Tuesday, February 21, 2012

As Long As You're Healthy

My Dear Enna, (Your name might change when you're born, but we're currently calling you Adrian/Enna) :)

Yet another doctor's appointment, yet another post. Mommy's officially started on her 2-week visits and time is flying by! I've started knitting you a sweater, but you probably won't wear it until October-ish, since it's a little on the big side. (And who wears sweaters in the summertime?) It's finally snowing outside, probably around 6-10 inches so far.

Everyone keeps asking about plans for your Baby Blessing, something your newbie Mommy forgot about. So far all we have planned is a tentative date (June 4th) and that we'll be having it at our home ward. It would be nice to have a little get-together afterwards so you can meet some of your extended family. I think Grandma Jensen is going to bring up Mommy's blessing dress to see if it fits and still looks nice. Don't worry, Baby Girl, I won't dress you in something completely out of date. ;)

So, Mommy is starting to meet the other midwives in preparation for the big day, since we don't know for certain when you're coming. Mommy thought she would just be assigned one midwife and be done with it, but  evidently not. So, today, instead of Karen, as usual, Helene helped Mommy out. She answered all kinds of questions and gave some good advice. You really like to do headstands on Mommy's hip, which is okay, except it tends to pop Mommy's hip out of place, but if Mommy moves, her back hurts, so Helene referred Mommy to a chiropractor who is thankfully covered under our insurance to helps us out.

Other than that, you are healthy. Helene and a student nurse who came in today to observe said that you weren't a "big baby," which is just fine with Mommy. She'd rather be able to carry a big baby and give birth to a little one than the other way around. You are so compliant it sometimes worries Mommy that you'll be too much of a people pleaser. Hopefully we can teach you to stand in your own light and be obedient to the One who it is most vital for you to be obedient to... and maybe your parents, when they're rules comply with His. ;)

We love you, Baby Girl! We can't wait to meet you!

Love Always,
Mommy

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Things Are Starting to Pick Up!

Dear Baby Girl, (Baby Sophie? Baby Roxanne? Baby Adrian? Baby Estrella?)

Yep, I think we're down to only four names now! Although Daddy DID say that he liked some of the names we have picked out as middle name possibilities better... We'll see. Mommy can't wait to start calling you something other than Baby Girl. :) Mommy talks to you a lot now, since Daddy took a job that lasts all afternoon and into the evening. We listen to good music, Mommy does work for her parenting class and cleans house and at night time, when Daddy comes home, we have dinner and (maybe) watch a movie. I tell you how beautiful the snow is outside and sing some of my favorite songs to you. I tell you how amazing your Daddy is and how much your grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles love you. Sometimes I worry that you won't have any cousins close to your age, but I think that's just Mommy worrying. You'll be so spoiled I don't think you'll care, really. Not for a long time, anyways.

We had another doctor's appointment today, glucose screening and everything. Mommy flinched when they stuck her finger, but it really wasn't that bad. It hurt less than someone snapping a rubber band on your wrist. It was a nice relief to hear that there will be no bed rest or diabetes this pregnancy! Yay! Mommy measures perfectly (28 inches, 28 weeks) and you're already head-down! Such a good little girl, so compliant and cooperative. Thank you for making this so easy on your mommy. I hope you know, though, that I love you no matter what.

You get the hiccups every once in a while. Last night you hiccuped in perfect rhythm to the music your Mommy and Daddy were listening to. It doesn't surprise your parents, though. Mommy's a dancer and Daddy plays both the bass and the drums, so you probably have an innate sense of rhythm. :) You seem to like Jenny Jordan Frogley, just like your Mommy and Grandma, and the strawberry-banana smoothies Mommy has every once in a while.

You might have to remind Mommy to register at the hospital, take a tour, and start in on the online birthing classes sometime between this and next week. Soon we're going to pack our hospital bag, have a Baby Shower, and go do some pre-labor shopping. The visits to the midwives are starting to come closer together, since we're going after three weeks this time, then once every other week, then weekly and, before we all know it, you'll make your debut!! Mommy is getting very excited! But if Mommy's excited, Daddy's ecstatic! He loves you very much and he loves your mommy very much, too. Get ready for a lot of mushy kissing, baby girl, because you are going to see a LOT of it! ;)

I love you, Baby! I can't wait to see you!

