Category: Baby

Sam | 4 Months Old

Sam,

I’m sorry you’ve fallen prey to the “second sibling syndrome”. I am seriously lagging on your monthly posts these days. But, that is in no way a reflection of how much love I have for you or how amazing you are! Believe me, kid. You’re a champ.

This month you had a HUGE adventure. You went with Mama to VBS. The last three days of that week you joined me on this crazy adventure. I strapped you on and you went with me everywhere. Running around, registering kids, doing dance moves, making announcements, set up and tear down. I wore you all day and you were a champ.

You’re definitely mama’s right hand (or right hip) man these days. You always want me to be wearing you or holding you. You love to sleep in our bed, even for your naps. In fact, you prefer it at all times. I put you down for your naps in your bassinet and all you do is squirm around in there, but if I put you on our bed you’re out like a light in seconds.

Some firsts you experienced this month:

  1. Rolling Over
  2. Pedicures with Nana
  3. Movie Night with Mama
  4. Fourth of July
  5. Big Belly Laugh

I’m not sure how big you are, or what percentile you’re in, but you have chunked up quite a bit! That may have contributed to you having to work on rolling over for so long. You have quite the head! You could roll over every part of your body, but getting your head over was the biggest challenge for you. NOW, you are a rolling machine! And you can hold your head up for the LONGEST time. You LOVE tummy time and playing on your mat.

You are seriously the smiliest. You hardly ever cry. If you do it’s because you’re hungry and that’s it. You don’t even cry when you’re wet or dirty, unless I somehow totally missed it. You smile right when you get up and you’re never mad at me for waking you up. You’re always up for anything — seriously. You’re carted around everywhere and taken from place to place, carseat to stroller to carrier and back.

You’re quite the “talker” now too. You love to screech and laugh and you LOVE hearing your own voice. You’re a loud one, that’s for sure. Many times I’ve gone in to check on you during your nap and you’re just talking away to yourself in your crib. It’s adorable and I love it.

You have no qualms with taking a bottle and you can even hold it yourself now. It makes it much easier for Mom to get a night out every once in a while, so THANK YOU! You even let your brother give you a bottle, when he feels like it. Speaking of your brother, you are just over the moon for him. You love to stare at him, smile at him and hold his hand in the car while I drive. His voice alone will calm you down from a screaming fit and it just absolutely warms my heart. I can’t wait until you boys are older and are playing together. It’s going to be so awesome to watch!

I love you. So much,
Mama

Sam | 3 Months Old

Sambito,

You are growing up so fast! This past month was a whirlwind and you’ve added some much more to your repitore. You can now roll over (well, you did it once but no one was looking) and you smile constantly. You also love the sound of your voice and have become quite the screecher. You and your brother often feed off of eachother’s screeches and it makes for some interesting afternoons around here.

Speaking of your brother, you absolutely adore him. You smile at him all the time and giggle when he comes near you. It’s the sweetest thing. He’s finally warming up to you more and is always very concerned as to where you are and making sure you’re not crying.

This month you had your first trip to the beach and your first swim, although not at the same time. Our beach trip was for the “walk to the beach” at church. Some church friends hiked 8 miles to the beach, but we didn’t. We arrived at the beach early to hang out and help make hotdogs as everyone arrived. It was a chilly day but you had plenty of people to hold you.

You swam for the first time this month at a friends house after church. It was really warm out but the pool was pretty cold and you did not like it. You cried at first, but then held onto me and within minutes of floating in the water you were asleep. It was heaven for me just to wade and hold you close. I so cherish those precious moments.

On Saturday, Dad and I were cleaning the house and needed to vacuum our room but you were about to go down so he suggested I lay you in your crib. I wasn’t quite ready for that step and I kind of wanted a little pomp and circumstance to mark this occasion, but convenience won over and I caved. I laid you down for your nap in your room. In your crib. And I walked out. You looked so much smaller in there than your bassinet.

So, the next day I moved you back into the bassinet. I decided you don’t need to grow up that much quite yet.

Sam, you are actual sunshine on my cloudy days. I can never be sad or mad when I hold you. You continue to be the easiest baby ever and oh, so sweet.

I can’t wait to see how you grow in this coming month and watch your personality develop even more.

