39 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

It has been snowing all day!

Bundled up!

I can't blame you for not coming yet... up until today, it has been just above or below 0* outside... and now, it looks like we're in the middle of a snow globe! 

But just so you know, your car seat is in the back of the Jeep and we're ready! Whenever you feel the desire, feel free to push your little way out of my body. We'll be waiting with open arms... I think you'll know us when you see us.

Hugs and kisses,
Mama

39 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

39 weeks and officially full-term! You are due next Tuesday and we can't wait to have you in our arms. We are praying you come on Monday or Tuesday (that we can have you home for Thanksgiving!)... but alas, there's a few more things your little body needs to do to prepare, I guess.

At this stage of development, your lungs are still preparing for your first breath. Your brain is developing still. And you are at a healthy birth weight. In fact, on Monday, Donna said you probably weigh about 7 pounds, 6 ounces! What a big girl!

(Side note - And what a testimony to God's power! When we found out there was a cyst on my placenta and some bleeding, we were also told that may inhibit your growth. But here you are - many weeks later - and weighing in at over 7 pounds!! The Lord has grown you strong and healthy and we are so very thankful for that!)

My "growing" symptoms: back ache (in the middle of my back), sore pelvis when I walk, difficulty sleeping, and more heartburn.

Look how big you are getting, Ruth!

This dress has been my go-to this pregnancy!

It was crazy taking our picture today - your daddy and I talked about how this could be the last weekly photo we take with you on the inside!

We really are praying that you come on Monday or Tuesday, but also that you are strong and healthy, and that we have a quick and smooth labor and delivery. Your daddy is also praying that I will be prepared for it all.... mentally, physically, and emotionally!

We have everything ready at home, I think: our hospital bags are packed, your clothes are washed and put away, the diapers are ready to go, your cradle is made and laden with cozy blankets... now we just need YOU to bring home.

You were so funny tonight. As I read to you from Psalm, you got so active. Your daddy filmed my tummy as you rolled, stretched, and moved to the sound of my voice and the words of the Lord. You delight us. Thank you.

Love and see you soon, baby girl!
- Mama

38 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Date Night!! As soon as I got home from work, we listened to your heart for a few minutes then headed out on our date night! One of mine and your daddy's favorite date nights is going to WalMart with $5 or $10 each, walking around together, then splitting up and buying each other a present. We meet back at the front of the store, exchange gifts, then usually grab an icecream at McDonald's before we go home.

So that's what we did tonight! We each got $10 to spend, so after walking around and looking at everything, we split up. Your daddy bought me some yarn (so pretty and soft and chunky! I'm going to make something for myself with - which I rarely do these days!), some peppermint hot cocoa, and some nail polish. I bought him a red toy truck model (similar to his Ford F150), some new sticky notes, and some hot cocoa also!

We decided to eat dinner at McDonald's, since it was right there in Walmart, and we exchanged gifts over some chicken sandwiches, fries, and root beer.... then we went to the movies!

The "Peanuts" movie came out recently, so we decided (kind of on a whim this weekend) to go see it. We rarely see movies in the theater, but this is the second one we've seen in less than a month!

Your cute daddy and the Peanuts gang!

That's me!

At first, we were the only ones in the theater (which was awesome) but then more families came in. We had a great time eating chocolate-covered cookie dough and peanut M&Ms. And the movie was sooooo cute, Ruth! I think you liked it, too - you got so wiggly toward the end (and made me feel so wiggly, too!). I love how they used both 3D art and classic "cartoon" art to make the movie. It really kept the spirit of "Peanuts" alive!

We went home after the movie, relaxed, and just enjoyed the end of our date night together. 

I'm so glad your daddy and I were able to sneak in some more time together before you come... but we want you to come soon! 

Lots of hugs and kisses,

Mama

38 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

We had another appointment today... and no change from last week. It isn't as frustrating this week. I have a renewed peace that the Lord knows all your days (including the first one) and will send you out when it's time.

You aren't real active during the day... but come night time, when I'm stretched out in bed, relaxing with your daddy, you start to wriggle and squirm and dance all over the place! Your daddy loves listening to your heartbeat and we laugh when you push back against his ear. You seem to enjoy having some personal space sometimes (just like your mama).

We've been reading to you from the Book of Psalm. Sometimes, it seems to relax you but sometimes it does the opposite. I pray that you grow to know and love the Word of God, little one, and I'm so excited to get to help spurn that passion in your life.

Tomorrow night, your daddy and I are going on a date... I can't wait! We'll even let you tag along this time... :)

Love,
Mama

38 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today was (maybe) one of our last Sundays without you in our arms! I know everyone is so excited to meet you... and we are too. Soon and very soon, we'll be standing in worship and sitting during the sermon just cradling you in our arms rather than in my tummy... and just in time for Christmas!

I think this Christmas will be special, and not just because it will be our first as a family of three. I think I will see Christmas in a new way - God sent his only Son to the world as a vulnerable baby. And I'll have a little vulnerable baby with me, too. I already can't imagine purposefully sending you to a people who will eventually mock and kill you... but that's what the Lord did. Out of His great love and mercy, He sent Christ to us. As a babe. Born in a barn.

Unfathomable.

But praise Him for it.

Love,
Mama