head, body, and arm and leg buds. We heard your heartbeat – 167 BPM – and it sounded perfect. Donna, our midwife, said that everything looks great! Hallelujah.

You measured in at 7 weeks, 2 days… a little smaller than we thought you’d be. Donna set my due date to July 10^th. A summer baby.

Oh, baby, I have been quite nauseous lately. I’m eating Preggie Pops like they’re going out of business. I’ve been very tired… your dada and I typically go to bed by 8:30 or 9:00pm now… much earlier than we used to!

So far, not many people know about you, but I feel like my tummy – your cozy home – is getting bigger and bigger. Keep growing, little one! We pray for you daily.

Love,

Mama

4 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Oh, little one! I found out about you yesterday morning, secretly, in the bathroom in our new house. I had to sneak to take a home pregnancy test so that your dada didn’t find out, too… I wanted to surprise him.

And the test was positive. A second faint pink line appeared on the test within a couple minutes, confirming what I already suspected and quickening my heart.

A second baby!

Later that morning, I whispered in Ruth’s ear, “You’re going to be a big sister!” and she just looked at me. Soon she’ll see.

That night, your memaw and papa came over to babysit Ruthie while dada and I went on a date. I kept my lips sealed while we ate a giant sushi dinner, walked around Target, and bought presents for each other. Dada ordered us Starbucks drinks and we sat in their café to exchange presents.

Dada bought me a travel coffee mug and Legos. I bought your dada a water bottle, Legos, mints… and a “Father-To-Be” card. On the inside, I wrote “Surprise! Baby Batts #2 coming July 2017! Love, Melissa.”

And when dada read that, oh man. He was shocked. So so surprised. And he started smiling so big, baby! We. Are. Thrilled. We are becoming a family of four and that’s so fun to say.

Dada asked me, “Really? Are you really?” and I smiled, answering him, “Yes. I took a test this morning.” I showed him a picture of the second faint pink line and he grinned.

I asked him, “Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?” and he said a boy. Only the Lord knows right now, baby!

At this moment, we are in a critical and special place, where your developing body is so minute that anything could happy to halt your growth. I’m praying constantly that you are strong and healthy, that you are growing as you should. On October 31^st, I’m going to take another test; if it is positive, I’ll call the doctor to schedule my first appointment.

In the meantime, I’m taking vitamins. I’m dreaming. And I’m savoring these days with Ruthie. We can’t wait for you to join us, little one, but I want you to be big and healthy first!

All my love,

Mama

6 Months, 4 Weeks Old

Dear Ruthie,

At this point, you have five teeth. You are growing and growing and eating real food and playing independently and love to walk while we hold your hands. You scoot around on your tummy, love to get up on your knees and rock back and forth, and roll over in your bed when you don't want to sleep.

You make sounds allllll the time. You blow raspberries. You yell "MOOOOOOHM!!" when you want me sometimes. You say "Babababababa" and sometimes just move your lips without saying anything.

But now that we have moved into our new house (as of one week ago!), you aren't sleeping that great. For a few days, you slept in our bedroom at night because every time we tried to lay you down in your room, you screamed and fought it. You'd wake up at 1:30am crying inconsolably. You didn't want to take naps. So the other day, I just held you while you napped. We both lounged on our bed, cuddled up close, and rested.

I read this article today and thought of that quiet hour in our bedroom, the sun peeking through our new window, our soft blankets and pillows fluffed around us, your head resting on my chest. As you grow and learn to explore on your own more, I don't want to lose these moments forever.

So I'll carry them here, in my heart, and on the screen, hoping that one day we'll both look back and remember.

I love you more than you'll ever know.

Mama

5 Months, 2 Weeks

Dear Ruthie,

You are in the middle of some kind of big growth, that's for sure: fussy, not sleeping well, clingy... your daddy and I aren't sure exactly what's going on, but according to the book "Wonder Weeks", you are learning about relationships right now and that's pretty much turning your world upside down. You are realizing that mommy isn't always right there with you. And that can be a scary realization.

Two nights ago, we tried to put you down to sleep. You were okay at first, but when you realized you were in your pack-and-play, and no longer in our arms, you started to cry... a lot. Your daddy picked you up to comfort you but you kept crying, crying, crying. I finally went in, cradled you into my arms, and started to run my hand over your head and back... and within just a few minutes, you were sound asleep in my arms. You kept one hand wrapped around your daddy's fingers, as if you needed to know that the three of us were all together, right there with you. We laid you down and you slept for a couple hours before fussing and waking again.

