31 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

Last night, laying in bed with your daddy, I felt your elbow (or foot or something!) moving sharply across my side, just below my ribs. I yelped, your daddy looked, and I exclaimed, "I felt that move!" At 31 weeks, you are getting stronger and stronger and your mama sure notices it! (I love it. I love laying in bed, watching you tumble and move. I love being able to feel where part of you is, even though I can't always tell what part it is!)

This week, your lungs are developing more as you prepare for your first big cry and deep breaths. Your little body is plumping up, the hair covering your body is shedding, and you can turn your head from side to side - good practice for nursing in a couple months! Your little brain is developing like crazy - which is why your daddy and I read to you often, sing you songs, and talk to you.

Meanwhile, I've had leg cramps at night that wake me up! Last night, there was one in my foot AND in my lower calf. Weird. My midwife said some time ago to eat 2-3 servings of calcium during the day, so I'm trying that now. I've also been eating lots of mints at work.... but I haven't really had any odd cravings. Which is good - I'm not sure my growing tummy could handle icecream and pickles right now.

I. Love. This. Shirt. So cozy!!

Big bump!

I think you like the spicy foods I've been eating - the soup we had last night had some kick to it... and you sure did, too, when we laid down to sleep!

Oh silly girl - I love you! Can't wait to hold you and cuddle you.

Love,
Mama

30 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Tuesdays are "Date Night" for your daddy and me. Every Tuesday night, we do something special, just the two of us. It may be low-key (dinner and a movie at home) or more than that (hiking in the mountains or dessert in town).

But today, your daddy turned it into "Date Day!" He brought me a yummy pumpkin spice coffee and beautiful yellow flowers that are on my desk at work right now. What a surprise to turn around and see him standing by my desk!

Fun fall flowers!! <3

Tonight, we had a low-key date night: Candy Crush and dinner :) Sometimes, when we run out of lives on Candy Crush, we joke and say, "We need lives!" and then laugh because we probably really do :)

We've been reading a book together some night called "Baby Wise" that a friend at church recommended to us - it's about establishing healthy routines for you. Lat night we read about the importance of sleep in infants and making sure you eat a full meal every time you feed. So much to remember!

Date nights are so important to us, and we want to continue them after you are born. So one night a week, little one, you can expect that mommy and daddy will have time, just the two of us, to reconnect. Our relationship has to be the most important so that you can grow up secure. We're committed to that.

Love you lots,
Mama

30 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Almost every day at work and church someone asks me when I'm due, what gender you are, if we've picked a name... it delights my heart how excited everyone is to meet you!

Tonight I went to the knitting Bible study at church. The ladies asked what we need for you, and honestly, the answer is "not much!" Auntie Betty was soo sweet and generous, buying most of what we need, and Auntie Holly and family teamed up to get the other big things! You have lots of clothes up through 9 months (and some after that, even!) and we don't have a ton of storage space for diapers... so I think we're mostly asking for giftcards. Then, when you outgrow your cradle, we can buy you a crib, mattress, etc. and we can buy diapers when you need them.

On Sunday, I mentioned in Sunday School the excellent news we had from the specialist last week - I know people were praying for us and I am so thankful that the Lord heard and answered as He did! You are being covered in prayer every day, little one, and I can't wait to see how the Lord uses you.

Love,
Mama

30 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I confess - when our college kids left early last night, it felt so good to slide into bed and relax! I was exhausted, to say the least!

We spent some time today decorating your room a little - your daddy laughs at me because I get in these "nesting" phases where all I want to do is clean, organize, and prepare. Here's a sneak peak:

Some little decorations to make your room cozy!

Your room is also going to be the study... and the guest room... and the craft / storage room. But I guess that's what happens when we life in a 2-bedroom apartment!

Today we also picked up some items from KD, went to WalMart, and worked on your cradle some more. It's almost done - I'm so thankful! The "antique white" that we're painting it is beautiful. Memaw and I even bought a mattress for you today; we'll have to make some sheets, since it's an odd size, but we have just enough time to do that!

Time is running out, little girly. Can't wait to meet you in a little over two months!

Love,
Mama

30 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

You have been so active today! Countless times while sitting in meetings or at my desk, I've just watched you roll and tumble in my tummy. I'll put my hand on you and you'll squirm underneath, pushing against me with a hand, foot, or elbow. I grin and can hardly pay attention any more! This morning, while laying next to your daddy, you kept nudging him, too. I'm glad we could both feel you today. Keep it up! You delight your mama's heart.

Last night, your daddy and I were up way too late playing guitars together. We hadn't done that in far too long - the guitars were dusty! I felt you moving some; I think you liked us playing and singing together. I know your daddy is thrilled to get to teach you to play one day.

Such talent!

Your cousin Lincoln got a guitar for his birthday. I'm sure your daddy is planning to get you one, too - maybe pink or purple with an "R" for "Ruth" on it. Until then, we'll keep playing for you.

Christmas is only 99 days away! Excited to celebrate with you this year. I have to finish your stocking before too long so that it's ready to go... and we want to be DONE with Christmas shopping by early November. I know your daddy has started buying my presents already. We each get 4 this year: Something we want, something we need, something we'll wear, and something we'll read. Plus stocking stuffers :)

Okay, baby girl. Keep rocking and rolling in my tummy! I love it.

And I love you.

Mama