Week 39

Dear Lily Ann,

I am writing to you on the night before I become a mother. Thank you for giving me the gift I have dreamed of my entire life: motherhood. I have dreamed of being your mother since I was a little girl playing with my Cabbage Patch dolls. I didn't know what roads would lead me here or that I would ever meet a man as incredible as your father. But I knew one day there would be you. This road has been an amazing journey. Now I stand one day away from meeting you and already know that you are more beautiful, joyful, and perfect than I could have ever imagined. Motherhood will be be the most awesome, terrifying, thrilling, rewarding thing I have ever done.

The last few days have been marked with weird pains in my lower abdomen, back pain ALL over, and very limited sleep. Given how perfect my pregnancy has gone thus far, I'll take a few days of discomfort in preparation for your arrival.

Your dad and I celebrated our anniversary by having dinner (Mexican.. yumm!) and talking about you almost the entire time. We are so excited to meet you! I keep imagining how different things will be once you are here, imagining what you will look like and what your cries will sound like, imagine myself holding you and taking care of you every day. I can't wait to see your beautiful face!

We will see you tomorrow... and no doubt fall in love!

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 38

Dear Lily Ann,

Wow! I didn't think I could possibly get any bigger but I just keep growing! And I feel you moving and squirming all the time! You are probably ready to ditch your cramped quarters and pay us a visit! We are definitely ready to meet you! Only one more week until we hold you in our arms.... and never let go. Okay - I promise I'll let go at some point before you hit your teen years... hopefully. What do you mean you don't want to take your Dad to Prom?

You now get the hiccups probably 3 times a day, on average. I worry about you, but they soon subside and you resume to happily practicing your kickboxing... which I absolutely love, even when it hurts. My most amusing activity is sitting still and watching my belly move up and down and side to side. This week I have felt lots of weird different cramping sensations, had some major swelling going on in my feet, lost quite a bit of sleep (partly because of this big belly and partly because the Australian Open is on all night long and I just can't seem to turn it off), and had one day suffering through a pretty bad headache. Any time I experience these symptoms I immediately wonder if you are making an early arrival. But I just hang on a bit longer and everything seems to pass. I have been happy, pain-free, and enjoying almost everything about this pregnancy. Thank you for being such a good girl and giving me such a wonderful pregnancy experience. Our time so close together is almost over. But I'm looking forward to growing closer to the baby, girl, and woman you will soon become.

Now, I have to spill all the details about my doctor's visit this morning:
I am 2.5 cm dilated and 60% effaced. That means you are well on your way to your birthday (February 4th.... if you make it)! My blood pressure has been high for the past three weeks and they are a little worried about it. I was hooked up to a monitor today and your Daddy and I got to hear your little heart beat for a solid 40 minutes or so. After observation, the doctor and nurses think you are looking good and not too concerned about my blood pressure. It should go back down after you are born.

We are keeping busy during our last week without you here. Tomorrow is my last day of work in the office and I stayed up until 1 in the morning putting together my new desk for working at home; we have plans to meet some friends for dinner tomorrow night; we are taking your grandparents and great grandparents out to eat on Saturday; I am getting my hair and nails done on Monday and Tuesday; on Wednesday your father and I are celebrating our 3 Year Anniversary; Thursday morning we'll wake up bright and early and head to the hospital!

See you in one week, baby girl!


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 37

Dear Lily Ann,

We are FULL TERM, baby girl! My heart feels happy and my worries seem to have for the most part lifted. We were able to see you today! I can't believe how grown you are. The tech estimated that you weigh about 6 pounds, 10 ounces. I can't believe I have a 6 pound, 10 ounce baby all squished up inside me. The best news we heard is that you are perfect ~ and we already knew that. Everything looks great and you are growing right on track, as you should be. You are perfectly positioned and making your way down for your arrival. I feel you drop, too. My belly has gone from way up high to sagging down lower and lower each day. And we learned how you are laying; so now I know where your butt is (in my face) and where your hands and feet are (both on my lower right-side, where I get all the kicks and punches). You are twisted around and running out of room. But don't worry. You don't have too much longer. The doctor has scheduled your induction for Thursday, February 4th (the day after Mommy and Daddy's 3rd Anniversary)! In exactly two weeks I will be holding you!

We have been working to get ready for your arrival during every spare moment. Still, I am glad to know I have a few more spare moments to get things ready ~ including all the 'important' stuff that needs to get done like my hair appointment and a mani/pedi. I definitely need that pedicure since I can no longer reach my toes!