So much has been going on, baby girl:

• We spent a long weekend in Seward (March 11 - 13) walking on the beach, exploring the Sea Life Center, relaxing in our rented apartment above the Sea Bean Café, drinking coffee, and really just enjoying being together as a family. You, my dear girl, LOVED the mirror in the bathroom, "swimming"  in the big claw-foot tub, and watching the sea lions at the Sea Life Center!
• We took an emergency trip to Alabama (April 17 - 23) when your Grandma Brenda passed. We were there for a week, enjoying the heat, seeing family, and celebrating Grandma Brenda's life.
• We spent a week in North Pole (April 30 - May 7) for a mission trip. And the Lord reminded me that YOU are my biggest (and smallest!) mission field right now.
• We hiked Albert Loop Trail in Eagle River (May 14) in the beautiful sunshine. You did great - I carried you in the back pack for part of the time and your daddy carried you in his arms, too. We told you all about the trees, mountains, rivers, and flowers we saw along the way... and it seemed like you were listening and watching, too!
• We are buying a house! We expect to close on June 23rd and can't wait for you to have your own bedroom.

You've been growing and changing, too:

• You have four teeth now (as of April 22)!
• You currently weigh about 13 lbs, 11 oz.
• You LOVE to stand up! We support you around the tummy or by holding your hands. You'll squat your legs then push yourself back up.
• You roll from front-to-back and vice versa with no problem.
• You can sit up all by yourself and like to watch us from your highchair sometimes.
• We gave you a taste of baby cereal (meh), some pineapple (yum!), and some banana (mixed results!). We're waiting until you turn 6 months to give you any more food because you've had bad diarrhea lately and we aren't sure if its because of the food.
• You love to laugh and smile and talk and sing! Sometimes you wake up really early and will screech - not out of frustration, fatigue, or boredom... I think it's just to hear yourself talk!
• You haven't said any official words yet, but it often sounds like you're saying "Hey!" to us. I like that.
• You're in size 2 diapers and 6-9 month clothes.
• You have a diaper rash that keeps returning (but the coconut oil seems to be helping clear it up!)
• You drink SO MUCH MILK during the day, I can't keep up with my work pumping! You're working your way through our freezer stash because you probably drink about 25 oz while I'm at work... plus nursing before work and in the evenings! You need to gain some weight (you dropped to the 20th percentile) so I don't mind... I just want to be able to keep up with your need!
• You sure LOVE your papa! You smile when you see him and love when he babysits you during the week.
• The other day, you went to the store with me and two dogs barked at you from the car parted next to us... and you didn't even flinch! I was so proud of you, you brave little girl!
• We saw your friend Addy on Saturday, after our hike in Eagle River. You wanted to talk to her and grab her face and give her kisses... but she wasn't too sure about you yet :) We'll get there.

I celebrate my first Mother's Day (with you on the outside) a few weeks ago (May 8). Your daddy got me a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure (which I'm getting this weekend). And we went to the Musk Ox Farm with Memaw and Papa. That was fun - I think you liked seeing the big Musk Ox, especially when they came over near the fence to say hi to you!

Baby girl, life with you is never dull. Whether you are fussing through  most of the night or laughing through most of the day, you are good for us. You remind us to love selflessly, to rely on the Lord for His strength, and to take things one day at a time. Thank you.

Love love love,
Mama

2 Months & 1 Week

Dear Ruthie,

From where I sit in the living room, I can see across our apartment, through our bedroom door, and through the slats of your cradle to where you are sleeping fitfully on your tummy. The last couple days, you've been battling a cold. We were up with you every couple hours last night, changing diapers and cleaning out your nose. We held you as you cried, as snot dripped down your face and mingled with the bubbles you love to blow.

Your naps have been short today because after too long, you can't breathe well through your nose. Your coughs woke us up last night - but you slept through them - as you tried to ease the icky stuff stuck in there.

I hate that you are sick. I hate that I can't just take it away from you.

And I know that I'll feel that way often throughout your life: when you fall the first time you try to walk. When friends don't invite you along. When you have your first broken heart. When you fail at something or are teased or feel invisible. I'll want to take away all of that pain.

I can't. It's impossible.

But there is One who can. He alone knows all your pain, all your emotions, all your fears. He has endured them all... and so much more. I can't take away your pain, but He can. He can make all things good again.

Your daddy and I pray for you everyday to know Him. We pray that you follow Him, not turning to the right or to the left. We pray you desire to serve Him throughout your whole life.

You're sick right now - physically ill. But spiritually ill too, baby girl. You - even you - are a sinner in need of redemption. And the One to heal and redeem is so close!

