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

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

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

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

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