30 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

Today, we are 30 weeks into the pregnancy - three-fourths of the way through and just ten weeks left to go. Your hands are fully formed and fingernails are growing so that they can sport some fancy nail polish in a few years. Your brain is starting to wrinkle in preparation for all the knowledge you'll be learning. Your head and body are proportionate now, your fine downy hair covering is sloughing off, and your bone marrow is able to produce red blood cells. It's so amazing how your body has changed since that fateful day last spring!

At 30 weeks, I look like this:

Rainy Weather = Cozy Sweater!

Growing more and more!

A coworker mentioned today that they want to throw me a baby shower here at work. How sweet is that?!

I've been quite emotional lately, Ruthie! The silliest things have been setting me off: the other night, the sheets were too loose on mine and your daddy's bed so (of course) I started crying about it. Good golly. I've also been more tired: I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, that's for sure, and usually I don't.

Your daddy asked me last night what I've learned about myself during this pregnancy. I hadn't really thought about it, but now I am. What have I learned?

• I'll fight for you but the Lord will fight even more for you.
• Community is vital: I don't know where we would be without the prayers, support, and generous gifts from our friends and family.
• Your daddy is the best. So serving. So kind. So patient. You better find a good husband like I did - they are worth their weight in gold. 

We're considering having some family photos taken with you after you're born, preferably in our home... and maybe even with the photographer who did our wedding photos! But we'll see.

Oh, little one. I am praying for you and praising God for you! I love you to the moon.

Love,

Mama

29 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

We had a followup with the specialist in Anchorage today. And she said that our complications are no longer cause for concern! There is still a cyst on my placenta, but it has not grown in relation to the placenta. The other two spots are "nothing to write home about" as she said. The specialist seemed delighted when she exclaimed, "This baby didn't get the memo that cysts mean she doesn't grow as well!" Hallelujah!! She even said that sometimes, babies will play with cysts they see on placentas, batting them around, but it didn't look like you paid any attention to it whatsoever, Ruthie Bug.

You weigh three pounds. We saw your hands, your feet, your spine, your heart, your head... everything except your face! You shy little thing, you had it tucked down into my pelvis, preparing for your entry into our world. And baby girl, the doctor exclaimed your heart to be "beautiful" multiple times!

How much more beautiful it will be when you ask Jesus into it.

God is so good to answer our prayers. Just this morning, I prayed that the spots wouldn't be a concern - that they wouldn't be there! And sure enough, we didn't even look at the other areas in detail. Not only that, but our specialist said she doesn't need to see us any more!

I'm so thankful. So blessed.

See you soon, baby girl. About 10 more weeks and we'll be cuddling you in our arms, not just in my tummy.

Love,
Mama

29 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I spent today watching the Beth Moore simulcast online. And baby girl, I was so blessed and encouraged. I want some audacity. And I pray you grow up with some, too.

Love,
Mama

29 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today is the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. In 2001, I was in eighth grade. I remember driving to school with my mom and hearing about the attacks on the radio. I was confused and remember asking, "Why is this such a big deal?" Mom said something about terrorists - a word I wasn't familiar with in my little world in Alaska - but the way she said it, I knew it was different.

In Social Studies that year, we made news scrapbooks about the attacks and the aftermath. President Bush's national addresses. Declaring war. The spike in flag sales. The memorial services. I have that scrapbook at home still. Your daddy and I found it the other day and I looked through it again.

I'll show it to you sometime, perhaps when you hear about a national tragedy. Perhaps when you face a personal tragedy.

I think more than anything, the time immediately following 9/11 is a testimony to our nation's ability to unite, mourn, and move forward together. Surrounding yourself with people who love you, who support you - that's what helps you through those hard things. Some of that - a lot of that - has been lost in our current cultural climate. People are not united, unless they are united against other subgroups of the population.

I don't like that you are entering that world but oh, little one - your name means "Friend" and I hope and pray that you are a friend to others throughout your life.

On today, a day we remember tragedy, your daddy and I loved hearing your 156-beat heartbeat at our appointment this afternoon. We loved hearing that you are measuring at 28 weeks (which is normal). I loved getting to feel you move while I sat on the table talking to the doctor.

We love you, daughter.
- Mama

29 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

During my quiet time this morning, sitting in our big chair wrapped in our red cozy blanket, I felt you nudging my side with your elbow or hand. What were you thinking, little one? Do you know what I do in this mornings? How I bring you before the Lord, praying for you to be a woman who follows Him and dedicates her life to His service?

Today we are 29 weeks along. You weigh almost three pounds and are about 17 inches long! I can't wait to go to visit the doctor next week and have another ultrasound to check things out and (hopefully) see your little face. I haven't felt you hiccuping yet, but I do feel you moving a lot. It's hard to sit in meetings with a straight face when my daughter is dancing away in my belly! Your bones are getting harder (is that why I can feel you more now?) so I've got to consume lots of calcium in the coming weeks!

Here's the bump this week:

More and more people are mentioning the bump.

Still no "outie" belly button.

I walked into our apartment last night and there was a big box on the couch from your Aunt Holly. She sent up some of your cousin Katie's things for you to have. The sweetest sleepers, dresses, and sweaters were included in the box that was stuffed to the brim. It will be fun to take photos of you in them and send them down to Aunt Holly to see.

I'm trying to be more consistent in my workouts to be better prepared to bring you into this world. I've heard that labor and delivery is a marathon, not a sprint, so I'm trying to plan accordingly... But I'm also praying that it goes quickly and doesn't drag out for too long.

I guess it's also time to start thinking about what to take to the hospital to welcome you, what else we need for your nursery (finish the cradle, get a mattress and sheets, etc.), and nursing clothes for me. Just 11 more weeks (give or take)!

Love you, little one.
- Mama