33 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

What a week you've had! A 5.8 earthquake, a hurricane, and a BABY SHOWER! After weathering the quake on Tuesday, we made the trip to Long Island on Friday despite the rest of the east coast taking shelter from Hurricane Irene, which was predicted to also be making a special trip right through Long Island on Saturday evening. The hurricane may not have lived up to the hype, but your baby shower sure did! Your Aunt Laura and grandmothers hosted a beautiful party just for you where you were most definitely showered with unbelievable amounts of love and generosity! From your first pair of soccer cleats to the handmade blanket, booties, hats, and your very first Halloween costume (a lambie, of course!) – not to mention the strollers, car seats, clothes, baby books, and countless other gorgeous gifts you received, it is quite evident that you are one lucky and loved baby already!

The quick pitter-patter of your heartbeat was perfectly within range at this week’s doctor appointment and the doctor was happy with your growth (based on the size of mommy’s belly). You aren’t quite head down but the doctor isn’t worried since you still have plenty of time (and room) to continue moving around. Aside from the ridiculous hot flashes, Mommy is still feeling great as both Mommy and Daddy count down the days until we welcome you into the world!

Love Always,
Mommy

32 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

2 months to go - Holy cow! Supposedly around this time you've reached your full length and over the next 8 weeks will mainly be adding mass and muscle to your little body at a rate of about 1/2 pound each week. I am curious to know if you're positioned head down, ready to go, which I kind of suspect...each time you get the hiccups I feel the rhythmic movements very low.

Mommy & Daddy think we found your pediatrician this week - We really liked the Capital Area Pediatrics practice (and I promise the cookies that they served had nothing to do with the decision!). This week we also requested an appointment with the Arlington County Police to have your car seat inspected once Daddy installs it - The clock is ticking down now! I think even Daddy is starting to nest - He's been quite the cleaner lately!! ;) Hopefully by next week's entry, we'll have an update on your furniture - As of now, the store is just waiting to receive your dresser from the manufacturer before shipping everything to us.

(PS - I think you know I'm talking about you because you are moving around like crazy in my belly right now! :) )

Love Always,
Mommy

31 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

Last week, because of my insatiable hunger, I suspected you had a growth spurt...and this week, because of my even more cramped quarters, I suspect it even more! This week I started feeling big. Comparing this week's picture to last week's, there doesn't seem to be an obvious change in my bump size, but I can really feel you stretching out in my belly, causing me discomfort at times. It's getting more challenging for me to stay active and this week I didn't log any running, only walks. Apparently things will become more comfortable when you drop, which is hard for me to imagine since I already feel like I'm carrying you so low now. You remain very active (although still not really keeping me up too much at night) and at this week's check-up, the doctor was happy with your heartbeat and growth, telling me to keep doing what I'm doing!

Love Always,
Mommy

30 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

Wow, we've reached the big 3-0 milestone! It's hard to believe that in only (approximately) 10 weeks we'll finally get to meet you! This past week I think you've gone on a little growth spurt...causing Mommy to be constantly hungry! For example, one day by 1:30pm, I had eaten a piece of toast, 2 waffles with strawberries, rice cakes, an apple, a Lean Cuisine pizza, and a pretty good sized salad! Another morning I made french toast for Daddy and I and ate 3 pieces plus apple slices and didn't even feel close to full as I left the house for work! (Admittedly, I stopped and picked up a smoothie on the way to work.)

Daddy has been able to feel you (and see you) moving around a lot more lately. He even felt when you had the hiccups this week (which I've noticed you get about once a day). Mommy is starting to feel some of the tiredness that hits in the third trimester which I know is nothing compared to what I'll experience in about 10 weeks! I have lots of extremely vivid and random dreams every night, which I've read is due to me not sleeping deeply coupled with my subconscious being just as anxious as my waking mind!

This weekend Daddy replaced all of the old two-pronged electric outlets in your room with three-pronged safety outlets, replaced the old vent covers, and put in a dimmer switch for the overhead light/ceiling fan. (Might I add, all of this was accomplished with zero casualties, as well!) Slowly but surely, we are preparing for your much-anticipated arrival!

Love Always,
Mommy

29 Weeks

Dear Baby D,

I recently read that a very active fetus is not an indication of a hyperactive child - phew! It's actually an extremely good sign and let me tell you, you are all over the place in mommy's belly! Sometimes resting what I think might be a foot right under my rib cage, forcing me to sit up extremely straight at work, and other times it feels like you are pressing right up against my belly, trying to get out! ;)

Mommy still hasn't had any real cravings yet but does need to learn to eat smaller portions - Space is getting tight in there and I can really make myself uncomfortable after pigging out!

This morning I managed to jog one mile and then walked a few but I'm betting pretty soon it's going to be all walking.

Your Garone grandparents (TBD what they will be officially called) came to visit this past weekend - Grammy to help me clear out the house via a yard sale and Grandpa to patch nail holes in your room and paint.

I heard the quick pitter-patter of your heartbeat at last week's doctor appointment and my belly is measuring within the appropriate range, which means you are growing just fine in there.

I found this quote online and wanted to share it with you:

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone." (Author: Unknown)

I never imagined the pure content and happiness that could come from feeling you move inside of me or from the sound of your heartbeat. Mommy & Daddy love you so much already!

Love Always,
Mommy