Love,
Mama

2 Months & 1 Day

Dear Ruthie,

Today we had your two-month appointment. You weighed in at 10 lbs, 11 oz and 22.75 inches tall. You are in the 50th percentile for weight and head circumference and the 75th percentile for your height. The pediatrician said you'll likely be tall and lean. 

You had your shots today, too. We were nervous about how you'd take them... but when the time came, you took it like a champ! Your face got red but as soon as I picked you up, you stopped crying, nestled into my shoulder, and were good to go. We were so so proud.

We pumped your legs when we got home and gave you some baby Tylenol to help with the pain. You took a nap...

... then we went to the adult Valentine's Day party at church! You were so well-behaved: you napped for a while then were a happy baby the rest of the time. Ms. Betty was there taking pictures and you were certainly one of the most popular "props"! After we came home, you went right back to sleep in your cradle and slept most of the night.

Ruth, you are such a brave girl. You took your shots with no problem and faced the rest of the day with grace. Thank you for being so wonderful!

Love,

Mama

1 Month, 2 Weeks, and 4 Days

Dear Ruthie,

Today you rolled over, from your tummy to your back!

We think it was a fluke.

You were doing tummy time while I unloaded the dishwasher and your daddy straightened the living room. You were whimpering a little, but not crying. All of a sudden, your daddy said, "She rolled over!" I turned around and - sure enough - you were on your back, waving your legs in the air!

We congratulated you and were so excited.

So, of course, we put you back on your tummy to see if you would do it again so we could watch!

And you didn't.

Of course.

You got pretty close - almost up on your side - but didn't quite know to throw that leg over and complete the roll. That's okay. We'll keep working on it.

We are so proud of you - you are getting oh-so-big and strong!

Love,
Mama

1 Month, 2 Weeks, and 3 Days

Dear Ruthie,

Today we:

Made you pose in your JHU hat with my newly framed diploma...
Sorry about that, Ruth. You did NOT like it. 

Shopped at Target and had coffee with Papa at Starbucks

FaceTimed with Aunt Paige, Cousin Blaire, and Uncle Brad...
and listened to their Bible bedtime story (until you started throwing a fit!)

Sent pictures to Aunty Jade in your flower crown!

Big day for a little girl... here's to more memory making tomorrow!

Love,

Mama

1 Month, 2 Weeks, and 2 Days

Dear Ruth,

Tonight, your new friend was born! Adeline Elizabeth made her debut in Anchorage! We are so excited for Hannah and Brandon and I can't wait for you to meet her, baby girl!

I foresee many American Girl playdates, adventures, and laughter in your future.

Love,
Mama

1 Month and 2 Weeks

Dear Ruthie,

There are so many little things I want to remember:

• How you lay your hand on my breast while I feed you and how my body nourishes yours
• That little sly smile you've started to share with us
• How long the hair is at the nape of your neck
• How talkative you're becoming
• The spit bubbles you started blowing last week
• How sometimes, you just seem to need your mama to hold you - and often, as soon as you get in my arms, you start to calm
• Those little whimpers you make right before you fall asleep in your cradle
• How your hands and feet get so cold, even with socks and gloves on... just like mine
• That red streak in your hair, surrounded by brown (it makes me think you'll be a fiery little thing!)
• How you sometimes fall fast asleep in the car... and sometimes you scream the whole ride
• Your blue boots
• The way you snuggle into my arms

SO many things to remember, baby girl. If only we could bottle up memories, like Dumbledore does in Harry Potter, and relive them anytime we want! Tonight, while praying with you before bed, the Lord impressed on me the importance of numbering our days. I'm sure "before we know it" you will be starting Kindergarten, graduating from college, getting married, and having your own babies. 

So right now - as long as it is called today - I want to remember these things. I want to remember YOU.

Cutie Patootie!! We love you!

Your little smile. Your spunkiness. How you are starting to stick out your tongue. That cute sound you make after sneezing. Oh my lands. We are so blessed to be your parents. And I love being your mama!

Love love love,

Mama

1 Month, 1 Week, and 6 Days

Dear Ruthie

Tonight, you were so fussy right before bed. It was close to 10:30pm and we knew you were exhausted... but like always, you fought it hard.

I held you close in our bedroom, where your white cradle is currently nestled in the corner, close enough for us to reach you in an instant. I held you close, one arm under your butt, one hand behind your neck. I held you, just trying my best to comfort you, shhhh-ing you and bouncing and occasionally rubbing your back.

Then the Lord brought a song to my mind:
I love you, Lord,
And I lift my voice
To worship You.
Oh my soul: Rejoice!
Take joy, my King,
In what You hear.
May it be a sweet, sweet sound
In Your ear.

