Showered with Love

Dear Colin,

Last Sunday (Feb. 9), your Aunt Missy, Aunt Christy, and "Mama Terry" hosted a baby shower for us.  It was a beautiful party and I felt incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many people who care about you and me.  All of the guests were people I've known for years and who I consider life-long friends, which made the day so special.  

 

The two best friends that anybody ever had: your Aunt Missy and Aunt Christy

 

Melissa and her sweet mama, Mrs. Beth, who also helped with the shower.

My law school pals, including your future best friend and daycare buddy, Elaina

 

Vy and Baby Carlisle; You and Me
 

Sarah and Abby; You and Me (we are due three days apart!)  This picture will work perfectly for ya'lls future wedding slide show, haha!
 

Reunited and it feels so good!  Kayla and me.  I hope you become good friends with her boys.  Maybe you and Tyler will be future college roommates like we were?
 

Your Nana, your Mama, and You!

I hope you never take for granted the people who love you.  I know that's sometimes easier said than done.  But please know, life has very little meaning if you don't have people with whom to share it.  Some people swear they will never have kids or wonder why people want to bring children into a "world like this."  For your Dad and I, the answer is simple: we wanted to expand our family and we wanted our love to grow.  I think it's important for you to know that...for when you're feeling philosophical one day.

Love,

Mom

P.S.- I need to add that your Mamsie made the long drive from Dallas just to be here for the shower.  It meant so much to me not only that she was there, but that she went out of her way to come and help celebrate YOU.  She had to turn around and drive back home afterwards.  Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of her on my camera :( 

This and That at 35 Weeks

Dear Colin,

I am 35 weeks pregnant to date. Or, as I prefer to put it, 35 weeks and 5 days.  (But who's counting?)  I remember so clearly the day I found out I was pregnant.  I had taken two false negative tests the week before, but I KNEW they were wrong.  When I finally saw the little plus sign on the very last test I literally cried with joy.  I actually kept that test (in a ziplock) for a long time.  I was worried one day the plus sign would fade away and take you with it.  I found myself checking it anxiously every few days until I felt sure you were sticking around.  If you ever find yourself thinking that I'm crazy, please know that I was like this before you were born :)

Anyway, time certainly flies!  I truly cannot believe that you will be here in just a few weeks.  Today was our last appointment with Dr. Sayeed before we switch to weekly visits.  Here's the scoop:

Size of Baby: You are the size of honey dew melon and between 5-6 lbs.

Weight Gain: Let's just go with "quite a bit"

Maternity Clothes: I switched over to full-time maternity clothes at about 24 weeks, but at this point, even some of those feel uncomfortable.  Whenever I get home from work I immediately change into leggings and one of your Dad's undershirts.

Gender:  Still a boy!

Movement: Your movements feel much sharper now and almost painful.  I think you're running out of space in there.
Symptoms: When I went to bed one night I noticed that my feet and ankles were swollen.  Like, really, really swollen.  Like, I now have cankles and club feet. 

Sleep: I have to take a nap every day after work.  I'm tired ALL. THE. TIME.

What I Miss:  Right now, I feel like a big egg.  So, I'd say I miss NOT feeling like a big egg.

Cravings:  Ice cream!

Best Moment of the Week:  I had a baby shower on February 9, and it was so wonderful to see so many of my best friends-- some of whom I don't see that often.  We were very spoiled!

Other Things...

• Valentine's Day was this week!  Your Dad and I never do much for Valentine's Day, and this year we celebrated by getting tacos from the Dairy Queen drive-through.  It was totes romantic, as I'm sure you can imagine :)  However, he did get me two different bouquets of flowers and two boxes of chocolate covered strawberries from Dessert Gallery.  So, the day was a total "win" in my opinion.  

• Last week I was involved in a car collision and had to go to the ER to make sure we were okay.  It was a really scary and frustrating experience, but you are well-insulated in my belly and appear fine.  I did get an unexpected ultrasound, which I loved.  I also got to hear your heart beat on the monitor for a few hours, and got to hear you hiccup!  Your Nana was with me and felt you hiccup and move for the first time. 
• Dad and I went to our last class at Memorial Hermann this week.  We went to: prepared childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care.  I really wanted to go to all of these because I am a planner and felt I would be "less afraid" if I knew what to expect.  But now, I just feel overwhelmed with SO MUCH INFORMATION.  This does not even include the solicited (and unsolicited) advice I've received from friends and family (and busy bodies).  Surely caring for a baby is mostly common sense?  

I cannot believe you will be here in one month (or less)!  I'm excited.  I'm scared.  I'm curious.  Hmmm...everything feels a bit surreal.  I just hope I am ready when you get here!  I can't wait to kiss your checks!

Love,

Mom 

A Happy Surprise

Dear Colin,

Today was a fun day because all of our friends at work threw us a surprise baby shower!  I knew that the women in the office all pitched in to buy your pack and play, but I honestly had no clue we were in for such a treat!  In addition to the pack and play, you got some new onesies, books, grooming products, and lots of diapers.  I feel lucky that I work with such sweet people who are all so excited for your arrival.

Here's a picture of me-- getting completely surprised!  Sneaky Beverly (my legal assistant) told me she wanted to go out for lunch but needed to grab something from the training room first.  Little did I know that everyone from the office was inside waiting to party!  

All of the decorations were so cute!  In addition to opening presents, we also indulged in a fajita luncheon from La Cocina and played a few games.  The grandmothers of the group dominated the nursery rhyme games we played, but I was proud that I was familiar with most of them.

A few gifts:

Football Booties!

File Folders!

Which actually contained...your cute name!  The very talented Beverly made these just for you!  These will hang above your crib.

 

The pack and play!  (And I look huge!  Yikes!)

This week it has hit me more than ever how lucky you and I both are to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about us.  I hope you never take for granted that you are one loved little boy!  And I love you the most, of course :)

Love, 

Mom