Tuesday, July 3, 2012
7 Months
It's crazy to think how far we've come since that day that I saw those two pink lines on that stick. Many days of sickness have passed, many moments of joy. Many tears, both of happiness and sadness. Many doctor's visits, pictures, work days, and lazy Saturdays. Many moments that begin to fade away, and a few we will never forget. Literally, months have passed us by. So much has happened to bring us to where we are today. The truth is that pregnancy has been hard. It's been hard on me physically. Becoming so big isn't really something that anybody is comfortable with. Even though I know it's for a good cause, it's still hard to see my body transform. Thanks to your amazing Daddy, I don't doubt that he thinks I am still beautiful. He loves the pregnant me. But I still have a hard time accepting pregnant me. Not only does my body look different, but it works differently than it did before there was a little ole' you in there. I quickly learned that I wouldn't be able to workout during pregnancy. Running was ruled out within the first trimester. Exercise is such a good outlet and I haven't been able to take advantage of it for months. Even walking has become a challenge for me these days. I feel overly exerted from walking through the grocery store. Tasks that used to be so simple are now challenging for me. What happened to the old Jamie who had lots of energy and loved to cook for her sweet husband? Who cleaned the house often and did crafts in her spare time? I've been sick for months. I've thrown up more times than I can count. My back aches in places I never knew existed. My feet burn all night every night. And I cry all the time. I feel helpless and slightly worthless at times. This isn't the "Me" I want to be. I can't do everything for myself and others that I used to be able to do. I feel like a burden to your Dad, yet he has been nothing but kind and supportive through all the tears. And you know what the truth is behind all this? The truth is that I can't wait to be your Mom and I love you more than words can say. I can't express the excitement and joy I feel to welcome you to our family. I feel so blessed that the Lord has trusted me to be your mother. I know that none of the crazy symptoms and setbacks could ever change the way I feel about you. It may not have been the easiest journey, but it has always been worth it. You are the prize princess, and I couldn't be more honored. I hope one day that you too will make these small sacrifices to experience the joys of motherhood. I know my love for you will only grow. It is through these trials that I have grown to appreciate you and the bonds we've made. I love you baby girl. You've always been worth it.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
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 about15 12 more weeks.
Here are the pictures from your most recent ultrasound. I sure do enjoy these sneak-peeks of my baby.
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
Here are the pictures from your most recent ultrasound. I sure do enjoy these sneak-peeks of my baby.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sweet Baby,
Where has the time gone? I've been carrying you around for 20 (almost 21) weeks now. It seemed we would never reach this point, now it's here and I have absolutely no idea how it happened. It seems like just yesterday I was telling your Daddy that we were expecting a baby! I love having you with me. I love that I can feel you. About 5 minutes ago you decided to have a poking session with me. I would poke you, and you would kick me back. It went on for a good minute. You are currently kicking just to the left of my belly button. You are so fun! I wouldn't mind if you kicked all day long! I love those little love taps (: It reminds me that you are alive, active and in good physical condition. Sometimes... I think it's your way of telling me you love me..
Mother's day was this last Sunday. It was a special day for me. I got to reflect on a lot of things. One of my biggest questions of the day was; Am I a Mother or not this Mother's day? I came to the conclusion, that even though I have no children to show for it yet, I am a Mother. I am sustaining your life as your Mother. I am providing you with shelter, nourishment, and love. Even though we haven't met, I am still so in love with you and cannot wait to finally meet you. We are sharing a body, and even though it's hard to see the numbers on the scale constantly increasing and to see the once toned areas of my body jiggle like jello, I enjoy this time we have together. I hope you hear my voice and know it's the voice of your Mother. I am your Mother and always will be.
I pray, constantly, that I will be a good Mother. It worries me that I don't have what it takes to raise you the right way nor to be the perfect Mom. But I know, that there is no such thing as perfect. I may not clean the house perfectly, cook dinner perfectly, handle the finances perfectly, or act perfectly, but I will always love you perfectly; with all of my heart. I have gained a strong testimony of the Lord's hand in my life. He is here and always helping your Dad and I. We are so blessed to be a part of this Gospel and to have the knowledge that we do. I know that through my steadfastness in prayer, scripture study, and Temple attendance, he will be there to help me in those areas that I can't make perfect on my own. He will be satisfied with me at the end of the day when I have given it all I've got. Even if "all I've got" consists of getting you and I showered and fed for the day. If one day the chores go undone, he isn't going to love me any less. He might ask that I try harder the next day, and I hope I always will. But he will remember the good things I have done that day.
