A Letter to You

Dear Baby Bub,

The moment is almost here. Your daddy and I are dying of anticipation. Though we feel like we know you already, it's time to meet you in person. To us, you are a little beautiful soul. We think you are calm because you sure have been good to me during this pregnancy. We also believe you have a strong streak but the way you furiously move my belly in moments. We also wonder if you are shy, or purposefully playful for the way you wouldn't let us capture your furious movements on video camera when we try. Each time we lift my shirt to capture it, the movement stops! We love you whether you are playful, shy, or just messing with us. We are still unsure if you are Avery or Adeline. Most of the pregnancy your daddy thought you were no question Avery, but lately I have been feeling that you might be Adeline. Your a blend of energy to me, and I don't get one or the other. Which is great. A boy with female characteristic (perhaps sensitive and calm like Daddy) and a girl with male characteristics (perhaps strong and determined like Mommy). Who knows?

You should know that every day we talk about you, we admire your movements, we discuss what you will look like. We picture you in our lives. Your daddy was specifically touched by the little bath tub you will be using here soon. Sitting in the bathroom tub, he couldn't help but push the button and play the little song it sings. He pictures your little body in the bathing hammock and says it just melts him, almost to tears. For me, its the little socks. I have always loved baby feet. And, right now 2 days after your due date your baby feet are kicking (visibly) right under my right breast pretty frequently. I look at the little socks in the room, how tiny they are, how tiny you will be, and I just can't wait to welcome and care for you.

Your daddy is amazing. He is a wonderful husband and will be the most amazing father. During this pregnancy he has taken the best care of us. He has cooked meals and cleaned the house. He has been there to do this and that when my energy level has been low. He is such a blessing to me and to you. He has laughed with me, and laughed at me. He even let me test our the breast pump to make sure it was working on his tiny hairy eraser nipples- his nipple pulling inside and out of the breast pump. I laughed hysterically. (This story I shared with all the woman at my baby shower!) He's the best and we are so lucky to have him and I can't wait to see him holding you in his big arms. I promise to put all of me into this journey we are about to take, I don't do anything halfway. I promise to love you unconditionally and strive to help you see that you can chose happiness and lightness in all you do in  your life.

And, you are not just loved by he and I. Your grandparents and "aunts and uncles" of many kind are dying of excitement. Everyone can't wait to see who has been in my belly growing throughout this time. Who we created during our dream come true wedding that had the greatest ending, you! To some you are baby Merlot, to some you are baby Bub (your daddy and I's name for you) and for others, you are baby A. Either way, you have a fan club already who is texting me all day dying to know if it's almost time to meet you!  I keep telling them, I feel great, the same, just waiting. And, our bodies have really worked well together. So well, that I get the sense that you are in no rush to join us in the real world. But, we promise when you decide to do so, it will be as comfortable.

So, on that note. We will see you soon! We hope you have the most relaxing entrance, knowing you are loved from the moment you take your first breath.

Love mommy (and daddy)

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

"The waiting is the hardest part

Every day you see one more card

You take it on faith, you take it to the heart

The waiting is the hardest part..." Tom Petty

I've been hearing the tune of one of my favorite men this week. And, I couldn't agree more. Pregnancy has flown by. Everyone said this would happen, but wow the anticipation is greater than anything else I have experienced. I remember lying in my bed half-awake my wedding night, happy butterflies ticking my belly. I remember telling myself to close my eyes and go to sleep. It's been like that for over two weeks now. 

My midwife Jayne thought I was going to have our little one in our arms the weekend of July 27th/July28th and that date came and went. Today is my official due date, August 7th 2012. I am filling my days, among working from home on educational needs with long walks with my hubby and swims at the pool. And, our eating out budget sure is at its max! Thanks Jayne for recommending we live, enjoy, eat out, have romantic dinners now before our little consuming-blessing arrives. And, Caleb and I never hesitate to treat ourselves! 

The house is ready, organized and reorganized. Baby bub's room is meticulous, everything is in place. Extra diapers will be deliver by Amazon, every drawer is organized, beds are made, bags are packed for the hospital visit, and as my by Tom said, the waiting is the hardest part. 

And this little one's entrance is torturing others. The daily text messages, calls and questions. Like my morning check in from Danielle, sending me love or seeing how I am feeling. Hearing the same from Laurie, Gina, Julie, Sarah, our moms and others daily. I can't even call my mom anymore! I have to preface the call with "I am not in labor..." The post office guy said this morning, "Still round I see.. no baby yet huh?" He predicts a baby girl. 

For the record baby bub, you should know the following. Mom-mom shelby, Papa Rob, Gina, Patrick, Lisa, Sarah and the post office guy are predicting girl. Me-ma Tucker, Laurie, your daddy, and mostly everyone else is predicting girl. 

Either way, it's an exciting week full of predictions.Gina arrives Thursday and my mom on Friday on my 30th birthday. My body is ready, I have amazing people who support me, and it's truly no lie when I say I feel great. I am ready for both the mental and physical challenge that is coming. When the moment comes, I will be ready, and more so I will be excited. 

My belly at 39 weeks 

I am blessed and if the waiting is the hardest part, I will wait patiently (well as patiently as I can!). I know we are going to be elated with love and joy soon.