Showing posts with label dear baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dear baby. Show all posts

Aug 13, 2011

Dear Baby Week 30

(Week 30) Saturday, August 13th
Baby Boy Schade,
            Today was another great day of vacation. Almost the entire day was spent at the Lake. We rode around in the canoe, we sat in the sun, and we napped in the shade. We ate turkey sandwiches for lunch, played on the floaties, and got to see your Great Grands Wood for lunch. Every moment was bliss except for one thing. Pepper Potts was missing. Unfortunately we had to leave her home due to a really long story. Other than that we all had a great time together.
            Papa and Uncle Lincoln did really well with the canoe. I took a lot of pictures and we can’t wait for you to be part of our adventures next year. Bear Lake, as you will discover, has become a bit of a tradition in our family. The water is so beautifully blue. Granted, it can be a little cold, but on hot days like this one it feels just like heaven.
            For dinner we tired a Mexican restaurant that was not fantastic and shared some Bear Lake Raspberry shakes. Very good. Then we just sat around the camp, all of us too pooped out to do much more. Mark this one down as one of my favorite days of summer.
                        Thinking about you always,
                                    Mama

Dear Baby Week 30

(Week 30) Saturday, August 13th
Baby Boy Schade,
            Today was another great day of vacation. Almost the entire day was spent at the Lake. We rode around in the canoe, we sat in the sun, and we napped in the shade. We ate turkey sandwiches for lunch, played on the floaties, and got to see your Great Grands Wood for lunch. Every moment was bliss except for one thing. Pepper Potts was missing. Unfortunately we had to leave her home due to a really long story. Other than that we all had a great time together.
            Papa and Uncle Lincoln did really well with the canoe. I took a lot of pictures and we can’t wait for you to be part of our adventures next year. Bear Lake, as you will discover, has become a bit of a tradition in our family. The water is so beautifully blue. Granted, it can be a little cold, but on hot days like this one it feels just like heaven.
            For dinner we tired a Mexican restaurant that was not fantastic and shared some Bear Lake Raspberry shakes. Very good. Then we just sat around the camp, all of us too pooped out to do much more. Mark this one down as one of my favorite days of summer.
                        Thinking about you always,
                                    Mama

Aug 5, 2011

Dear Baby Week 29

(Week 29) Friday, August 5th
Baby Boy,
            The dreadful day has come. Today your Aunt Whitney called and wants to find a time at the end of this month for a baby shower. Not that I don’t like baby showers. I love them. However, she also asked if I wanted the SILS to pitch in for a big gift or all just get small things. Then she pretty much told me the best and only way to go is with a big gift. That is all nice and fine, but I have yet to pick out anything for you. Thanks to Nicole I have an infant car seat, a playpen, a bouncer, and a jogging stroller. Aside from that, I have no clue where to even begin.
            So baby boy, my hands were finally tied. I HAD to set up a baby registry. It is out of control all of the things they have for babies now. Play mats, and toys, and bottles galore. Not to mention the bedding, the strollers, the wash cloths. My head has been spinning. It is really hard for me to pick out expensive things for other people to buy for our growing family. I would almost rather have no presents at all, but then you would come home from the hospital with a laundry basket for a bed. We probably can’t have that.
            Some of the things I picked out include an everyday double stroller, a convertible car seat, and a baby bouncer that is supposedly incredible. Those were the hard things.
            The easy things included a first aid kit, onesies, burp cloths, and swaddling blankets. With those things we know you will at least have some of the basics covered.
            Also, I think we have your room theme pretty much nailed down. We have known from the beginning that your room would house your Grandpa Kirk’s old plane propellers. They are huge and beautiful. So we decided to go with an adventure traveling theme. Planes, trains, cars, boats, and all the places you can go in them. I really like natural and neutral colors for everything; specifically blues, grays, greens, browns, and tans. G.G. is going nuts while she knits up blankets and hats for you. You will certainly be warm when you arrive.
            As you can see, there are some people getting very excited about your arrival. I am certainly one of them. Things are chugging along out here and I have the feeling you will be in my arms before we know it.
                        Loves,
                                    Mama