Daddy and I are both so ready to meet you! Enjoy the last 2 weeks in your current home! We will be welcoming you into our world very soon!


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 36

Dear Lily Ann,

We are so very close to welcoming you to this world. The realization that you are actually coming and how you are actually coming hit me this morning. I am worried that I won't have the strength or pain tolerance to go through it. But finally being able to hold you in my arms will be worth every ounce of pain and every second of worry. At 36 weeks, I am dilated 1 cm! I am still measuring about 2 weeks early. The doctor just says this means you are growing fast but won't necessarily come early (on your own, that is). Next week we'll get to see you in an ultrasound so that the doctor can determine how big you are. If you are already growing big and strong and fully developed, we may get to meet you a little earlier than expected. If not, plans are now to induce at around 39 weeks. Either way, you will be here in 3 weeks or less.

Last minute activities to prepare for your arrival are in full swing. Your dad and I went yesterday to have the car seat professionally installed. Your grandma and I went through your clothes last weekend to pick out what we are bringing to the hospital. I still need to wash your little clothes and pack a bag for your dad and I. Your papaw is refinishing your great mamaw's (Your namesake, great great grandmother Lillian, who passed away about 9 years ago - I'll tell you all about how wonderful she was) glider for your nursery. I am still trying to decide where I want everything to go in the room. Things are progressing quickly now but I think I need to hit the accelerate button to get everything done in time.


I can't wait to see you, to meet you, to hold you, to kiss you, to feel your breathe, to feel your skin, to look into your eyes.......... I can't wait to be your Mom.


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 35

Dear Lily Ann,

35 weeks down, 5 weeks to go..... maybe! We'll know more next week! Today is a big day in Alabama. First of all, it's snowing! That is a rarity so we make a big deal out of it when it's here. I'm hoping we don't get snowed in at work today! Reports are coming in of road closings so you and I may be headed home soon. No one is here today anyway.

Despite all of the snow talk, the biggest news of the day has to be that Alabama will be playing for our 13th National Championship tonight! Roll Tide! We were planning on going over to your Uncle Rookie's house to watch but may be bundled up by the fire at home watching if the snow keeps falling.

Work is coming along on the house. Your nursery and our master bathroom are nearing completion. We are hoping to finish up the bathroom within the next week. Your nursery still has a few more pieces before it is complete. Uncle Rookie came over last night after we ate Mexican to see the transformation of his old room. Yes, your nursery used to be his guest room. He was impressed with how much it has changed. We can't wait to bring you home!

ROLL TIDE, Lily! Get ready to cheer tonight!


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 34 (and 1/2)

Dear Lily Ann,

We have had a crazy couple of weeks, haven't we? I don't even know where to start!

We celebrated your 'first' Christmas. I know there is no other little girl who is yet to be born that received quite so much from Santa! If it wasn't before, your closet is now bursting at the seams with all the goodies packed away. We bought you some storage bins and a bookcase yesterday so I can begin organizing all of your goodies before your arrival.

Speaking of arrival - we had some interesting news from the doctor last week. It seems I am measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule. She told me not to read too much into this news and we will know a little more accurately next week..... But I am a little panicked at the thought you could be here in just 3 short weeks!! There is still so much to do!

Your dad and I have been in warp speed since receiving this news. We have finally begun our master bathroom remodel. It is really coming along! We hope to have it completed and ready to go before you come home! Your papaw and granddaddy have been helping us with the transformation. I'm glad we have some knowledgeable men in our family to help us through it all!

Your nursery is almost complete! There are still lots of finishing touches to get done. I'm nervous that it won't be exactly as I want it before you come home. Maybe you can hold on long enough to help me out! (But not too long! We are so ready to meet you!)

We have had a nice break from work over the holidays and have gotten much accomplished. But we are back to work now... all the while planning and thinking of what still needs to be done at home. The stress factor is on the rise but you are keeping me happy and calm (except for this itchy stomach and swolen feet after a long day's work). Your kicks, pokes, prods, and turns make me smile and enjoy these last moments we have together, connected so closely. It is hard to imagine I have a 5 pound baby growing inside me, relying on me for life, and inching closer to arrival. I am so in love.


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 32

Dear Lily Ann,

Another week has passed! It is amazing how much work can get done in just seven days! I am proud to tell you that all of the major woodwork and painting in your room is finished! And new closet doors are hung! And - even better - your crib and dresser are up! We had some minor damage on both pieces but replacement parts are on their way. Your nursery is really coming together! We still have lots to get done: including replacing all the outlets, refurbishing and installing your light fixture, sewing the curtains, making the headboard for the daybed, and staining and recovering cushions for Mamaw's glider (we have been saving it for you since she passed away almost 10 years ago). Whew! Daddy has been doing a lot of the work thus far (with lots of help from your Granddaddy and Papaw), but now all the work is starting to fall on me and your Grandma! We are excited to start sewing for your nursery!