Love Always,
Mommy

P.S.
Words from the chorus of Mommy's favorite song right now:
You look at me with those trusting eyes
You need someone who won't compromise
Constant and steady, with love never ending
With everything life will put you through
You can find me, I'll be here for you
Constant and true, in everything that I do for you.
-Constant, by Jenny Jordan Frogley

Monday, January 9, 2012

Your Family Loved You Before They Met You

Our Dear Baby Girl,

If you ever wonder why you have so many baby hats, just know that each one is a small token of how much your family loves you. Grandma Jensen made you one that matches hers (the one with the pompom the size of your head, haha!), and each of your aunts are waiting for their turn with the "baby hat knitting ring" to make you one of their own.
Aunt Matea says your name should be Sophie. What surprised me is that Daddy likes it when he turned down the name Sofia... We still haven't decided yet, however. We probably won't until you're born. (I think I've said that already, haha!)
Grandpa Jensen was very attentive to how Mommy took care of herself and you. He even ran to the store when Mommy was craving milk and granola. ...Mommy is a little unused to having people do things for her...
Aunt Lyric is quite excited to dress you up in little feather bows and flowers. Mommy's going to have to make a soft hairband so you can wear them
You also played with Aunt Tayli. She'd pat my tummy where you were and you'd kick in response. She couldn't feel the kicks, (evidently Mommy has rather thick skin) but she laughed along just the same when I told her what you were doing.
Everyone "ooh-ed and ahh-ed" at the 3D ultrasound pictures and Great-Grandma Wilcock gave Mommy some pretty good birthing advice.
Uncle Connor is now on his mission and Mommy's waiting to hear his response to the pictures she just sent him.
Grandma and Grandpa Guerra are also very excited to see you. We were supposed to go see them for Thanksgiving, but ended up being with Uncle Paul and Aunt Cait instead.
Uncle Chris is doing well in his first month in Riberao Preto, immersed in the work of Heavenly Father in his assigned mission at last. Mommy needs to send him pictures, too...
I can just imagine how you'll say Aunt Leanna's name when you start speaking. (A while yet to come, but Mommies can think about it.) She's playing soccer for her highschool and is very good at it, I hear.
Uncle Tony is becoming Mommy's "in" when she's going to make important announcements or needs something stored in Oregon. He's very helpful and a LOT of fun. I think you're going to smile and laugh a lot when you're with him.
We're going to go see everyone Guerra in July for a family reunion. You'll be a whopping two, almost three, months old! I hope we can visit them sooner, or that Grandma Guerra has the same opportunity as Grandma Jensen to come visit the week after you're born, but we'll see.

The midwife says everything is perfect so far. We're taking the glucose test next, which they've thankfully simplified. Mommy doesn't know if she could fast an entire day AND take three blood tests without getting sick, but I suppose many, many, many mommies have done it before, so your Mommy can, too. Mommy's also taken to knitting you a panda poncho to match your panda teddy and maybe some booties and a hat to match for your take-home day.
Only 15 more weeks to go! I hope you're getting ready in there!

I love you, Baby Girl,
Mommy

PS
You make both Mommy and Daddy laugh when you stick your little bottom out. Silly girl, don't you know your parents don't believe in spankin's? ;)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Little Info on Your Daddy (Not to be read until you're about 11 years old or start asking questions)

Daddy was raised with three younger brothers and a little sister. So he didn't know very much about the "things" girls go through. (Hormones, pregnancy, etc.) I have to say, though, for someone who wasn't very prepared (I don't think either of us were), he's doing an amazing job.
For example, your daddy has been very patient when Mommy starts crying for no reason and, even though it kind of weirded him out at first, supports and helps me when I start cleaning and decorating for your arrival. (Even though you probably won't see the Christmas tree this year... so I took a picture)
He talks about you as if you're already born and suggested that I start reading/singing to you since you can hear us now.
He knows what I can/cannot eat and helps make meals accordingly.
He tells me to sit down when my back starts hurting. (Sometimes Mommy needs to be reminded now and again.)
He even helps me get to sleep when he's having trouble sleeping himself.
I just want you to know, Baby Girl, your Mommy married a wonderful man and I hope you look for someone similar when the time comes.
Oh... and go easy on Daddy. We're both still learning. :)
Lots of Love,
Mommy

