Movements

From Facebook:

November 29: "Charles felt Charlotte for the first time tonight! It's funny, too, because I was just telling him how frustrated I was that she would stop moving whenever he tried to feel her. We caught her when she had no interest in stopping, though - all after seeing her waving at us earlier today. So excited for our little blessing."

December 1: "Poor Penelope keeps getting disturbed while sitting on my hip by the occupant below her. If only she knew what lies in store. Bahaha!"

Thanksgiving Visit to Iowa

While we spent Thanksgiving in Missouri, Daddy did want to spend some time around the holiday in Iowa so we went up!

Grandma B calls my pose in this the "pregnant lady" pose. For the record, I was getting water and yeah, my back was hurting. That's kinda how it goes. In this picture, Daddy was making "peppernuts" with his siblings and Aunt Kym. Peppernuts are like a rock-hard ginger snap which Grandma Lacey loves to make. I was... supervising? I dunno. I just know there were a LOT of cooks in that kitchen and no room for me with my baby bump.

Back - Brandon, Bryan, Daddy
Front - Chris, Brittney, Grandma Lacey, Mommy (and you!)

This was taken last-minute as Daddy and I were leaving.Grandpa Lacey was at work, but we managed to get everyone else in the photo.

Baby booties!

For you, with love, from me!

Perched

This stinker could NOT resist sitting on this blanket I was making for you.

Boy! No, girl!

From Facebook (by Daddy):

"So I have to come clean about something. Since we found out about Lora being pregnant I was sure it was going to be a boy.So when I would pray I would ask father to help Rory, develop correctly and healthily. I was taught on my mission to pray by name, if she would have been a boy its name was going to be Rory. Lora kept saying what if it's not a boy and I continued to say nah its a boy. So when I sat down for the ultrasound to take place I was confident it was going to be a boy. And then Lora's ob got a GREAT view and I was stunned! Thankfully I was sitting down. I was thinking to my self ok so no Rory. What girl names had we talked about............?????????? I'm sure I had a deer in the headlights look on my face at this point. So as were walking down the hallway to get the tests done I ask Lora sheepishly what girl names had we talked about??????????? and as we sit down in the room waiting for her to be called back she says first name Charlotte middle Rose. Just goes to show you guys especially in my case are wrong. I'll eventually get used to it."

I love your father. I remember getting so many nudges like "You'd better prepare for the possibility you're having a girl!" But no, Daddy didn't want to listen. That'll teach him to doubt my instincts!

Update

From a Facebook status:

"In the words of my obstetrician, 'It's time to go home and celebrate!' Our baby has a nice, round head, good-looking spine, great heart rate, and is a wiggly worm for sure!

My next appointment is in three weeks, which is when we'll do the AFP screening just to be a little more certain there are no issues, but everything looks great so far! He even moved my due date up four days based on baby's head measurement!"

Worrier

Dear "Little One,"

I saw you yesterday! It was so wonderful. You were wiggling around a bit, and measuring just where I had originally thought you would. Our due date is officially March 18th, 2014! We're gonna make it, sweet one! Your heart rate was 168 beats per minute. That's great! I had a hard time not crying, though there wouldn't have been a problem about that. You make me so happy!! Both Daddy and I are so happy to be welcoming you into our lives.

My next appointment is on your uncle Adam's birthday, September 12th. I'm hoping we can rule out any birth defects at that appointment so I can stop freaking out about losing you. Sorry, baby, your mommy is a worrier.

By the way, both Daddy and I think you are probably a boy, in which case your first name will be Rory. We shall see!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

Blaaaaand

My "Little One,"

We are coming to an end of this day, and I just keep thinking how anxious I am to see you on Wednesday. That's just a few days away now. Daddy and I have been praying so hard that everything goes well with this pregnancy in general, and we get to keep you for a long, long time. Daddy says he's sure everything will be fine. Frankly, it's hard for me to trust his instincts at this point because he didn't feel off with your sister either, but I'm really trying to relax.

Remember that woman I mentioned a couple times? Well, her husband has decided to donate her organs since it appears she has so chance of recovering, not to mention the financial strain this will put on the newly-single father and child. They have a donation fund set up for them, but I'm sure those bills will be tremendous, not even mentioning the stress of losing his wife. I seriously do not envy his decision/position.

In other news, my morning sickness hasn't been quite so bad. I've been trying some pressure bands, and of course eating always helps. Grandma took Daddy and I to Golden Corral a couple days ago and all I've been able to think about is salads with delicious ranch and amazing homemade mashed potatoes. Yum. That's pregnancy for ya. Right now I eat mostly bland foods like bean and cheese burritos and ham and cheese hot pockets. Too sweet is out, and too spicy is definitely out. It's harder than you think to find sufficiently bland foods.

Little One, please stay strong. Your daddy and I both love and want you, and would do anything for you - just give us the chance. Please be our rainbow after the storm! As always, I love you and look forward to seeing you again - next week!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

(P.S. Daddy thinks you're a BOY. I'm still undecided.)

More Hmm

Dear "Little One,"

Mommy had a rough night last night. I didn't sleep very well between throwing up and having my mind racing. I'm filling in for Grandma again, but thankfully I got to sleep in a lot so I wouldn't go crazy. As you can tell, though, I'm still struggling a bit to even write. Pregnancy can be really rough!

Earlier today, I went in to have my TB test results read: negative! That makes me happy - one less thing to worry about.

Remember that lady I mentioned last time? As far as I know, she is still alive and in the hospital but on life support and in a coma. Turns out she had something go wrong in her brain so her doctors had to do an emergency c-section to save her little boy, though there isn't much they can do for her. She and her little one have been on my mind a lot the last couple days. I know it's a long shot, but I really hope she makes it. Te whole thing has been especially hard for Daddy. The thought of losing me in that kind of situation really shook him up.

