35 weeks

Baby Girl, you are the size of a honeydew melon!

Hey baby girl,
Made it through another week!  I can't believe we're getting SO close!  I am actually a week behind on blogging again and making up this past week.  As you can see in the photo, we have your crib all ready now.  You can't tell by this picture maybe (I played with it a bit on picmonkey) but you have a pretty mosquito net covered with ribbons and lace hanging over your crib now, you have all your bedding from Auntie Paola, and a musical mobile with flowers and butterflies from Auntie Paola too (hopefully it will drown out all the loud noise that comes with living in the DR).  Lately it has been EXTRA loud because the presidential elections are coming soon.  The way they do things here is so funny - they campaign with rap songs and use slogans like "This country has no mother - Dad has arrived", and they ride down the street on horses blocking off traffic and screaming at the top of their lungs.  I'm sure you can hear it all the time.  Your dad and I have to yell across the dinner table just to hear each other sometimes.  It is fun to see, but we are looking forward to them electing someone so it will be done.  I hope whoever gets picked will do great things to make this country a better place.

Well, being on bedrest, I don't have too much exciting news for you from the week to tell you about.  But I was looking through old pictures on the computer on our way home from the beach last week, and there were so many that I wanted to show you of life way back when - first years of living on my own, volunteering, teaching, traveling, discovering the world.  Pictures I looked at and said "Oh my gosh, I miss this.  I miss him.  I miss her."  I have had so many rich experiences in our lives that we will never forget and I hope someday you have so many rich experiences of your own.  One of my favorite quotes is "Do something everyday for someone who can never repay you."  The secret is, that you will be repaid - in bucketloads.  Not the kind of pay that fills your bank account necessariliy, but in the kind that fills your heart to the rim and overflows.  The best part of all of this is not in what you give or what you receive, but in the relationships you build along the way.  Never underestimate the power of one person, rich or poor, young or old, to touch and change your heart in mighty ways.  There are so many big and little people who have done this in my life.  So I am just going to share a few of many. :)

Hogar de Amor orphanage in Colima, Mexico where I lived and volunteered for 7 months as a houseparent and fell head over heels in love with these little girls. 2005-2006

Some of the high school kids I was able to take back to this orphanage two years later to see them love, grow, and dream, while making a difference in the lives of the kids I love. 2008

2 week mission trip to an orphanage in a cloud-filled mountain village in Jamaica. - 2006

Working for Lutheran Social Services' program for refugee and unaccompanied minors.  That summer after the cyclone hit in Burma, I was DETERMINED to go to Burma to volunteer there for the summer.  I couldn't believe I got turned down for every program I applied for and was so upset.  Then I found out that Lansing (where we lived) had more Burmese refugee children than any other city in the world.  And they offered me a job working with these and other youth who came from unbelievably devastating backgrounds but demonstrated joy, love, and determination in incredible amounts.  This experience also led us to being foster parents to two Burmese refugee girls.  Working for LSS was one of my most treasured and life-changing experiences ever, and one that opened up my eyes to a world of genocide, civil war, child slavery, and human trafficking that I had never known before. - 2008- 2009

My first teaching job teaching special ed. in Owosso, Michigan.  One where I had books, chairs, and four letter words thrown at me regularly, but it became one of the most rewarding jobs of my life as well. 2006-2009

Volunteering at NPH orphanage in the DR - hanging out with lovely ladies who challenged me daily.  2009-2010

 There are a million bajillion more that I could put... but I'm guessing you notice a pattern.  orphanages... different cultures... children and youth.... 
My dream was always to volunteer in an orphanage and to someday start one of my own.  While I still haven't quite made it to achieving that last part, but the doors God has opened this year to allow us to be house parents and start a home for girls who are victims of human trafficking have become the open doors to my dreams.  And while it is my dream, I'll tell you the truth girlie, it's not always easy, and it's not about taking the easy road.  But I am so grateful that I am getting to live out my dream.  And in this same year, my other dream is coming true - I am going to have YOU.  My birthday is in a couple weeks (the BIG 30!) and I couldn't ask for anything more.


So baby girl, I know that I've said this before in other letters, but I wish you all the rich experiences of a lifetime and hope you never stop dreaming and reaching toward your dreams.  Here are the lyrics to one of the songs I dedicate to you (I think you already know by now that I love country music), but this is what I wish for you too:

credit - pinterest.com

 We sure are getting close now!  Can't wait to see you soon.  We love you so much!! 


Love,
Your momma




 

Letter to baby from Grandma B

I’ve waited my entire adult life for your mom to say, "I'm going to have a baby.” Now the time has come. I recall the Bible verse; God knew you before He planted you in your momma’s womb. Grandma has loved you and has been praying for you long before you were conceived...same as when I prayed for the man your momma would marry. God sure answered my prayer. Your daddy is a wonderful man, who loves your momma dearly.

