8 months of blessings!

October 10th, 2013

I wish I was more timely at these postings...

Too Cute

gosh... i love her so much!

First...

Time cooking with Mommy!

One Month Old!... a little late posting though...

Precious, huh?  :)

We are so in love...

36 weeks

To our Sweet Baby,

You my dear... are growing like a weed!  You are nearing 6 lbs & 21 inches long!  Whoa!  Believe me, Babe, I feel your growth & need for some more space!  It seems like no matter how I sit or lay you would prefer me to be in another position.... any other position!  You seem to only be happy with your space when I am standing :)

This week marks a lot of changes for us, Little One.  As far as your room goes, we have finally found a competent carpenter!  Yay for you!  You are currently getting your very own toy & goods storage bench & rocking chair!  Once these items are in your room all we will need is some more clothes and... YOU!

At the end of this week we will be shifting to our BigCity where we will get to meet you... finally!  This time frame is more than a week earlier than we had originally planned... but some say you are coming early and we just want to be safe!  The only deal I am really trying to make/ keep with you right now is that you will at least wait for Valentine's Day to make your debut!  Your Daddy will be traveling this weekend to Thailand for a meeting, returning to us on the evening of the 13th.  So, Babe, I am okay with you coming a bit early, counting your baked all the way, if you can wait for him to get back as well!

We love you so much BabyB!  We are so excited to meet you, hold you, love you, & call you by name!  Baby, there are so many people all around the world praying for you!  These are some of the ways we are currently praying for our delivery!

Your Daddy & I love you so very much!

See you in less than a month!

Love,

Your Momma

34 & 35 weeks? :)

To my sweet Baby,

Again, this week's letter has been combined.  I have to tell you, Little One, I am really quite unsure when you are coming & which doctor to listen to about your expected arrival time.  :)  All I know is that you are growing, kicking, rolling, movin' & a shakin'!  Right now, what we can guess is that you are over 5lbs & near or over 20 inches long!  You have been pumping up & filling out those precious little wrinkles of yours with sweet baby-fat so that you will say warm once you are out of this oven :)

Your Daddy & I, and many others, are praying for you.  We are praying over many areas of your life & development, but especially over your little kidneys.  I was unsure whether I wanted to tell you or not, Sweet Baby, but at your ultrasound a couple of weeks ago your left kidney was a bit swollen.  The doctors didn't seem overly concerned & told us we would check out your kidneys in another ultrasound in a few more weeks.  But, we are praying for you & your perfect health all the more.  We are praying that through this & our delivery we will be able to share with the doctors & nurses how good & powerful God is!  We love you so much Little One.

We love you Baby!  This past week we were blessed with another Shower of love for you from our local South Asian church family here!  It was a very sweet time as well!  You are loved & prayed for in so many ways & by so many people!  There was a very sweet time where our local pastor read & prayed Psalm 34 for us.  It was so very sweet & I look forward to reading & teaching it to you one day!

Your Daddy & I love you!

Love Always,
Your Momma

Fun Bump Pics

32 & 33 weeks

To my sweet baby,

This week's letter has been combine for several reasons... mainly in light of last week's doctor appointment & ultrasound.  By our original calendar dates you & I would of been in our 32nd week together.  But, by your measurements taken last Wednesday you were 34 weeks then!  So really... we are unsure exactly of your coming date but still anxiously waiting for you!  Last Wednesday you measured in almost every way, by weight & length, as a 34 week babe.  Coming in at 5 lbs & nearly 20 inches long!  But, we may just be big Americans having a big American baby, since your current weight & height are what most South Asian babies are born at!

Last week we went to the BigCity where we are planning to deliver & finally meet you in person!  We spent the week there because our doctor appointment got moved, which we didn't know until we got to the hospital, and because your daddy went out of town to a conference for several days.  We got to spend time with folks we don't get to see very often at all & celebrate another party, just for you, with our friends there!  Babe, they are so happy for your daddy & I and so excited to meet you as well!!!

