My sweet baby,
You are officially full term!! I can’t believe we are so close to meeting you. You’ve been growing for almost 3/4 of a year in my belly. Look how big you’ve gotten. It’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I’m walking around all day with a full size baby inside me. I don’t think I will ever get over how cool it is. I keep your ultrasound pictures on my desk beside me and I look at you frequently throughout the day. You have these big, chubby cheeks just like your dad and I had when we were babies. My heart melts every time I look at you. I feel so lucky to be your mama.
It’s hard to imagine what our lives will soon be like. Things will change in so many ways and we will feel unbelievably scared at times, but something tells me that life will feel fuller than it ever has. We will figure it out together just like we have these past 9 + months. One day at a time.
Even though I’m anxious to meet you, I’m also trying to savour these last days together. I’m going to miss your silly kicks and hiccups, but I know what awaits on the other side is better than I can imagine. Anticipating our birth experience has also filled my thoughts lately. I’m scared and have major butterflies, but I’m also feeling very positive about it. I know you will give me all the strength and motivation I need to get through it, no matter what happens. Plus, your dad gives really good back rubs! Those will come in handy I’m sure.
I’m feeling great these days. Much better than I thought I would at this stage in the game. My energy is high and I’m staying active every day. You love falling asleep on our long trail walks everyday. I’m looking forward to taking you for walks in the stroller this fall! I no longer have bad rib pain since you dropped down a bit lower a couple weeks ago (thank you!). I hope you are feeling good too. I think about you (and worry) all the time and wonder how you are doing in there.
Your nursery is almost complete and it’s my new favourite room in the house. Your dad laughs at me because I like to sneak upstairs and sit in your room, rocking on the glider, just thinking about you. He thinks this is funny because I don’t sit in quiet solitude ever, but being pregnant with you has taught me to slow down a bit. You know, stop and smell the roses. I know you won’t realize it yet, but we put so much love into your room. I can’t wait to show you pictures one day. I’m sure once you are a toddler you’ll be ready to design your very own ‘big girl’ room! That will be fun too.
We’re also wrapping up our kitchen renovation next week. I hope to have a week to prepare meals and freeze them before you arrive. Today, I made a big batch of African Peanut Soup! I’m also preparing blog posts so I have some ready to go in advance. I want to be able to devote all of my attention to you. Your dad is hard at work on the house, fixing the roof and the gutters, installing tamper proof outlets, tuning the car, and the kitchen reno. Last night, he drilled some Ikea picture ledges into the wall for your book display. We keep saying that we’re preparing for the most special visitor of all time! It’s like the Queen is coming, but WAY better…hah. Something tells me all you will care about is love, food, a clean diaper, and a warm place to snuggle. That’s cool too!
I’m feeling a bit intimidated by all the baby gadgets we have to figure out in the coming weeks. I practiced swaddling and diapering a baby doll the other day (seriously) and it didn’t go so well. haha! Then I tried on the wraps/carriers with the baby doll. Again, it was much harder than I thought. Anyway, I’m sure I will get the hang of all this stuff. Next week we have an appointment with a lactation consultant and guess what I’ll be practicing with? Yep, the plastic baby doll once again. Your dad is installing the car seat tonight and then we have a car seat inspection class at the fire hall this weekend. The days are filling up!
It’s fun to guess your birthdate – your dad says Sept. 19th and I say the 23rd. If only we knew! But I guess that is part of the excitement. I’m not the best with surprises; I’m just hoping my water doesn’t break while I’m getting my hair did next week, but I guess that would make for a good story…
Still no idea what we are going to name you. Well, we have a couple contenders, but I wish I just knew one way or another. Something tells me that we will have to meet you to see what fits that sweet face.
Anxiously awaiting your birthday baby girl…
Love always,
Mama
Such a sweet post, and I know you will treasure this record to look back on later. Brought memories and tears to my eyes remembering getting ready for my own first baby more than 14 years ago.
Serene. That’s the word that comes to mind reading your post. There really is nothing like this time in a mother’s life. And you won’t ever forget the feeling. I can close my eyes and go back to holding my little ones, watching them sleep, feeling love pouring out of me and being totally at peace. It is unreal and so wonderful. Thank you for sharing and bringing me back to that precious time. Sending you all sorts of good vibes for the big day!
