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

37 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Daddy put your cradle together today, put the sheets on it, and brought up your clothes form the crawlspace! We are officially THISMUCHCLOSER to getting ready for you to be here.

Tonight, lying in bed, apart from the terrible heartburn that I had, you were soooo wiggly! I can tell you are pretty low and fixing to get ready to come... but you just kept pushing and kicking and wiggling. I took a video and sent it to Mimi to see.

You keep wiggling, little girl. In the meantime, I'll try to keep relaxing and walking.

Love,
Mama

37 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

37 Weeks! Eek! You can come any time now... and we would welcome you with open arms! At 37 weeks, you can smile and keep working out those little facial muscles to be ready for every yawn, cry, and grin. Your fingernails are probably extended past the end of your little fingers and you likely have some hair on your little head.

I felt pretty nauseous the last couple of days (which daddy said happened with Ruth, too, but I don't remember). But ooh! I had a prenatal massage today (a birthday present from Gma Linda) and it was so nice! For 60 minutes, I just laid with cozy pillows, in a dark-lit room that smelled lovely, and felt my muscles relax. I didn't have to think or worry about work, or drama, or stress, or anything. Happy.

I also got off work early and met Kristina for chai today; we had fun just chatting and catching up on life. That was nice.

Well, little girl... at 37 weeks, you are welcome to come anytime you're ready. I was reminded that the Lord knows all of your days... and especially the first one! I've been thinking about how before you were formed in my womb, the Lord knew you. I don't know how - how can He know someone who does not yet exist?! - but He did. I praise Him for that, for your little life that is growing inside of me.

XOXO,
Mama

36 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Today was Kelleen's baby shower at church! Ms. Lesley and I have been planning it for weeks and it was fun to see our ideas come to fruition. It was a "Showered with Love" theme, so we decorated with an umbrella, rain boots, rain drops, sunshines.... it was so cute!

My favorite part was the time of prayer we had - everyone gathered around Kelleen and we just laid hands on her and prayed. I prayed for her delivery, especially. That is a hard thing, Clara, and we mamas have to rely on the Lord's strength to get through it. Nothing else will do as well.

This morning, before the shower, daddy and Ruth and I went out to breakfast. We just swung into McDonalds and had a quick bite before grocery shopping, but it was so nice to just get out and have a little meal together. It was relaxing. As we walked Ruth out to the car, a nice gentleman said these are the best days - young kids, young family. And baby girl, I think he's right: you on my inside, safe and cozy, and Ruth on the outside, wild and free. But the days when you are on the outside will be even better.

I love you to the moon. I pray you are continuing to grow strong and healthy, that you are continuing to develop as you should, and that in the Lord's timing, I will have strength to deliver you well.

Love love love,
Mama

36 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

We had a doctors appointment today with our new physician! It was nice - we liked her. She did not check to see if I was dilated, but I think I'll ask her to check at my next appointment. I think I've felt some little contractions lately, so we may be on our way... but we'll see.

You measured right at 36 weeks and your heartrate was right where it should be. Praise the Lord!

After your appointment, we headed into Anchorage because... Papa flew up! He has to work on some things at the house, so he is spending some time with us as he works on the house. I told him, "Maybe you needed to come up because Clara will be born while you're here!" He said Mimi would be really sad if that happened... I don't think you'll come this early, which is probably good.

Clara-bou, we love you to the moon. See you soon!

Love,
Mama

36 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

36 weeks! You, my big girl, weigh about 6 lbs and are over 18 inches long (you're about the size of a head of Romaine Lettuce!). Most of the hair and vernix caseosa covering your skin is shedding now and you're preparing to pass your first stool. I feel you moving SO MUCH these days.... Last night, daddy was trying to hear your heartbeat with his stethoscope and you would have NONE of it - you kept shifting and wiggling out of the way!

I've had more heartburn and I can feel you moving lower in my hips and abdomen. My tail bone and back have been hurting more and I'm sure it's because of your growth and position. It's been hard to get comfortable at night; you like to push and push and push on my side!

Little one, I know so many people are excited to meet you... Gma Linda is planning a baby shower for after you come so that we can celebrate your new life together.

Clara, you keep growing strong and healthy and, when the time comes, we'll be ready to greet you with wide open arms and hearts.

Love,
Mama

35 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

What a weekend! I feel like a little recap is in order:

Friday, I worked and headed right home afterwards to get ready for College & Career. We had 7 people over and continued our study of knowing God's will. Tonight, we talked about how it is God's will for us to see him, believe, and be saved! We also talked about how observing Communion is a way for us to reflect on Christ's "bread body" and "wine blood" that He gave us. We took Communion altogether before eating some cookies and chatting until about 11:30pm!

Saturday, we woke up and I got ready right away: I had a bridal brunch to go to!! Ms. Lesley and I were throwing a little party for Caitlin and I had to get out to the church to start decorating. Auntie Juliet met me there and we got started right away. The party officially began at 10:00am, and we had the best time "Sprinkling Caitlin with Love." We played games, ate good food, had a short devotion and time of prayer, and just enjoyed being with everyone!