Jul 20, 2011

Dear Baby Week 26

(Week 26) Wednesday, July 20th
Little Baby,
            Let the craziness begin. We are gutting the whole house, just for you. We started in the Master Bed room and have been working our way from room to room. Man alive we have so much junk! Piles and piles of clothes and shoes have made it to Savers these past weeks and boy howdy I am glad to be rid of some of it. Of course I hope to add more as time goes by, but really we will just have to see how productive I am. So house cleaning, check!
            Item number two, yard work. You can pretty much forget about it at this point. I tire out so quickly now and it seems like every time it is cool enough for me to mow the lawn, it rains. Yes, I believe it is a sign from heaven that I should not be pushing a heavy load of cut grass around the yard. Usually I get the front done and totally skip the back. Weeds are rampant in our grass and it is looking a little yellow. This is because our sprinklers are broken and Papa hasn’t had the time to fix them yet. We need to replace three valves. Yeesh! Not excited about that, but something we will have to do eventually I am sure. So yard work, no check.
            Item number three is baby stuff. You should see all of the amazingly cute things they have for baby boys. Unfortunately they are also very expensive things. This overwhelms me and I am putting off the baby registry as long as I can. You do have some things already though. G.G. Shawnka is ready to spoil you rotten. I also snatch up cheap onesies whenever I see them for a reasonable price. So baby shopping, half a check.
            Hope all is going well in there for you. I can’t wait to meet you, but I am also afraid your due date is approaching all too rapidly. Eek!
                        Love Always,
                                    Mama

Jun 29, 2011

Dear Baby Week 21 or 22ish

(Week 21 or 22ish) Wednesday, June 29th
Dear Bump,
            Lately you have been acting like the biggest wiggle wart ever. It seems the instant I lie down for a break you start up the acrobatics. I actually saw my stomach jump several times last night. Do you know what this means? I think it might be time to invest in a body pillow. You will not put up with me lying on my back for long. You start throwing your fists and kicking those little feet. Obviously neither of us is very comfortable. So body pillow it is.
            One thing I love most about this week is the fact that you can hear Papa. When he starts talking you go nuts. When I sing in the car with the radio, nada. When I read the scriptures to you, nothin’. When I tell you stories, not a peep. Then if Papa puts is scratchy face close to my belly and starts calling you son, suddenly you can’t stop moving. I still love it, even though you mostly ignore me. This morning Papa felt a couple good kicks before falling asleep. I, of course, had to get out of bed, but it was nice to cuddle, all three of us.
            I still can’t wait to meet you. Now that we know you are a boy the fun is just beginning for Mama. I am in heaven looking at baby boy shoes, baby boy hats, and baby boy nursery stuff. Sometimes it still seems like seeing you in person is so far away. Then I think of all the things around the house I need to get done and it seems all to close.
                        Love you lots,
                                    Mama

Jun 23, 2011

Dear Baby Week 21

(Week 21 perhaps) Thursday June, 23rd
Dear Baby Boy,
            Today we took G.G. (she still doesn’t know what she wants to be called that Grandma of yours) to the pool. It was luxurious. I was a bit concerned about squeezing your little football sized body and my pumpkin size belly into a suit. We got it done with only a slight amount of tugging, wriggling, and grunting. Luckily I got a super long tankini a couple of years ago and it worked great.
            We got to the pool and immediately walked to the Freezie place. I got my favorite flavor, the Silver Fox. You liked it too! Trust me. Once inside the gate we lounged and swam. We stayed out of the kiddie pool because of a poop scare, but that was fine with me. It was hot, hot, hot for a while. Luckily the clouds came along and gave me some relief. It was a lovely time for both G.G. and I. Mostly we just napped. I hope you liked our little break. I know I did.
                        With Loves,
                                    Mama

Cravings: Silver Fox Freezie
Sickenings: Sweet potato fries are still out

Jun 17, 2011

Dear Baby Week 20

(Week 20) Friday, June 17th
Dear Baby Muscles,
            Today I felt you kick for the first time. Mama and I were on the couch, she was lying down, and we were playing tennis ball with P. Potts. Mama was trying to feel you move and had her hands pressed on her belly. When she started feeling you she reached out and I put my hand where she showed me. You stopped moving then. So I yelled, “Hey baby. It’s Papa.” Just then you gave me one good fist bump. It was great. Makes it a little more real that you are in there and I can’t wait to feel more when you get bigger.
                        Love,
                                    Papa

Jun 14, 2011

It's a Girl...

