Letters to My Baby ~ #9

What a week this has been! This past Monday, February 18th, 2013, I began having contractions around 2:30 in the afternoon. They were different from the Braxtin Hicks that I had been having since my 20th week of pregnancy. These were up higher, more consistent, and painful. I was being very stubborn because I had been through this with your brothers and knew exactly what was going to happen. Deep inside though, I kept hoping and praying that the contractions would stop. Around 7:30 in the evening, I finally decided to call the doctor and he told me to go to labor and delivery. I knew it! I couldn't believe this was happening again, and so early. I was only 26 weeks pregnant. With your brothers, I think 30 weeks was the earliest that this had happened. So, just as I remembered from when I had preterm labor with your brothers, I ended up having to get a shot to stop the contractions. I hate that shot! It makes me so jittery and hot. But, I would do anything for you. I was a little scared at times, but during most of it, I felt the peace and presence of God there with me.

From the time I left the hospital, I had this stabbing pain to the left of my belly button. At first I just blew it off, thinking it was just soreness from all the contractions I was having. But the pain continued all through the night and I could barely rest. I called the doctor in the morning and they had me come in to get checked out. Thankfully you, the placenta, and the fluids were all perfect! I found out that you weigh around 2 pounds. You are so perfect to me! So, it could've been from all of the contractions, but the doctors just weren't sure. I came home and took it easy and the pain finally subsided the next day.

Thursday night I had another scare with you! You are such an active little boy, especially at night. But this night, I couldn't get you to move. I tried orange juice, chocolate milk, laying on my sides, poking you, and Daddy talked to you. I was so worried about you. I eventually felt a couple of weak movements and decided that you must have just been tired, so I made myself go on to bed. I was so happy to wake up to some strong kicks in the middle of the night. By morning, you had returned to your normal, active self. I pray for you and your brothers everyday. I don't know what I'd do without you! 

Now, I'm looking forward to this Tuesday! I get a 3D ultrasound. I also get my glucose test, rhogam shot, and my regular check up. We all know which part I'm looking forward to. I can't wait to see you again. I keep imagining you with lots of black hair. I picture your tiny, delicate hands and fingers. I wonder if you suck your thumb. I wonder if you get scared or try to cry. I can't wait to hold you in my arms and comfort you when I know for sure that you are upset. I love you with all of my heart!  You are such a blessing to my life! Love, Mommy

Letters to My Baby ~ #8

I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy is going by. I now have less than 16 weeks before your grand entrance into the world. You obviously had a growth spurt in the last couple of days because my stomach just popped out in a major way! Although I had specifically prayed against leg cramps, I woke up yesterday morning around 6:15 with the worst leg cramps I could ever remember. I cried; first because of the pain and then again when I remembered my prayers to the Lord. I feel like I let you and myself down because the day before, I hadn't drank much water. So of course, yesterday, I drank water all day long. I plan to continue drinking tons of water now because I don't want anymore cramps. I did everything in my power yesterday to keep them from coming on. I drank water, had your daddy massage my legs, took a magnesium supplement, took a nice, warm bath right before bed, and slept in compression socks with a heating pad on my calves. I'm SO thankful that I didn't have anymore last night, although my leg is still terribly sore.

Enough about that! Your daddy and I picture how you will be when you are born. I make jokes about you talking and riding the dog around the house when you are only like 3 months old. We envision such silly things! I picture you praising God in my womb. I know you have a huge calling on your life because Satan has fought hard to keep you from existence, but we all know that the Lord already has the victory and He has given me such peace! 

Your movements are getting stronger everyday. I can now feel little body parts jabbing me in the side at times. It used to only be big, jerky movements, where I felt your whole body turning. I feel when you have hiccups. It's so cool! I picture you with a head full of black hair, but possible more curly like G.Q.'s and not as straight as Stinky Face's. I am counting down the days until my next doctor appointment. I get to have a 3D ultrasound. I cannot wait to get another glimpse of you. I almost cry just thinking about it. Can't imagine how wonderful it will feel to finally hold you in my arms. I love you with all of my heart! You are a gift from above!