Tuesday, June 25, 2013

1 Day

My "1 Day" letter to Grayson from this morning! Can't believe he'll be here tomorrow! Please remember to pray for us today and tomorrow! My love to you all!



 
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
10:26 a.m.

My Baby,

Can this be possible? At this time tomorrow, just 24 short hours from now, we’ll be arriving at the hospital to prepare for your arrival! Mommy is almost in tears with the excitement, anticipation, and joy at your nearing debut! You are already so, so loved my dear son!

Today your Granny will be coming to take us to our pre-admission testing appointment. I’ll have my blood drawn, they’ll take a complete and thorough medical history, and then we’ll be ready for tomorrow. Thankfully, Granny plans to stay the night with Mommy & Daddy tonight to help keep us calm and cool for the big day. Are you ready my baby? I hope we are, because ready or not, here you come! Ha ha!

Last night Daddy took Lily to Doggie Daycare where she’ll stay while we’re in the hospital. Our house felt strangely empty without her! She’s a big part of our family and we’re sure that you’ll love her! She already loves you! She rests her head near Mommy’s tummy often—I think she can hear you in there! :-)

After Daddy returned home, we folded clothes and tried to prepare for your arrival. It’s such an odd feeling knowing that you’ll be here so soon. Daddy & I don’t really know what to think! We talk about you constantly and about how our lives are about to change. It’s almost as if time is rushing by, and we’re trying to catch it by the tail before it’s gone! We’re really just trying to savor every single moment we have in the next day, because we know that the next several weeks will pass in a blur of sleepiness, joy, and chaos! But you know what? We wouldn’t have it any other way! We’re SO excited to see you, our son! We love you so, so much!

Love Always,
Mommy



Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart

2 Days

My "2 Days" letter to Grayson.


Monday, June 24, 2013
10:35 a.m.

Our Sweet Son,

Grayson!!! I cannot believe that in exactly 48 hours we’ll be preparing for your arrival! Mommy & Daddy will be prepping for our C-section at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2013! Is this really happening?! After all this time in Mommy’s belly you’ll soon be making your grand entrance! Oh, my son, I can only wait & pray now.

Today Mommy plans to write and do laundry in preparation for your arrival. And I’ll of course spend time feeling my belly! I want to remember exactly how you laid, where your little head rested, and where those precious little feet kicked! Otherwise, our home is ready, our bags are packed, and we’re anxiously counting down the hours to the big day! It’s amazing to think that in just a short, short period of time you’ll be here! We cannot wait!

Today I’ve been wondering what your little cry will sound like. Will it be loud and strong or a bit quieter, like Papa? Will you be long-legged and broad-shouldered or round and chubby? Will you have blonde hair, brown hair, red hair, or no hair? As long as you are safe Mommy & Daddy will be over-the-moon with joy! We cannot wait to meet you our precious son! You are such an amazing gift!

We still haven’t decided on your middle name. Daddy & I easily agreed upon your first name many, many months ago, but have struggled to find the perfect middle name. Our favorites are Thomas, Andrew, Robert, and Matthew. Thomas is the name of your Bapsie. Andrew is, of course, your Daddy’s name. Robert was Mommy’s Papdad (my maternal Grandfather), who passed just the month before we learned we were expecting you. You’ll hear all about him—boy do we have stories to tell! And Matthew is one of our favorite Biblical characters. Daddy & I aren’t sure if we’ll pick your middle name before your birth or after, but we know it just has to fit you perfectly! Stay tuned, my son, stay tuned!

Until Wednesday morning, please continue to enjoy your little home. Mommy has tried her best to make it comfortable for you :-) We’ve done many things together since you’ve been there—made a trip to Indianapolis, moved into a new home, taken plenty of medical school tests, sang plenty of songs, and played plenty of games! And guess what? The fun will only continue once you’re here!