...with a BOY inside!


Today we found out what baby was and it was as thrilling an experience as I could have imagined. We had a student working the ultrasound with the tech sitting off to the side for a while. Which means I got to see my baby for an extra long time while the student tried to take pictures of this little wriggling break dancer.
Right after we got a good shot of the profile Baby Boy flipped over. It was so strange to correlate all that motion inside me, but only being able to feel little kicks and jabs once in a while.
We could tell he was a boy as soon as he whipped out the guns.
I loved the pictures of those flippers and it was so fun to watch Baby Boy on T.V. At first I had no clue what each blob and shadow was supposed to me. They did things like stomach, heart, C spine. But then they started showing fingers, feet, face, hands, and my heart was all a flutter. So dang cute!
Eventually he flipped back over.
Check out that spine! I don't know why, but I love looking at it.
Then his little hand would poke in every now and then.
This last one is a 3D rendering of Baby Boy. I can honestly say I could not really make it out at first, but then my family showed me where the face was. He was pressing the umbilical cord against his face.

As the story goes.
After I got back home from work Superman and I headed over to my parents house to share the news. We kind of wanted to do something special, but didn't know exactly what, so we stopped at Partyland. They had a baby section full of "It's a Boy!" stuff. We looked and looked, but the blue gum cigars were too expensive. So instead we went over to Ridley's and found just random blue candy. An Airhead, Tropical Starburst, Almond Joy, Push Pop--you get the idea. Then S.Man asked if we should put it in a bag. I said yes, because looking at his armload I knew we would need one. Then I said we should get a pink bag to throw everyone off. His eyes immediately lit up.

He said, "We should write 'It's a Girl!' on the outside of the bag, then put, 'with a boy inside!' on the inside of the bag with all the blue candy." I loved the idea. So we got our candy and ran back over to Partyland for a plain pink bag and tissue paper. With our loot we piled back into the car. Spen drove and I stuffed the bag and wrote our little messages. We got to the house and Spen walked in before me. The whole family was sitting in the living room waiting.

I walked in behind him holding out the pink bag. The first thing I heard was, "Awwwwww no. Ich. Take that thing back out." It was my brother, the Sidekick, not at all happy to see a pink bag. So I handed him the present and he immediately set it down on the couch next to him saying, "I don't want that. You got the wrong baby." This story makes him sound ten, but trust me, he is in his twenties. I encouraged him to open it. My mom was smiling, my dad was smiling, Raingirl was beaming, but no one really knew what exactly was going on yet. Hesitantly Linc started sifting though the tissue paper. He pulled out the blue booties I had stashed in there. He said, "Now I'm confused." He pulled out some of the blue candy. I tugged at the bag so he could read what was inside. I could see the revelation dawning on him slowly. My mom couldn't take it any more. "What is it?"

"It's a girl!" Spen and I said, "with a BOY inside."

Everyone laughed, especially me because we had actually fooled my brother, my mom, my dad, and my sister. The only people in the room who knew were Superman and I. We thought they would get the message immediately, but they didn't. I thought Sidekick wouldn't go for it in the first place, thinking we might pull something, but he was such a sucker. He will claim he was just kidding, and that he was just teasing about being disappointed with a girl, insisting it was a joke, but we all know the truth. We got him! Mom was actually working on a girl blanket despite her inklings it was a boy, and she was so happy to hear it really WAS a boy, after all the stuff she had already bought. My dad kind of wanted it to be a girl, but I am sure he will get his chance at a granddaughter sometime. Raingirl was thrilled either way.

There you have it. It's a boy. We are so exciited. We still have to wait a while to hear from the doctor about any concerns they might have with Baby Boy's development, after all I am measering two weeks ahead, but he looked absolutely perfect to my eyes. I can't wait to meet the little guy in person and honestly think the last half of this pregnancy is going to be the longest I've had to wait in my life!

