Dear Little One,

Week 35! It’s happening!

During the past week, a lot happened! I started making your nursery into more of a real room. Clothes are unpacked into dressers, elephant stickers are on the wall, pictures are hanging, and much more. I still love to peek inside your room, just waiting until the day you arrive. The animals are starting to “smell” baby. Obviously they don’t smell you, but they smell the babies that once used the clothing or toys. They tend to avoid the room. Perhaps once they get to know you, they will start going back in there.

Your Aunt Sara treated us to a karaoke experience for one more final “sans kiddo” experience. Your Aunts Jodi, Amber, Trish, and Sara were all there, as was your Uncle Todd and Dad. I must say, you have a very talented family! Everyone sang a tune and Aunt Jodi and Aunt Sara especially sang their hearts out. And you would have been quite proud of your Dad. He sang songs I didn’t know he even knew. One day (a long time from now), he may even sing them to you. It was fun just to get out and do something different. You will change our lives in  many ways little one, but it’s always nice to know who we are before child so we can become even better, stronger people once you arrive.

We heard your heartbeat on Monday when you were 35 weeks, 1 day. It was strong and steady. The doctor assures us you won’t be 10 pounds when you are born, but you are growing and are at a good, healthy size. All I want is for you to be healthy. And live a long, happy life. It’s something that is thought in my every waking, and probably sleeping, moment. I just want you to be healthy and happy. You still don’t move around a lot dear one. I just hope you are resting and feeling peaceful (and healthy!).

We had another birthing class this week. It was all about pain management for the day you arrive. And I left the class feeling less afraid than when I went into the class. I feel more prepared and I’m not scared by the possibility of the pain. You are well worth it. There isn’t anything I can’t handle.

Meanwhile, many life events are happening! Cousin Cora finished her first year of preschool and “graduated”. You will experience that too one day! Cousin Mckenna finished the first grade. Cousin Ethan is continually surprising us all with his vibrant, active, and nonstop activity personality. Grandma Ann prepares to move to Oregon and she should be here before you are born! Grandma Becca is settling in for several months in Oregon. Grandpa Jim is fishing in British Columbia but is only an hour away from an airport to he can be here in time for your birth. Grandpa Ken had his birthday on June 15th and Grandma Betty always checks in and sends her love. Grandma Sue finished a giraffe painting we will hang in your room! I can’t wait for you to know and love all of these people! And there are even more people and family to love!

I have planted fifteen sunflowers in the garden. So far, only four of them are coming up. I think it’s time to plant some more to try something new. This morning I caught a little bird eating the seeds. Hopefully that will make a good meal for them and makes more room in the garden for us to plant some more! We’ll keep trying. I want you to be able to see beautiful, big sunflowers this first year of your life.

Just keep growing dear one. Just keep getting strong. Just keep staying healthy. And know you are loved.

Love, Mom