We also went to cheer on your Uncle Rookie at the marathon this weekend. I could feel you cheering, too! You are going to love your Uncle Rookie so much! Even though he has a bit of baby-phobia, I know he is going to be in love with you. Next year you will probably be cheering on your Uncle Rookie at the marathon once again! Who knows? Maybe your dad or I will be running, too!

Aunt Aida and Uncle Chris came over with your cousin/friend/future husband Landon. Landon is growing so fast. He is almost four months old! I am anxious for you to arrive and meet him. But I am sad to know you will grow so quickly! Until then, I am cherishing every moment of having you so close! They got to see you moving and kicking around and are so excited to meet you!

This week you and I also went to a Christmas party with my tennis team. We had a great time!! You will meet all of these nice women very soon and may even take your first vacation with them in June to our state tournament!

I finished up school this week, so no more Accounting or Economics for us! I am glad to have the extra time to focus on preparing for you. But soon enough we'll be starting again. I hope you like Statistics!

So much has gone on this week and we are pulling late nights to get things accomplished every day. Thank you for being such a great baby and letting me get everything done! I am feeling amazing! And ~ according to our doctor at this week's appointment ~ you are right on track! 32 weeks down, 8 to go!


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 31

Dear Lily Ann,

We are nearing the finish-line and you are growing by leaps and bounds. Seriously.... leaps and bounds. That is all you seem to be doing inside my belly. We can see my belly move from one side to the other as you kick, play, and squirm around. Grandma even got to see you moving around!

Christmas is only two weeks away and we finally have two trees up! We are going to finish up with the outside decorations this weekend - along with installing our new mantle and hopefully finishing up all the woodwork that is going on in your nursery. Who knows? We may even be able to put together some of your furniture and start trying to recreate the vision I have in my head of your gorgeous nursery. I can't wait to see the finished product and envision bringing you home to your very own room (although you'll be sleeping in your cradle in our room for a few months).

Tennis season has ended and the wintry weather has definitely arrived. Your dad has been battling snow in Indiana this week and misses you very much when he is gone. I took you for a spin on the elliptical machine this morning and I think you really enjoyed it! You and I will have to do more of that now that we aren't on the courts.

As of today, I am finished with my last semester of school before your arrival. Maybe now instead of Economics and Accounting, I'll be able to read you nursery rhymes. I'm looking forward to our last weeks together and hopeful that the next few will be very productive. Hang with me! We have lots to do!


We Love You,

Mommy

Week 30

Dear Lily Ann,

Wow! Can you believe that you and I have been on this journey together for 30 weeks? This seems likes such a huge milestone! We are in the 30s! Three-quarters of the way through this pregnancy! 10 weeks until I can see your precious face! It seems like time is just flying by, and with more holiday festivities quickly approaching I know it will be here soon!

Speaking of holiday festivities, your Grandma and I put up one of our trees this week. Daddy is a little stressed out because we still have bathroom renovations sitting at a standstill, nursery work yet to be completed, a new mantle that needs to be installed, and all of your things strewn about until we have some place to put them. I am worried about how we are going to get it all completed but still determined to get up all of our Christmas decorations this year. Between us, your grandparents, and great grandparents, we'll get all this work completed (in time, hopefully).

However, instead of working on all of our projects and decorating for Christmas this weekend, your dad and I are going to Nashville for a little babymoon. Our last vacation without you! We are looking forward to spending some time together ~ just the two of us. We're going to see some beautiful Christmas lights at the Opryland Hotel, watch the SEC Championship Game (Roll Tide!), attend a professional tennis exhibition match, do some shopping, and find some good eats! We are so excited to share lots of adventures like this with you in the future.

You are really starting to pack some punch with your tiny little kicks! I feel them more and more ~ even when I'm busy and moving around. It is so weird to see my belly move involuntarily! I'm wondering if you might be a little gymnast. Or soccer player, maybe. I'm still crossing my fingers and wishing on the stars for a little tennis player! Whatever you do in life, I simply hope that you are happy and healthy. You no doubt have to be one of the most loved children on the face of this Earth. We'll never let you forget that!

