Dear Baby: 28 Weeks and a Name

Dear Baby,

Things have been very busy around here as we prepare for your arrival. Your Grams has been helping me make little things here and there and the pieces are starting to come together. Your father and I are about the pickiest people ever when it comes to baby gear so we've resorted to making most of your things-even your diaper covers.

I feel more movements that seem intentional. Not lust little twitches here and there but strong rolls and punches. You stretch a lot, as the video proves, and I can't blame you. I have three more months to grow and I have no idea how my belly could possibly stretch anymore. You must be pretty cramped in there. Sorry, kid.

We've settled on a name for you and everyone calls you by it now. Emmy June. Things are always, "Emmy's room" or "When Emmy's here". We love you so much already.

So keep growing, Emmy. Keep stretching and kicking and doing what you do. But please, stop demanding take-out. We might go broke.

Lately

1. It's times like these when I call him Mic. Seriously, could he be more dreamy?

2. We went to a St. Louis Cardinals game.

3. Cats have it good, man.

4. Cats have it really good, man.

5. The Farmers' Market is a wonderful, magical place.

Dear Baby: 23 Weeks

Dear Baby,

Out midwife says we're doing very well. I gained six(!) pounds over the last four weeks and I'm finally above my pre-pregnancy normal weight.

You're about 11 inches long and weigh just over a pound, but judging by those kicks and squirms I feel everyday, I'd say you're a pretty strong little thing. Dad can even see you move!

We LOVE anything pineapple right now (thank goodness Pineapple Whip is open), and I'm guzzling extra water everyday to keep us hydrated during this very hot Spring.

Keep growing, little one. We can't wait to meet you.

Outfit details: Shirt//Target, Jeans//PacSun, Shoes//Thrifted, Bracelet//Thrifted, Watch//Anne Klein

P.S. Griz is a photo creeper.

Happy Campers

Over the holiday weekend we celebrated the one year anniversary of our engagement. We marked the occasion by taking a camping trip to Arkansas, exactly what we did a year ago.

If you had told me then that soon I'd be married, pregnant and a home owner, I probably would've thought you were crazy. But that's our life-crazy. And I love the chaos. I'm just glad I get to share the madness with someone weirder than me.

 "Let's see that bump!"

Most of these were taken at Lost Valley Park in Ponca, AR. Happy weekend!

Routines

Sometimes, when you're pregnant, it's hard to motivate yourself. It's hard to get out of bed, so sometimes you just stay there. Your skin breaks out all the time, so you feel like makeup is pointless. And you only have about two shirts that fit, so you'd just rather stay in your pajamas.

Well, all these things are great, until you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and you look like a zombie. That reality check happened on Monday, and after that I decided that every day I will make an effort. Spend a little time on myself. It makes me feel better and I'm sure my husband appreciates it, too.

So, today I'm walking with the living, and it feels good.

I even tried something new with my bangs! I watched this tutorial and it was really helpful.

Shirt: Borrowed from Anna. Jeans: PacSun. Watch: Anne Klein. Mocs: Thrifted.

Mother's Day

We had a fantastic weekend filled with much mother-celebrating. 

We enjoyed a mother-daughter banquet, an intense game of baseball and way, way too much food between our families.

My husband was sweet enough to get me a gift certificate for a prenatal massage and a very pretty card, he really is the sweetest guy, and my in-laws got me a hanging basket of beautiful begonias.

I don't exactly feel like a mother yet, but I know it'll come with time and I'm so thankful for a family who wants me to feel special even before baby girl arrives.

Dear Baby

We found out last week that you are a girl and we're over the moon with excitement.

Anna helped set up a special surprise to reveal your gender and she did such a great job. You'll get plenty of camera time with her throughout your life.

 

It looks like you've been busy in there. Nine ounces and seven inches of perfect. Thanks for all the little kicks, we think they're pretty cool, and keep trying for your thumb-you alllmost had it.