Week 27 - Stripes

Dear Baby Girl,

So this weekend Daddy had his Fall Break (UEA) and your room was the lucky recipient of most of his time! Daddy is AMAZING at painting (he's got that streak of perfectionism in him when it comes to doing things around the house), and this weekend he finished painting your room. He even agreed to paint stripes on one wall. Your Daddy is an angel - you'll learn that soon enough. Now I'm going to unabashedly brag but I can't help it - I ABSOLUTELY love how the painting of the walls turned out!

After Daddy finished painting, I asked him if he would want to put together the dresser and changing table, and so we did that too. Daddy gave your Mom a job that didn't seem too intimidating (dealing with the drawer slides), which kept me busy for awhile. Although, at one point, a screw kept falling on the ground before I could get the screwdriver onto it, making it VERY difficult for a pregnant lady to peer down close enough to the carpet to find it and pick it back up. And well, sadly that sort of did it in for me, and poor Daddy had to finish up the dresser by himself.

The end result of your room (sans the glider, which is currently on order) is very feng-shui, if I do say so. My next task is to find some cute wicker baskets to put on the shelves in the changing table. Anyone know where to find cute wicker baskets? Babies R Us's selection was appallingly sordid.

Did I tell you I'm reading Baby Wise? I'm so glad I'm reading that book, but can I just tell you I don't know how I'm supposed to remember everything I'm reading (abnormal cry times / normal cry times / different cries mean different things / and so on ...)! I think I'm going to re-read the book when you arrive.

We just had our 27-week check up and everything sounds great. Your heartbeat is healthy and strong. You're measuring slightly small, so I'm wondering if you're going to end up being slightly small, like me. I guess I'll just have to wait to see you to know! :)

Love you!

Mom

Week 26 - Ready Already!

Dear Baby Girl,

Well, guess what?! We are nearing the end of our 2nd trimester - just one more to go! We're also less than a 100 days now (99 days to be exact), so the end is in sight when I get to meet you (sort of!). Although I have a hankering suspicion that these last 100 days aren't going to go quite as quickly as the others. I really want to meet you and am ready for you to come NOW!

Daddy and I finished registering yesterday, and it was so fun to pick out things that we thought you'd need and want. We've now also got your dresser and changing table, so most of the big pieces of your nursery are just waiting to be put together.

Dad gets a 4-day weekend this weekend, so we're hoping he'll have time to finish painting your nursery. I can't wait for you to see it.

I feel you kick every couple of hours, which I love! I'm glad you're active and that you can reassure me that you're growing and doing well. Apparently, though, you like being a bit of a drama queen (not shocking), because you've made me nervous a couple of times, and in fact, the last two ultrasounds we've received, you've had your hand over your forehead ("woe is me" - already?)! But dear sweet baby girl, would you please do me a favor and not make me go on bed rest the last few months, because I'm not that patient, and I do think I might go stir crazy if that were to happen. And what's worse, I think I might drive dear Daddy crazy too. I will make a compromise and slow my pace down a bit, if you can promise me you won't make me do that. Deal? Good. :)

I'm reading lots of good books so that I can at least try to be prepared for your arrival. Right now, I'm learning that you need a sleeping schedule to be happy. And guess what? I also need you on a sleeping schedule to be happy. It's a win-win.

I love you so much and I really, really wish that January were closer. Only 99 more days (but who's counting!).

Love,
Mom

My Sweet Baby Sister

My sweet baby sister. I had a great conversation with her this evening, and it made me think about how wonderful it is to have sisters. And when I say sweet baby sister - she's actually 25 years old and not a baby at all. She's quite successful. She has her master's degree and working in Portland. Last year, she pulled off a full-time job, full-time school in the evening to finish off some prerequisites for a second Bachelor's degree, bought two puppies to keep herself company (as if she wasn't busy enough!), and still maintained a happy relationship with her boyfriend.

But really, all of these aspirations aside, the most wonderful of my sister's attributes is her love and kindness. She wants to take care of everyone, and often forgets she needs also to take care of herself. My sister loves to laugh; she sees the good in those around her. She strives to live life to the fullest, to take in new experiences - it's her own form of life-supporting oxygen.

Really, my sister is amazing, but after talking to her tonight, I realized she doesn't think she is amazing. She sees all her weaknesses, and it makes me sad. After a wonderful General Conference weekend, I was reminded that all of us are amazing, and unfortunately it's just Satan who wants to and often does tear us down.

To my sister, and to all of us who are struggling and discouraged, I am reminded of the quote by Nelson Mandela:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God."

Sis, I know you know that life can be turbulent and overwhelming. Don't try to go it alone. Rely on those of us who love you. We want to comfort you and help you. It's okay to be weak. It's okay to cry. Heaven knows, it's okay to make mistakes.

Turn to the Lord. I know that seems hard, but He really does know you intricately. He knows you by name. He knows every single big and little desire you have, every hardship you endure, every sadness in which you mourn.

The Lord offers us good advice:

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good. Yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye shall do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 37:37)

And just remember this life is a tiny piece of a bigger journey.

"Ye cannot bear all things now, nevertheless be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." (D&C 78:18).

I love you sis! You are a hero! You are a daughter of God. Don't ever forget that!