25 weeks and one day

Hi baby,
You've made so much progress over the last few weeks. I can't believe we're almost two thirds of the way done. I got you a few things, including diapers, wipes, onsies, bottles, blankets, shampoo/lotion. I want to buy you your carseat soon. I found one that I liked. Our doctors appointment is tomorrow. I can't wait to hear your little heart. That's my favorite part of the visit. I have a few concerns about my swelling and tiredness. We'll see what the doc says. I love you Chanel. Goodnight.

Love,
Mommy

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Oh baby

It's getting harder to do things. Bend down, get up from a laying position, shave my legs. Two more weeks and we'll be in our third trimester. I can't believe we're almost there. I'm starting to plan your baby shower with my friends. I'm looking forward to welcoming you into my life. When I stop and really think about having a brand new baby, I'm in awe. I imagine what you'll look like, be like. I think you'll you being easy going. You seem very relaxed in my stomach, and even calm. I've had a cold, but am starting to feel better. Although I'm pretty tired. I'm going to rest now. Goodnight my love. Xo, Mommy

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Four days ago Japan was hit by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, followed by a massive tsunami that devastated entire towns, killing thousands of people, leaving even more homeless. I've been watching the news, looking at pictures and videos from blogs online and reading articles from CNN off my phone. There's been hundreds of aftershocks that have caused explosions at Fukushima's power plant, leading to elevated radiation levels, thrusting Japan into nuclear crisis. The weight of my heart increases, as I watch the worst turn worse. Yet, even with the horrific images now embedded in my head, I can't come close to imaging what it would be like to actually be there. The lack of life, even in the land, what once was, washed away and now only memories. The people still stranded without food, water or proper means of shelter. I've taken these days to reflect on life and what it means...what you mean...and how quickly everything can change. I don't have all the answers, but I am soberly aware that everything can be wiped from your life in a flash, and for that, I'm extremely humbled and incredibly grateful that I have you, this new life growing inside of me, being blessed with the opportunity to be your mother...Ethan and Juliana's mother...to be alive and to have today, because today is all we ever have. I love you, Mommy

Front positioned placenta

I was able to see you today. Although your eyes, nose, lips and chin are all where they should be, you're so tiny and still have more growing to do in the weeks to come. You were positioned exactly how I thought you'd be; head up and feet down. In the ultrasound I discovered that the placenta is located in the front of my stomach, instead of behind you. Although Ethan and Juliana's placenta was behind them, this is perfectly normal, and occurs in about 30% of women. It can make your movements less noticeable from the outside because it's like you're moving into a pillow, but as you become stronger, others will be able to feel you, even through the extra cushion. You were so funny today. You smiled a bunch of times. I never remember your brother or sister doing that when they were inside of me. It was the sweetest little thing. You were snuggled into the placenta and kept leaning your head onto your little hands. You even sucked your thumb once. You were sitting Indian style and had your body curled up. I'm hoping to go back when you're 32 weeks and get a good face shot. I've been resting a lot today and the swelling in my ankles has gone down, but I've had a lot of heartburn. Probably because I've been in a laying position most of today. You're moving right now. The frequency of your movements are increasing more and more each day and your heartbeat is strong, consistent and very healthy. Sixteen more weeks and you'll be here. I love you little girl.

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Little baby face

I can't wait to see your little baby face. In less than an hour, I get to see you and all your glory in 3D. I'm so excited, so are the kids. I love you.

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Yummy!

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You're a little kicking machine! I can tell you're head up, because I feel your boom, boom, booms right below my belly button. You're always so active around 10 at night and again around 3 or 4. You're already putting mommy on your schedule. I get to see you Saturday in a 3D ultrasound. I'm looking forward to watching your brother and sister's reaction when they see you moving around on the screen. We love you so much already. Ethan shows interest in the functionality of you and how life will be when you arrive..where your carseat will go in the car, how you'll communicate when you can't talk and that you'll need our love constantly. Juliana is interested in how you'll get here and how mommy will feel when you come. She also thinks about the future and sister things, like sharing bunk beds and growing up together. Life will only be enhanced when you come. I love you.

Goodnight little muffin,
Mommy

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Limited Real Estate

You're getting so big and mommy's starting to notice, as real estate space is decreasing in my tummy. I've decided that although I'm eating for two, and have certain sweet and savory cravings, your little body needs all the nutrients it can get, so you can continue to grow big and strong. Tonight I'm going to Mother's Market, to stock up on fruits and veggies and other healthy choices. I've had healthy cravings, like strawberry yogurt, cucumber rolls with soy paper and bananas...I never ate bananas before you were in my tummy. It's amazing, just how amazing a woman's body is - you remind me of this daily.

I love you,
Mommy

Little Amazing You

You're twenty-three weeks and growing. I can feel your little kicks, and stretches now. They're like tiny random pulses coming from all areas of my stomach. I've tried to share these movements with your sister and grandma - they seem to be the most anxious ones to feel you - but you move when you want and I'm the only one, so far, that's been able to feel how special you are.

I love you,
Mommy