I love you,

Mama

Sam | 2 Months Old

Sammy,

I feel like I just finished writing your 1 month post and I’m already writing your 2 month post! This past month flew by, mostly because we were all so sick. You caught your first cold and it was so sad. You had a hard time nursing and sleeping which made you cranky. Your brother Teddy was sick and I was sick too! It was a rough couple of weeks to say the least.

You had your first round of shots this month too. You are really strong and the nurse had to hold you down in order to get the shots into your legs — but you sucked it up and barely even cried.

You had a special visitor this past month, Alex (we call her Andie). Andie moved up to Portland a year ago and you hadn’t been able to meet her yet! She loves you very much and enjoyed cuddling you while she was here.

You celebrated your brother’s, your cousin’s, and your auntie’s birthdays this month! We drove down to Riverside to first, surprise your grandma who received The Teacher of the Year Award for her school! She was VERY surprised to see us and it was an honor to watch her receive a much deserved award. We also visited the Cotsenmoyers and then went to Grandma’s classroom so all her students could meet you! They all loved it.

This month you had your first trip to the zoo! You were, as always, a champ. You’re very “go with the flow” and are always up for everything. It makes it very easy to take you places and even though you didn’t quite know what was going on, you seemed to enjoy yourself. We did a photobooth photo and you barfed — it was hilarious and I’m so glad we caught it on film.

On mother’s day your Dad made me cards from each of you boys. He traced your precious hand prints and made coupons from you in handmade cards. I LOVE THEM. That weekend we also went to the train museum at Griffith Park. You packed a picnic lunch and hung out in the park all day. You took a nap and hung out with mama while Teddy and Dad rode the train.

You are SO smiley! You love the sound of your Dada, Mama, and brother’s voices. When we laugh you giggle and when we smile at you, you smile back. You follow our voices by turning your head, too! You are strong and push your legs up like crazy. You can hold your head up too — which is great because you love to nap on your tummy and it make mama feel better about it knowing you can lift your head.

Sam, you’re growing up fast but I’m loving every minute of it. I can’t wait to see all the things you’re going to do this next month.

We love you,
Mama and Dada

And one of you and your brother being silly.

Sam | 1 Month Old

Sammy,

You’re 1 month old! It’s been a whirlwind of a month. It’s true that the days go by slowly while the weeks pass quickly. Each day we’re learning more and more about each other and you’re growing in strides each day!

You’ve had so many visitors this past month and you even had your first trip to Riverside. We’ve been blessed to have help from family members every week day since you were born. Everyone wants to spend time with you and your brother and I sure have appreciated the help!

From the time we got home from the hospital you’ve been growing and changing. You’ve packed on the pounds and mama has been shedding them! We make a pretty good team that way, buddy. Go us!

You open your eyes and play about 4 hours a day currently. You sleep a lot. At the beginning of the month you were going about every 2-3 hours between feelings but now you’ve stretched that to 4-5 hours! It’s been glorious to only have to wake up 2-3 times a night with you. You’re so easy at night too; I just feed you, change your diaper, swaddle you up and lay you back down and you’re out for the count. Let’s keep that up shall we?

Some things you like are: Your Dada’s voice, bassy music, your pacifier, your vibrating chair, your swing, the moby wrap and long walks. You love your mommy too and always want to be held by her. If I put you down and walk away you cry, but as soon as I walk back into the room you stop. It’s pretty funny and sweet. You also really like your Uncle Chris’ voice. You talk to him every time he holds you. You talk a lot to your Grandma and Auntie JuJu too!

Some things you DON’T like are: Your brother’s scream, anytime he crashes something on the floor of the playroom, any loud noise for that matter, being left alone, the sun when you’re sleeping, waking up in general, milk, tomato products, coffee, being wet or poopy.

This past month you’ve been visited by all our mommy and daddy’s immediate family, friends from church, neighbors, and great grandparents. We also made a trip to riverside on my last weekend of maternity leave to visit Auntie Am’s new twin girls Chandler and Tessa. You’re going to have to choose between the two of them, and good luck because they are going to be awesome. We also got to meet Baby Vasquez — Ezra. Mama didn’t get a picture of you two together because Ms. Christina and I spent the whole time catching up and talking. I promise we’ll get one soon! You were a champ on the drive (3 hours total because of stopping to feed you, change you and grab dinner) and slept most of the time. I’m sensing a theme here… You like your sleep.

