To our baby girl,
Your dad and I can’t believe that we’re 2 months away from getting to meet your sweet face. I’m getting more excited as the weeks go by, but at the same time I’m trying to savour having you in my belly. I will miss this intimacy that you and I share, but I know it will evolve in other ways that I can only imagine right now. It’s hard to believe that my heart will get even fuller than it already is. The aches and pains are all so worth it.
My favourite times of the day are when I get to feel you move. Lately you’ve been moving around so much at night we call it the Belly Olympics! I love to talk to you to keep you company when you are awake (your dad has to remind me when I’m embarrassing myself in public, hah) and I love giving you rubs on your bum when you stick it way out. The cutest bum ever! I miss you when you sleep. No matter what I’m doing during the day, my mind is always on you. Since you came to be I’ve been much better at being present and enjoying the moment. Your dad likes to say hello to you and kiss my belly each morning. Sometimes he makes funny voices for us (he’s the BEST at those). I’m sure you are familiar with my laugh by this point! You always seem to move around whenever you hear his voice enter the room and just like Sketchie, you love when he plays the guitar at night.
Last week, your Mimi and Aunt Kristi came out to visit you for the baby shower! They spoiled you and made your mom feel so special and loved. We had a really special weekend together and they shared a lot of their pregnancy/parenting wisdom with me. Watch out, I know all your tricks now! Mimi left you the sweetest card in your nursery before she left for the airport. I can’t wait to share it with you some day, but most of all I can’t wait for you to get to know them. Your Aunt Kristi, Aunt Kerrie, and Uncle Chris are all hilarious and will tell you the best stories. I know you are just going to love spending time together. Your Mimi will be back to visit for a week after you are born. She is just dying to hold you for the first time. I’m hoping she will show me the ropes so I’m more comfortable in my new role. I’ve been reading a lot and watching videos on labour and newborn care, but part of me knows I will have to experience it first hand before I feel like I’m getting the hang of it.
On Sunday, we had a beautiful baby shower. About 30 of our family members and friends came out. Your mama was so touched by the love everyone showed us. Mimi, Aunt Kristi, and your dad worked very hard to make this event come together. Your great grandpa, great grandma, great/aunts, great/uncles, cousins, grandmas, and friends were all there to celebrate you. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and I can’t wait to tell you about each of them some day. To cap it all off, you enjoyed your very first cake!! Then you danced!
My girlfriends and I are calling this the “Year of the Girl” because there are going to be 5 newborn girls in our group of friends in 2014! My friend Joanna just had twin girls this week. You are due next and then there are two more baby girls due in December. Karly keeps saying there is something in the water at the restaurant we go to! I can’t wait for you to all meet each other and hopefully you will be best buddies. One thing is for sure, you should have lots of little girls at your first birthday party. And yes…more cake!
Your nursery is finally coming along after your mama made some unfortunate colour scheme and wallpaper choices a few months ago. It’s an ongoing joke between your dad and I that my decision making skills have gotten even worse since getting pregnant. Ugh – it’s so true! Even the smallest of decisions lately feel like mountains. So yes, we ended up wallpapering on top of the first wallpaper in your nursery. Is that a crime? It probably should be. In the end I decided to go with a very soft gray and white colour scheme (with soft pink accents) and it turned out exactly as I hoped. Whenever I walk into your nursery I feel so calm and serene – hopefully it has that effect on you too. The summer trees are so full outside your window right now. Everything is vivid green, fresh, and alive. I wonder if the leaves will be changing colours by the time you see them. I’m hoping your dad is going to build your crib this week even though I don’t expect you will be in your crib until you are at least a couple months old. Once that is done I’m going to start hanging the artwork in your nursery. We also need to buy you several things like a car seat, stroller, and who knows what else.
Your dad, the fun and laid-back Leo, will be turning 32 in a couple weeks! That probably sounds ANCIENT to you right now, but I promise you it’s not! I’m sure you will be such a daddy’s girl because he’s smart, sweet, and just naturally good at everything he does (but he won’t admit that). He also has a huge heart and loves doing nice things for people. You will have him wrapped around your finger I’m sure. He’s going to make you laugh so much with his silly faces and hilarious voices. I can’t wait!
In a couple weeks, your Uncle Dave and Aunt Ewa are hosting the 3rd annual “Liddonfest” to celebrate his birthday. You will soon see how much fun the Liddon family is – they love to party and have a great time together! It won’t be long before you are old enough to play in the bouncy castle with the other kids. Ok, I’m getting ahead of myself now, but I guess this is coming from someone who has already been dreaming of our first trip to Disney Land…or is it Disney World? Man, I’m out of touch!
oh, the fun adventures that await!
With love always,
YO MAMA xo
ps – any chance we can work out one of those super quick 3-hour miracle labours?
Hi Angela! You look fabulous! This seriously must be the year of the girls! I have six family members on my husbands side all having babies this year, and so far three are girls! I don’t know what I am having yet, but I have very heavy feelings it’s a girl. You and I are a couple weeks apart- I’m due Sept. 7th, but with how much this baby moves, I feel like it will be sooner! So exciting!!
