Letter to Emma Before She Becomes a Big Sister

To my sweet baby girl,

We are down to the final few weeks (or days!) until you become a big sister, your dad and I become the parents of two little girls and we become a family of four. It seems like just yesterday we welcomed you into our lives and since that day, you have been our absolute world. You have brought us the most love, joy and happiness we could ever possibly imagine. Every day your dad or I say to each other "Can you believe she is ours?" or "How lucky are we?".

I have been super nostalgic and emotional as I realize how fast you are growing, how you no longer are a baby or how I don't want you to feel neglected or replaced (that just kills me that you could be sad from this). But your daddy keeps reminding me how you will ALWAYS be our baby girl, our first born and the one that started our family. For that, you will hold a special place forever in our hearts. He also reminds me that although you are growing, how neat it is that we get to see you grow, learn and become your own person. We have both said that we are going to do our best to give you as much 1:1 time as we can when your little sister comes. You in no way are ever replaceable. Ever.

These next few months are about to get crazy Emma, but your dad and I are going to try our best to make it an easy transition for you. So bear with us as we adjust to having two girls under the age of two and as we figure out how to make our family of four functional. It is going to be difficult at first and hard on all of us as we adjust. But there will come a day when you can't imagine life without your little sister. You two are about to go on an amazing journey in this life and we can't wait to watch and guide you along the way.

I am so excited to see you become a big sister. Seeing you with your little baby dolls is so sweet and giving us small glimpses as to what you will be like with your sister. We can't wait for you to meet your sister for the first time and for you to hold and kiss her. You are going to be an incredible big sister. You already have so much love for everyone around you, that I know you will just love on your sister.

You my little girl, are so incredibly loved and cherished. From your favorite book "I (we) love you through and through…yesterday, today and tomorrow too".

Love,
Mommy

37 Week Appointment and Predictions

Just finished up with my 37 week appointment and have made some more progress. Two weeks ago I was at 80% effaced and 3cm; this week I am still 80% but now 4cm dilated. Dr. Lines said that her head is even lower than my last appointment. Again said that my bags better be packed and be in my car for future appointments because if I am 5cm at all, she will send me straight to the hospital. Because she knows I go fast, she said to not have any hesitation in getting to the hospital when contractions start, get there fast and don't worry about timing. I had contractions this weekend, but only a handful that lasted an hour and a half.

So with all that said, what are your predictions on this little girl's arrival, height and weight? My guess is April 30 at 1:30 p.m. weighing in at 8 lbs 6 oz and 22 in long.

36 Weeks

Not too much to report this time around. Feeling about the same, but my physical therapy appointments are giving me some relief. It really is pure heaven as she massages my low back/hips and pushes things back into place.

Emma has started to put her hand on my belly more and randomly kiss it. I know she doesn't truly get it, but it is sure is sweet. She sure is confused why my belly button is sticking out and keeps touching it with a weird look on her face.

We are working on finishing some things up around here before little miss makes her debut, like installing the car seat bases, packing hospital bags, etc. Definitely noticing the big differences between the two pregnancies as far as being "prepared". First time around I had made freezer meals, Emma's room was fully decorated and ready by this time, everything was washed and ready, etc. This time there are no freezer meals (yet), the nursery has nothing on the walls and probably won't before she comes, some things are washed and things still need to be brought up. Oh well, she's going to come home and have a place to sleep, eat and feel lots of love.

Weight gain with Emma: 20 lbs     Baby #2: 22 lbs

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend this year was absolutely beautiful. We took full advantage of the weather and spending time as our own family of three and with my family as well. Ben and and Blake were in town for the weekend and it was nice to be able to spend time together since the time is so limited.

Matt suggested going to the Easter egg hunt at Reiman Gardens on SAturday morning and I am so glad he did. Emma loved roaming around picking up eggs. If there wasn't a five egg limit, I think she may have picked up every one she could. She was not impressed that she had to turn the eggs in for a a goody bag. She would have much rather had the eggs :)

Our church here offered a Saturday night Easter service, so we decided to beat the crowds and do that instead. Then headed to my parents for a light dinner and hanging out with family.

The Easter bunny visited Emma at her grandparents and left some more eggs for her to find along with a pretty impressive basket of goodies (including her own lawn mower)! A yummy brunch was had with family and a couple of Alaina's friends that were unable to go home for the weekend.

Emma was lucky enough to have the Easter bunny leave her a little something at our home too: a crib for her baby doll. She got right to work putting her to bed and reading her a story :)

Hope all our friends and family had a great Easter weekend with those they love.

35 Week Appointment

I just got back from my 35 week appointment where I did the lovely Group B Strep test and received the TDap shot. She asked how I was feeling and I told her that quite frankly, I had a "feeling" my body has been getting ready and I was convinced I am dilated or something. The second time around, I feel like you are more in tune with your body and what it is going through. She checked me and sure enough I am 80% effaced, 3 cm dilated and her head is right there and ready to go. With Emma at this appointment, I was 65% and 1.5 cm. I wasn't this far progressed until I was 38 weeks the first time. Dr. Lines told me that if I come to my appointment on the 22nd or any weekly appointment and am dilated to 5 cm, she will send me straight to the hospital. Eeeekk! Not getting my hopes up as I was convinced I would go early with Emma and I surpassed my due date. But then again, I wasn't this far progressed.....so fingers crossed? :)