Jun 10, 2011

Dear Baby Week 19

(Week 19)  June 10th
Dear Baby,
     Today we went to work, grocery shopping, and mowed the front lawn. I even swept up some of the clippings off the driveway. I know, so ambitious. All that must have gotten you really worked up because as soon as I crawled into bed you kicked me a good one. I actually felt it unmistakeably this time. Maybe it was a punch or a booty bump, but whatever it was I felt it. I put my hand on my belly and you did it two more times. Thrilling, to say the least. I have felt a little flutter and discomfort before, but nothing as distinct as what you pulled today Munchkin.
     So, I just wanted to tell you I loved your little happy dance. I wanted to do one of my own, unfortunately I am too plum tuckered. So I just talked to Papa on the phone instead. He is very excited and a little sad to have missed it. I am sure you will do it again though. I can't imagine it is too comfy in there and you keep trying to make more room.
          Loves,
               Mama

Jun 5, 2011

Be Prepared to Be Surprised

Dear Baby,
           One thing you really need to know is that life is nothing you can plan for. You can do your best to control the universe, but guess what kiddo, ain't gonna happen. That is something our little family has learned on several occasions and are even learning right now.
           Take today as a brief example. Today I finally paid off the body work on my car as well as the new tires for Papa's car he put on a while back. My next paycheck was going to be all mine, and you can bet that was something to get excited about after months of deductions and tight budgets. I was making early, selfish, and ill conceived plans for that money, mostly in the form of a bike. Well, it wasn't a thunderbolt from heaven that struck those plans down, it was just a small, red, blinking dash light on your Papa's car. "Service Engine Soon." If I know anything I know that small and red and blinking never means anything good.
            Sure enough our now one and only drivable car needs a 100K service which in turn equates to big bucks. I don't know what all the jibber jabber means aside from my hard earned money is once again going into the beater car so that it will keep running with new plugs, wires, and such. Surprise, and not in a good way. At first I was very mad, to the point of pregnant emotional crying.
           But guess what munchkin? Your Papa and I are still so very blessed. First, we have a car we can drive once it is fixed up. Second, we can afford to fix it, even if we don't want to. Third, we have you to look forward to. We have a house, close family, good neighbors and friends. Really, our life is not that hard. I am also of the belief that one bad surprise equals double that in good surprises in the future, so here is hoping for a free, brand new car!
            So baby, be prepared for surprises and take both the good and bad in turn. Life is a lot more fun with those surprises and they will help you grow from turnip size to full on watermelon before you know it. Personally I would take a watermelon before a turnip any day. Let's just hope I still think that at 40 weeks.
                               Love Always,
                                          Mama

May 21, 2011

Dear Baby Week 15

(Week 15) Saturday, May 21st
Dear Munchkin,
            Today we had a busy, busy day. We kicked it off with a trip to Granma Lala’s house to get out some of her patio furniture. Then we added in a little family time and yard work. Next up we got things ready for a family carnival and planted the garden. Busy morning, like I said. I even put some highlights in my hair for summer.
            Finally the family came over for the games. We all had such fun. Gygi’s ran all the games while the Schade/Harmon side played. Your cousins were everywhere! I can’t wait for you to meet them all because each one is so very great.
            Your Papa made several games including, but not limited to: Plinko, Spinning Wheel, Coin Toss, Ball Drop, and Shoot Out. There were tickets to be counted and prizes to be won. The sun was shining spectacularly and the BBQ was delicious. Really, you will be lucky to be blessed with such wonderful immediate family, because I know I am. We can work hard and play hard, sticking together through it all.
            I do have to say that you did very well my little one. You didn’t make me sick or tired today, which was a nice change.
                        Love you,
                                    Mama
Cravings: Burgers with ‘matoes, onions, mustard, lettuce, pickles, all of it fresh.
Sickenings: Giant worm as big as a snake in the garden. Ew!