I love your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talents with the world. Your beautiful girl is blessed to have such a talented and healthy mommy! I wish you all the best!
Aw congrats Sarah! Keep me posted, ok?
Thanks for your kind words about my recipes :)
Angela, Beautiful…beautiful…beautiful…message to your Baby Girl! Just like you! Thank you so much for your care, thought, and expertise! Your recipes and blog are amazing! Your cookbook is my bible! I had our best veggie burgers tonight and making your African peanut stew tomorrow after a visit to the farmers market! I love your curry soup! And your overnight oats! Thank you thank you thank you! Would you ever consider posting a daily meal plan? Just. What you eat day to day so we can make what you make? I preordered your cookbook but was so sorry to miss your bonus bundle! The cheese ball sounds delicious! Thank you again! Kristen :)
Hey Kristen,
You are too kind! I’m so happy you have made so many recipes from the cookbook!
I did include a 2 or 3 day meal plan in the recipe bundle. If you shoot an email to Eric he can send it to you eric[at]ohsheglows[dot]com – hope this helps!
Angela, I know this sounds ridiculous being very pregnant and renovating your home and a new Baby a Girl soon..but did you ever imagine a year in the life of a oh She Glows Cookbook…365 days of recipes and holiday recipes . It kills me to see the chew and pioneer woman doing it and not someone as intelligent, knowledgeable, and wonderful as you! Kristen :)
This is so sweet, Angela!
I love your negotiation tactics (i.e.”work out one of those super quick 3-hour miracle labours?”) and sign off “YO MAMA”.
You have a very lucky lady in your belly! ;)
hah a girl can dream! ;)
Lovely letter! I also was having dreams about a very quick labour (you can always dream, right) but this week in the birth class our midwife told us that she actually does not wish this for anyone! She said it’s like watching a movie but in double speed … your body (and baby) still have to do the same work but much quicker – which is actually a lot more uncomfortable than a “normal” labour (around 10-12 hours). Oh well. Thank god we cannot decide on this (my decision-making skills have also gotten worse with pregnancy)! ;-) After hearing about the labour process and talking to quite a lot of women who put all their hopes into having a natural birth, I’ve decided to not think too much about this. The little lady will arrive in the way it’s meant to be. I can only control the hospital I choose (we chose one with an intensive care for children and a good premature baby unit) and the midwife for the follow-up appointments (in Germany the health insurance covers up to 18 visits of a midwife after birth to help you with breastfeeding, caring for your newborn and any questions). The rest will simply happen.
Happy 32nd week to you and your little lady, Angela – and enjoy the homestretch!
I love your mindset! I feel the same way about not worrying too much. I think there are things I can do to be proactive and minimize medical interventions, but when it comes down to it everyone’s body + experience during labour are so unique.
Also, interesting point about quick labours. I think it’s similar to ripping a band-aid right off vs. pulling it off so slowly (I always do it slowly….hmm). Both methods seem to hurt just as much!
Angela, Thank you sooo much! I can’t wait to see the recipe bundle and meal plan! I looooved your menu for the shower! It was beautiful! You are so talented! Your Baby Girl is a lucky gal! You must be so excited! Congratulations! Kristen :):):)
Angela, I loooove seeing your menus and how you make it all work and put it together! I am already thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years in July! Lol! Thank you! Kristen :)
Hi Angela
I was just reading you are having rib and back pain. I’m so sorry to hear that I specialize in pregnant woman and children and my office is in oakville. I love your blog and book and refer many of my patients to your site and books, if you are interested in getting treated email me and I will work you in so you have a comfortable rest of your pregnancy. Thanks jasmine
FYI…While a 13 hr labor takes its time to build up with intensity, you end up a bit more exhausted at the end. A 4 hr labor hits HARD and PAINFUL (worse then a 13 hr labor because everything is happening in a shorter time). But, after the 4 hr labor I was energized because I hadn’t exhausted myself during labor and adrenaline was still flowing. Both of these were natural childbirth. The important thing is both ended with beautiful babies! I found childbirth to be a bit of a head game. I kept telling myself women have done this for ages, and keep doing it. I can too. Whatever your birth story, it will be yours and special because of the gift at the end! Good luck and blessings!
Your bump looks lovely Angela! Congrats :) I can’t suggest the book Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan enough. It’s all about getting past the fears of labour that have been created over the years. I’m 29 weeks and it’s really helping me prepare for my labour. Enjoy your last few weeks!
Thanks ladies!
What a beautiful message for your daughter. She’ll treasure it when she’s old enough to read. :-)
You look fabulous! And you sure seem to have everything together. I wish I were as zen and organized as you!