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 29

Dear Lily Ann,

I'm a little behind this week. We are over half way through with our 29th week and I'm just now posting pictures. We had a BIG week! It was our first Thanksgiving trip with you! Next year you will actually be here to enjoy the beach! Every year we go to the beach to eat, shop, and relax. We are so looking forward to having you with us for years to come! Your dad and I, Grandma and Granddaddy, and Mamaw and Papaw are so excited about your arrival and all the fun things we will do together.

We did a little bit of Black Friday shopping. I didn't buy much for Christmas but we bought you lots of clothes (as if you needed any more)! Next year I imagine we'll be Midnight Madness shopping at toy stores to get ready for your first Christmas!

This Thanksgiving ~ and all the Thanksgivings for the rest of my life ~ I am thankful for you.

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 28

Dear Lily Ann,

Welcome to the third trimester!! What a wonderful week you have had! On Sunday your friends and family got together to celebrate YOU! Since you aren't here yet, I had to open all of your presents. Let me tell you how tiring that was! But each and every gift you received was so special. On top of all the necessities, each guest brought a book with a personalized inscription to you. I can't wait until you arrive and we sit in your nursery reading all those books and the personal notes written just to you!

I went to the doctor's office this week and got to hear your precious little heart beat. We are measuring right on track and looking good (except for Mommy being a little iron deficient). Now that we are in the third trimester, we get to go to the doctor every two weeks. So it won't be too much longer until I hear your heart again!

Your Granddaddy and Papaw came over to help Daddy with the nursery this week. They are making so much progress! And we got the color just perfect for our little girl! I hope you like it.

We are waiting anxiously for your arrival and have several adventures planned for you over the next few weeks. Get ready!!

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 27

Dear Lily Ann,

This has been a pretty mellow week for your dad and I. We still have much to do but haven't really made any progress. Dad was sick for a few days and slept in the guest room so you and I wouldn't get sick. He is feeling better and back to our bed now. Unfortunately, I lost to your Dad in fantasy football last weekend and he won our bet. So now I am sleeping on your dad's side of the bed for an entire week. That drives me bonkers!! It is getting harder and harder to fall asleep as it is because more and more I am feeling your little kicks. It seems you are quite active around bedtime. Hopefully that trend won't continue after you're here, but we'll cherish every sleepless moment with you.

We are all finished with child birth prep class and tennis season is almost over. I'm still going to make your dad get out and hit with me so I can stay active and won't lose my game too much. Before you know it, I'll have you out on the court with me. School is also coming to an end for the semester. I have two finals to prepare for and a one-page paper to complete that isn't even worth mentioning. So as everything draws to an end, so too does our second trimester. Next week we are moving on to the third and final trimester. I am so excited to be one step closer to meeting you.

Aunt Aida is throwing your first baby shower this weekend so lots of people are going to be fussing over you. You are a big deal, if you didn't know that already. I can't wait to see our friends and family and introduce you (or rather, my belly) to everyone. Also so excited to see all the goodies you rack up! Now if only we can make some progress on that nursery so we have some place to put it all!

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 26

Dear Lily Ann,

What a week! You have been an active little girl, and I am beginning to feel you more and more. Daddy thinks I'm funny because I'm always wondering what you're going to look like, what your personality is going to be, what will your voice sound like, and many more things. He thinks I should just take it one day at a time, but it is fun to daydream about life with you in the future. We are so excited to meet you!

It seems pregnancy is beginning to make me lose my mind. I had my first pregnancy panic attack last night because your dad was extremely late coming home from soccer and I was worried. Turns out, he was just celebrating his winning goal with his teammates and some beer after the game. I couldn't figure out whether to cry because he was safe or because I was so angry. Needless to say, he is very apologetic and knows to let us know these things from now on. Also, the other night I got up to take Rafa outside and ran into a door. Yes, your mother walked straight into a closed door. That, in turn, triggered the water works. Your dad did a good job of holding back his laughter til the next day when I would laugh with him. It was pretty funny now that I think of it. On top of all that, I got wrapped up in our birthing class and forgot to turn in this week's group assignment for Accounting until the next morning. Thankfully, I sent a pleading email to the professor and we were not penalized. (In fact, we made a 100.) Anyway, hormones are going up as memory is going down and our to-do list keeps getting longer and longer. It is creating quite a stir in our household.

We celebrated our first Halloween with you. You went to your Uncle Rookie's house to pre-party and then to the Young Professionals Halloween Party on the top of the parking garage in downtown. It was cold but we had a great time. I can't wait to show you all those pictures when you get a little older.