You are our precious gift from God. Momma and daddy chose a name, although you are still known to everyone as “Baby Girl", (it’s a secret for now.  When I went to the D.R. to visit you & your parents, you were so active in momma's tummy. I got to feel you kicking and moving. I have a feeling you will be just like her...always on the move, "feet in the street", as your Great-grandpa (Papa) would say about me.
We will all have something of ourselves to give to you, and in turn, I believe, God has something special for you to give to all of us. I can hardly wait to spoil you and do the things that grandma’s do, like staying up late talking and watching movies, playing games, going to the park, reading and praying together. Also, baking cookies, cakes (maybe even mud pies in the backyard) and have tea parties, getting all dressed up with cute little hats and wearing lipstick. Dearest to my heart would be going strawberry picking together, (like your momma, Aunt Brittany and I did with your Great-Grandma "Nana"), then coming home and making jars of strawberry jam, and I can't forget the strawberry shortcake. I’ll have your picture all around my home and on my refrigerator along with your scribbling that your momma will explain to me what you were creating.
Another blessing is I will be able to show your pictures to my friends, my very first grandchild, with such pride in my heart. I also look forward to talking with you by telephone and hearing your cute littlevoice giggling on the other end. We can’t forget the birthday parties with the balloons, streamers, and a big sign announcing your special day and of course the birthday cake with the number of years on it that you have blessed us all.

I wonder if you’ll have long fingers like momma and play the piano as she did. She and your Aunt Brittany (who played the flute), did a beautiful recital together. You'll love your Aunt Brittany, she is a teacher also. She loves the outdoors, to read, and has a real passion and love for the Lord and children. You’ll also love your Uncle Bradley, who has a loving heart and will spoil you rotten. He can't wait to have kids of his own, so you will be good training for him. I'm sure he will teach you how to play basketball, water sports, and how to find a good buy on a home.

So as you can tell, you are already a priceless blessing to me, and our family. Your arrival brings with it more joy and happiness then words express. I'm anxiously anticipating your birth, and getting to see you, hold you, squeeze and kiss you! I wonder when you're born if you'll have lots of dark curly hair, just like your momma.
God has given you to two very special parents, who are so loving to everyone they meet, especially the little
children, just like Jesus. I can’t wait for you to experience their love for you.  I also claim my favorite Bible verses for you as well... “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

Love you for a Lifetime and more…..Grandma

34 weeks

 Baby Girl, you are the size of a cantaloupe!  You are over 5 pounds now!

Hey baby girl,

This week we went on a babymoon!  It was 4 days and 4 nights of absolute bliss, total relaxation, and serious pigging out.  I still can't believe we booked it for $12 a night, the resort was beautiful and when I wasn't stuffing my face, I spent most of the time laying on one of these sun beds on the beach drinking virgin pina coladas and looking out at this.  When I got hot, I'd jump in the pool or the ocean, and then go back to snuggling with your dad on my sunbed and reading my book.  It was fabuloso.

Saturday night was Cinco de Mayo so we went out to the resort's Mexican restaurant.  I wish Dominicans could cook good Mexican (Mexican food is my favorite), but this place didn't really do it justice.  BUT on the upside, the resort had ice cream everyday at lunch and yummy virgin mixed drinks that tasted like ice cream, so I got to make up for the past 4 months of these cravings in just 4 days.  I can't imagine how much weight I gained this weekend... I'm a little scared to check. :)

You were quite the conversation starter in the buffet lines, by the pool, and everywhere we went.  Every time I turned sideways people would stare at me like "WHOA MAMA", they would come up and ask "How far along are you?" and "The doctor let you get on an airplane like THAT?" - then they'd say "What!?  You live HERE?"  I'd have to explain yes, but not at the resort, and this started lots of long conversations with lots of really nice people.  You know baby girl, that even though sometimes I get discouraged with all the bad, crazy, sick people in the world, there are so many good ones too.  We met so many people that wanted to pray for you and for our ministry.  So no matter, never lose your faith in people.  For every bit of bad out there, there is oh so much good too.  

 I woke your dad up at 6 a.m. our last day here to watch the sunrise.  It was beautiful.  He got this photo for you of my big belly in the sunrise. :)

On the way out, we passed HOMS hospital in Santiago - this is where you will be born pretty soon (God willing that we get there on time - your dad is scared to death of you popping out on the way down the mountain, so please please try to chill for the car ride for us, k? :)

Yesterday I went to the doctor again and he says you are looking good.  I am not sure why but he did a close up of your little private parts on the ultrasound and then printed it (the only picture he printed) and gave it to my friend Jaci who was there with me.  I think she was really confused about it.  But she passed on the picture to me - I'm sure there will be a day that we can pull them out to embarrass you with. ;)

Every week we are getting more and more ready for you.  I've got your crib all ready and your clothes and stuff all sorted now.  I keep checking items off the list.  Your Auntie Paola is sending more things up for you this week too, from your cousins Ana Leah and Rachel.  I can't believe 6 months ago I was worried about you being that poor missionary kid running around naked outside and that we wouldn't know how to get by.  God has provided an abundance for you from so many people here who already love you so much.  I can't say enough how tremendously blessed we are.  The ones who are far away and aren't able to be here always send their love, prayers, and encouragement to you all the time.  You are so loved by so many.