I love you more than you may ever know!
Mommy

Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart

3 Days

"3 Days" letter to our son.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

My Dearest Boy,

Today wraps up our last weekend without you.  I cannot believe in just 3 short days you’ll be here! It seems almost unreal!

Yesterday Daddy & I had quite an adventure! We spent the early part of the day playing fetch with Lily, doing laundry, and enjoying lunch at a cute little downtown café called “Hanner’s.” The real fun began, however, when Daddy & I tried to attend his friend Michael’s wedding in Frankfort. We left the house at 4:30, which should have put our arrival time at around 5:30, still thirty minutes prior to the wedding. Unfortunately, though, the Lord must have had different plans for us! As soon as we attempted to merge onto I-75 in Lexington we found ourselves in a massive traffic jam. Apparently a terrible, terrible car accident had happened thirty minutes earlier, which resulted in a nearly 8-mile long traffic standstill! Daddy & I ended up sitting on the interstate for over an hour-and-a-half! Finally, I desperately needed to use the restroom, so Daddy drove on the barely-there shoulder to get Mommy to the nearest gas station. By that time it was already 7:30 and we had missed the entire wedding! So instead, we drove to Carino’s, our favorite Italian restaurant in Hamburg, and ate a nice meal together before returning home. Talk about a crazy evening, huh?! I guess we just weren’t meant to make it to that wedding :-(

Thankfully, today has been much more calm! This morning we went grocery shopping and swept the floors before relaxing on the couch for a couple hours. Then, Daddy got a terrible sweet tooth and convinced me to go to Dairy Queen! After our yummy “blizzards” we decided to play a game of Scrabble—which Mommy proudly won!—before calling it a night.

It seems like this weekend absolutely flew! In fact, Daddy & I were talking about that very point just before bed. We have so many excitements, and fears, about becoming parents. Firstly, we want to make sure you arrive safely and healthily. Then, once you’re here, we want to take the absolute best care of you that we can! We want to encourage you, uplift you, and help you become a strong man of God. We want you to dream very big dreams and we want to help you reach those dreams. But most importantly, we want to teach you right from wrong and help you to discern God’s will for your life. We know that He has very big plans for you and for our entire family! We’ve prayed for you so, so much already and we’ll continue to do that once you’re in our arms. Please know that God (and your Mommy & Daddy!) loves you VERY much!

We can’t wait to hold you!

I love you!
Mommy



Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart

4 Days

"4 Days" letter to Grayson!



Saturday, June 22, 2013


Our Baby Grayson,

Four days my sweet boy, four days! Honestly, I’m beginning to realize that before long you’ll be in our arms, not in my belly, and I have mixed feelings about it! First and foremost, I’m beyond ecstatic that we’ll get to cuddle, kiss, and play with you. But another part of me feels perhaps a bit sad that from the moment of your birth onward, we’ll be separated physically :-( It has been so precious to feel your hiccups and your kicks, your jabs and squirms! It’s a feeling that only Mommy’s can understand and I will cherish it my entire life! But of course it is inevitable. At least I can take comfort in the fact that for a few months you’ll be immobile—you won’t be able to run away from my kisses or dodge my hugs! And when you can, I’ll just have to catch you and force them on you anyhow! ;-)

Just know that no matter what, you’ll always be a part of me! You & I will share a very special bond—I’ll make sure of it!

On another note, I think that I’m beginning to get a bit emotional about this whole process. My heart feels as though it could almost burst with my love for you and Daddy! Sometimes it’s hard to believe that you will be a perfect mixture of the two of us…half Daddy, half Mommy, all Grayson! My thoughts are still constantly occupied with what you’ll look like, what personality you’ll have, what your hobbies will be, and what our life will be like once you enter the world! I can only hope that we’re ready for you; that we’ll raise you up to be a strong man of God; that you’ll pursue your dreams in life and accomplish more than you ever thought possible. These are my hopes for you my son, and I’ll do everything in my power to help you along the way!

