Temps are on the rise

Dear Baby Oliver, 

I am so hot!  Gotta keep my eye on the prize! Which is YOU. ;-)  You're 24 weeks gestation.  It feels like time is going slow but quickly.  Hard to believe only 4 more weeks left of this trimester.

Still a lot to do to get ready for you and not too many weekends to get it done.  I think almost all the weekends in July are full!  It's hard to get stuff done when bending over is a huge deal and it's 100 degrees. I'll have to start squatting soon.

Your Dad and I got the Wedgewood Peter Rabbit set out of storage that we bought for you when you were just a glimmer in our hearts.

I felt you kicking on the outside last Friday afternoon.  You were having some sort of crazy dance session.  Your Dad got to feel you this morning (Tuesday June, 30th).  He was so happy!  He's been patiently waiting for the chance.  

You're an early riser.  You like to dance around my belly starting around 4:30am. 
 
Crazy second trimester stuff:  Throwing up!  I didn't have any of that nonsense the first trimester although I was nauseous quite a bit.  I think it's from allergies and all the snot.  It just feels nasty.  I've had a lot of texture issues.  My body feels weird.  I'm having lower back/hip pain and it's hard to get comfortable sometimes.  Belly is getting bigger and rounding out.  All my organs getting mushed.

We can't wait to meet you.

Love, Mama and Papa

18w6days

Dear Baby,

May 25, 2015

I forgot to blog when we found out if you were a boy or a girl.  On April 23rd they confirmed you're a BOY!  Your Papa and I decided on Oliver as your first name.

I've been craving watermelon often and Pizza Hut bread sticks.  Nothing much else.  During my first trimester I was all about the tea and lemonade.  This week I've been so hungry all the time.

We've been buying clothes and have a crib for you.  Happy I have all the summer yard sales to find all your baby stuff.  Baby accessories are expensive!  We need to paint your room and set up your nursery but the weekends have been busy outside planting flowers or mowing all the lawn and prairie grass on our land.  You're going to sleep in our room anyhow.  Right next to Mama in your bassinet.

Your Great Grandpa Joe died May 19th, exactly a year after your Grandma Marilyn passed away.  I'm sorry you won't get to meet another family member.

We are still so excited and can't believe you're in me!  Olivia (your cousin) always asks if I have a baby in me.  She wants to name you all sorts of funny names.

My clothes are getting too tight.  I bought bigger clothes a month ago but all summer stuff.  Weather has been strange this May.  We even had a blizzard on Mother's Day!  I need warmer days so I can put my new clothes to use instead of wearing the same few things that still fit. 

We have your 20 week scans next week.  We're excited to see you again.  We use the doppler at home to listen to your heart beat.  Lately you just want swim around and kick me when we try to hear you.  Ornery like your Mama I suppose. ;-) If  I figure out how to upload sound files I will put up the recording we have of your heart.  ♥♥♥

Love,  Mama and Papa

12w5d

Dear Baby,

April 13,  2015

We got to see your cute little face!  So happy to see you were still in me.  You were a sleepy baby and didn't want to turn the right ways.  Your heart beat was 156 bpm.  According to old wives tales you'll be a girl! The sonographer kept having me cough to wake you up and make you move.  We told our family about you on Easter.  Everyone is SO excited to meet you.  You are so loved and not even yet born. 

Your Papa and I are trying to decide which room will be yours.  What kind of crib to get you.  How many warm clothes you'll need and what sizes!  So many decisions that will hopefully be made before you're born.

We bought you your first little outfits this weekend.  They are so cute.  I hope you'll think so too.

Your fur brother Buster likes to lay on my tummy protecting you and giving you love.  I think he knows you're in there. 

Can't wait to meet you.

Love, Mama

A birthday letter to my father

Dear Dad,

I thought instead of a goofy card this year I'd write a letter to you about some of the things I am thankful for, admire, and love about you.

I am thankful that you love me! :-)
That you love (or at least like) my friends and treat them as family.
I am thankful that you take care of my car.
I love that you're such a weirdo!
That you don't know any strangers just friends you haven't made- even though this is embarrassing sometimes.
You will stay up late chatting with me.
You like a lot of the same music as I do.
I am thankful and love that you take care of the people you love.
I love that you love bow ties!
You are always excited to see me and Buster. :-)
You don't stay mad at me very long.
You are passionate about things that are important to you.
You don't complain about many things- even when you have good reason.
You let me choose the radio station in the car.
The word "no" isn't usually in your vocabulary.
You don't mind being the passenger.
Even if I'm bleeding you'll clean me up!

These are just a few things and from just one person who loves you. I hope you know you are loved and appreciated.

Love, Sarah Joy