Okay your dad wants to write to you now too...

Dear baby ,

Tonight is Taco Thursday and tomorrow is Pizza Friday.  We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.

And that's as far as he got.  When I asked, "What else babe?", I could hear him snoring.  This was at 7:30p.m. :)  Your poor dad works so hard.  I'm sure he will try again soon.

Well we'll be seeing you soon chica.  We love you lots!

Love,

Your momma

33 weeks!

Baby girl, you are the size of a pineapple! 

(I know I wrote that last week, but I was wrong, you were the size of a jicama last week!)

Hey baby girl,

We made it through another week!  Last week I was a hysterical mess all worried about you, but this week I’m feeling so much better about everything.  I went back to the doctor again on Friday and he said you are doing okay and even though you are really low, you look good.  He said you have extra amniotic fluid so that’s the reason your momma looks so big (not twins!).  I started to worry but your dad always says “worrying is a sin” and I know I’ve had a lot of prayers lately cause I feel so much more at peace about everything this week.  I know that no matter what happens, you were perfectly created and we will love you so much.   

This week God has also sent his angels to surround us with love and care and blessings.  Going on “bedrest” made me have a bit of a panic attack at first, worrying you were coming so soon and we wouldn’t be ready.  So your momma’s friend Jaci got a team of teenage girls together from church and they cleaned the house, washed all your clothes and blankets (with the help of the Cooper family too!), and helped me get everything ready for you.  They even all wrote you notes about how they can’t wait to meet you.  I will share them with you soon. 

  

All your baby clothes ready for you and lots of letters written just for you!

Teen girls from Templo Bautista

 It will be like you have lots of older sisters and aunties here.  Speaking of having sisters, things are all coming along to start our safehouse.  Being on bedrest has given me the opportunity to get all kinds things in order for awareness and fundraising, like a video and new blog.  Our hope and dream is that after you come along, we will be able to fill the rest of the house with girls in need and help them start new lives.  So, si dios quiere, you will have some older sisters living here with us all pretty soon.  You do already have older siblings though too.  When your dad and I lived in Michigan, we were foster parents to two girls named Lili and Sui.  I hope someday I can take you to meet them.  They are beautiful, wonderful girls who your dad and I loved so much, and I know they would love you so much too.  Lili is married now with a little baby of her own, so technically you already have a nephew. (but if we’re speaking technically, then that means that I technically have a grandson and I’m not even 30 so maybe I just shouldn’t speak technically)  You also have two older siblings that you and your dad and I will meet someday in heaven.  I was heartbroken letting go of them really early in my last pregnancies, but I know they are little angels now and someday we will all meet them and be together.  

Lili and her baby Ram

Sui on our trip to NYC

Also, I wanted to tell you that we got a crib for you this week!  You can see it a little bit in the picture above – our friends the Sawyers brought it over for you, as well as all kinds of beautiful baby girl clothes.  I am excited about getting a little space ready just for you.  Right now you can just see a blank white wall behind it but I am hoping to cover it with pictures and decorations just for you.  You can also see a halo looking thing hanging above my head in my picture – that is a seashell chandelier kinda thing that will hang in front of your crib.  I can’t wait to get it all together and ready for you!

One last I wanted to tell you about this week – your grandpa got married!  We welcomed your 

new Grandma Debbie into the family.  So now you are lucky enough to get a “bonus grandparent”.  One extra person to spoil you and love you.  She is an amazing person and I know you will love her.  I wasn’t able to go to the wedding but I got to watch it on Skype and it was really beautiful.  I'll see if I can get some photos for you.

Well chica, I think that’s all for this week.  Your dad and I are going on a “babymoon” today.  We found a resort deal online for $12 a night all-inclusive a few months ago and booked it thinking it would be the perfect time to get away.  We were a little worried about going now with you being at-risk now but the doctor said it would be okay as long as we totally relax (which I absolutely plan on doing!)  I will write you next week and tell you all about it.  Love you baby girl, keep on baking in there, just a little longer now until we get to meet you.

Love,

Your momma  

Maternity Photos!!!

Hey baby girl, 

Here are our maternity photos!  I couldn't pick my favorites so I just put a whole bunch!  Your dad was being silly, doing things like making us drinking out of coconuts and fanning me with palm leaves.  We are so thankful to your Auntie Jessica for taking all of them and we love how they turned out.  Now just have to decide on one to put above your crib, what do you think? (p.s. you have your crib now too! :)  

Photo credit to the amazing Jessica Ensing who took all of these pictures for us!