We Love You,

Mommy

(Look at mommy's cute boots! I just can't stand to go through winter without boots, even if maybe they aren't the best choice in my collection at the moment. Don't worry - I won't wear them too much longer.)

Week 25

Dear Lily Ann,

Your dad and I have not slowed down all week. Last weekend, we got quite a bit of work accomplished on your room in between tennis, golf, and soccer.

Your dad and his soccer team had a big game last night. We went to watch a little bit before we had to go to tennis. They ended up losing but put up a good fight. They are still ranked second in their division, quite an improvement from years past. All this soccer and golf is making Daddy drop some pounds. He has lost 10 pounds in the last few weeks (and giving them all to me)!

After we watched Dad play soccer for a while, we headed over to the tennis center to play our big match. We were playing the other top ranked team and needed a win to solidify our chances of finishing in first place. I wanted to play singles because I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to. Turns out, my withdrawal from singles might happen sooner than expected. Moving both of us around the court proved to be challenging. But you hung in there with me and we pulled it out in a 3rd set tie-breaker. The lady we played wasn't too happy and was actually quite mean. I didn't know people were mean to pregnant ladies. Oh, well! Maybe they don't like getting beat by six-and-a-half-month pregnant women. I don't blame her. I wouldn't either. I'm just so glad we pulled out a win and the team won our match! Hopefully that means you and I will be going to the state tournament a few months after you are born. Grandma has already volunteered to come with us so you both can watch Mommy play tennis! Our first mini-vacation!

I still have so much on my plate right now. Work has been crazy busy. I still am studying and need to take my Economics mid-term. This week is my rotation for our Accounting weekly group assignment. I am working on getting estimates for our bathroom remodel. Your room still has lots left to do! To top it all off ~ this weekend is Halloween!! I can't wait to show you pictures of your silly Mommy and Daddy enjoying our last Halloween before your arrival. It is going to be a great night!

Because I've been so busy, it has been hard to take time and just enjoy your little movements and read to you. But I will do that more, I promise. I want to cherish all these special moments with you ~ even in the midst of mayhem!

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 24

Dear Lily Ann,

This week your dad and I have been so busy getting ready for you. Your granddaddy and pappaw came over to help us get the nursery ready. It is still a long way from being done but already looks so much better. I can't wait to have it finished and bring you home!

Last night, we went to our first Prepared Childbirth Class. I don't think I'm prepared at all! But I know you will be very understanding and forgive me for everything I do not know. We will learn together! Let's just hope you get your patience from your dad.

At our doctor's appointment this week, the doctor let us get a quick sneak peak of you. You are growing so big! We only have 16 weeks left!

A cold front has moved in and I'm breaking in to my winter wardrobe ~ only to find out none of my sweaters or jackets fit. I guess that is a good reason to go shopping, huh? Only problem is, when I go shopping I only want to buy things for you and not myself. We are going to have so much fun shopping together. Shhh... don't tell your dad.

Now that it is cold, I can officially wear my boots. The chiropractor and our doctor probably won't be too happy about that, but we don't have to tell them. Boots = A Happy Mommy.

Now we are waiting on you to start kicking more. Whenever you kick, I call your dad over to feel. But then you stop! Why do you do that?!? Daddy is anxious to feel you squirming around. Maybe some Mexican food tonight will get you moving.

We Love You,

Mommy

Week 23

Dear Lily Ann,

I have procrastinated taking belly shots. I think I was a bit reluctant because there wasn't too much to show. And boy was I ever ready to show you off!! Then, all of a sudden, my belly popped and doesn't seem to stop growing! I'm loving it!

Your dad has been traveling a lot with work lately and sure misses us. Rafa has been taking care of us while he was gone. Thankfully, Daddy will be home tonight! Grandma stayed over last night to keep us company. We had so much fun baby shopping for you and going through your clothes. You are one lucky girl!

Feeling your little kicks is the highlight of my day. It is so hard for me to concentrate on anything else when you get to kicking! Right now you are kicking up a storm! I am watching my dress as I feel the kicks, and I can actually see my stomach moving!! I can't wait for daddy to get home and hopefully feel your kicks, too!

This week we bought your nursery furniture from sus abuelos Colombianos. You are going to love it! We've also started registering for lots of goodies and planning for your showers. Daddy is ready to get to work on your nursery!

I'm in the middle of mid-terms and reading to you all about Economics now. I know it is kind of dull. Hang in there with me! I promise when I'm done, Daddy and I will read you some Good Night Moon and Golden Book classics!

We Love You,

Mommy