38 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

What a fun day we had today!

Memaw and I went into Anchorage for a craft show. The craft show was big and we had fun walking around, talking, and just being together. I had a lot of people ask me when you are due... and quite a few people said I looked "great" or "tiny." I guess I'll take it?!

Craft shows are one of my favorite things of the holiday season. I love walking around and seeing the crafty things people can make. There were some really cute stuffed Santa Claus figurines with snowshoes wearing plaid and carrying bags of gifts. I wanted to buy one for your daddy but they were way too expensive... sad. There were also a cute nativity scene made from peg dolls, but that was too expensive, also! We did end up getting you some presents - a pair of fabric Cowboy Boots and a polar fleece car seat cover.

Then we went to Aunty Hannah's baby shower! Little baby Kennedy will arrive in January and it is so much fun that Hannah and I are expecting our first babies together... we've been friends since second grade! Hannah and Brandon are going to be great parents. I hope you and their baby grow up to be friends, too.

Bump to Bunmp.

Friend Bumps!

After the baby shower (PS - I won the game where we had to guess how big Hannah's belly is - I have very recent experience with that!), your daddy and I toured the hospital. We saw the rooms where we'll deliver, the nursery, the tub room, the C-section room, the waiting room... it's so weird to think that you'll enter the world there in no more than 3 weeks! (If you don't come any sooner, they'll induce me on December 5th.) It felt... surreal. And exciting!

Your daddy and I just relaxed after the tour: we watched some shows on Netflix and hung out together. Not many more evenings like that for us!

Love,

Mama

38 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

Today was Soup Day at work! I quite enjoy soup day... it's a fun break from the tedium of day-to-day tasks and a nice opportunity to chat with people. I'm going to miss the December and January Soup Days (because I'll be home with YOU!!!) so today was my last one for a while. I had moose and potato soup. Mmm....

I'm hoping it snows soon. Soup tastes so much better when it's snowing outside!

Love,
Mama

38 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

Some people say you're full term now! How exciting! 30 weeks ago, I was afraid people were going to find out about you too soon... but now, there's no hiding that you're on your way!

At 38 weeks, all systems are "GO!" for you! Your lungs are stronger and your vocal chords are warming up for some good hearty wails when you enter the world. And, judging by the heartburn I've had, you could have up to an inch of hair on your little head! Wow! Good thing you have lots of headbands at home! Your body is shedding its vernix and lanugo and is in turn producing meconium.

As for me, I'm experiencing heartburn, a sore back, fatigue, and lots of emotions!

Growing Bump.

Bump Hug.

People at work are funny: I get comments about being a "jar of Prego", people asking why I'm still at the office, etc. I'm never sure what to say, so I usually just laugh awkwardly and walk away. I hope you have better social skills than me, baby girl!!

Last night at the breastfeeding class, we watched a video of babies being put on their mama's chests and scooting (or throwing or wiggling) their way down to the breast to nurse. Your daddy and I talked about whether or not how an infant reaches the breast is indicative of their personality and we wondered how you will get in position to nurse. Based on how wiggly you are in the evenings, we think you'll just throw yourself down there! But at the same time, you are so mellow and shy during our ultrasounds... I'm so excited to watch your little personality grow and grow.

Your daddy and I also discussed my maternity leave. I may start it on November 23rd (just a week and a half away!). I can't believe you can be here with us so soon, baby girl. Today, at our midwife appointment, we'll hear if my body has progressed at all in its preparations to meet you... I hope it has! I'm getting excited!

But hold in there as long as you want... the Lord knows all the days ordained for you, before one of them has come to be, and He will tell you "NOW!" when the time is right.

Love,
Mama

37 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I had a long conversation with some ladies at work today about breastfeeding... and how hard it is.... and how painful it is! So needless to say, I was a little wary when your daddy and I went to our breastfeeding class tonight at the hospital.

But the instructor (who helped install your carseats last weekend AND taught our childbirth class) said that, while breastfeeding may be uncomfortable, it shouldn't hurt. If it does, it's probably because of a poor latch.

So now I feel better knowing that.

I'm so thankful that our pediatrician has a lactation consultant on staff to help address and alleviate any issues that come up as I feed you. And I'm thankful that our insurance provided a breast pump so that you can continue to drink my milk when I return to work. The Lord is so good to work out even little things.

Also, why have you started getting so wiggly at about 9:00pm?! The last two nights you have just moved and bumped and wiggled and danced around my tummy! It's a little uncomfortable, baby girl, but I also love it. So feel free to keep going, as long as you let me sleep a little, too.

Love,
Mama

37 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I picked up the laundry I washed for you yesterday from Memaw and Papa's house... and Papa had folded it all into the laundry basket for me. It was so sweet. I took the clothes home, sorted, and put them away. You have a full dresser and a full plastic tote in the closet. You are going to be so stylish... Your daddy and I even picked out some new winter-type boots for you to wear! They'll be here for Christmas.

We love you. And we pray that, while you may look stylish, your identity is never grounded in your looks.

Love,
Mama

PS - Breakfast cookie snack with your Daddy before he went to class tonight!

Yummmmm....