20 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

OH BABY!! What a scary, delightful, magical appointment we had with you today! You were a stubborn little thing, way content to be nestled into a cavity near my hip bone and too shy to come out and show your little face until the very end. Your heart, your brain, your legs, your arms, your skull... everything looked great.

You even waved at us, which is something your daddy specifically mentioned to me wanting to see! So that was pretty amazing.

Little baby wave!

The ultrasound tech noticed something on my placenta that we'll have to watch for the next couple weeks, but as long as it doesn't impede your growth and development, that's okay.

Right away, we started calling people, telling them your gender and squealing with delight over how good the Lord is. He is so good.

Your daddy and I picked out your name. As soon as your face appeared on the ultrasound screen, the same name popped into both of our heads and we both knew - that's baby's name. Calling you anything else just doesn't seem right or fair because we KNOW your name now.

Tonight, I'm baking some sugar cookies (with a certain color frosting) to take to work. I love sharing this special time celebrating YOU!

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today, Memaw and I went to Target after church to buy me some new sandals. While we were there, we perused the baby things... and I got so giddy thinking that tomorrow, we'll know what we can buy for you!

Several people have put in their guesses and so far, everyone says girl. I *honestly* just want you to be healthy right now.

I've been measuring small at my appointments, so I can't wait to see your little body, hear your strong heartbeat, and feel you moving inside me while I watch you on the screen. Last night, I put my hand on my tummy and felt you move from the inside and the outside for the first time yet. It was so surreal - like, how could these little kicks inside of my really be my baby, the one who will make me a mama? And how amazing that six months ago, you didn't even exist?

You are a miracle, little one. Your heart, your brain, your limbs and fingernails. Every inch of you is a miracle, a gift from above.

I can't wait to see you on that screen tomorrow, and then again in my arms in about 20 weeks.

Love,
Mama

20 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

What a great Saturday your daddy and I had! After sleeping in and a lazy morning breakfast of biscuits and gravy, we dropped his truck off at Master's Auto to be services. We played frisbee at the park, got some Blizzards at DQ, and walked around in the sunshine. After picking up his truck again, we went home, ate an easy dinner, and marathoned two Harry Potter movies. It. Was. Glorious.

People say that everything changes after you have kids. I believe that's true, but I hope we can still have days like today - relaxing, rejuvenating, and just fun. I hope you grow to love these days with us, too. 

Life is full of adventure, little one. We just have to find it sometimes. 

Love,

Mama

20 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I had an orthodontist appointment today and when I told the sweet ladies in the office that you were on your way, they got so excited. It's so funny - I got engaged while I had braces on, got my braces off just before our wedding, and now have checkups while expecting you! I'll have another appointment with them in December - after you've arrived - and they made sure to tell me to bring you in with me. I'll gladly oblige.

You've been so active lately. You were wiggling while in the orthodontist's office today and even now, sitting at my desk, you're moving more. I love it.

I love you.
Mama

20 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

You made me laugh so hard tonight! I was at Memaw and Papa's, waiting for your daddy to get home so that we could eat dinner with them and show them our "new" truck. When daddy's (LOUD) truck pulled down the driveway, you jumped within me! I'm sure it was just coincidence, but it tickled me nonetheless.

After we got home, I opened my door, then the little jump door in the back, and had a vision of a couple years from now where I open the door and say, "Okay kids, jump out!" and you and your siblings go barreling out of the truck. It made me smile and I look forward to those days with joy and anticipation.

Love,
Mama