And I was struck, baby girl, by how my song was worship to Him... but perhaps your whimpers and cries were, too. In Sunday School, Jeff brought up Psalm 8:2, which says, "Through the praise of children and infants, You have established a stronghold against Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."

Your daddy and I pray daily that you will know the Lord... and not just know Him, but follow Him and walk with Him, not turning to the right or to the left. What an honor we have to teach you how to worship Him as an infant.

Love,
Mama

1 Month, 1 Week, and 4 Days

Dear Ruthie,

6 weeks ago today, you were born. How fun! Some highlights of being 6 weeks old:

Blowing spit bubbles 

Cuddling with mommy

Sitting in swings at church

Sleeping on your tummy 

Getting your very own swing and "massage chair" at home!

You are getting so big - I'm sure you're over 10 lbs now. Your little legs are getting more rolls and you have a double chin now. Your hands seem bigger, too, and when we had you at my doctor's appointment this week, they commented on how tall you looked in your carseat. 

We love you, big girl!

Hugs and kisses to our 6-week-old,

Mama

1 Month, 1 Week, and 1 Day

Dear Ruthie,

Ms. Janelle came over today! She is such a special lady to me: she taught my Actions class in high school; I've been on several mission trips with her; she hosted my wedding shower; she was a Mentor Mama in our wedding; and she is just a dear, dear friend. She and her family (she and Joe have SEVEN kids!) live in Michigan now, where they are preparing to be missionaries in Ghana.... but they came back to Alaska for a long weekend to speak at a missions conference!

While you were still in my tummy, your daddy and I took a trip to see them after I graduated from JHU. So you "met" her then... but today, she got to hold you and cuddle you and love on you:

Ms. Janelle and me.

Holding my sweet girl.

Janelle and you!

She loves you - I can tell. 

Oh baby girl, I pray often that you have women like Ms. Janelle and Ms. Linda in your life, women you can look up to and follow. Women who love you and lead you well. Women who speak Truth to you in love, who do not hold back what needs to be spoken, but who speak it with wisdom and insight. I pray often that women come alongside you who can hold a special place in your heart like Janelle does for me. 

I hope to always have that kind of place, too, but you need women other than me, your mama. I will teach you what I can... but these women may teach you other things.

Love,

Mama

1 Month and 1 Week

Dear Ruthie,

You were fussy most of the day today, silly girl! Kristina came over to visit and you napped some... and fussed lots. After she left, I put on my Moby Wrap from Aunt Holly and tucked you inside. And you were so tired that you fell asleep in less than a minute and slept for nearly an hour like that.

My little cuddle bug.

I'm so thankful that I can hold you close like this. For now, you are content to by cuddled up close to my heart, hearing it from the outside after hearing it from the inside for so many months. And I'm content to have you there, too... safe from the world and all scary things.

I'll protect you as long as I can, Ruth Viola. But I know the Lord will protect you much longer.

Love,
Mama

1 Month and 1 Day

Dear Ruthie,

We are so proud of you! Last night, for the first time ever, you slept in your cradle, allowing your dad and me to sleep in our bed! For nearly seven and a half total hours, you snoozed away. THANK YOU.

You've also done a great job of napping in your cradle today. Or maybe it's that your daddy and I have done a great job of putting you in your cradle when you are sleepy. Either way, I feel like we are winning - praise God!

I think we've got a good thing going here... let's keep it up!

Love,
Mama

1 Month

Dear Ruthie,

Oh my lands, how are you already one month old?! Cliche, I know, but time really does fly.

Cuddles today at Memaw and Papa's house.

Little girl in a big chair.

Sleepy baby.

Some of my favorite things about you are:

• Sometimes, after you sneeze, you make this cute "ahh-ohh" sound.
• You get the hiccups all the time (and usually take them with a grain of salt... for a while. When you are frustrated with them though, we can tell!).
• That ultra sad face you make sometimes, where you whole body seems to frown (your papa joked that he didn't know where you got that from! I have a feeling he meant you got it from me...).
• You fit so perfectly at my breast that I know you were made to be there and my body was made to feed you. You eat like a champion, Ruth!
• You sleep so soundly on your papa's chest... but you also have learned how to pull his chest hair - which is NOT one of his favorite things!
• Your long dark hair has one section of red in it. It's a fun mix between your daddy's dark hair and my own reddish hair. We're excited to see what color it ultimately turns.
• Your eyes fluctuate between hazel and gray most of the time.
• You usually sleep 3-4 hours at a time at night.
• You like to curl up in a little ball, feet tucked up, when you are tired and we hold you. I love that.
• The way your head smells after a bath = heavenly.
• You have feet just like mine and long fingers so you can play the guitar like your daddy.