You are currently very busy most days.  I believe I have you figured out in some ways, but as sure as I say this you will change your mind & habits completely!  You like to face in, with your rump & back out, often leaving me rather lopsided!  Also giving you better access to my internal organs :)  I know you are just trying to get comfortable but sometime you can really get me good!

Your daddy & I love you so very much!  I am thankful for each & every move you share with me :)
Grow well little one,
Love,
Your Mommy

31 weeks

Sweet BabyB,

Baby you are 18 inches long now & about half of your birth-weight!  Yay for you!  Believe me kid, I know you are 18 inches long now-a-days!  Wow... I feel like no matter how I sit you are squished & trying your very best to reposition me so that you have more room!  Since we are now going to the doctors more regularly all report are that you are doing well!  Such a sweet blessing!

Lately your hiccups & moves have been getting more attention from your Daddy.  Most of the time your hiccups are now belly-bouncers and your kicks, acrobatics, & tossings move all of my midsection!  I have to admit, I do love it when your Daddy hugs me or we are close to each other & you get your move on!  He smiles, but his eyes still get big as he ask me if I am okay.  :)

This week has been somewhat normal for us.  We have been in language class, out in our city some more, and we even took a trip to another district on the one year anniversary of our arrival in South Asia!  You, my dear, are defiantly getting us more noticed now.  We get stared at everywhere we go!  It really feels like most folks have never seen a pregnant white woman before!

Less than 2 months sweet Baby & you will finally be in our arms!  We are so very excited!!!
We love you so much!
Love,
Your Momma

30 weeks

Hello Sweet BabyB,

This week you are, by one source, 17 and 3/4 inches long & still around the 3 lb mark!  You are practicing blinking & opening your eyes now, but I dare say it is rather dark in there.  :)  But, if we are to shine a flashlight on my belly you are able to see it & follow it now!  Way to go!

This past week has been nice.  It is always good to be back home after traveling a bit, you will see!  Since we have been home we have attended your first party, via Skype!  Skype is a fun way we are able to talk to & see our family & friends that live in other places.  Just so you know, Nana & Grandpa/dad only appear on the computer screen, that is just where we get to see them right now!  Anyhow, you & your sweet cousin Olivia were very blessed at a shower by our friends & family in KY thrown by my Aunt Shell.  Everyone is so excited for both of you to come!  

Then we celebrated New Years... welcome to 2013!  This is your year sweet baby!  Only a couple more months & you will finally be with us!  We are so excited!!!

We are now back in language class.  Sometimes it seems that really like to keep me distracted a bit, with your belly bouncing hiccups & kicks to my organs :)  Honestly, sweet Baby I would not trade one minute of it!  I love you so much & am thankful for every move & bounce, even the ones that kinda hurt.

We love you & are praying for you constantly!  

We love you!!!

Your Momma  

No more toes :)

29 weeks

To my Busy Baby,

My sweet baby!  Busy does not even describe you well :)  I am so very thankful that you are active & growing well.  You have recently found my lungs as well, to go with the bladder & ribs that you like to kick, punch & stretch into :)

During this time you are nearing 17 inches long and still around 3 lbs... you have entered into your "rapid growth stage"!  Which means that you are keeping your momma very full feeling most of the time, due to your growing size in my limited space, but hungry much of the time as well.  Your bones are hardening into place... so I am doing my best to keep the calcium flowing to you!

This week you have traveled back from your first trip to Thailand and celebrated your first Christmas with your Daddy & I in South Asia.  You have done really well & been very kind to me with all of our traveling lately.  Where we were at the beach is a 3 1/2 hr car ride to the airport, then a few hours in the airport, followed by a 3 hr plane ride, then another 1 hr taxi ride before we got to our bed for the evening!  You did great... but wow I was tired!  Then just yesterday we were given a car to drive in South Asia & today your Daddy drove us all the way home from the BigCity, a 4 hr drive!  Hopefully you will always love & be good at traveling Little One, it is just part of our life here!