You also made two trips to one of our favorite places: Underwood Family Farms. It’s a family run farm with chickens and goats and horses and cows, tractors, hay bails, and best of all — a farmers market with fresh produce. We especially love the strawberries. Yum. You were champ both times and love being in the wrap. You just sleep most of the time.

You’re going to be my lazy sleeper aren’t you? I’m going to have to work hard to wake you up in the morning, smack you in the back of the head when you fall asleep in church, and slam on the table when you fall asleep at breakfast. Heh.

I cannot wait to see your personality develop more over this coming year! What fun we are going to have. We love you so much Sleepy Sam!

 

Baby Lopez | 36 Weeks

Baby,

We’re in the month in which you’re to be born! I can’t believe its finally here. I’m so ready to hold you and see your squishy little face. You’ve had the hiccups quite a bit this month and your movements are getting so strong! You’re still sideways and you like to keep your head to the right, which it where I usually feel your little hiccups. People can even feel them on the outside of my belly, which means you must have some strong lungs! I’m looking forward to that first, super strong cry as soon as you come out.

Braxton Hicks are strong with you, little one. I’ve had a few that felt like real contractions. You have also kicked me SO hard, twice now, that I’ve had to stop mid conversation and recover.

The doctor continues to remind me that I’m measuring about a week ahead and that you are a BIG baby. Surprise, surprise. I’m actually glad you’re going to be big because that means you’ll be a good eater and you’ll sleep for LONG stretches… right?

Come soon little one! We can’t wait to see you.

*          *          *

This final month is going by…. so… slowly. My goodness. Some days are REALLY good. I have a ton of energy and my nesting is in high gear. Some days require coffee and a whole lot of Jesus. Also, naps. I am so blessed that brother bear has adjusted to his new nap routine and bed time routine. It should make the process of rocking and nursing the baby constantly a little bit easier, or at least I can hope.

Alex and I have decided that Baby bear will be our last biological child. It’s not a decision we came to without great prayer, but we ultimately are very happy with the children we’ve been blessed with biologically. We’ve always been open to the Lord growing our family in other ways and we know that our family isn’t done growing, but I’m done growing them. Hah. Don’t get me wrong, I love my babies and pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but my body is done with this stage of life. I’m ready to start raising my little ones into amazing men and women. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has blessed us with this time!

As I’m writing this, I’m actually 37 weeks along (so is my picture) so we only have 2 weeks and 1 day left until my scheduled c-section. That means only 2 more weeks until we get to find out is Baby Lopez is a boy or a girl. I’m still 85% sure it’s a boy — as if I could actually know that.

For most of my pregnancy people have said, “Oh! you’re definitely having a girl.” But, recently almost every single person has said, “Are you having a boy?” I don’t know if I’m just all the sudden carrying differently or what, but it seems as though most people are jumping on the “boy” bandwagon lately.

This month has been an interesting time for us. On March 11th of 2014 I went to the hospital for my D&C, four days before that we had our second ultrasound to confirm that the baby’s heartbeat was null. Two days before that was our 8 week ultrasound where we would find out that there was a 7 week and 1 day old baby, but no heartbeat. To say that this past week has been emotional would be an understatement. I think Alex actually felt it more than me. I think because he never truly got to process it as it was happening, where as I’ve had the whole year to feel every single bit of the grief and pain to finally reach the point of acceptance. Maybe that’s what this feeling is. Acceptance.

The Lord has provided much distraction for me this past week, between family visiting and prenatal appointments, to retreats for Alex and maternity leave prep for me. I think He knew I needed the distraction, to focus on the joy that’s about to happen. I know I’ll have time to remember and grieve but I also think God wants me to notice and remember THIS pregnancy. I so appreciate that.

It’s been a long and tiring year, but also one full of so many, MANY blessings. God is beyond good.

Baby Lopez | 32 Weeks

Baby! You are a big one and your mama is getting bigger and bigger. You’ve been all over the place lately, giving me heartburn and moving around a lot at night when I’m trying to sleep. I feel you move even more so than I did with your brother at this stage. I can actually feel your elbow or your foot when you kick and you leave it there for a long time. It’s almost as if you’re reaching out, wanting to come out. I wish you would! I’m trying so hard to rest as much as I can and enjoy this time where I can keep you safe inside me, but boy… the bigger you get and the bigger I get, the more I want you out!