May 4, 2011

Dear Baby Week 13

(Week 13?) Wednesday, May 4th
Dear Little Peach,
            Today we visited the doctor again and now we are a little bit confused about how far along you are. He said thirteen, but then also said that we could see gender in six more weeks. The reason we are confused because gender is usually determined at twenty weeks and the last time mama came in was four weeks ago and he said ten. So you are either thirteen or fourteen weeks, not really sure which at this point. All we really know is that you will probably end up coming sometime in early November and that is good enough for us.
            This time we didn’t have to wait long at all to go into the back. We maybe sat down for two minutes tops before the nurse came to get me. The nurse took my temp, my blood pressure, and my weight. I think I have only gained six pounds, so that is pretty good. The doctor was great, as usual, making sure everyone, especially Mama was comfortable and feeling good. He had me lay down and then said we should be able to feel a little bump. So he pressed down on my tummy to make sure you were still in there and growing. You are.
            Next we were able to have another listen to your heart beat. Papa’s face lit up when he heard it. He was smiling from ear to ear and that made mama smile too. Then we listened the placenta, which is Mama’s heart pushing the nutrients in for you. It was pretty cool to compare the quickness of your little heart to the thwumping sound of Mama’s.  
            Then the doctor asked if I was still feeling sick and I had to confess two days before was one of the worst days I had so far. I was very ill at work twice, and it was the stingy kind of sick that made Mama’s eyes water, throat hurt, and nose run. So then we moved to a back room for an ultra sound, just to make sure there was only one baby in there. Luckily it is just you Peach. We got to see your big head, your little heart, and a tiny backbone. We saw a little bit of a hand and tried to see a foot, but you were too scrunched up to see anything clearly.
            It was sweet to get to really see what your squirming little body looks like in there. When I told Uncle Lincoln he asked when he would be able to see, and Mama told him that it wouldn’t be until after you were born, because there is no way he is going in to the back room with me.
            So some things to look forward to: a carnival on the 21st, another appointment in one month, gender in six weeks or more, and Spring time!
                                    Love Always,
                                                Mama & Papa

Apr 24, 2011

Dear Baby Week 12

(Week 12) Sunday, April 24th
Dear Baby,
            Happy Easter! I want you to know that this is a time of rebirth and renewal, not only because the weather permits it in the northern hemisphere, but because I know that our Savior was resurrected so that we too could have our bodies and spirits reunited after death. Easter is one of the biggest reminders of the atonement and I can’t wait to teach you about it.
            Well you are about the size of a large plum. Every time I see Uncle Linc he asks how big you are, still. In fact, I have probably told him three times this week that I really don’t know how big you are. All I can do is read and guess. He is excited none the less to hear about what is going on in there.
            Today had a rough start. Papa and I stayed up late last night finishing up our Sunday School lessons. We were teaching about how Jesus healed the blind man and how he was called the Good Shepherd. Needless to say these two topics took a lot of extra study on our parts. If you think waving your arms and kicking is hard right now, just you wait until you get to teach a pack of fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen year olds. They are delightful, but I always feel like I am telling them things they already know and then when I ask a question they all stare at the carpet. I really need to find a better way to get them to participate. To top it off, I was also asked to speak in a couple of weeks. Phew!
            One good thing happened in class though. One of my girls asked if I was pregnant and since I can’t lie in church I told them all that I was. They were all happy for us and excited. That was pretty fun news to share with them. Then in Relief Society one of my good friends from the ward came and sat by me, giving me a squeeze and saying how excited she is for our family. I have to admit, moments like that make me more excited too.
            When we got home from church, Papa and I took a long, well deserved nap. One thing I love about weekends is the time I can dedicate to simply sleeping. We didn’t have any plans until dinner so we both just curled up under the blankets and dozed off. Granted, for Papa it was more like bulldozed because he snores, but you get used to it. When we woke up it was time to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Easter Eggs and dinner. All in all a fun filled, spiritual, relaxing Sunday. I look forward to sharing many of those with you, but doubt it will happen for quite a while.
                            Loves,
                                       Mama
 
Cravings: Anything by Cadburry or Starburst

Apr 1, 2011

Dear Baby Week 8

(Week 8) Friday Later, April 1st
Dear Baby,
            Your first day of vacation was a success. We arrived safely, we walked to TJ Maxx to get Papa a swim suit and Mama a coverup, we slept by the pool, we swam, and we ate dinner at Benja’s. Then we went out for frozen custard and Clayt took fat face pictures of us and we all laughed so hard our stomachs hurt (sorry about that by the way, it was probably tight in there for you). All in one day’s vacation. Not too shabby.
            Today I also told Auntie ‘Laina, Uncle Mark, Makelle, Clayt, and Uncle Ty about you. I think Auntie ‘Laina is the most excited of them all. She gave us a big hug when I told her it wasn’t an April Fools joke.
                                    Love you,
                                                Mama & Papa

