Dear Baby...

Dear Baby,

This has been an exciting week! I always worry that something has happened to you –that you’ve been hurt and are no longer growing quickly. I guess I already care about you and really hope I’ll get to meet you in a few months. 

Last Friday, I had an appointment with my midwife. Your Aunt Emmie came because she really wants to get to know you. She’s going to be such a good aunt to you, Baby – she already loves you so, so much. Your dad came, too, and when the midwife said to him, “Alright, Dad, why don’t you stand over here?” I was confused. Dad? Who’s that? It made my heart all fluttery when I realized who she was talking to. This man I love so much is going to be your father. He’s going to be an amazing father.

I climbed on the table in one of those silly gowns that makes you feel like you’re still naked and Jeanne (that’s my midwife’s name) placed her hand on my belly. I’ve been haunted by the idea that I’d go to this appointment and Jeanne wouldn’t be able to find your heartbeat. 

“Yep! Your baby is right where it’s supposed to be!” She said, her hand near my belly button. She placed the Doppler on my belly and I was relieved to instantly hear your strong, fast heartbeat. Jeanne told us we had a very cooperative child. I hope that’s true. :)

I’m so glad to know you’re growing and developing in there, Baby. 

This week I also got to tell a lot of people I love and care about that you exist. It’s good to finally share this exciting news with everyone, but I’ve never been comfortable with lots of attention. I wonder if you’ll like attention or be a bit more shy. No matter what, we’ll love you. I hope you always know that.

My weekly pregnancy emails tell me that you’re the size of a peach and weigh one ounce this week – but I’ve already gained three pounds. I think it’s because you take after me and really, really like cereal. My belly is definitely bigger – you’re around my belly button instead of near where I button my pants – so my pants fit better again! But my shirts reveal the tiniest hint that you are there. 

I’m officially in my second trimester, which means there is only a very tiny chance now that I won’t get to meet you in a few months. Your dad and I were in the car the other  day and I was marveling at how cool it will be to meet a person who is part-him and part-me - I love him so much that being a part of someone WITH him really blows my mind. Then I mentioned something about you being here in six months and we both sort freaked out about that. In a good way. In a really good way.

We love you and hope you’ll keep sticking around, Baby!

Love,

Mama Bear*

*Mama Bear, like the Berenstain Bears. You will LOVE the Berenstain Bears. I promise.