38 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Short and sweet appointment today - I'm measuring a little smaller, meaning that you are likely further down in the birth canal. Heartbeat was good. My blood pressure was good. We are just waiting now.

Tonight we went to Thomas and Lesley's house - they are moving into the new house they bought this week! We took them some dinner and just hung out. It was fun.

I'm trying not to commit to many things, because we don't know when you'll be here, but I also don't want to just sit around the house waiting for you. We have lots to do before you come though:

• Paint letters for your room
• Finish cleaning your closet
• Write out new verse cards for labor
• Finish your rug (I hope!!)

We don't know how much time we have until your first day, Clara, so we're just playin the waiting game until then. But as we wait, our love and excitement for you grows and grows!

Love,

Mama

38 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

38 Weeks! Anytime within the next 4 weeks, you will make your appearance. I told daddy today, "This time next month, Clara will be here!" Not only will you be here, you'll be at least one week old! Hooray!

You probably weigh close to seven pounds (or more!) and are likely nearly 20 inches long. At all of my appointments recently you've been measuring right on target (yay!). You have a firm grasp now and will be able to hold onto our fingers when you are born.

I am sleeping better now (mostly because daddy took our box spring off and rebuilt the platform under our bed), but I wake up once or twice each night to go to the bathroom. Sometimes I get leg cramps, which hurt a lot. And heartburn is a constant nightly occurrence, no matter what I do or don't eat. So I'm really just eating what I want, knowing it will come anyway! I'm still walking at work, though my times vary greatly. Today I walked outside (instead of my customary 15 laps inside) and it was a nice change. Last week, my fastest time inside was 17:11 and my slowest was 21:44 - it all depends on how you are nestled inside.

We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow again.

This weekend, we got your room ready! We organized your pictures, moved in the tall shelf / dresser, and stashed your clothes in the closet and drawers. I still want to clean off the top shelf in your closet (and move the diapers up there) and get the floor of your closet organized. But we're so much closer to you being here now! Your bed is already set up in our room, and I may go ahead and put a sleeper and swaddler in it so it's prepped for you.

We can't wait to meet you, Clara. You are our biggest next adventure.

Hugs, kisses, and cuddles,
Mama

37 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Tonight, we went to Gma Linda and Pastor Tom's house for a campfire dinner and croquet! It turned into a beautiful evening (yay!!) so we loved just hanging out in the sunshine. You, little miss, made quite the appearance in the form of my large and in-charge baby bump!

I showed Pastor Tom, Thomas, and Lesley the video of you dancing in my tummy from earlier this week (Gma Linda saw it on Thursday). They were amazed. You are quite our little gymnast sometimes - I can't wait to see how that manifests itself on the outside, too.

We are thankful for a relaxing weekend as we prepare for your arrival. Tomorrow, I think we're going to work on getting your room organized. Yay!

Love,
Mama

37 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

At my 37 week appointment today, we found out that my body has made no progress toward delivering you. I'm still closed up. But that's okay (I guess) - you can stay cozy as long as you want (well, within reason).

Your heartbeat sounded good, my GBS test came back negative, and all seems well in our little pregnant world.

Since Papa is in town, we left Ruth with him while Daddy and I went to our appointment. Afterward, we stopped and got some ice cream (shh, don't tell!) and said hi to Gma Linda at her work. We chatted for a few minutes, which was nice.

Papa flies back home to Oregon tonight, so we are taking him to dinner and the airport soon. Then, in just a few more weeks, he'll be back up to see you, little one! We. Can't. Wait.

Love love love,
Mama

37 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Sweet girl, my co-workers just threw me the sweetest little surprise baby shower for you! They all brought in desserts and decorated everything pink while I was in a fake meeting. I was so surprised! They gifted us a Babies-R-Us giftcard so that we can get you some new treasures, even.

This week has been emotional (to say the least), so I'm feeling very loved and known.

God is good.

Love,
Mama