Mar 29, 2011

Dear Baby Week 8

(Week 8) Tuesday, March 29th
Dear Large Lima Bean,
            Today we went to spin class and had a great time. Every time the instructor told people with bad knees or pregnant women to take it easy on the tension I got a little smile on my face. I am not sure how pregnant you have to be to qualify for easy tension on the spin bike, but I am so for it. Don’t get me wrong, I like working hard and working out, but I definitely want to make sure you are safe. There are still some risks of miscarriage, especially since you are my first pregnancy. All I can really do is wait it out and see how things work.
            After the gym we went to Grandma and Grandpa’s to watch some television shows and eat delicious cheese and pickle sandwiches. Oddly enough, this is not a pregnancy craving. I always think cheese and pickles sound good. You seem to agree with me.
            Cravings: salt and vinegar chips.
            Sickenings: Panda Express.
                                    Loves,
                                                Mama

Mar 17, 2011

Dear Baby Week 7

(Week 7) Thursday, March 17th
Dear Baby,
            I guess you are not about half the size of a baby pea, 2-5mm. Not very big. Unfortunately we won’t really know until the second week of April, I rescheduled my appointment today, bumping it back from the 23rd of March to the 3rd of April. I hope everything goes alright until then. You will be privileged to attend a Bon Jovi concert as well as take a trip to St. George all before you even get to hear the doctor. You are one spoiled little half baby pea.
Today you wanted French fries and would not be denied. On my way home I went over to Tommy’s and ordered fries and friesauce and ate almost all of them, piping hot, before I even got home. Delicious. So good in fact, that Pepper wanted to share with me. I couldn’t say no to that face. Then we all, Papa included, took a little nap on the bed. Mama slept for an hour and Papa went downstairs to watch the BYU tournament game. I came down after halftime and finished it off with him. It was pretty lousy to watch, and you didn’t miss much.
            Then we went out for Papa’s birthday dinner since he is working tomorrow. We decided on Village Inn, Grandpa Gygi and Uncle Linc came too. It was really fun, you wanted hash browns and I started thinking I must be low on starch or something. Pie was good too, but that is not much of a surprise.
            Cravings: hot, salty potatoes.
            Sickenings: stinky dirty dishes in the sink. Papa did them for me, he is so nice.
                                    Loves,
                                                Mama

Mar 9, 2011

Dear Baby Week 5

(Week 5) Wednesday, March 9th
Dear Baby,
            It is official, the test proved it. You are there. Granted, you are only a little speck, not even visible to the naked eye yet, but you are there. Mama is still feeling sick and Papa is still feeling excited. We drove Ashton up to Layton with uncle Lincoln in the car. At the mall Mama enjoyed her pretzel bites and some of Papa’s Orange Julius. After we got home we stopped and picked up a home pregnancy test. Two pink lines, that meant that you were there. We want to tell you how that all went.
            Mama and Papa, as soon as they had the box in hand they were reading instructions. How the test worked, what to do, how to read it. Turns out it took three minutes so Mama left the test upstairs, vowing to Papa that she wouldn’t look before he did. So we waited, even setting the timer on the stove, for three whole minutes. Then we scrambled upstairs together, flicked on the light, and crouched over the test. Guess what? Two pink bars! You are there. You exist.
            Mama couldn’t contain herself and had to tell someone, so she called your Grandma and Grandpa, who told your Auntie Kelsey. Grandma didn’t sound like she believed it and Grandpa ran out of the room to hurry and tell Kels. Uncle Lincoln wasn’t there, he plays basketball on Wednesday nights, but Mama will be sure he finds out tomorrow. They were all very excited. Papa couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the night. That night, in our prayers we thanked Heavenly Father for you and also asked him to help you grow and be healthy. We already love you so much.
                                    Love you,
                                                Mama & Papa

Feb 4, 2011

Dear Baby

(Week 1)
Dear Baby,
We didn’t even know you existed yet. Too small to see. Too small to feel. But we were hoping; a lot of hoping.
                        Love you,
                                    Mama & Papa