Thursday, December 8, 2011

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Can't stop grinning. Probably wouldn't stop grinning if you were a boy OR a girl, but both of us are VERY excited! We've been looking at names. When you read this, you can see a few of the ideas we've been passing back and forth. :)

Rosaline
Ellidy
Ileanna
Antonia
Carmen
Jade
Rayne

So, what happened during the doctor's appointment? I'll tell ya. :)
First off, I took the sedative late for the blood test they'd be giving me after the ultrasound, so we were in the waiting room for about 20 minutes until it kicked in. Daddy wouldn't let me fall asleep, though, since we wanted to do the ultrasound before the test. We they called us in, we had the ultrasound and I have to say, I was very happy my intuition was right. :) Your mommy hasn't completely lost her mind yet. I don't remember much of the ultrasound after that, though, other than I felt very much at peace... until they brought in the needle. Your Momma gave those poor nurses a rather rough time for about an hour until the doctor had the idea to let me see another girl get her blood drawn. After I'd seen that, I was able to let the nurse take my blood. The lesson? Leaving a fear in the unknown makes it worse than it has to be. Don't be afraid to learn and look. It seems less scary afterwards.
I love you, Baby Girl. Your daddy is bragging to everyone that he's having a little girl. :) Your aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas are all very excited, too.
Can't wait to meet you. I hope we can be prepared when we do. Now, back to name looking and to maybe do some shopping.
Love Always,
Mom <3

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A Word of Advice

Dear Baby,

Yet another doctor's visit today. They were supposed to take my blood but your mommy tried the patience of about everyone in that room, including poor Daddy, who'd never seen me like that. Looks like they'll have to drug me so they can actually do it next time we go.

Baby of mine, never, EVER let a fear get the best of you. If you don't overcome whatever it is that scares you, it will wound your confidence and dampen your happiness. You're stronger than that. I know it, even though I haven't even held you yet. I pray I can become a better example of overcoming fears and be better able to help you if ever you or your siblings get into that kind of situation.

On a happier note, I can feel you move now! I admit, it's more often than I expected, especially when you wake up around 11 o'clock at night, haha! I can't wait until Daddy can feel it, too. I suppose that'll start happening within the next few weeks, maybe even before we find out if your a son or daughter.

I love you very much and hope I can be the mommy you need and the wife your daddy deserves.

Yours,
Mommy

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

1 + 1 = 3

Our dear little one,

We were both excited, if a little nervous, when we found out about you. I've been trying to take extra good care of myself for your sake, but, due to moving around and a nasty cold your father and I got, we weren't able to get to the doctor until yesterday.

I'll admit, your mommy isn't too excited about the blood test next month, but the nurse has assured me that it's only once. I just pray you'll never have to deal with something so debilitating.

We did get to see you in the ultrasound! I kept trying to see your daddy's reaction, but I was so drawn and entertained by your sweet little shenanigans that eventually I gave up and just watched you stretch and kick and roll around in my tummy. So, if you want to know about his thoughts and feelings, you'll have to ask him sometime. I teared up and could barely stop laughing. You like to stick the back of your little hand to your forehead in a rather dramatic fashion. The midwife jokingly says she thinks it's because you're a girl, but it's still impossible to tell at this stage. (13 1/2 wks)

I know I'm excited whether you're a boy or girl. I'm going to have to come up with a nice, masculine name if you are a boy, though. So far, I can't find anything good enough. Daddy says we should call you Balthazzar Miguel and nickname you Mikey. It's just a joke right now, though. Kind of like my idea to call a girl Rhododendron, though we both like Rhodi Jade. Your Grandma Jensen and Aunt Tayli both have that middle name, and the first name means "rose."

We can already tell you are quite active, though compliant, and pretty silly. We got a perfect picture of your itty bitty foot and you showed off your lovely profile and teensy little hands and (I thought) rather long legs.

We both love you to pieces and are excited for when we'll be able to officially welcome you to this beautiful world.

Love,
Mom