25 Week Update

Baby Girl,

You are growing so much and everyday I am amazed at the little person you are becoming.  You love to kick these days, and it doesn't bother me one bit! I love to know that you are active and well.  It's exciting that I get to take you everywhere I go and you can hear everything I say .. or should that worry me? You are about the size of an ear of corn these days (11.8 inches).  Your growing lungs continue to practice breathing skills, and they are developing immensely to be able to perform the necessary functions required to sustain life outside of the womb.  You're starting to thicken up .. right along with Mom! Your face is filling out and as well as your body.  I can't wait to squeeze your little cheeks! Your muscles are growing, your bones are strengthening, and your organs are continuing to develop.

We had an ultrasound last week and the Ultrasound Technician checked for many things.  She checked that your heart was developing and at the correct stage.  She checked to make sure your bladder was there and that your kidneys were in the correct place.  She checked your spine and ruled out spina bifida.  The measured you probably 7 different ways to make sure you were all "up-to-date" with your growing.  I was comforted to know that about 90% of birth defects have been ruled out.

It was so fun to see you move around and try and suck on your hands and feet.  To see you swallow and do normal baby things.  I love you so much and can't wait to meet you. But we need you to stay in there a little while longer and continue to grow healthy and strong so you can be ready for your life here on earth.  There are so many things we want to do when you arrive and so many adventures we want to take, but you need to be physically ready so hold on to your diaper and stay put for about 15 12 more weeks.

Here are the pictures from your most recent ultrasound.  I sure do enjoy these sneak-peeks of my baby.

You are perfect

Nora,

Your Daddy and I love the name that we have chosen for you.  We love to call you by your name already.  It makes us the bond between the 3 of us even stronger.  We can't wait to meet you and put a beautiful face to your name.

The last couple weeks have been really hard on me.  I was starting to feel better, but I am feeling more sick again - and some days even more than before.  As long as you are healthy though, I will be just fine. Also accompanying the last few weeks has been bouts of anxiety. I know it is common for a Mommy to worry, but I am already a worrier at heart.  I worry about you all the time.  I want you to be healthy and strong and able in every way.  I pray for you everyday, but still worry.  I have to rest assured that you are in the Lord's hands and he will provide you with the body that he sees fit for you.  I still pray that it is a strong one full of ability.  I want you to be able to accomplish all the goals you have in life.  Every Mother hopes for the perfect baby, and I am no exception.  But I also know that there is no defined "perfection".  I remember the day your Aunt Sydney was born.  It was a very emotional time for our family.  I am ashamed to say that I was afraid I would love her less due to her differences.  She wasn't "normal" per se.  But as time went on and she grew, I was blessed to have my heart softened and expanded to hold so much love for such a truly perfect daughter of God.  I am thankful for the blessing she has been in my life to teach me acceptance, tolerance, and love toward every human being no matter what they look like.  This applies to you too Nora.  I will love you no matter what.  You will always be perfect to me because you are perfect to your Heavenly Father. 

I love you already and will continue to love you more and more.  I love the time we have together including the many times throughout the day that I get to feel your kicks and movements.  You are a joy to have around and I know we will always feel joy in our hearts for you and your place in our family.  Thank you for making us a family and making me a mother. 

Love Mommy