Sick and Pregnant

Good morning little one,

The past few days have been challenging because I have been sick with some sort of bronchial-cold-like-sickness.  I can't even begin to imagine what you feel or hear as I'm coughing my lungs up and rattling your living quarters.  You are a little trooper.

It's official.  We've made it to the third trimester.  We are 27 weeks (almost 28) and I can't hardly believe it.  You have very little time left "cookin", as your daddy says, and I feel pretty lucky with how easy it's been "cookin" you.  I can only hope that when you enter the world you will be just as easy to take care of.

As I was feeling you move this morning I was thinking about how this spring will be the first in quite a few years where we are not saddened by the loss of a baby, but rather rejoicing over you.  In my eyes, you truly are a miracle for us.

Twenty seven and half weeks...what's going on with you?  There are not a lot of changes this week.

• You are about 15 inches long.
• You weigh about 2 pounds.
• Your eyelids which have been fused closed for the past 11-12 weeks can now open and close

Your mommy...

• Delighted to be in the third trimester.
• I am feeling more round ligament pain, which is slightly uncomfortable, but completely bearable.
• Every now and then an uncomfortable kick is felt in the bladder, side, and other areas which feels like you are trying to escape.  
• I'm hungry!  All the time!  Although I eat about 5 bites and I feel full.
• I'm experiencing less heartburn, but I've changed my diet slightly to help reduce this.
• My sweet tooth has returned.  Oh. My. Goodness.  My sweet tooth is out of control.  
• My lower back is beginning to hurt more and if I sit for too long it's difficult to stand up.
• Has been having weird dreams.
• Enjoys the kicks and all your movements tremendously.

We have many things we need to do to get ready for your entrance into the world.  We've got some time, but before we know it, you will be here.  

Hang on tight as I continue to rattle your living quarters for the next couple of days as I try to kick this cold.  

Love you,

Mommy

26 Weeks

Hello little one...

As of yesterday you are 26 weeks, which means I have approximately 14 weeks until you are in my arms.  I can't believe it!  

What's going on with you:

• You are about 2 pounds.  For only being 2 pounds you sure do pack a mean punch/kick.  
• You are about 13 1/2 inches long.
• You are hiccuping, although I haven't felt it yet.
• All five of your senses are fully developed. 
• You should be growing hair, but considering your daddy and I were both bald until about 2 years old, the cue-ball look might be in your future.
• Your mommy can now see you move from the outside.  Love it!

What's going on with your mommy:

• I am in the last and final week of the 2nd trimester.
• My uterus is about the size of a soccer ball.  
• I have been experiencing minor uterine contractions, especially in the evenings.  
• I've also been experiencing minor back and side pain due to uncomfortable sleeping positions.  I'm a stomach sleeper and the whole side sleeping is not my cup of tea.
• I'm right on track according to weight, gaining 20 pounds.  I still weigh less than Chad and I'm really hoping I don't break 200.  
• In the past week, I started experiencing heart-burn.  Ouch!  I suppose I should cut back on the tomatoes, lemons, satsumas and other acidic foods.
• I still want to eat beef...no chicken or fish for this mama.
• I love how I feel...very healthy.

All is right in your little world, "Herm".  Keep snug and keep kicking.  

Love,

Mommy

A Name?

Good morning, little one.

As I sit here and dream of holding you in my arms in a few months, I'm pondering what will be your name.  Every morning your daddy reads names from the newspaper, which quickly get vetoed because they are usually names of convicts or athletes with bizarre names.  He also shares names from the many books that he is reading at a given time and every now and then a name may sound intriguing, but nothing has seemed to jump out at us.  We listen very attentively to everything around us in hopes of hearing a name that we will like.  I fear that "Herm" is going to be on your birth certificate.

We want a name for you that is not trendy, era related or way off the charts unusual.  We want a name that is easy to say and spell, nothing weird.  We've been looking at Irish and Scottish names (I know, there are some unusual spellings) since your last name is MacDonald, but again, have yet to find something that really stands out to us.

This last Sunday on the way to church, your daddy started saying names aloud, but what I didn't realize was he was reading street signs.  Finally when he said, "Bothell", I caught on to what he was doing...he's a funny one, your daddy.

An article was posted on Facebook the other day about names that have been banned in countries around the world.  Here's the article...http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-lifestyles/10-illegal-baby-names-194006397-3.html  I promise you that we won't be naming you any of these names.  What were people thinking?

When we do have a name for you, something other than "Herm", I assure you it will be perfect.  We've also decided that when we have a name for you, we won't be sharing it with anyone until after you are here.  I've heard too many stories in the past few weeks of how a name has been picked, shared and then at the last minute or after the baby has been born, the name changed.  Therefore, we won't be sharing a name until you are here.

You will have a name...something other than "Herm"...it's just a matter of when and what it will be.

Keep kicking little one.  I love it.

Love,
Mommy

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to my sweet, baby boy.  We love you, "Herm" (and we need to figure out a name for you).

Love,

Mommy

Gia Mae

Dear Herm,

There is one little girl in particular that is so enamored by you and she hasn't even met you yet.  Her name is Gia.   Gia Mae.  She's the cutest and sassiest thing you will ever meet, but she will also steal your heart.  Her bright blue eyes and innocent little smile are adorable.  She is 3, almost 4.  Every time I see her she wants to know how you are doing, if you are growing and if she can feel you move.  She has yet to feel you move and I can hardly wait for the day she does.  She's picked a name out for you..."Dorin".  We won't name you this, I promise.

Tonight I was laying on the floor and without saying a word Gia laid down beside me, rested her ear on my stomach and carefully placed the palm of her hand face down on you.  She whispered to you, "I love you, Dorin."  Of course, it took everything in me to hold back the tears.

Sleep snug little one.

Love,
Mommy

Gia Mae adores you and I can't wait for her to meet you.

Your Daddy...and A Few Other Things

Hi Herm,

Your Daddy is a very gentle, kind, helpful, determined, patient and funny man.  I can only hope that you have the wonderful qualities and characteristics that he does.  Yesterday, for the first time, he felt you move.  The smile on his face will forever be in my memory.  It's incredible how the tiniest, yet most miraculous thing in life can bring such great joy.

We "oooo-ed" and "awe-ed" at church today over another couples' newborn.  I We just can't wait to hold you in my our arms.

Daddy and Grandpa Mac are working on your room today.  They've actually been working on it all weekend and I'm very grateful.

Here's a couple recent pics of you growing...or rather your mommy growing...

 21 Weeks

24 weeks

Keep kickin' away...we love it.

Love,

Mommy