I hope these thoughts stick with you through your times of trial and tribulation. And heaven bless you to not expect perfection from yourself. It's impossible baby doll. Your best is the only true "perfect". We love you and always will. The Lord will be there to help you and the Spirit will be there to guide you. If you mess up along the way, we (your earthly and Heavenly parents) will be there to help you up, dust you off and to get you back on your way. We have all been in those positions. Obviously, your Mother is a perfect example of this. But with constant effort to strengthen your relationship with your Father in Heaven and your brother Jesus Christ, you will have the protection and assistance you need to overcome your trials. Whether they be big, small, easy or hard. We fall, it's inevitable. But we get back up and pray for strength to see that crack in the pavement more clearly next time.
I love you and always will. I pray you have a wise mind, a compassionate heart, and a pure spirit.
I pray for strength in your growth and development both physically and spiritually.
May you always turn to your loving parents as well as the Lord with your questions and needs.
We love you forever and ever.
Love,
Your Mother
Where has the time gone? I've been carrying you around for 20 (almost 21) weeks now. It seemed we would never reach this point, now it's here and I have absolutely no idea how it happened. It seems like just yesterday I was telling your Daddy that we were expecting a baby! I love having you with me. I love that I can feel you. About 5 minutes ago you decided to have a poking session with me. I would poke you, and you would kick me back. It went on for a good minute. You are currently kicking just to the left of my belly button. You are so fun! I wouldn't mind if you kicked all day long! I love those little love taps (: It reminds me that you are alive, active and in good physical condition. Sometimes... I think it's your way of telling me you love me..
Mother's day was this last Sunday. It was a special day for me. I got to reflect on a lot of things. One of my biggest questions of the day was; Am I a Mother or not this Mother's day? I came to the conclusion, that even though I have no children to show for it yet, I am a Mother. I am sustaining your life as your Mother. I am providing you with shelter, nourishment, and love. Even though we haven't met, I am still so in love with you and cannot wait to finally meet you. We are sharing a body, and even though it's hard to see the numbers on the scale constantly increasing and to see the once toned areas of my body jiggle like jello, I enjoy this time we have together. I hope you hear my voice and know it's the voice of your Mother. I am your Mother and always will be.
I pray, constantly, that I will be a good Mother. It worries me that I don't have what it takes to raise you the right way nor to be the perfect Mom. But I know, that there is no such thing as perfect. I may not clean the house perfectly, cook dinner perfectly, handle the finances perfectly, or act perfectly, but I will always love you perfectly; with all of my heart. I have gained a strong testimony of the Lord's hand in my life. He is here and always helping your Dad and I. We are so blessed to be a part of this Gospel and to have the knowledge that we do. I know that through my steadfastness in prayer, scripture study, and Temple attendance, he will be there to help me in those areas that I can't make perfect on my own. He will be satisfied with me at the end of the day when I have given it all I've got. Even if "all I've got" consists of getting you and I showered and fed for the day. If one day the chores go undone, he isn't going to love me any less. He might ask that I try harder the next day, and I hope I always will. But he will remember the good things I have done that day.
I hope these thoughts stick with you through your times of trial and tribulation. And heaven bless you to not expect perfection from yourself. It's impossible baby doll. Your best is the only true "perfect". We love you and always will. The Lord will be there to help you and the Spirit will be there to guide you. If you mess up along the way, we (your earthly and Heavenly parents) will be there to help you up, dust you off and to get you back on your way. We have all been in those positions. Obviously, your Mother is a perfect example of this. But with constant effort to strengthen your relationship with your Father in Heaven and your brother Jesus Christ, you will have the protection and assistance you need to overcome your trials. Whether they be big, small, easy or hard. We fall, it's inevitable. But we get back up and pray for strength to see that crack in the pavement more clearly next time.
I love you and always will. I pray you have a wise mind, a compassionate heart, and a pure spirit.
I pray for strength in your growth and development both physically and spiritually.
May you always turn to your loving parents as well as the Lord with your questions and needs.
We love you forever and ever.
Love,
Your Mother
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Movement and Motion!
Baby Girl,
You have me on pins and needles most of the day waiting for your next kick! I am able to feel you moving around for sure now. Now that I know it's you moving in there and not just indigestion, I realized that I probably could feel you earlier on, but was unaware of what those funny little flutters were. Now it's as if you are teasing me! I love to feel your little kicks and movements and I wait and wait and then when I am least expecting it, you give me a little love tap. And let me tell you, I do love it! Daddy, on the other hand, is pretty stinkin' jealous that he can't feel you. I always announce when you're moving around, and he runs over and presses his hand against my belly.. but then when I feel it most, he feels nothing. We've concluded that it's just too weak for him to feel from the outside. But I can't wait until he can enjoy your movement too! Your first kicks that I felt for sure were on May 5th, 2012. This is the day Daddy and I celebrated our first anniversary (because it landed on a Sunday this year). We've had so much fun thinking about you for 20 long weeks, and in just 20 more we will get to meet you.