I’ve been doing the letter writing for my soon-to-be baby girl as well (currently almost 25 weeks). Hopefully someday our daughters will look back on them and smile, or possibly laugh :) Also, I looooove your blouse! So pretty!
All the things that are so intimidating right now will become old hat before you know it! Try not to sweat the small stuff, relax, and enjoy these last weeks of just the two of you. Best wishes!
Beautiful and sweet words! I cannot believe you are already full term (time flies!). I am so happy for you and cannot wait for you two to meet your baby girl! :) Have a wonderful weekend!
P.S. Cute top!!
In a media-filled world that is so saturated with bad news and heartbreak, it is such a pleasure to read these blogs every week. I can start off in a negative place, but I always finish reading with a smile. Thank you for reminding me that no matter what else is going on out there, there are still good people, having good things happen to them. I have so enjoyed watching you grow (and glow!) – best of luck with the next few weeks!
Aw thank you Erika! That brought a tear to my eye…seriously! Your words are so lovely and appreciated.
I hear you about being nervous about your actual birth experience. I’m 36 weeks along with my second, and spend a lot of time reminding myself this: Your body is designed almost solely with the purpose of pushing this baby out. What you feel is not pain, it’s productivity! Pain is something that isn’t supposed to happen – like a cut or a broken bone or a bruise. This is purposeful and productive. You can do it!
Yup, totally made me cry. You are going to be such a sweet and loving mother, Angela! All little girls should have a mommy like you :-)
My sister’s birthday is 9/23. (She was DUE 8/31…my mom will never forget those three weeks!) It’s a good day for a birthday. ;-)
And those baby carriers will work a LOT better when baby is on the outside. I still use my Ergo with my almost 3 year old sometimes.
Yay, Angela!!! We can’t wait to meet this baby girl! Good luck and glad you are feeling well. Thanks for supplying us with some delicious blog posts in advance. So thoughtful of you! That is one lucky babe!
My birthday is September 20th! I love being born in September and she will too!
You look gorgeous. I loved being pregnant. Enjoy the end as best as your comfort allows. Random question – where is your quilt from?
Thank you Maria! The quilt is from Pottery Barn Kids.
Congratulations! My youngest (of three) turned 7 years old today and you reminded me of all the baby and pregnancy days. I learned to swaddle from a book called Happiest Baby on the Block. There may even be videos online. The only thing I had trouble with was the size of the blankets. All of my babies were big (8’12oz, 11lb 5oz, and 8’4oz). Yes, I said 11’5oz – that was my middle child – my girl. She is a beautiful, lean, strong 8 year old ballet dancer now, but a very healthy, very large baby when she was born (natural birth, too). My mother in law made me swaddling blankets from flannel purchased from the fabric store. She would buy enough to make a large square (I think it was 1 1/4 yard of 45 inch wide flannel), round the edges, and I had LARGE swaddling blankets. We found them so useful that we made them for many other mommas.
Congrats again!
Such a sweet letter! It sounds like you are ready. She is so lucky to be brought into such love. Sending you both happy birthing thoughts!
Im for the 9/24 – my baby arrived that day – 17 years ago. Happy time I wish to ya all
Angela, this post is lovely. Your daughter is so very fortunate to have such a thoughtful, sweet mother and father.
If I may be so bold as to offer up some name suggestions (I’m a bit of a name nerd) which I think all sound great with your last name (and are easy to say, spell, also a bit unique):
-Faye (means “fairy” so very sweet for a young girl, but has a simple, classy beauty for an adult woman)
-Sylvia/Sylvie (I think it flows well with Liddon, means “of the forest” which reminded me of all of your hikes with her!)
-Serena (means “tranquil/serene” so you’ll probably have to meet her to see if this would work!)
-Nadine (means “hope” sounds both strong and soft)
-Eva (means “life” glamorous, beautiful)
-Jane (means “god’s gracious gift”, classy, timeless name)
Well, maybe that helps. I agree though that you kind of have to meet the person to really decide on a name :)
Your toes are still painted! You must be keeping up with your prenatal yoga. : )
Awww, that’s the sweetest.. what a lovely post! These are memories that are great to write down so you and your daughter can go back and read it one day :)
You and your baby are gorgeous! As a mama of 4, I swoon over such love ❤ I’m sending my very best to you and yours at this most special time of preparation, anticipation, and transition :)
This is such a lovely post! I’ve been a reader and a fan of yours for a while now and I’m thrilled for you! :)