Enjoy the last 2 months of your pregnancy, and don’t stress about the labour too much (I know, easier said than done!). My 8 month-old daughter took her sweet time arriving (over-term, 3 days of Braxton-Hicks contractions every 5 minutes, then 24 hours of labour and a rather difficult delivery). While I’m not one of those women who says “oh, you forget everything” (I’ve forgotten nothing!), trust me, your body will know what to do. Even the longest, hardest labours are a very short step to go through on your way to having your little one in your arms, and the result is so wonderful you’ll be ready to do it all over again in a heartbeat. So enjoy the ride!
Wow, this made me tear up a little! I’ve been writing “letters” to my little one since I got the positive test, though the entries have become less frequent lately (at 19 weeks now). It’s such a nice way to connect, and something they will definitely appreciate and treasure later in life.
Side note: Is Eric seriously building the crib? So cool! My hubby is a woodworker as well but for some reason this thought never really occurred to us–is he winging it or did he find some tutorials or something as a guide?
Congrats Sarah!
He’s not building the crib from scratch (a scary thought actually, haha!!), just assembling. ;)
Hahaha, woodworker, pre-made-wood-product-assembler… semantics ;) Funny though, I mentioned the crib making idea to my husband and a light bulb went off. He’s been researching plans the past few days and trying to figure out a configuration that meets all the safety requirements and whatnot. So IF time allows among all the other renos on the agenda, you can consider yourself, and Eric, unintentionally responsible for our homemade crib! Lol
Wow, that’s ambitious of him! Let me know how it goes if he moves forward with the plans.
Hi Angela, I definitely teared up reading this sweet letter! I have been following your blog since 2009, and I am just so very happy for you. You are going to be a wonderful mommy and I can’t wait to see what else life has in store for you and your beautiful family.
I was fortunate to have one of those “miracle” 4-hour labors (first baby). I had no chance or option of getting drugs, however. I was 9 cm when I made it to the hospital, and baby boy was in my arms 3 hours later :)
I think the best book I read was Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. You can read so many books telling you how to care for a newborn, and have a lot of people tell you their experiences, but every baby is so different. I believe the best thing you can do is trust your instincts and rely on that bond you have with your child to tell you when they need something, or if something is wrong. Bringing up Bebe taught me to listen to my baby, and be patient, while teaching him patience at the same time. He was sleeping through the night at 5 weeks old and is now teething at 9 months old and has never once NOT slept through the night!! Maybe I was just blessed with a quick labor and really good sleeper ;)
You will be a great mother! Enjoy these last couple months of pregnancy, I miss the movements and kicks!
Aww this made me tear up :) What a sweet letter!
My favorite time is also when I feel movement, though sometimes it comes when I’m trying to focus on other things!
I stumbled on you looking for a veggie burger…I have now printed 3 of your recipes and put you into my favorites…That took less than an hour…My lunch is over so back to work for me. I love your sight!!!
HOLY cow, i didnt know you where pregnant! congratulations. is it a boy or a girl?
Thanks Natalie!
We’re having a girl :)
This is so sweet! I kept a paper journal when I was pregnant with my first daughter and I love re-reading it from time to time, so I decided to keep another one for this baby. I like to think that they’ll enjoy reading them if they ever become pregnant themselves :)
I’m due Sept. 1, and I’m also in disbelief that in just a few weeks I’ll have another precious baby in my arms. I’m with you on the “year of the girl”, too, since I’m having a girl as well! I’m so excited for you (and me!).
xx
I love the idea of a paper journal :) If I didn’t hate my hand-writing so much I might do that too…hah. Good luck during the next few weeks!
Hi Angela,
Congrats on your little girl! My husband and I are expecting our first (a girl) in just week or so. I’ve followed your blog for a while now and love your book. I’m about to embark on a week of food prep for when we get back home and wondered if you could give me some of your favorite recipes for freezing. Would love to have a bunch of your frozen recipes for quick healthy meals.Thanks and congrats!
Congrats Leslie! You are almost there :) So exciting.
As for freezer-friendly meal ideas, I recommend things like veggie burgers and balls, chili, soup, enchiladas, pasta + pesto sauces, burritos, etc. Also, these granola bars freeze up nicely and are super healthy!
I just did a huge post on freezer-friendly meals, fyi :)
http://ohsheglows.com/2014/07/30/21-vegan-freezer-friendly-mealsnack-recipes-my-tips-for-freezing/
The last part about “Uncle Dave and Aunt Ewa” made me do a double take (I’m Ewa and my husband is Dave and with so many friends and family with young kids, we are known as Uncle Dave and Aunty Ewa!) It’s like Dave’s and Ewa’s are meant to find each other.
You look fantastic and I love reading your updates, both baby and food related.
haha that’s cute!
this is beautiful. I love it!
You are RADIANT, girl! Living up to your blog name perfectly :)
PS- I bought your book from our local University Bookstore in Seattle this week, I got the last copy! The sales clerk said they started with a dozen last week and sold so quick, I was lucky to get mine. Can’t wait to dive in to those recipes…
Aw so glad you got a copy just in time..thank you so much for your support and kind words!