Thursday, December 27, 2012

Baby 2, Letter 5

Dear Baby,

We had Thanksgiving, and now Christmas.  We'll have the New Year, and then I'll take a nap and you will be here. I was so worried about being this pregnant over the holiday season - I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy any of it and instead just be a cranky shrew through all the preparations and festivities - but I couldn't have been more wrong. I did enjoy the season, despite my ever-diminishing sleep schedule and my difficulty moving around.  Your father was a big help and we did all the things we usually do, including getting the house all dolled up and seeing every possible friend and family member.

I've said that this pregnancy seems harder than the last one, and it has been in many ways. But one major thing has been infinitely better.  I have had no pain.  Last time, I had excruciating pain when I walked for the last five or six weeks of pregnancy.  Also, that diabetes part was pretty unfortunate and I've been glad to freely eat ice cream throughout this pregnancy.  So being pain-free made doing all the cooking and traveling and celebrating much more enjoyable than I anticipated, and I guess I should thank you for that.

Your daddy got me a wine-themed Christmas which seems sort of like torture seeing as I can't enjoy the rewards yet, but he knows me well and I love having something to look forward to. He's made a big batch of homemade wine for me and for Christmas I got all the necessary accessories to fully enjoy it.  Bubbles, baby! He got me a machine to put bubbles in my wine! And a fancy carafe that will keep it cold by the pool. He's a clever guy, your father.  You'll see.

The doctor says you are so perfect I don't need another sonogram. I mean, I guess that's a good thing, but dang if  I wasn't hoping to sneak one last good peek at you before you arrive.  I love sonogram photos.  You  look so happy in there, just floating around, practicing breathing.  That womb looks like a pretty good hang out.

I've got all your grandmas and aunts and friends lined up to come and help us after you are born and it's gonna be a big ole girl party.  For over three years, this house has been a boy's club but all of that is about to change, Sister. You and me, we're gonna show your dad and big brother what girls are all about.

See you in a few weeks, Baby.  You're the last piece of this family puzzle and we're anxious to be complete.

All my love,
Mama




Friday, December 7, 2012

Baby 2, Letter 4

Dear Baby,

We had another sonogram last week, you and I.  One of the few perks of being such an antique mommy is the plentiful sonograms they reward you with in these late-in-life pregnancies.  I am loving the regular opportunities to see your little face, and by the way, thanks a bunch for being cooperative this time.  We got some nice profile shots and one good 3D view of you.  Last time you pouted, facing my spine and refusing to say "Cheese" for the camera, so again, thanks for this recent one.  You were a very good baby, indeed.

You're transverse, which means you are laying across my belly instead of head down like you are supposed to be. I suppose it must be my fault - your brother spent the majority of his gestational time in the same position.  It doesn't really matter, since we have a scheduled c-section planned, so you just go ahead and lay however you dang well please.

I saw on the sonogram that you have some hair.  No offense, Baby, but that kind of freaks me out.  And today I was sitting in a co-workers office and you started kicking so hard that my belly looked like a piece of  Christmas ribbon candy in motion.  Also, a little freaky - moreso for my co worker than myself, but still.  Even on this second go 'round I'm often stunned by the alien quality of the whole thing.  THERE IS A WHOLE PERSON INSIDE OF ME.  That is weird.  You might understand what I  mean someday if you decide to make another person of your own.

I'm excited that you're a girl. At every sonogram I plead with the sonographers. "It IS a girl, right? I mean, is there a chance you have screwed this up?"  They dutifully roll their eyes and show me your girl parts AGAIN. Not that I have anything against having a boy baby, but at this point, I'm totally married to the girl idea.  I've got the pink nursery and I've started thinking about hair and most of all I look forward so much to having a girl in the house to talk to and share secrets with.  No pressure, Baby, but I plan for you to be my BFF, so get ready.  I've got your grandma, Aunt, and Honorary Aunt Lindsey all lined up to come and help me out after you are born your dad goes back to work. It's gonna be girl HEAVEN up in here.

We're getting close, Baby. Almost too close. I hope to finish off the nursery this weekend, and I think I've collected all the necessary items.  We have Christmas pretty much under control, so come Monday all I have to focus on is wrapping up my job so I can enjoy sitting around and holding you and doing little else for several months.

It's the most fun Christmas season EVER, preparing for such an awesome gift to come right after the holiday, - a little belated but a sweeter package never existed.

I love you more than cookies, kittens, and fuzzy slippers.

Mommy