MoreCheese

Letter No. 6

Dear Son,

Oh, you are a stinker.  SUCH a stinker!!!  Yesterday morning I went to the O.B. for my monthly check-up.  As always, she jellied up the doppler machine and started moving the wand across my belly searching for your heartbeat.  We could hear it -- but it was faint, like you were nestled down deep in the womb -- and then it would disappear.  I could feel you moving, so I knew everything was okay and it was just a matter of getting you and the instrument aligned in the right position.

"He seems to be moving around a lot," the doctor commented.

"A LOT.  ALL the time," I agreed.

She kept moving the wand around and around, to the left side of my abdomen, then to the right.  We could hear that little heartbeat coming and going, passing and by-passing the doppler.

And then you kicked her.  I SAW YOU DO IT, so don't even try to deny it, young man!  The right side of my belly popped out, and you kicked so strongly that you actually moved her arm and the wand in her hand!

The doctor and I were both quite impressed by your strength, precision and cajones.  Standing up for yourself already, making your desires clearly known, huh?  Nicely done, my boy.  Nicely done.

But don't ever try that with me.  I don't play.

All kidding aside, I'm so happy that you're so healthy and strong (although I am a little unnerved about your ninja-like kicking skills).  Your nursery furniture arrived yesterday and I have been having soooooooooo much fun dressing your bed and filling your dresser with all the tiny, adorable outfits that everyone bought for you!  I am seriously going to develop a cavity from all the sweetness in that room.  The Cute is set on overload.

Three more months!  That's all we've got together like this.  I love every day of it, every minute.  My excitement and anticipation about meeting you is surpassed only by the happiness and contentment I feel having you with me in my belly all day long.

Love you so much, baby boy.  See you soon!!

Love,

Mama

Letter No. 5: A Milestone

Dear Baby,

Today marks the 24th week of this pregnancy, and a major milestone:  viability!!!  If born today, you would make it on your own (although it would be difficult and uncomfortable, so just hang out where you are for another 15 or 16 weeks).  It feels like we've earned a badge of honor.  We've made it up this side of the mountain, and from here on out, you will grow stronger and chubbier and more vigorous by the day.

This past weekend, we visited our family to celebrate the christening of our nephew (your cousin), Lucas.  You and Lucas are only 8 months apart in age, and I know you're going to get along so well and grow up playing and exploring together.  As I was holding Lucas and feeding him his bottle, I could feel you in the womb, mimicking his kicks and movements.  I asked Lucas to take good care of you and teach you everything he knows.  I know he will.  

After we got back home, I went to the doctor for a little check-up.  They strapped a couple monitors to my belly so we could listen to your heartbeat and your movements.  A little machine printed out zig-zag lines on graph paper that showed you moving almost constantly.  (Were you showing off?)  When the doctor checked your chart, she raised her eyebrows in surprise because you are moving like someone who's several weeks older than you are.  I have to admit to swelling a little bit with pride and happiness. 

Oh, Baby.  I am constantly overwhelmed by the immensity of this feeling:  we are so blessed.  You are active and healthy and you have little cousins waiting to greet you upon your arrival.  I can't express the fullness of my gratitude.

Happy 24-Week Milestone, Baby Boy! 

See you soon. 

Love,

Your Mama

Letter No. 4

Dear Kid,

Quit it with the Olympic kicking sessions in the middle of the night. 

Much appreciated.

Love,

Your Mama