You aren’t shy like your brother was. Anytime I hold someone’s hand to my belly you are sure to put on a show and I love it! I love having you so close and I love that you wiggly like crazy when you hear your Daddy’s voice.

Only 7 more weeks until we get to hold you! I can’t wait.

*          *          *

Wow! 7 weeks left. So long and yet not at all. Almost two months but then it’s really not! I can’t believe this pregnancy is almost over. So much has happened this past month. Alex and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary and I turned 29. My parents met us in Pasadena the weekend of our anniversary and took Teddy for two days. In those two days, Alex and I tore it up at the house! We painted, scraped wall paper, binge watched FRIENDS on Netflix, and got the baby’s room ready. It was a precious time together and the house looks so great!

We also had some many random mishaps this month. My tire went flat after I ran over a nail, my back brakes were shot, Alex’s car broke down, and the plumbing under the sink went kaput! With each thing, came a bill or some money that needed to be spent but God provided through the month for us. We even found out Alex’s school loans are starting up again, since he graduated and that my medical bills for the miscarriage are not finished being paid, as we had hoped. AND, our flood insurance isn’t accurate and needs to be updated. We know this house is a blessing and we know that purchasing it was the best thing for our family, but man. When thing after thing piles up… it sure makes you wonder. In those times, its so important to remember what’s most important. We have our health, clean water, clothes, food, a roof over our heads. Even if it’s tight, even if we have to use all our savings for these last minute mishaps, God has provided and has kept us safe. Even if He didn’t, we would find a way to praise Him.

This past weekend, I was beyond blessed to have a shower thrown for me by my dear friend, Jonna. She commissioned my mothers, sisters, cousins, and best friend to help her pull off a beautiful shower in my honor. We spent Friday evening moving furniture, making centerpieces, and decorating until midnight. Then, Saturday morning we did all the prep for the food (which was DELICIOUS). A henna tattoo artist came and did full belly artwork on my baby belly, as well as art work on many other shower guests. There was mimosas, Italian sodas, quiche, scones, fruit and salad. I was blessed with all the gifts I needed to prepare for this little one and many of the guests decorated onesies for little Samuel or Eleanor. The decorations were beautiful and the company was even better. I couldn’t have been more honored, blessed, or celebrated.

This little baby is craving milk and semi sweet chocolate chips like crazy. I have to limit my milk intake because I’ve discovered that it’s what gives me heartburn! Also, I’ve had to cut carbs out of my dinner otherwise I’m up all night with heartburn as well. Peaches are also a craving I’ve had with this one, but I’ve noticed that my craving for brined food items to have gone down. I remember that could eat a whole jar of Spanish olives with Teddy and while, I’m sure I could, I haven’t really craved them at all.

This baby, constantly has me guessing as to what he or she will be, but I still stand firm that it’s a boy (at least at 80%). I had my 32 week appointment yesterday and we actually got an ultrasound! I had thought we were done with those. I’ve gained 17 lbs so far this pregnancy, which I’m happy with and Baby seems to be taking up all the space in my stomach as possible. The baby wouldn’t even fit on the screen! He/she is SO BIG now. I thought I was looking at his/her head, but it was an eye! So crazy. And, the baby is laying sideways, which explains the kicking of my bladder whilst grabbing at my ribs. The doctor also said, the baby has a fairly large nose. Hah! How you can tell that, I’ll never know but it’s cool. Teddy’s nose was pretty prominent too and it’s literally the cutest little bear nose, ever.

Okay little one… If I don’t make it to 36 weeks that would be fine with me! But, I’m guessing you’re pretty comfy in there, so I’ll see you when I see you.

Love, Mommy

Baby Lopez | 28 Weeks

Hey there little baby! Your mama is a little behind the times this month. You’re actually 29 weeks now, but life has been crazy and you’ve made me very tired lately. Really tired! We’ve made it to the third trimester and I could not be happier! I’m so excited to hold you. I feel so blessed to have had this precious bonding time with you before you are earth-side.

You are kicking like crazy and I’m finally being able to see it on the outside of my belly all the time now; not just when I look really hard. People have actually said, “Whoa! The baby just moved!” It’s seriously the coolest thing.

The doctor says I’m measuring bigger than my due date, yet I haven’t gained a ton of weight. Guess what that means?? You’re a big one! Just like your brother. That being said, I’m kind of happy we had getting you out of there at 39 weeks and a few days. Even though I love the chunky babies!

