35 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today is your daddy's birthday! I took the day off work so that we could celebrate him alllll day. Here's what we did:

• Slept in. Well, sort of. We slept until about 8:00am, then laid in bed until about 9:00am, then made breakfast (biscuits and gravy!). We didn't really "get ready" for the day until about 10:30am. So we practically slept in.
• Went grocery shopping. This was an exciting one, let me tell you. The Lord is so good though, little girl, and totally saved us about $25 through a nice cashier who rang up our purchases.
• Did homework / finalized Bible study plans. I wrote out my lesson for Saturday and we reviewed Friday night's lesson.
• Made dinner. Your daddy requested a chicken pot pie for his birthday dinner, so we worked together to make that for him. (Side note: It turned out delicious!)
• Hosted Bible Study. We had four students come and really enjoyed our time with them. Right now, we are studying having a Biblical worldview and we talked specifically about what it would mean if we denied the existence of God. Very interesting: there would be no real view of right and wrong and thus no punishment for sin.
• Ate dessert. I made a mocha bundt cake for your daddy! We loaded it with candles then scarfed it down. It was moist and yummy.

Bundt cake!

I gave your daddy personalized license plates (BATD4D) and a license plate holder ("My other car is a Batmobile"). He liked them. We'll celebrate with Memaw and Papa later this weekend. But today - celebrating him in our own special way - was nice.

Love,

Mama

35 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

Today, your papa came with me to a doctor's appointment! We heard your heart (about 140 BPM), the doctor felt for your size (about 6 lbs, she said!), and I asked about ways to relieve my back pain. Then, within 10 minutes, we were done! Papa was a little sad... I think he was hoping for more, but short appointments are good appointments - it means things are going smoothly!

Your daddy and I toured a pediatrician's office today, too. The pediatrician asked us, "What questions do you have?" And I said, "We don't even know what questions to have!" Luckily, she understood, and we were able to talk about appointment schedules, what to do if you get sick, etc. We like the office a lot, which was good, and feel comfortable taking you there.

I took the whole afternoon off work for those two appointments, so your daddy and I were able to just hang out, go shopping, and eat dinner together. What a blessing! We are trying to savor these moments together, just the two of us, before you arrive.

We love you!
Mama

35 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

35 weeks! You've been head-down in my tummy for a while now, according to my midwife, but soon that little head will be emerging! In the meantime, you're preparing for your first stool, losing the hair covering your body, growing some body fat, and wiggling more and more. Space is getting tight, so every time you have the hiccups, move your foot, and more, I can feel it... and I love it, little girl.

I've had heartburn, the need to go to the bathroom constantly, sleepless nights, and restless legs. But it is worth it for you. I feel for your daddy, who is often woken up during the night as I toss and turn.

Growing bigger every day!

Hug from mommy.

There's officially five weeks (they say) until you come. A little over a month! There's so much to do still: finishing your mattress, getting sheets, washing your clothes, etc. But whether it is all done or not, you'll come when you come!

Can't wait.

Love,
Mama

34 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today was our last child birth class! We practiced with your car seat, watched some more birthing videos, and discussed things like epidurals. Your daddy and I are convinced we don't want any big medical interventions and are busy praying for a quick and smooth delivery!

The first Saturday in November, we're installing your car seat(s) in our vehicles; there is a local company that does installs and checks for free.

Can't believe we'll be bringing you home in just over a month.

Love,
Mama

34 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Last night, we said "see ya later" to Grandma Lynda, Aunt Kendra, Sami, and Clinton... but not before taking some photos. We had so much fun laughing and joking late last night... I was exhausted this morning, but that fun time was so worth it!

Trying to get organized.

Captain Mommy!

Laughing about something 

Success!

You are coming into a crazy, loving family, Ruth! I hope and pray you grow to be like the women in these photos - women who love the Lord, love their families, and love themselves.

Love,
Mama