Some of your recent milestones:

• You are content to sit in your little chair for up to 30 minutes now! You like it best when the little vibrator is on.
• We finally got you to sleep in your cradle (at least some of the time - mostly for naps, but we're working on nights, too), thanks to this book.
• You'll take a bottle! When I gave you one today (for the first time), you sucked on it for a second and gave me a look like, "I don't want this pacifier!" Then you realized my breastmilk came out of it and you got so excited and happy! I literally laughed out loud in the parking lot at Carrs.
• You have taken a pacifier... about 5 times total. They aren't your favorite thing, so instead you usually suck on our pinkies or the sides of our fingers.
• You can track people with your eyes! More than once, we've seen you watch me or daddy when we walk past you.
• You recognize my voice! When I say something where you can see me, you usually turn to look at me.
• You've smiled at me now!
• We went on our first mommy / daughter outing today: to visit Memaw at work, to go to my office, and to stop at the store. And we did quite well, I think. I nursed you once, you had a messy diaper, and you didn't even cry in the store. #winning
• Papa babysat you for the first time today while your daddy and I went to a doctor's appointment... and you did great! 

We are already so proud of the little lady you are and are becoming. We tell you daily that you are doing great - and you are! You are an awesome little kid and we are blessed to be your mommy and daddy.

Tonight, during your bedtime routine, you sat between me and your daddy, just listening to me read a story from this book (a Christmas gift from Uncle Brad, Aunt Paige, and Blaire). We sang "Jesus Loves Me" and you happily listened. We took you to our room, where your cradle is located, and prayed over you, like always, before laying you down, shushing you, and leaving. I love those quiet moments in the evening, when you are almost asleep and we get to just speak God's word over you. I hope they slowly engrain the Truth of His Love and the Gospel into your mind and heart.

XOXO,

Mama

4 Weeks and 2 Days

Dear Ruth,

What a special day! Today, you were dedicated to the Lord at our morning worship service at Fairview Loop. Pastor Tom charged your daddy and me with raising you in a Christian home wherein you will see the love and Truth of Christ. He also charged the congregation with being an example of the Lord to you. Then he prayed over you and us; it was so special.

Pastor Tom praying for our little family.

I am so thankful that we worship with a group of believers who will pray with and for us as we raise you. Oh, little girl, you are greatly loved by all at FLBC and I know they all desire for you to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Your daddy and I desire that for you above all else.

Ms. Carley holding you.

I crocheted you a little green dress that yo wore today for your dedication, along with a white and gold sweater from Memaw and some ruffle butt tights:

Family photo after your dedication.

We are so excited to see who you become in the Lord - we trust that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to the day of completion in Christ Jesus. 

Love,

Mama

4 Weeks Old

Dear Ruthie,

Today I reorganized your dresser. Your newborn clothes are now stored in the plastic bin in the closet;  your 0-3 month clothes (what you're wearing now) are in the top two drawers of the dresser; your 3-6 month clothes are in the bottom two drawers.

You have more clothes than I know what to do with, missy! In fact, you didn't even wear all your newborn clothes while you still fit into them and I told your daddy today, "There's no way she'll wear all her 3-6 month clothes, unless she's in them for a LONG time!"

I can't believe how quickly you are growing and changing. This week, we noticed a red streak of hair on your head that wasn't there before. You can hold your head up like a champ when we hold you and when you're laying on our chest (your favorite place to sleep at the moment - forget about that cradle mommy and daddy spent WEEKS refinishing for you!!). You can track us with your eyes and you turn your head to look at the lights when we hold you and sway. When I say something, you make a noise (or a whimper) because you are recognizing my voice. And several times, you've been upset and I've been the only one who can calm you (I'll be honest - that just blessed my mama heart).

However, you are still struggling between 9:00pm and midnight. You get colicky and cry for all its worth. Last night (New Year's Eve), Memaw and Papa came over and stayed up with you until 4:00am so that your daddy and I could get some much needed sleep. You snoozed on Memaw's chest, in between crying fits.

Right now, you are quite tired... and fighting it. Your daddy is doing his darnedest to get you to sleep, but you won't give in. Silly baby girl. I better go help him. It's not quite time for you to eat, but almost.

We love you so much, Ruth. We are so proud of you already - of how strong you are, of how you are growing and changing. Keep it up! May God be glorified in your life.

Love,
Mama