I pray you and I both survive this pregnancy and come out healthy and strong on the other side. Still excited to see you, my sweetheart. I love you!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

Hmm

Dear "Little One,"

I'm getting very excited to see you next Wednesday. Tomorrow marks one week until my appointment, and I can't wait! There have been some developments in a family we knew. I'm not quite sure what has happened, but the mother may have passed away after giving birth to her first little one. Like I said, I'm not quite sure about the details, but I know they are going through a rough time.

Childbirth is a scary, dangerous thing. When I gave birth to your sister, I was praying I didn't pass away and leave Daddy all alone. I pray that never happens. You would be worth it though - but I honestly hope I make it through all my childbirth experiences to raise you and any siblings you have alongside Daddy.

Anyway, that's all for now. I love you!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

Pool Party

Dear "Little One,"

Mommy had a rough night last night. I just didn't feel well at all. At least Daddy and I were able to get some good cuddles in, though.

The ward is having a pool party, which I'm really excited for. I have wanted to go swimming since before summer even started. It's been raining all day, though, so we'll see if we can still swim. Anyway, I'm still feeling optimistic about you, and I think it's starting to sink in that you will be here and needing us in what will seem like only a blink of time. We love you!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

M-Word

Dear "Little One,"

As far as I know, things are going well. I had a bad dream last night where I had started to do the m-word, but when I woke up all was well.

Daddy and I have been looking into doing cloth diapers for you. Grandma didn't like cloth diapers, but I think we'll probably be alright. Daddy has a weak stomach, but I think I have a couple solutions so that he doesn't ave to deal with your poops! We'll see how that goes.

The last few days, I have been helping Grandma at work because she had surgery. Both Daddy and I have been exhausted at the end of the day. We've been going to bed around 8:30 or 9 for the past few days, which is really weird for us, but we both need the sleep so it's fine.

I keep counting down the days until I can see you again, and praying you will have a strong heartbeat and lots of growth!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

Spilled Beans

Dear "Little One,"

Well, your mommy spilled the beans. I couldn't wait any longer. Part of me wanted people just to know you are here, while the other part wanted other people to be aware of why I was so grumpy, sick, sweaty, etc. So there it is: people know. We specifically said we know it's early but that we are optimistic about you making it and praying for a favorable outcome.

We love you, whatever happens. I want to thank you for not making me throw up last night. My ears are still hurting from the strain of the day before.

I think about you a lot. It's strange to think I might actually get to be a mother once you are born. I mean, I am already a mother, but it doesn't feel like it. I don't wake up during the night to your sister's cries. We don't have a bulky care seat taking up space in our car to protect her when we all travel together. It just doesn't feel like I would think a mother should feel, for obvious reasons.

I'm currently working with Grandma at Murphy Watson Burr Eye Center. She is having surgery on something, and they needed someone to fill in while she would be out. Instead of using someone they already have, they've asked me to come back to work, learn her essential functions, and basically be her for the week or so she'll be out. My only complaint so far is I wish I was in bed with my cats right now! Oh well. It won't be long, the job is fairly simple, and we could use the money, so I'm willing to do it.

Anyway, I think my part is coming up soon. I love you Little One. I look forward to seeing you again, hearing your heart beat, and meeting you when you grace us with your presence (hopefully after a full-term, healthy pregnancy!)

Sincerely,
Mommy.

All Parts!

Dear "Little One,"

I don't have much time, but I wanted to record how our appointment went yesterday. My doctor was really chipper, which is not what we experienced last time due to the unfortunate circumstances. It was nice, though. I had thought I was about 6 weeks along, but he guessed more like 5.5 weeks, and asked to see me again in 3 weeks. When he looked at your heart rate, it was 107 beats per minute, which is really good for your age. I am earnestly praying we see the normal or better growth when we get to see you again. Think "all parts!"

Everything looks good. I am proud of you, Little One. Keep growing, even if it makes me sick. I can handle it if it brings me closer to raising you - a healthy little baby! I love you sweetheart!

Sincerely,
Mommy.

(P.S. We are thinking of announcing your presence soon. We just have to decide when!)

The Very First Entry

Dear "Little One;"

In just a few minutes, I will be going to the doctor for the first time this pregnancy. Daddy and I have been praying our hearts out that you are healthy and strong. I am personally hoping I get to hear your newly-formed heart beating very strongly. I am very hopeful we will have the blessing of raising you when the time comes that we may meet and care for you. I feel a peace I didn't have with your sweet sister, and I am holding on to that with all I have.

Currently, I feel nauseated, I need to pee (really badly - but if the doctor wants urine I want to be able to give it!), my breasts are sore, and I'm all sweaty even though it's not that hot in this room. Oh, the "joys" of pregnancy...

We have several names picked out at the moment, but we reserve the right to choose any one of them or none at all! They are Maggie Rose and Charlotte May for girls, and Rory James and August George for boys.

Your daddy is very excited to see you when you do finally grace us with your presence. This will be the third time he will be a daddy, but the first he actually gets to raise (we hope!) You have already been a blessing, although the hormones we are making together have made me quite moody. Poor, poor daddy.

We are currently living with Grandma again. We had been living in Plattsburg, MO but the mold and other issues got so bad we couldn't stand it anymore. Also, Daddy was supposed to be changing schedules and we didn't know how I would get to church if he was working on a Sunday. We also had a hunch that we would not conceive while living in those conditions, and we ultimately got the positive test the week we moved!

Time to leave, little one! See you in a few minutes?

Sincerely,
Mommy.