*          *          *

We have been doing lots to prepare for this little one. Removing wallpaper, painting, planning, organizing. I’m getting as prepared as I can for maternity leave which starts the third week of March. It’s a crazy time to be going on maternity leave because it’s right at the beginning of new rotation at work! That means, I have to get everything prepared a month in advance for not only a new rotation, but all the curriculum for while I’m gone! Wow, it’s going to be a crazy month next month, that’s for sure!

Teddy has been such a great help around the house. I was just telling Alex the other day how I need to remember that teaching him is more important than actually getting anything done. He WANTS to help with EVERYTHING. He loves gardening, cleaning, cooking, dishes, and the like. It takes me ten times as long to do things and he often has meltdowns when I try to hurry him along a bit. I’m so excited to see how he settles into his role as Big Brother.

As I’ve entered my third trimester I’ve had a mix of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, sadness, joy, fear. This time last year was a crazy whirlwind of emotions and in the next few months it will all come full circle. God’s interesting that way, isn’t He? Last year, I didn’t know I was pregnant. In the next month, I would get sick with the flu and find out in the Emergency Room that I was pregnant with our second child. In the weeks following we would lose that child and I would have a surgery that resulted in my child being taken from my body.  And, without really planning it, we would get pregnant again for the third time… not realizing that I would be giving birth a year later, around the anniversary of his or her sibling’s departure from earth. I don’t really know what to feel and my mind seems to agree with my heart.

I have insomnia, which I did with Teddy too, but this sometimes seems different. I hear a baby crying in the night. I’ve kept the baby’s room off limits for the most part and I think it’s because I’ve tried to control my emotions about this baby. It seems crazy to me. I feel this baby moving around inside me, constantly reminding me, “Hey! I’m here! I’m alive!” and I completely fall head over heels for this little person I’ve never met. And yet, I still haven’t full accepted it. But, I love this little one so much — I know I do.

I’m so excited to, more often than nervous. I can’t wait to see what this little one will look like, act like, how he or she will fit into our little family. What he or she will be when they grow up. What kind of impact will they make on the world? How will they change me? How will the change others? I cannot wait to hold another tiny little one again. I cannot wait to have that flood of emotions when we finally find out, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” I cannot wait to snuggle and nurse and wear my baby. Oh, how I’ve missed baby wearing!

Only 10 short weeks to go and I cannot be more excited and nervous and ecstatic and terrified, and anxious! Oh Lord, give me peace. Let me accept your plan for me, for this little one, for our lives.

Amen!

Baby Lopez | 24 Weeks

Little baby, we’ve crossed the halfway mark and we’re rocking the second trimester, you and me. I’m pretty positive you’re a boy, although everyone (like pretty much everyone) says you’re a girl. Your kicks are so strong! Any time I take a second to slow down from chasing your brother around you make your presence known with a swift kick to my bladder or any other internal organ you happen to be next to. I LOVE your kicks though. I’m so happy to have the constant reminder that you’re alive and well.

I have crazy heartburn with you, just like I did with your brother so I’m guessing you’ll have a full head of hair too. I haven’t had any super weird cravings or carpal tunnel which has been fantastic (however, a slight addiction to coca-cola thanks you).

I can’t believe we’re full swing into the Christmas season already, then into the new year and THEN in three short months you’ll be here. Wow. I’m really enjoying this pregnancy and enjoying cherishing each moment with you until you come into our lives in a crazy way!

*          *          *

Wow! I cannot believe this pregnancy is already almost half way over. This being my last, I’m trying so hard to take it all in and remember each thing. However, I’m already realizing that splitting attention between two kiddos (even with one in utero) is proving to be an interesting task. People will occasionally ask me, “So, do you feel like you’re ready?” And all I feel like I can say is, “I have no idea!” And truthfully I’m just not entirely sure there’s a way to prepare for life with multiple children.

This past month has been insane — to put it mildly. This month we put an offer on a house, got it approved, went through the inspection process, counter offers and closed escrow all this month! We moved in just this past weekend and the process went incredibly smoothly. I still am in shock that we own a home. It’s ours.

I’m nesting like crazy which is good because there are so many boxes to unpack and so much to get ready before this baby comes. But, I’ve been struggling with sciatica this time around. It’s something I haven’t experienced in past pregnancies and I don’t quite know how to deal with it. I only seem to notice it when I sit or lie down. It always starts to feel better but then there is a burning sensation too. So, as long as I’m on my feet most of the day I don’t really notice it, until my left side of my body twinges or I get numbness. Then I have to stop and ice my back.