We love you so very much & can't wait to meet you!  Oh... and in just a couple days you get to attend, via Skype, your first party!  That's right... a party just for you & your cousin Olivia!  We are all very excited!  I will tell you more about it next week :)

Love you, my Busy Baby (who is currently knocking into my ribs :)!
With all my love,
Your Momma

28 weeks

Hello Sweet Baby Boy or Girl,

This is your daddy, and I love you!  I am excited that you are continuing to grow and develop and become more and more like a little baby.  I am so excited and ready to meet you and get to hold you! This week, you got your first plane ride and trip to Thailand!  I don't think you noticed too much, but you did seem to like it when your mommy ate donuts and drank Starbucks.  

We tried to find out again who you were this week, but you were not wanting to cooperate; so we still don't know who you will be.  We do know that you are growing, 3.3 lbs and as far as all the doctors can tell are completely healthy!  This makes me and your mommy very happy.  We are blessed to have you, and are ready to hold you and begin our lives together!  I love you and am praying for you, and get excited when your mommy tells me that you are moving around.  You really are an active baby, and we are ready to play with you.

I love you, and look forward to seeing you!

Your Daddy

27 weeks

Hello sweet BabyB,

You my dear are quite the fun baby!  Your weight is still near 1kg but you are also near/ more than 15 inched head to toe!  Yay!  Which is probably why you are now able to kick, stretch, hit, & dance to all sides of my belly at the same time!  You are getting better at kicking on cue, your daddy has got to feel you deliver several proper kicks (with wide eyes) several times in the last few days!

We, you & I, are now into the last third of this time we share together!  This week was good for you, you attended your first Christmas party with me & we got our first of the belly rubs from your local Aunties here!  They are all so excited to meet you Paapu & so very happy you will be born here & not in America :)  This week was also the first time you found my ribs & several different organs to kick!  Whoa!

Hey Paapu,

This is your daddy, and I want to tell you that I love you!  I am so glad that you and your momma are growing and staying completely healthy.  You seem to only be getting more energy as you grow, and that makes your Mommy and me very happy.  I can't not wait to see you and get to hold you, but I know this time you have now is very important, and I am praying that you continue to grow and be healthy.

But this week, you get your first plane ride and trip to the beach!  It will be a lot more fun when you can see and feel it for yourself, but your mommy and me are glad to be going.  Know that we love you, are praying for you, and I can't wait until I can hold you.

We love you kid & can't wait to call you by name & hold you in our arms!
Love Always,
Your Momma & Your Daddy

My favorite time of the year!

Of course... this is from our Thanksgiving feast!

Brad was so kind, telling me this was the best turkey he had ever had!

(Maybe the fact that it was really fresh helped! :)

Thankfully, no pun intended, we were joined by some of our friends who live in the BigCity near us!

It really was like being with family in many ways.

Since we will be traveling 1/2 of December our tree & decor made it's debut mid-November :)

Of course... our nativities also came out...

Where do you think these guys are from?

BabyB's room even got a bit of decorating!

But, one of my favorite aspects of this time of year... the real reason we eat turkey...

what & who we are thankful for!

This is our Thankfulness Wreath... which I got the idea from this blog.

But, what would Christmas time be without a party?

So we would like to invite you to join us with our neighbors & friends here for an 

American Christmas Party this weekend!

(Your official invitation is above :)

26 weeks

Hello my dear baby,

I am writing you this as you are managing to kick me about!  It seems like just recently you have gotten much stronger!  Yay for you!  You, my dear, are one kilo now (2.2 lbs) and chubbing up a bit!   Your senses are  almost completely developed & you almost have the same brain activity as a newborn!  Wow!

This has been a full week for us, little one.  We went for our first monthly checkup last week without your daddy.  I was sad he was so busy, but on a very good note we were given your very first picture since he was not with us!  That's right, we went back to get an ultrasound just so we could see your sweet little face!  See...

You are right in the middle, we can see the profile of your little face with your nose, lips and chin & your sweet little hands!  