Until we meet, please stay safe in your little home! I know things are getting cramped in there, but soon you’ll have a whole world to enjoy! And such great, great love will (and already does!) surround you!


You are ever in my thoughts!
I love you!
Your Mommy



Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart

5 Days

Here's my "5 Days" letter to Grayson. Enjoy!




Friday, June 21, 2013

My Sweet Baby,

Today marks 5 days until you make your grand entrance! Daddy & I are growing more and more excited each day!

I must tell you about our night last night, though! Daddy & I played board games and laughed so, so hard together! “Battleship” was our favorite, and of course Daddy won (he’s so good at board games ;-)).  We talked a lot about you and even imagined what it will be like to have family game nights once you get bigger! We’ll have such fun together, I just know!

While last night was so pleasant, today has been very, very hot and humid! The high temperature was 90°F and boy, did we feel it! Lily & I spent part of the morning on the porch, enjoying the cloudless day before it became too muggy to endure. Then Mommy cleaned the house and even managed to sneak in a little nap! I’m trying to soak up all the rest that I can now because I’m sure that once you make your debut, sleep will be a bit harder to achieve :-) Then, I prepared yummy sausages, hash browns & green beans for Daddy & I to enjoy before he left for the DCI Competition (Drum Corps International).

He had such a great time at the event! There were several groups from all across the nation who competed in a marching band competition extraordinaire! Mommy would have loved to attend the event, but it was held outside and it was just too hot for you & I! But thankfully, Daddy took many photos and videos, which you loved! (You kicked and squirmed the entire time you heard music!) I think you may be drummer just like Daddy ;-)

Tomorrow we’ll be attending our friend, Michael Scott’s, wedding, so let’s hope that the heat disappears by then! Otherwise, we may be coming home much earlier in the evening!

What I want you to know today is that I love you more than I thought was possible! You bring such joy to your Mommy’s heart! Every time I feel you squirm around I smile a great, big smile! You are the light of our lives! We love you dearly!

Love Always,
Mommy




Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart

6 Days

I've decided to share with you the daily notes that I'm writing to our son. Why would I share such personal notes with you? Firstly, this is a second medium through which I can store & record a journal for Grayson. Secondly, you've been on this journey with us for many months now, so to desert you in our final days would seem a bit unfair. And finally, I think my notes to Grayson best capture how I'm feeling in these final days, which may help other Mommy's who are in a similar situation in the future. Enjoy my loves!


Thursday, June 20, 2013

My Wonderful Grayson,

Another day has come and gone already! The anticipation seems to build with each passing moment :-)

Last night Daddy & I cooked a delicious stir-fry meal together and by the time we had cleaned up, I was exhausted! It seems that in the past several days I’ve started to slow down just a bit. We’ve had such a smooth pregnancy, though, that a bit of fatigue in the last week is hardly anything worth mentioning! Actually, I am amazed at how great I have felt these last 38 weeks! The first 12 were probably the toughest—I was just so sleepy, all the time! But after those passed I have felt unbelievably well! Sometimes I almost seemed to have more energy than before pregnancy! But now that we’re nearing the end, I’m moving at a much slower pace, which is not really a problem at all. My back only seems to ache after a long day on my feet and my hips aren’t too uncomfortable either. I’m so very, very blessed and thankful!

You are getting so long, though, that Mommy sometimes feels a bit sorry that you’re cramped up inside. Occasionally you stretch and kick so strongly that I think you’re trying to break out! I truly hope, though, that you stay in your safe little pouch 6 more days (I’d selfishly love for it to be more like 14, but we’ll take what we can get, right?!).

Mommy & Daddy have only told our immediate families & closest friends that we’ll be meeting you next Wednesday, but those we have told are SO excited! Granny, Bapsie, Aunt T-T, Cousins Eli & Owen, & Grandma Denise plan to be in the hospital to anxiously await your delivery. Others, like Grandma & Papaw Buchanan, Aunt Katie, Uncle Gary, the Rose Cousins, and Mommy & Daddy’s friends, plan to visit later. You are already surrounded by such great love! You are one very blessed little boy! In fact, we are ALL so blessed! God has been so good to us!

