32 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

I had a State WMU Leadership meeting in Anchorage all day today. And the other ladies on the leadership team threw me a mini baby shower, complete with sweet presents for you! I'm not kidding when I tell you that everyone is so excited to meet you, especially this friend:

Tiffany!

Tiffany has a baby boy named Oliver who is going to be about 10 months older than you. He usually accompanies her to WMU meetings, the Celebration, etc. and I think Tiffany is excited that you will be there with me next spring!

The Celebration is so much fun, little one! Ms. Linda and I always share a hotel room (sometimes with Memaw, if she comes). We go out to eat, we go shopping, we learn about missions, and we often spend time relaxing in the hot tub! This year, I hope you can come, too. Ms. Linda would love it, and I know I would love having my little girl with me, too!

WMU is such a marvelous organization, Ruth. You'll learn all about missions and missionaries in Mission Friends, then GAs, then Acteens, then MyMission, which I'm teaching at FLBC right now. Ms. Janelle, my Acteens leader when I was in high school, is such a dear friend and mentor to me and I hope the ladies who teach you become just as valuable in your life.

Here's to a lifetime of missions (starting young!).

Love,
Mama

32 Weeks, 1 Day

Dear Baby Batts,

Last night, your daddy and I decorated sugar cookies!

Before...

After!

Me and your cute Daddy after a long day

It was so fun making these pretty together. We added some sprinkles and put coconut on others. Needless to say, they were a hit! Everyone at the church potluck last night devoured them (but it helped that there were no other desserts there...).

We can't wait to decorate cookies with YOU some day! I'm sure you'll be like me, sticking your finger in the frosting and licking it off in between cookies, but I'm also sure you'll have your own decorating style, just like your daddy.

Love,
Mama

32 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts,

Just (about) eight more weeks! At 32 weeks this week, you are almost ready to make your debut! All of your organs are developed and your lungs are getting a workout as you inhale amniotic fluid. Your fingernails are all developed (and toe nails aren't far behind) and they say you sleep 90-95% of the time. Based on how active you've been lately, I'm not so sure I believe them...

Bump shots:

This gray shirt? One of the comfiest I own!

Round.

It's so funny - when I lay down on my back at night, I can feel you settling in, spreading out some, and getting comfy. When I turn onto my side to sleep, I feel you slide over to the left then seem to brace yourself up against my side! It's like you're saying, "Whoa! What's going on?! I have to get re-positioned now!" It takes you a few minutes to settle back down. Then, when I move or swap sides, I often feel you moving around, too. At almost 4 pounds and about 19 inches long, I'm not surprised it takes you a while to get comfy in those cramped quarters!

Your daddy asked me, "What does it feel like when she moves?" I had him hold out his hand and I poked it a little and said, "Imagine that... but from the inside." It's a feeling that I've never experienced, that I don't know how to explain, but that I love. Feeling you move (and seeing you move!) never ceases to amaze me. Lately, I've been able to pinpoint a little better what body part I'm feeling - often a foot or hand, I think. Sometimes when you kick my side, I rub that place a little and feel you moving around more.

Before we know it, you'll be moving in my arms rather than my tummy. This time has passed so quickly, Ruthie, and we can't wait to welcome you into our family.

Love,
Mama

31 Weeks, 6 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

Today is National Coffee Day! Your daddy and I looooove coffee (and especially coffee dates) and since this "holiday" coincided with Date Night, we stopped and got some (10 cent!) coffees at Holiday then walked around WalMart.

Coffee Date! 

Holding my Coffee

Your awesome daddy and his coffee

We didn't buy anything at WalMart (though we're currently in the market for a new camera...) but we enjoyed just walking around, talking, holding hands, and drinking coffee. Low key but so so fun.

Love,

Mama

31 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts,

We saw Donna today! Memaw went with me to my appointment today (since your daddy was in class). Donna said you're still measuring a little small (at 30 weeks instead of almost 32) but she said you're curled up in a ball, which could explain it. Your head was in a perfect position, your butt was sticking out to the right, and you had a foot over by my left side. Your heartbeat sounded beautiful - like a beating drum or pounding hammer - and was a steady 139-141 BPM.

Donna said she had absolutely no concerns whatsoever and is pleased with how well things are going... and she was shocked we're almost through! I am, too. I can't believe there's just (about) 2 more months until we get to meet you.

Memaw mentioned that Grandma Vi's birthday was in early December. How special would it be for you to be born on that day, since you are named (in part) after her? But that would also mean you are about 2 weeks late... Eek.

Either way, little one, I'm so so glad you're doing well. Keep growing. Keep wiggling. Keep bringing joy to us - I know you will.

Love,
Mama