Friday, March 7, 2014

Dear Baby Boy... 31 Weeks

Dear Baby Boy,

We only have single digits left in this countdown, my little darling!

Daddy and I are feeling more and more prepared for your arrival as each day goes by. Your baby shower last Saturday was lots of fun, and now your nursery is filled with all sorts of goodies that will make your arrival easier, and hopefully a little more fun.

Daddy and I attended another class in our Childbirth Preparation Series this week, and unfortunately it was kind of a waste of our time. You'll learn that we are not very touchy-feely or emotional (you'll learn about these things from Aunt Erin), and this particular class was focused on labor coping techniques, which meant a lot of awkward exercises. Sitting in a room full of people, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes, learning how to communicate with "non-verbal cues" seemed ridiculously silly to us, and I just couldn't stop giggling (and probably disrupting the rest of the class). But we just can't take stuff like that seriously! Don't worry though, I'm not at all concerned that Daddy won't be able to help me cope with the labor of your birth... we'll just be doing it our own way.

I saw the doctor yesterday and she said everything continues to look great! You are now head down and will likely stay that way until you are born. It seems weird to me thinking of you hanging upside down for all that time, but I guess it's extremely normal and you don't mind a bit.

You are now the size of a pineapple (about 18 inches long and weighing more than three pounds) and are going through major brain and nerve development. Your irises react to light and all five senses are in working order, although you won't pick up anything from your nose until after birth (smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid). You can turn your head from side to side and your arms, legs and body are beginning to plump out as fat accumulates underneath your skin. You are moving a LOT, which is a sign that you're active, healthy, and probably heading into a growth spurt.

Physically I've been feeling okay, but yesterday our family suffered a devastating loss... My incredible, wonderful, kind, intelligent, amazing Uncle Steve passed away, and it has just about broken my heart to realize that you will never get to meet him. I miss him so much. He was my Godfather and I've admired him my whole life, and the fact that he's gone feels like a crushing weight on my soul. I know the stress of this grief has not been good for you, so I'm trying to pull it together for both our sakes, but Mommy is having a hard time right now. Only the thought of you, my precious, innocent son, keeps me from just curling up into a ball and avoiding the world altogether.

He would have adored you so much, and I can't wait to tell you all about him someday.

Love Always,

Mommy

 

20 comments :

  1. we never did those classes either! we never even signed up for it. you'll figure everything out when you go into labor. most of it is cursing and swearing a screaming LOL

    and i'm so sorry for your loss :(

    -kathy | Vodka and Soda

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  2. Sending lots of love your way!!
    You look amazing by the way ;-)

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  3. why not name baby boy after your godfather? just a thought that came to mind and so sorry for your loss. You look great girl.I can't wait to see pics of your baby boy

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  4. Sorry about your uncle:( You look adorable, totally all belly from what I can see. Not long now!

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  5. So sorry for your loss. Hope your son will still know him through your memories.

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  6. Oh no, I'm so sorry for your family! That is so hard! And Dustin and I would be the same exact way in a class like that, awkward!!

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  7. I hear you about the awkward coping exercises. Every couple is different and I'm sure the two of you will communicate like pros even if at one point you find yourself yelling, "LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO ME!!!" lol!

    Also very sad about your Uncle and I'm sorry for your loss. Hopefully focusing on all the wonderful memories you have will carry you through such a sad time.

    By the way...you still look incredibly beautiful!

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  8. Bless your heart, so sorry for your loss

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  9. You look super adorable in this picture! :)

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your uncle. :( Many hugs.

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss... We lost Nick's dad about a month ago, loosing a family member is never easy and I hope you are getting strength from friends, family, and happy memories.

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  11. It's so sad when you lose a family member. My heart goes out to you!! But yeah for single digits!!! Almost there!!

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  12. Every time I come to your blog I literally spend most of the time saying "awwwwwwww" and this was no exception. This little letters are adorable!

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  13. always look forward to these updates. i;m so sorry for your loss. i can't even imagine what you are feeling right now. just sending lots of hugs from me (and my pup charlie).

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  14. I love this letter written to your baby boy. I am a neonatal icu nurse and I love to read what mom's talk about with their pregnancies :) You are going to be a wonderful mother I can tell! Congrats :)

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    1. Aw, thank you! I love writing these letters and I think they will be so much fun to look back on with him later. :-)

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  15. You look absolutely adorable, friend! I'm so sorry to hear about your Uncle, I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers!

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  16. It's not fair how beautiful you look...I would look like a blimp!

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  17. I am so sorry for your loss! Hope you're doing well and sending lots of love your way

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Talk to me, Goose!