I am glad you are such a busy baby!  But I have to admit, sometimes you wear me out kid!  Seriously, I have been feeling good over all especially since this is the last week of our 2nd trimester, but I am also getting tired so easy again.... just like when you were the size of a gummie bear :)  We, just the other day, went for our/ my glucose test.  I was so hungry & tired that morning before things really got going.  I think you knew it too, you were quite chill while you are normally busy in the morning with your aerobics or something :)  Anyhow, about 45 minutes after I drank the sugary liquid I thought you were going to dance out my belly button!  Thankfully, we both calmed down & my tests were normal!

Something funny this week Paapu, you've had hiccups during my language class!  You are so fun already!  I am so excited to meet you soon!

We love you so very much sweet baby!

Love,

Your Momma

25 weeks

Dear Paapu,

This week you are about 1/2 your birth length and you are also knocking on 1.5 lbs!!!!  Way to go kid!!!  You are a growing, kicking, dancing, man-food loving machine!  I am so blessed to get to carry you this season of our lives!

Paapu... did you get that?  It's true... it seems like everything your daddy likes to eat, that I have not liked thus far in life, I am now craving!!!  There is a local dish here that your daddy loves & until the past 2 weeks it was the last thing I wanted to eat.  Now... I could eat it everyday!  And... buffets... never been a big fan, I have always liked my food cooked for me, but not lately!  I know you are your daddy's child :)  This makes him very happy!

Have I told you get that your grandparents are coming to meet you?  Both sets!  My parents, your Nana & Grandpa, and your Daddy's parents, your Nana & Grand-dad!  I know their names are very much the same but you will not have any problems keeping them straight once you get to know them.  Your Nana & Grand-dad will be here just a couple of weeks after you are born!  While your Nana & Grandpa will be here soon after.

Here in South Asia once the baby is born the Nana will take care of the mom & baby for several months.  But she doesn't just help take care of the mom & new baby... she will also helps clean the house, cooks food for everybody, and anything else that needs to be done.  Amazing!  I am sure both of your Nanas will all they can do to love on you & us :)

I love you dear baby!
Grow well!
Your Momma

24 weeks

Sweet Baby,

How I love you!  This has been quite a big week for you!  Did you know that you are now at the age/ size that if something were to happen there is a very good change you would still come home with us?  It's true... all the major body forming work is done & now you are in the process of thickening up & filling out!  You have even gained (approximately) 4 oz from last week & are now over a foot (ish) long!  Yay for you!!!  You & I, sweet thing!  I feel bigger almost everyday, which is good for you, but several times this week your daddy as told me I'm small & ask when I am going to get bigger!  I have been told... our time is coming little one!

This week is Thanksgiving, Paapu.  Which is a huge American holiday... where people gather with their friends & families to share a big meal, including Roast Beast... I mean turkey & lots of other goodies!  Since we have some friends coming here to stay with us we made some great strides over the weekend on your room!  Your was-black dresser is now white & some other simple decorations have finally been placed!  Sadly though... the rocker/ glider chair we got for you is now gone.  We kept talking with the company we got it from, since is has been broken since we got it, and they came & got it!  (with a refund) Which means we get to go get another one in the next couple of months...  I just hope we can get a proper new piece without these problems.

Did you know that where we live in South Asia most all pregnant women go back to their families home while they are expecting?  It is true, especially with their first pregnancy.  Our friends here have been shocked that I am staying here with your daddy this entire time!  Here, the momma goes to her mom's home (your Nana) at 2 months along then will stay in that home until the baby is 3 months to 1 year old!!!!  Without the daddy!  I can understand in some ways... life is is hard & many women do a great deal of physical work... while they stay with their mothers they still work in their parents home but much less.  They are also fed good & get more resting time.  But gosh.... it seems so hard & crazy for me to think about not being with your daddy for that long of time!  I do love him so very much :)

We love you little one & are enjoying your movements & kicks!  Your daddy finally saw one of your belly-bouncers the other day!  He was finally looking at my belly at the right moment & you delivered a proper kick!  Maybe you will grow up to play football... or dance ballet?  Either way we love you & look forward to meeting you!