In Daddy's anniversary gift basket I included a little onesie that says "Daddy's Sweetie". It's adorable. We are excited to spoil you! Your Grandma Michelle told me she bought you some outfits the other day. You are gonna be so spoiled by all of your grandparents! Keep in mind that you are the first Grandkid to my Mom and Dad, first Great Grandkid to my Grandparent's on the Ruesch and Wiser side, and the first Great Great Grandkid to Grandpa and Grandma Pug! Everyone is so excited to meet you! On Daddy's side, there are already lots of Grandkids, but you are extra special to Grandma Connie because you are her first real Grandchild. She is already buying you toys and CD's and lots of cool things. So, are you ready to make your debut yet or what?
I was having some very intense back pain last night and this morning when I woke up. I stayed home from work for a couple extra hours to try and sleep it off. I am unable to determine what is inducing the pain. I exercised yesterday so that could be the culprit, however, I am having moderate cramping too. I am a little confused and nervous, so if you could give me some kicks today, I would greatly appreciate it. I just worry about you all the time so I need you to let me know that you are doing well in there Sweet Pea.
This weekend is our 20 week ultrasound, that means we get to see you again! We love seeing you on the screen. So much in fact, that your Daddy wants to buy an Ultrasound Machine. He is a silly dude. He just loves you. We can't wait to learn more details about our sweet girl and get some more pictures! Don't be shy, embrace the paparazzi!
We love you so much Sweet Nora
Love Mommy
You have me on pins and needles most of the day waiting for your next kick! I am able to feel you moving around for sure now. Now that I know it's you moving in there and not just indigestion, I realized that I probably could feel you earlier on, but was unaware of what those funny little flutters were. Now it's as if you are teasing me! I love to feel your little kicks and movements and I wait and wait and then when I am least expecting it, you give me a little love tap. And let me tell you, I do love it! Daddy, on the other hand, is pretty stinkin' jealous that he can't feel you. I always announce when you're moving around, and he runs over and presses his hand against my belly.. but then when I feel it most, he feels nothing. We've concluded that it's just too weak for him to feel from the outside. But I can't wait until he can enjoy your movement too! Your first kicks that I felt for sure were on May 5th, 2012. This is the day Daddy and I celebrated our first anniversary (because it landed on a Sunday this year). We've had so much fun thinking about you for 20 long weeks, and in just 20 more we will get to meet you.
In Daddy's anniversary gift basket I included a little onesie that says "Daddy's Sweetie". It's adorable. We are excited to spoil you! Your Grandma Michelle told me she bought you some outfits the other day. You are gonna be so spoiled by all of your grandparents! Keep in mind that you are the first Grandkid to my Mom and Dad, first Great Grandkid to my Grandparent's on the Ruesch and Wiser side, and the first Great Great Grandkid to Grandpa and Grandma Pug! Everyone is so excited to meet you! On Daddy's side, there are already lots of Grandkids, but you are extra special to Grandma Connie because you are her first real Grandchild. She is already buying you toys and CD's and lots of cool things. So, are you ready to make your debut yet or what?
I was having some very intense back pain last night and this morning when I woke up. I stayed home from work for a couple extra hours to try and sleep it off. I am unable to determine what is inducing the pain. I exercised yesterday so that could be the culprit, however, I am having moderate cramping too. I am a little confused and nervous, so if you could give me some kicks today, I would greatly appreciate it. I just worry about you all the time so I need you to let me know that you are doing well in there Sweet Pea.
This weekend is our 20 week ultrasound, that means we get to see you again! We love seeing you on the screen. So much in fact, that your Daddy wants to buy an Ultrasound Machine. He is a silly dude. He just loves you. We can't wait to learn more details about our sweet girl and get some more pictures! Don't be shy, embrace the paparazzi!
We love you so much Sweet Nora
Love Mommy
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
My Baby Girl
Well baby girl, we finally know you are gonna be our sweet daughter. Finding out this big news was by far the best birthday present mom could have ever asked for. It was such an amazing experience to see you move and kick around inside of me. I just love that you are so active and healthy in there. Telling your Dad and all our friends about you was such a thrill. I bought Daddy a cupcake with a secret filling inside... pink for a girl, and blue for a boy. I brought it to my Birthday dinner where all of our friends were and there he took a BIG bite. When everyone saw the pink, we all shouted "Hooray!". We've decided to name you Nora. We love calling you by name and planning things out for your arrival. Your Daddy likes to cry when he thinks about his baby girl. All I know, is that you will steal his heart and have him wrapped around your finger ... take it from a girl who has been in that same position. Your Daddy loves to spoil, and he already confesses that he won't be able to say "No" to your shopping habits. Sounds like you're definitely your Momma's Girl. We love you princess. Here are some pictures of you. Look at how big and developed you are getting!
 |
| Your Arm |
 |
| Your Foot |
 |
| Your Face |
 |
| You are a girl! |
 |
| My precious baby girl. |
It makes me giggle watching your ultrasound DVD. You are so active! We love to watch you move around. Seeing your little mouth swallow is amazing to me. The other night I laid down on my tummy on the bed, soon after I realized that by laying in that position, I could feel your little kicks from the pressure on my uterus! It was so magical! Daddy even got to feel one kick before you decided to stop. That was such a fun moment for us. We are so in love with you Nora. We can't wait to meet you. But stay healthy and strong until that time comes.
