1 Month: Love

So sweet girl, you've been here with us for a whole month now! Although you are no longer in my womb, but are in my arms instead, I still feel like writing to you. So, guess what? I will.

Your first month has been a busy one for us. So much has happened. . .I'm not quite sure how or if I should put it all in words. But here is what I am sure of: there is one thing that prevails each and every day, and that is love. So much love, and Mommy is grateful. God has poured His love out on our family in ways that Mommy didn't see coming. I see it in your Daddy and your siblings, in your grandparents, aunts & uncles, our cousins, in friends, even in people I don't really know. . .Love. So, you are blessed to be in the middle of it all.

. . .God is love. -1 John 4:8

A quilt made just for you by a lady we hardly know...
An act of love.

39 Weeks and You Came!

Baby K,
You're finally here!!!!!!
My sweet girl, you were born on 5/19/14 at 9:49 pm, right at 39 weeks exactly. After a long 10-11 hours of labor, and literally 3 pushes, you plopped out into the world, making beautiful noise! Daddy gave you kisses, Mommy snuggled you close, and you nursed right away!  Your brothers and sisters were EXTREMELY excited to see you. You are loved, sweet girl; welcome home!

Hello World!

At 6lbs 9.8oz, you're my smallest baby.




True Love



Mommy and Baby K



Sweet Little Princess

We are happy, sleepy, blessed and thankful.
"For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name."
-Luke 1:49

38 weeks

So, my sweet girl, we are still hanging in there. I went to the doctor today and we are holding steady at 2cm. But, I got to hear your heart beating and that always brings a smile to my face.

Mommy is trying to stay busy while I wait for you. I'm cleaning and straightening, throwing things away and planning. I'm getting in some "last minute" shopping, trying to think of anything else I may have forgotten. I'm going to your oldest brother's baseball practices and games. His season just started last week and so I know I'll miss much of it when you come. I'm trying to tend to this season.

People are starting to wonder when you'll come. Daddy's cousin and his wife just had a baby boy; our eye doctor went into labor so our upcoming appointment was rescheduled. A friend of mine from high-school is scheduled to deliver her baby girl tomorrow. There are babies all around!

Guess what!? Your Abuela is here now!! She'll be here with us for the next 4 weeks! Everyone is glad because she really helps us a lot. Good moms do great things and I am blessed that she is here with us. Daddy scheduled his paternity leave to coordinate with Abuela's visit. And, how generous your Grand Pa is for sharing Abuela with us for so long. They love you already, sweet girl, and they love me, too.

We are blessed.

Mommy's sleepy; it's time for bed.

35 Weeks

Hey sweetie-peetie!

This past weekend was the celebration of our Savior's death, burial, and resurrection. Oh, how I pray that you will come to know Him for yourself, that you will learn to depend on Him, that you would never be swayed by the things of this world, but that you put your faith wholeheartedly in Him and Him alone. Dear girl, what a blessing it is to know a Savior, to know that He loves you, to know that you are on His mind, to know that He gave His life for you, and that no matter what, you can ask Him for forgiveness and He'll give it to you. . . what a sweet blessing, the ultimate blessing. Jesus loves you, sweetie, and it is Mommy's prayer that you love Him back.

The past few days have me reflecting--35 weeks! Eeek! It seems this pregnancy has been full, from day one, there's always been something going on in our home life: the surprise news that you were coming, the government shut-down (where Daddy works), home improvements, morning sickness, homeschooling, Thanksgiving and Christmas, bunches of doctor's appointments, the passing of family members, your siblings in swimming, soccer, football and baseball, lots of birthdays, an unexpected family trip . . . on and on.

Yours has been an "active" pregnancy, sweet girl and God has shown me His hand through it all. He has shown me that each part is just a part of His plan, His will--even when Mommy doesn't understand. I rest in the Truth of what He's always known from the beginning of time. . .He knew this season of life would be a part of our story and that He'd never let go of my hand. Keeping my hand in His is where true peace and joy are found. So even though the pregnancy has been full, it has been rich from having the Presence of God with us every step of the way.

Some days, I feel like I just found out that you were on your way. Other days, I think that I can't possibly wait any longer to see you. Back and forth in my mind it goes. I love you, precious baby, and because God gave you to us, I am blessed.

