My dearest daughter:

I cannot believe it is nearly a week until your estimated arrival date. I do not know what day your birthday will be, but we are getting so close.

Your daddy is so very excited to have you in his arms soon. He is tired of me "hogging" you, and ready to get some quality time with his perfect little girl. He is so in love with you already, little one. I cannot wait to see the moment when he becomes your daddy. My heart is already so full with just the thought. He is going to be the best daddy ever.

In the last few weeks, we have been showered in love. So many people love you, my dear. I giggle to think how spoiled you might be; but then again, too much love never hurt anyone. Mommy is so lucky to have found such amazing friends who are so willing to make her feel special and loved at all times. I cannot wait for you to meet each and every one of them--starting with Aunt Susan, who you will meet immediately!

We have nearly everything ready for you. We need to get the infant seat out of the box and put it in the car, and put the wall decal up on the wall. But that's about it! Hopefully we will do that tomorrow. I don't want to rush to have a seat for you!

Even though I am so excited for your arrival, dearest one, I am sad tonight because of the unfairness in our world. One of your dear aunties, who will love you and kiss you when she has the first chance, is suffering a loss that she should not have to. It breaks my heart that she has to endure even a moment of pain, when she so richly deserves to have her own baby in her arms. If you could, my little one, send up some of your love to little Sprout, who is undoubtedly taken care of by Katie and Matthew. Oh, how I wish all 3 could be here with us. I wish I didn't have to share such sadness with you, my love, but I know your heart will be as big as mine, and I don't want to shelter you from reality. Life is hard. It's also unfair. We must remember to cherish each other and show our friends our unending love whenever we can.

Well, my lovely lady, I cannot wait to SEE you and HOLD you and MEET you soon. Please, take your time. I am in no rush, and I know whatever day you are born is the day you were meant to be here on.

I love you so very much.
Your momma.

Maternity Photos!

This photo collage made with Smilebox

38 weeks!

Total weight gain: I did see that 2. So we are holding at 25 lbs total.
Maternity clothes? Indeedy.
Sleep: It comes and goes.
Best moment this week: Hugging all my fantastic friends and their babies. My shower. Finding my kitty.
Gender: Girl.
Craving: Lemon. Sour. Salami.
Movement: She never sits still. That slowing down thing? Not happening.
Labor Signs: A few contractions here and there. She is dropping, at least, I thought so but it doesn't look like it huh
Belly Button in or out? The in is holding on!
What I miss: My nose has been stuffy ALL week.
What I am looking forward to: EDD?
Milestones: It isn't a milestone but a fantastic weekend with my amazing friends who never cease to make me feel so incredibly special <3

FULL TERM

Total weight gain: EEP! Water weight is killing me. I did nothing but walk all weekend and gained. The next number I see on a scale might start with a 2! :(
Maternity clothes? Indeedy.
Sleep: It comes and goes.
Best moment this week: Getty center with the husband, and shopping with Susan.
Gender: Girl.
Craving: Lemon. Salami. Melon. Being hit with cravings hardcore which is odd.
Movement: She never sits still. That slowing down thing? Not happening.
Labor Signs: A few contractions here and there. She is dropping.
Belly Button in or out? The in is holding on!
What I miss: My nose has been stuffy ALL week.
What I am looking forward to: THISWEEKEND
Milestones: She could be here anyday!

36 weeks!

Sorry, I got behind! Here we are, almost Full term!

Total weight gain: Just at 20 lbs! On my scale :P
Maternity clothes? Now that I'm home, it's more like Maternity jammies.
Sleep: I can't often stay asleep, but I am still capable of sleep.
Best moment this week: Getting the nursery ALL DONE except for the wall decal.
Gender: Girl.
Craving: Nothing really
Movement: She never sits still.
Labor Signs: A few contractions here and there. She is dropping.
Belly Button in or out? The in is holding on!
What I miss: My nose has been stuffy ALL week.
What I am looking forward to: Watching Christopher become a daddy.
Milestones: Nearly full term!

Total weight gain: We are at about 19 lbs total! I am really happy abuot that
Maternity clothes? Now that I'm home, it's more like Maternity jammies.
Sleep: I can fall asleep very easily. But I can't stay asleep for long. I also stop myself from waking on my back.
Best moment this week: Getting all of the last "priority" items from BRU
Gender: Girl.
Craving: Buffalo Wild Wings. We had to go twice this month.
Movement: She never sits still.
Labor Signs: Some more BH and a couple "this could be more like the real thing" instances.
Belly Button in or out? The in is holding on!
What I miss: Energy.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery all set up at some point this week.
Milestones: 35/35 is a milestone, right? The crib is built, we have all the stuffs we need, and baby is measuring a perfect 51st percentile!

33 weeks!

Total weight gain: 17 lbs..up a couple this week. Probably because I realized I can have a little more calories.
Maternity clothes? Nothing but
Sleep: Hit or miss. Wonderful when it's on though
Best moment this week: Getting to see my friends and family on Skype!
Gender: Girl.
Craving: Coleslaw the other night.
Movement: She never sits still.
Labor Signs: Some more BH and a couple "this could be more like the real thing" instances.
Belly Button in or out? The in is holding on!
What I miss: Bending over.
What I am looking forward to: Ultrasound on Friday
Milestones: We have a crib!