Love always
Mom
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
He or She?
Baby Dear,
I apologize for the lack of recent posts. Mommy has been truly busy. Dad and I have been working a lot and trying to save up some extra money to spoil you with! It's also Finals Week for Mom, and although it is stressful, I am so excited that the semester is over! School is good, but Mom is tired of being a full time employee, student and pregnant egg! It is a tiring life. I am excited to have more time to spend thinking about you, talking to you, and getting ready for your arrival! Some exciting things have happened lately that I want to tell you all about....
I've been experiencing some intense abdominal pain for the last month. It started as just a sore feeling, but it grew into sharp pains that almost sent me home from work. My tummy has been very sensitive to the touch and very crampy on the inside. I just shrugged it off at first, assuming it was just normal. It started to get worse to where I could barely move at times. I decided to call the Doctor. Daddy and I went in to see Dr. Holmes and he took a look. Thankfully, you are very healthy and no harm is done to you. I was very nervous that I may have hurt you. Turns out everything is OK I was just having contractions. The Doctor told me to stop any running or walking for exercise and to keep my walking to a minimal. Great. This ruins all my plans of staying fit while pregnant. But I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. The next thing was exciting.. the Doctor said he thought you might be a .... are you ready? ... A GIRL! I was very excited, even though he wasn't sure, I immediately pictured you as my little Norah Grace, swaddled in my arms. Dad was not convinced, so he wanted me to schedule an appointment to have an official gender test done with supersonic equipment. He is a silly guy. That night, Daddy and I were lounging on the couch watching TV and I realized I could feel you! You felt like a little goldfish swimming around in my belly! I can't quite explain the feeling, but it felt like butterflies. It made me so excited! Thank you, now... move more so I can feel you ALL the time!
Our appointment to find out if you are for sure our little girl or boy is tomorrow, on Mom's birthday. What a special present for me (: I am one lucky mom and I am so excited to find out more about you! Girl or Boy, can't wait to know so Daddy and I can start to buy you precious things. We are so excited to meet you and can't believe we are almost half-way there! You are so special to us and we love you. We can't wait to meet the most amazing thing that ever happened to us. Stay healthy and strong baby boo.
Love Always,
Mama
I apologize for the lack of recent posts. Mommy has been truly busy. Dad and I have been working a lot and trying to save up some extra money to spoil you with! It's also Finals Week for Mom, and although it is stressful, I am so excited that the semester is over! School is good, but Mom is tired of being a full time employee, student and pregnant egg! It is a tiring life. I am excited to have more time to spend thinking about you, talking to you, and getting ready for your arrival! Some exciting things have happened lately that I want to tell you all about....
I've been experiencing some intense abdominal pain for the last month. It started as just a sore feeling, but it grew into sharp pains that almost sent me home from work. My tummy has been very sensitive to the touch and very crampy on the inside. I just shrugged it off at first, assuming it was just normal. It started to get worse to where I could barely move at times. I decided to call the Doctor. Daddy and I went in to see Dr. Holmes and he took a look. Thankfully, you are very healthy and no harm is done to you. I was very nervous that I may have hurt you. Turns out everything is OK I was just having contractions. The Doctor told me to stop any running or walking for exercise and to keep my walking to a minimal. Great. This ruins all my plans of staying fit while pregnant. But I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. The next thing was exciting.. the Doctor said he thought you might be a .... are you ready? ... A GIRL! I was very excited, even though he wasn't sure, I immediately pictured you as my little Norah Grace, swaddled in my arms. Dad was not convinced, so he wanted me to schedule an appointment to have an official gender test done with supersonic equipment. He is a silly guy. That night, Daddy and I were lounging on the couch watching TV and I realized I could feel you! You felt like a little goldfish swimming around in my belly! I can't quite explain the feeling, but it felt like butterflies. It made me so excited! Thank you, now... move more so I can feel you ALL the time!
Our appointment to find out if you are for sure our little girl or boy is tomorrow, on Mom's birthday. What a special present for me (: I am one lucky mom and I am so excited to find out more about you! Girl or Boy, can't wait to know so Daddy and I can start to buy you precious things. We are so excited to meet you and can't believe we are almost half-way there! You are so special to us and we love you. We can't wait to meet the most amazing thing that ever happened to us. Stay healthy and strong baby boo.
Love Always,
Mama
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