After the shower, I stopped to get daddy a coffee and went home. We hung out in the afternoon, not really doing much, then got ready for a missions team meeting in the evening. Shannon, Jesse, Auntie Betty, and Uncle Fred came over for the meeting and to discuss our trip to Ghana in December. We can't wait to go and serve with the Gelatts! We brainstormed (and scheduled) some fundraising ideas and ate yummy double chocolate cookies daddy made!

Sunday morning, Ruth woke up early... so I got up with her and rested on the couch some more while she played. Then, after daddy got up, we ate breakfast. We had lots of time, so I sewed Ruth a doggy-print skirt to wear to church that day. Ruth took a nap, so I was able to finish it real quick. We woke her up, got ready, and scooted off to church. Daddy and I ended up working in the nursery during the service, so we colored with the kids, raced cars, ate snacks, and blew bubbles!

After church, Auntie Betty and Uncle Fred came over for lunch then we all took a LONG nap - it was needed! Daddy went out to the Church Council meeting, Ruth and I played outside, and we all ate dinner together. After putting Ruth to bed, I did some laundry and cleaned the kitchen, then read, and we crashed as well!

It was a busy, full, encouraging weekend... and in just about 4 more of them, you'll be here with us!

We love you, Clara Boo.

XOXO,
Mama

35 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

My sweet coworker, Charity, looked at me today and said, "I think she dropped!" Perhaps you have, little girly! As I was walking my laps at work, I felt some cramping in my back and lower abdomen. I guess my body is getting ready to bring you out of the womb and into the world.

Daddy had an interview today as an EMT I with the Borough. We are praying for God's will to be done and holding it all with open hands. While he was at his interview...

Ruthie and I went to see Gma Linda! We spent time chatting, looking at pictures of doggies and moose (Ruth's current favorites) and talking about you! I can't wait for you to meet Gma Linda and give her sweet snuggles, Clara. You will love her.

Mimi bought her tickets to fly back up for your birth! She'll be here July 3rd - a week before your "official" due date. Of course, you can come whenever you are ready, little girl...

We also got some exciting mail today: our information packet from the CCAI! Daddy and I are praying about adoption. Ruth saw the Chinese baby's photo on the cover and said, "Baby!" before giving him kisses. Just wait until she gives you countless kisses, Clara!!

Daddy and I spent some time laying in bed last night playing games with you: daddy would poke your foot, you would move it around, and he'd poke it again. You kept pushing as hard as you could (or at least, that's how it felt!) in my tummy, trying to get back to him! We were laughing and just enjoying playing with you. Daddy spent some time talking to you, too, which was sweet. He sure loves you, Clara. He loves all his girls (including me!).

We love you to the moon!

Love,
Mama

35 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

We are less than 5 weeks out from your due date... and to be honest, I feel very unprepared!

We took a birthing class with Ruth, read lots of books and articles, and generally fixed our minds on birth. But with you, we haven't done that!

Oh, we've been praying, Clara - praying every day for a quick and smooth labor and delivery, for it to be done naturally, for there to be no need for interventions. We've been praying for God to be glorified in it, for my body to endure.

But sometimes Satan likes to whisper nasty messages about how this time will be worse. How I can't do it. How it'll be too hard and I'll be too tired or too sick.

And I have to remind myself that he's wrong. That he is lying. That God is able, even if I am not.

I'm going to add some new scripture cards to my stack for us to read through with each contraction. That helped so much when I was laboring with Ruth and I'm really looking forward to using them again with you. I love that we brought you into this world surrounded in prayer and scripture.

I'm also hoping to use my prenatal massage gift certificate from Gma Linda sometime this month - probably closer to the end of the month so that I am relaxed... hopefully! :)

XOXO,
Mama

35 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

I think I'm finally on the up-hill swing from this yucky sickness I had... and just in time for your 35 week update!

You are the size of a pineapple now! Your head is growing quickly as your brain develops. Your little body is growing plumper so that you are comfy going through the birth canal and can stay warm on the outside of my tummy. You are preparing for your first stool passage (which may happen while still in the womb!). Your movements are definitely less erratic now - I feel you turning more gently (probably because you're running out of room) and wiggling around now.

Meanwhile, I have to go to the bathroom all the time. All. The Time. Your head is down in position for delivery, right next to my bladder! Thanks for that, Clara! I'm trying to drink lots of fluids still (Ruth got me a new water cup for work for my birthday!) but the constant getting up to use the restroom is difficult - especially when I have long meetings to attend at work.

Five more weeks, Clara Mae! Keep growing!

Love,
Mama

34 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

We have no plans this weekend! We. Are. Thankful!

Because we had no plans, today we:

• Called the Police because of a stopped vehicle blocking an intersection with two passed-out people inside
• Took coffees out to church for the lock-in workers
• Grocery shopped
• Worked in our garden/yard
• Went to Lowes
• Took a short walk
• Relaxed!

Lovely, lovely day. Sunshine outside, cozy house inside, happy.

Tomorrow is a church picnic to kick off the week of VBS at church. We aren't helping with VBS this year, but will go to the picnic anyway. Then we start a new week all over again!

Here's to relaxing summer weekends full of sunshine and happiness.

Love,

Mama