Tonight, Mommy plans to surprise Daddy with a yummy soup-bean dinner and then maybe we’ll play a hand of cards or a board game. We love taking walks, but with a high of 88°F, that likely won’t be possible tonight! In the meantime, I want you to know how very loved you are! As I fold laundry and do dishes, just know that I’m constantly thinking of you—what you’ll look like, what you’ll sound like, what your interests will be, what your personality will be, etc. etc. And please, please know that you’ll always be my sweet baby. I love you so dearly!

Love,
Mommy

Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart

Week 38

Our last full week before we meet our son. It honestly doesn't seem quite possible! In less than one week we'll be holding our son! That's unreal!!! The past 38 weeks have absolutely been the happiest in my life. To sum up our pregnancy journey I thought that I would share a letter that I recently wrote to our son, just one of many that he'll get someday! Enjoy!




My Sweet Grayson,

Today is Wednesday, June 19, 2013—one week from your birthday! I can hardly believe that in just seven short days we’ll be holding you in our arms! Mommy & Daddy are beyond excited to kiss, cuddle, and enjoy every inch of you!

The past 38 weeks have been the happiest of my life! Mommy has absolutely savored everything about being pregnant with you! I remember the day we found out that you were going to join our family—I was so excited, so nervous, so scared! I immediately wanted nothing more than to protect you—to help you grow—to make you the healthiest, happiest little boy on the planet! So I ate my fruits and veggies, took my vitamins, and said many, many prayers! My love for you only grew each day!

Our path to meeting you wasn’t completely easy, though. Unfortunately, the day that I had some “spotting” of blood was the scariest day of my life. I cried and cried on the way to the hospital--I was completely terrified that something was wrong with our little miracle. Thankfully, my strong boy was safe, just a bit low on progesterone, so with a little medicine, we made it through the first trimester! From then on, you grew & grew! I remember how excited I was to see my belly grow—it meant that you were, too!

When we knew you were safe, we shared the news with our family and friends. Their reactions were priceless! Granny & Bapsie found out first, around 6 weeks, and were so shocked! Granny laughed and laughed while Bapsie was worried about the logistics—as per normal! Once he realized that Mommy wasn’t planning to give up on medical school, he became much more excited! Then, Aunt T-T (Tiffany) found out, and boy was she surprised! Then came Grandma Denise (Daddy’s Mom)—who was so happy that she cried! Finally, we shared the news with the Rose family at Christmas time with a cute little poem! You & Mommy got many, many hugs that day! From then on, everyone was excited to meet you!

I’ll never forget Mommy & Daddy’s trip to Indianapolis when we were 18 weeks along. That weekend was so special for us! My belly “popped,” and for the first time, strangers were noticing! The most miraculous thing about that weekend, though, was when your Papa got to feel you kick for the first time! Mommy had been enjoying your kicks and flips for many weeks (which made me so, so, happy, by the way!), but it seemed like every time Daddy would feel my belly you’d immediately stop moving and simply relax. Finally, that weekend, you shared your acrobatic skills with Daddy! He loved it more than I can even describe!

After our trip, we celebrated the halfway point in the pregnancy (20 weeks), and then it seemed that time flew even faster! We found out your gender at our gender-reveal party, where Granny baked us a yummy cake with little blue pacifier charms hidden inside! We were so surprised! Daddy was convinced we were having a girl, and so was I…until the week before the party. One night during that week, I dreamed that we would have a bouncing little boy, and after that, I was convinced! Sure enough, the dream came true! And we couldn’t be happier! You’ll be SO much fun!