34 Weeks

Baby, baby, baby,

We are 34 weeks along now and physically, it's getting a bit harder. But in my heart, I am cherishing each day that you're in my womb because believe it or not, once you're born, there's a part of me that will miss you moving inside. Your movements are bigger and more defined. We can feel bones and see sharp points protruding. Sometimes, depending on how you're lying, my tummy looks lopsided. LOL The doctor said that you are head-down now, which explains all the pressure I've been feeling. This is exciting because it lets me know that you are preparing yourself to meet me on the outside!!!

Nesting is in full swing. . .at least in my head! LOL I have a mental to-do list that I will write down in the coming days, because Mommy is ready to gets things "just-so" for you!! Your sister (TM) and I did a little shopping over the weekend and that was fun. She picked 2 of the cutest bows for your hair!

I have pulled all of the white onesies and yellow outfits from your older brother's stash that he no longer wears and have put them aside for you. I also did a bit of thrifting online and got a couple of things for you to wear. I think you're good for about the first 4 months or so. Your Auntie gave me a baby swing, and since it's been stored in the garage, I'll need to wash and wipe that down (thanks, sis--I'm sure it'll come in handy!!).

Even Daddy is "nesting" too (LOL), but in his own way. There are things that he's taking care of and doing because when you come, he'll devote much of his time to getting to know you at night and helping Mommy get some rest (thanks in advance, Husband). He's a super Daddy. Your siblings continue to echo the same words, "Mommy, I can't wait for K-- to come!!" TM even has a guess on what day you'll be born. . .we'll see if she's right.

Well, sweet girl, I love you, love you, love you. I pray for you and I'll be glad to see you soon.
Love,
Mommy

33 weeks

There's a lot to do and a lot going on. . .BUSY is the word these days. . .both physically and mentally, there's lots to keep up with. . .

But with each day, I look forward to your arrival, how you will look, how you will smell, how you will feel in my arms, what your cries will sound like, how you will want to be comforted. . .

Already in love with you, sweet girl; just waiting. . .

Your siblings talk to you all the time, literally walking up to my belly and saying things to you throughout the day. Even the 1 year old (Baby J) is fascinated by the size of mommy's belly, laying his head on it and babbling away. . .

They get a kick out of your kicks! LOL (Nope, Mommy never said she was the best at telling jokes.)
*************************************

I actually fell asleep writing this post, me and Daddy both, knocked out on the couch.
Well, good morning baby girl!!

We are gathered 'round the table finishing breakfast, getting ready to do our Bible study. We love you dearly. Talk to you soon.

They shall not labor in vain,

Nor bring forth children for trouble;

For they shall be the descendants of the

blessed of the LORD,

And their offspring with them.

-Isaiah 66:23

31 Weeks

I'm grateful...

You are moving well

God has graced my womb with life 7 times

I have delivered 5 babies so far

I get to be called Mommy

I am in love with your Daddy

Daddy loves me and you and your sisters and brothers

Jesus love us deeply, purely and wholly

I am blessed and sleepy.

Good night, baby girl.

29 Weeks

Hey, sweetie pie!

We are busy these days, with soccer, flag football, music lessons, swimming, along with every thing else that goes on around here. Mommy is learning how to balance big kids with little kids and the wide range of interests that go on in between.

Today is your oldest sister's 11th birthday!!!!!!!!!!! And let me tell you something about her that you will soon come to know: she loves her family tenderly and deeply, including you. And, she is probably the sweetest person I've ever known in my life. She gives of herself each day to every one of us. I can't believe that I've been her mama for 11 years. . . amazing grace.

Here are some fun pics:

Baby J held still long enough to take a pic. He's crawling these days.

The men-folk of the house.

You'll learn what fun it is to play in a box, too.

Your sister saying hello to a terrapin.

Your oldest brother testing out his wingspan.

All your siblings on a nature center field trip.

Happy 11th, SJ!!!

I love you, sweet baby girl. I think of you each day and the ways you will bring joy to our lives. . . you already have.

25 Weeks

Hey sweetie pie!!!

We are just five weeks away from the 30's, as I call them. It is in these weeks of pregnancy that every thing "hits me" and I begin to plan and organize like crazy for a new baby--nesting, they call it

Well daughter, let me tell you that Mommy is starting to feel that nesting itch. It isn't full blown just yet, but I have lots and lots of thoughts swirling around in mind: crocheting, buttons, bows, bassinet and baby swing in the garage, baby clothes, sewing machine, making baby clothes, bottles, infant slings. . .

The thoughts go on and on. And, I'm starting to wonder what you'll look like and beginning to imagine holding you in my arms, wondering what your cries will sound like and what ways you'll want to be soothed.

It is something how God plants a seed, not only in a Mommy's tummy, but in her heart.

I love you.