25 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Last night, daddy and I laid in bed and just LAUGHED so hard together. I felt you wiggling around as we did and I hope you could hear the love and joy and friendship in our marriage. I want our home to be a safe and secure place for you, Clara, and daddy and I will do anything to make it so!

Daddy and I have started having regular “Couch Time” when I get home from work. I give Ruth snuggles, put my stuff away, grab some tea, and we sit and chat. It is important to use that our children know we are investing in one another (and not just when you go to bed!). When you are grown up and move out, daddy and I will be left at home together. And we don’t want to have to start from scratch in our relationship at that point.

So we invest now, knowing that this investment will yield BIG results in the future.

Love,

Mama

25 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Daddy had his EMT 2 class today; Ruthie went to bed at about 7:00pm; and you and I were on our own for the rest of the evening! We relaxed (and played Candy Crush) a little bit, then got to work. We cleaned the kitchen, did some laundry, organized some items to take to the thrift store, cleaned out some more of what will be your closet, prepped things for my work tomorrow, and I worked on Daddy’s polar fleece vest (that I started making him at Christmas!) while watching a British house-hunting show. We had a very productive evening, Clara!

My nesting instincts must be kicking in because I just want to do ALL THE THINGS.

But lying in bed, feeling you kick and wiggle inside of me, was the best part. You are a real little girl – our real little girl! And soon, you’ll be on the outside, developing your own personality, your own interests, your own favorites. You’ll be launched into the big world, but know that daddy and I will always be there to love, guide, and encourage you.

You are our daughter. Always.

Love,

Mam

25 Weeks

Dear Baby Batts #2,

Today you are 25 weeks old! At about 13 inches long and 1.5 pounds, you are large and in charge! You are growing more hair (and if we had a window in my tummy, we may be able to discern a hair color!) and gaining some body fat. Your organs are still maturing. If you were born this week, there’s a really good chance that your body would be strong enough and, after a long time in the NICU, we would take you home healthy!

Of course, we want you to keep hanging out in my tummy as long as you should.

My next appointment is April 18^th and after that, I think we’ll see Donna every two weeks for a couple months… and one once a week (at least!) until you come. Can’t believe we’re already at that point. You are growing so fast!

Keep it up, Clara Mae.

Today was crazy – I got to work and was about to go to a meeting when daddy texted me and said I had his truck keys… and I did! So I had to race home and deliver his keys so that he could go to his EMT ride along. I took Ruth out to Ms. Loraine’s house to play for the day. Then I stopped to see Gma Linda on my way back to work. Tonight, Memaw and Papa (who are finally home from Israel and Oregon!) are coming over for dinner and we’ll spend some much-needed time with them, too. I know they can’t wait to see how you have grown.

Okay, little girl. We love you to the mooooooon.

Love,

Mama

24 Weeks, 5 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

After a MyMission breakfast and craft project at our house, me, daddy, and Ruth went into Anchorage to drop off Memaw and Papa’s car at the airport. Then we went on a family adventure!

We drove down to Girdwood, AK and bought some Nutella Latte’s and a Snickerdoodle the size of my face! It was a beautiful day for a drive (clear, sunny, and a little cold) and the snacks we go were delicious.

Daddy and I have spent a lot of time debating lots of recent situations that have come up:

·       Needing to buy a new vehicle (Maybe a Hyundai Santa Fe?)

·       Daddy working as an EMT

·       Adoption

·       Finances

·       House projects

·       How we’ll handle two kids

·       Etc.

It’s a lot to think about and consider and a little overwhelming at times. We are trying to just trust that the Lord has it all in His control. We KNOW He does… and we are committed to following His leading in all things.

Already, little one, we are praying for a quick and smooth labor and delivery. I want to birth you naturally, just like I did with Ruth. I want the Lord to be glorified in my labor and delivery and I want you be born strong and healthy. Right now, feeling your kicks on the inside, makes me really excited to have you on the outside. We have several months to go (and lots of projects to do before then!) but we are looking forward to you joining our family on the outside. We pray for you daily and can’t wait to see how the Lord works in your life.

Love you much,

Mama

24 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear Baby Batts #2,

I signed up for a Maternity Stitch Fix today! Lately I’ve been feeling like, “Ugh, I don’t like any of my clothes!” I asked your daddy and he said I could get a Stitch Fix! In Stitch Fix, you fill out a profile and they pick 5 items to mail you. You try them on and return what you don’t want! I hope they send some good clothes for spring (and Hawaii) – jean shorts, an Easter dress, a cardigan… anything fun and summery!

There’s snow in the forecast for next week (blech) but I am SO ready for spring!

In good news: I passed the Glucose test! When I went in for them to draw my blood, the lab technician said she recognized me and asked how we were all doing. It was sweet. It’s kind of fun, being recognized by the staff at Generations Medical, knowing they’re excited for us and you, too. J

Love you, Clara. Always and always.

Love,

Mama