Our new house is so great! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a sunroom and a small office. The backyard is small and manageable. I LOVE IT. I’ve been pinning ideas like crazy on Pinterest and I can’t wait to tackle each little project one weekend at a time. Our neighborhood is so great. I’ve met two of the neighbors so far and I’ve heard people will come over and introduce themselves soon. I can’t wait. We’re on a cul-de-sac so there are always kids playing outside and there’s a great sense of community already.

I’m ready to start decorating for Christmas already! Let’s get this house unpacked and the tree up. I’m looking forward to this Christmas with Teddy and remembering to cherish this special time I have with just him too.

Happy Christmas!

A Name for Baby Lopez

Baby Lopez,

We’re not finding out what you are until you’re born (in so many ways, but more specifically whether you’re a boy or a girl). I used to be very torn about this decision but now I’m so anxious and excited. I can’t wait until March 26th, 2015 when we roll up to the hospital at 7:30 am and finally get to find out what you are.

Your Dad and I have thought and prayed about your name and finally decided on one boy and one girl name.

If you’re a boy, your name will be:

Samuel William Lopez

Samuel is your Grandma’s Mother’s maiden name; your Great Grandma. Her name was Margery. She died before your Grandma and Grandpa were married so I never got to meet her, but I’ve heard I have her eyes and her musical talent. She was a beautiful lady, just like your Grandma and we wanted to honor her by giving you her name. Your middle name, William belongs to your Uncle Jonathan (who’s birthday you’re stealing), your Grandpa, and his Grandpa. All of these men are extremely amazing, Godly people in our lives and we would be so thrilled to have you carry on this family name and prayerfully the spirit of the name. Samuel means, “God Has Heard” and William means, “Protector”.

If you’re a girl, your name will be:

Eleanor Rosalee Lopez

Eleanor was my Great Grandmother’s name. She passed away while I was pregnant with your brother, Teddy. She was a spunky lady who used to joke about putting a brick on my head to stop me from growing and in the morning would ask me if I was “bright eyed and bushy tailed”. Rosa was your Daddy’s Abuelita. She was also a spunky lady who never seemed to age. She was an amazing cook and loved to tell stories about her five children, whom she loved very much. Lee is my namesake, which comes from my mother (Lee Ann) and her father (Larry Lee), I never met my Grandpa Larry but my mother is someone special to me (and she will be special to you too) so I would be honored to pass down my name to you. Eleanor means, “Bright, Shining One”. Rosa means, “Rose”, and Lee means, “Plum”. That makes me smile.

Little one, you are so loved and whatever you will be, will be amazing. I cannot wait to meet you.

Love,
Mommy

A Birthday for Baby Lopez

Baby Lopez,

We have your birthday picked. That’s so weird for me to say. I know the day you will be born. I thought only God could know that. Honestly, He’s probably laughing at me right now; Ms. Know-it-all down there pretending like she even has the faintest idea what’s in store for her. Oh, I know full well that just because we have a scheduled c-section date for you, doesn’t mean you won’t come earlier or that there couldn’t be conflicts or complications. I know full well who’s really in charge here.

Nevertheless, your birthday is scheduled for March 26th, 2015. Yes, it’s your Uncle Jonathan’s birthday. He actually specifically requested the day and hey, since your brother kind of stole his Auntie Ju-Ju’s birthday (May 20th), why not just round it out and take over another birthday as well, right?

Is this my first born crowning achievement? Have I won the ultimate prize that we all know every first born child dreams of — to outshine and steal all the spot light from their lesser siblings. I’m completely kidding of course, and my siblings know it. The truth is I feel as though I spent most of my adolescent and adult life trying to make sure I wasn’t “one of those” first borns and here I am stealing all the thunder. I know my family is just laughing while reading this and I’m sure there will be jokes for years to come about how royally selfish I was to rudely go into labor on my sister’s birthday and then have the gaul to schedule my next birth on my brother’s birthday. That’s me. Princess Natalee. Yes, we’re weird like that.

At any rate, I’m so anxious/nervous/excited to have the date scheduled and I cannot wait to find out what you are little baby.

Love you,
Mommy