Dear Baby

I've been trying to document my pregnancy through little notes directed to the little one growing inside of me. I know that one day these messages will be little treasures for both our baby and I, and I like the idea of having things of importance written down for me to be able to reminisce about later. Another plus is for you to keep updated with our happenings. Rather than keeping them stored in a word document on my desktop, I though I'd share my weekly letters to baby on here, too.

If I would have been more diligent about getting dressed, putting on makeup, and making my hair look decent, I would have been a little bit better about documenting the weeks in pictures. I'm working on it, okay? From here on out, once a week I'm going to try to write a "Dear Baby" post WITH pictures so we're all updated and happy. (Which I'm sure will give my husband's poor eyes a break from my usual wardrobe of sweats/pjs, messy buns, and no makeup.)

August 28, 2012 - 17 Weeks.

Dear baby,

We’re a week into our second trimester and only 3 weeks away from the halfway point. That means we only have to wait another 23 weeks to meet you! I can’t begin to describe the love that we already have for you. We think about you constantly, and even from just the smallest movements from within my tummy, we can tell that you’re going to be quite the character. Mama is sick with a cold so papa bought us some orange juice. You seemed to love it! I’ve never felt you move so much. It felt like you were doing summersaults. You’re still too little for your papa to feel you moving around, but that didn’t stop him from trying. I wonder if you can hear him tell you he loves you every day. Keep growing, my little jellybean. 

Mama

September 6, 2012 – 18 weeks 3 days

Dear Little One,

It’s amazing how much you can grow in a week. Your movements are so strong now – especially just after I’ve eaten something. You like to twist and turn and we can even feel where you are in my belly when I lay down. It makes me so happy to feel you moving and growing because I know you’re safe and happy where right where you are. In a week from tomorrow we get to find out if you’re a little girl or a little boy. Everyone is convinced you’re a boy, except for your Aunt Annie who is certain you’re a girl – or at least that’s what she’s crossing all of her fingers and toes for. Your mama and papa just want you to be healthy and happy, but we can hardly wait to find out what you are. If you’re a girl, we’ve decided on your name. If you’re a boy, you’re going to remain nameless for a little while. We’re having a difficult time finding a name to suit you. We just can’t wait to have you in our arms and to see your little face. Until then, keep growing and moving, little babe. We love you.

Mama

September 20, 2012 – 20 weeks 3 days

Dear baby,

Guess what!? We got some exciting news last week at our ultrasound. We found out that you’re a sweet little GIRL! We couldn’t be much happier. Your papa is still so excited and has been saying things like, “I can’t believe we’re having a girl!” and “I’m going to have a daughter!” We’re all smiles over here. Your grandparents and aunts and uncles are really excited, too. Being a girl in the Castellanos family is a pretty neat deal since boys seem to run on that side of the family. Both of your grandmas started shopping for cute little girl things as soon as we told them. You’re going to love this family of yours. We sure do love you tons already. You’ve been moving around more lately. You were giving some good, hard kicks/punches yesterday – so hard that your papa was able to feel them! He was so happy to finally feel you move. Today mama went to the doctor for a check-up and I got to hear your heartbeat (one of my favorite sounds now-a-days). You and I are doing wonderfully. You’re growing like a little weed now and mama is having a hard time fitting into jeans. You take growing very seriously, I can tell. Keep growing, my little gem. We can’t wait to see you!

Love, mama.

It's a........

We are so happy to find out that our jellybean is a little girl!

A few highlights from the ultrasound:

- The technician was able to tell us her gender right away. It was the first image she got. 

- Baby girl cooperated beautifully.

- We got a good look at her brain and spine - everything looks great!

- She likes to move it, move it. She's a busy lady and was showing off her talents.

- She showed us her beautiful little face, hands, and feet. 

- She has THE cutest little lips and nose.

She's pretty rad.

We're already so excited to be her parents.

A few things...

Because I know you're wondering, or asking each other, or wanting to ask us (and because we've already been asked a loooot):

When is your due date?
February 4th, 2013.

How far along are you?
19 weeks today. And I know, I know. I'll start taking weekly pictures, although I'm not showing toooo much yet so you haven't missed much. Just a tiny bump that is very slowly getting bigger. 

When do you find out what you're having?
THIS Friday! (September 14th at 3:30)

Do you want a boy or a girl?
All we really want is a healthy, happy baby. BUT everyone (our families) are hoping for a girl, even though everyone is pretty sure we'll be having a boy (boys seem to run in the Castellanos family pretty strongly). 

Are you coming home (to California) to have the baby?
No. Since we live here (in Utah) and my doctor (who I adore) is here, we will be having the baby at the University of Utah Hospital. Come visit! ;)

Was it planned?
Yes, thankyouverymuch. We've always wanted a family, which was something we found out early into our relationship three years ago. The time felt right for us to start our little family, so we did and we couldn't be happier!

Do you have names picked out?
Yes and no. We are fairly certain on a girl's name, but we're still trying to narrow down the boy options (boy's names seem to be much harder for us to decide on). We probably won't know for certain either way until we see our baby and know that the name "fits." 

Why did you keep it a secret for so long?
We didn't, really. We told our families when I was six weeks along when we were home for a short visit in June. Once we were more assured that it was looking like a healthy pregnancy, we started telling some of our extended family and close friends in California and here in Utah. Soon after people we saw on a regular basis - co-workers, people we go to church with, classmates, etc. - were told. It took a while for us to share the news via social media simply due to personal preference. It was our news to share the way we wanted to and when we wanted to. And now it's out there!


That should cover it, I think.

Little packages.

I'm still amazed by how such big, sweet spirits can come in such small packages, and how lessons (whether we know the meaning of them at first or are still waiting to find them) can be taught through those same tiny souls. 

My heart still aches for the love this sweet little one fostered within me. Small and insignificant as she may have seemed to some, she was my baby - my first baby. Looking back, I can't believe how much I learned from loving and caring for this loving soul. 

Three weeks ago tonight.

I miss her terribly.