I love you!
Grow Well-
Your Momma

What are you thankful for today?

This is something we keep in our home...

we should always be thankful for the many simple or great grand & wonderful things we have in our lives!

We pray that each of you are thankful today...

today I am thankful for my amazing husband, our sweet kicking baby, a nice home, a job we love, and friends to share today with!

What are you thankful for?

23 weeks!

Sweet Paapu!

Gosh I love you kid!  Can you believe you are 11 inches from head to rump & over a pound in weight now?!!?  I can :)  I love that I have the amazing blessing of carrying you, feeling you move & grow & growing with you!

Most folks around us are the "don't ask... don't tell" type of pregnant people.  Especially since most folks around us probably think the white lady is just putting on some weight, next to no one has asked about you.  But there are a few who do know, who are very excited & ask all the time!  We already have your language tutors set up sweet baby!  Our amazing language tutor, her family, Brad's friend, & our house helper already know they are to only speak our new language with you!  They are so very excited too... because of course you should grow up learning it as well... so they say!  :)

Sweet Baby your room is starting to come together!  All the major players are now in place.  Your wall decal is here, thanks to Chickfila!  Really, several owners of different very yummy restaurants in America came to do a business leadership training here.  A few even came from Arkansas!  So that is a huge blessing in itself.  We now have some paint to brighten up your dresser and the last of your canvasses are at the framer!

People talk about "nesting" when you are pregnant & expecting a new baby.  I am starting to feel this urge but this is absolutely crazy to the people here.  The very fact that you will have your own room & bed is ridiculous!  The people who are in our home the most have come to expect that we, the whiteies, are different but the fact that you will not sleep in the same bed with us until your are 10 y/o is very surprising to our friends here.  Our language tutor has 2 kids, ages 7 & 4, and they still sleep with her & her husband every night!  This is just part of some of the things you will learn & experience growing up in South Asia.

We love you Paapu and are so excited to know that you are growing making your way more into our lives every day!

Grow well sweet baby-
I love you!

Your Momma

22 weeks

Sweet Paapu,

You are such a sweet blessing baby!  I love feeling you more throughout the days & nights :)  You are so fun already!  When I wake up to turn from side to side in the night you are so often there... kicking to remind me of your sweet presence!  I love it!  Finally, a few days ago you kicked at the right time & location for your daddy to feel you as well!  We are so happy to know you are growing & active!  You are already 12 ounces to 1 lb now & 7 inches from head to rump!  I have to say, I am hoping you get your daddy's long legs to go with everything else :)

This past week we had our 21 week ultrasound.  I have you tell you... Paapu I was really praying that you would be as immodest as possible.  Mainly so we could find out exactly who you are!  I'm sure you don't know this baby, or care, but it is illegal to tell the gender of the child where we live in South Asia.  Sadly that is because the abortion rates are so high, even when the parents do not know the gender :(  Either way, sweet baby, you may of been very immodest but the doctor reading the ultrasound was so quick we never even got a glimpse of your legs!  However we did get to see your sweet arms, hands & fingers along with your feet & toes, & your little spine... and maybe my favorite your fast sweet little heart beat!  You, however, did not seem to be fond of getting rolled on & pressed on by the ultrasound wand because you turned your head & covered your face with your hand!  Even after a walk around & a snack you were in the same position!  But it is okay Paapu, we are already in contact with a hospital in Thailand so that we can see who you are in only 6 weeks!

On a very similar note, your Aunt Tiffany & Uncle Josh found out you will have a girl cousin!  They were very shocked but so very happy with the news!  Pink balloons and all!  They had a very fun sounding party... you can even see it here if you are curious to see their reactions.  Since we will be in Thailand I plan to celebrate with a Starbucks!  One day you will probably drink & enjoy coffee just as much as we do, sweet baby, and then you will know what Starbucks is as well!

I love you so much sweet baby!

Keep growing & kicking!

Love,

Your Momma