Before long you were so big that Mommy had to wear maternity clothes! It was then that Daddy & I finally realized it was time for us to find a bigger house, closer to where Mommy would be doing rotations in the fall. So we moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky. Daddy carried many heavy boxes and furniture pieces while Mommy organized and decorated! My favorite room to prepare was yours—of course! We loved setting up your crib, dresser & little bookshelves for your rapidly growing collection! But most of all, I loved preparing your tiny clothes and toys –they made me even more excited to hold my boy :-)

Finally, we had reached 31 weeks and it was time for our baby shower. Many loved ones came to our new home to celebrate your impending arrival! We enjoyed yummy food, hilarious games, and precious time with our family and friends. All in all, we were showered with many wonderful presents that you desperately needed! After the shower, we spent lots of time with Granny & Bapsie and took many childbirth & parenting classes to prepare as best we could for your debut!

Finally, we had our much-anticipated 36-week appointment. It was at this appointment that we would find out if Mommy’s cervix was dilated and if you were in the correct position for birth. Daddy & I were SO excited! Granny came to most of our appointments, and was extra-excited for this one, too! We learned that my cervix was already dilated to 2 cm—that’s already 20% ready for your arrival! Unfortunately, though, Dr. Fuson wasn’t sure if you were in the correct position. So she scheduled an ultrasound for the following week, and sure enough, we learned that you were completely breech. Mommy cried and cried when I learned that I couldn’t give birth to you naturally, as I had hoped. Then, I quickly realized that God had a plan for you & I, and if that plan included meeting you via C-Section, then we would simply have to trust in Him!

And so, we scheduled our C-section, and Mommy spent many, many hours pouring over books, articles, pamphlets, & websites learning about C-sections. I even prepared a birth plan describing our preferences for the surgery & recovery. Finally, Granny & I went to our last appointment, the 38-week check-up. Your heart rate was 148 and Mommy’s blood pressure was 110/70—perfect! This time, Granny could clearly see your little head when they were taking the measurements! We had to laugh about it—my persistent boy had settled into his position, and he couldn’t help that it was upside down! After the appointment, Granny & I enjoyed some quality time together—we devoured “breakfast for lunch” at Denny’s & then went shopping at a fabric store, a restaurant store, and Burke’s outlet—where we found adorable socks and bibs for you!

And so, that brings us to today. 38-weeks-and-1-day. I can hardly believe it, my baby! Mommy is incredibly excited to have you safely in my arms! I’m also a bit sad—I’ll miss getting to carry you everywhere with me; I’ll miss feeling your little nudges and kicks; I’ll miss your sweet hiccups; and I’ll definitely miss my round, big belly! You have already been the biggest blessing that God could have ever given Daddy & I. We have more love for you than I thought was humanly possible to possess! I can only imagine how much more our hearts will swell when we have our baby in our arms! I love you my sweet one, and cannot wait for your birthday!

Love,
Mommy



Here's our update:
 
How Far Along: 38 weeks 
Total Weight Gain: 30 lbs 
Stretchmarks: Yes, I see a few at the lower part of my abdomen, but I continue to pour on the lotions/creams/oils twice a day! 
Sleep: Not as great lately, considering the 3-5 bathroom trips per night :-)
Best Moment this Week: Having our last doctor's appointment and preparing for Grayson's arrival.
Movement: Lots!
Gender: Baby boy 
Labor Signs: None, but I've been having Braxton-Hicks contractions several times a day and an occasional "real" contraction.
Belly Button: In, but barely!
What I Miss: Nothing
What I am Looking Forward to:  Meeting our son!
Milestones: Grayson probably now weighs somewhere between 7 and 8.5 pounds and is between 19 and 21 inches long. He has a firm little grasp, which I can't wait to experience when I hold him for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside of Mommy's tummy. We love you so much already!
 
 
38 Weeks



 


Playing board games! Enjoying our last few nights together!

Packed & Ready
 
Til Next Time,
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart