Dear Baby, Volume 2

Dear Baby,

Currently thirty-one weeks (+ a few days) along. You are the size of a pineapple (yum), which I find both amazing and alarming. How are you fitting in there? Moreover, how will you continue to fit for another two months? Pregnancy is such a trip sometimes. You move a lot, which makes me smile. At a recent check-up, the midwife felt my belly and said you were "head down," which is exactly how you should be. Keep punching those tiny feet and fists as much as you want, but please, listen to your mama and stay in that position!

It's officially fall now, which is your season. Fall is full of cranberries and nutmeg and knit sweaters and gold and copper on the trees. I'm wondering if you'll be here--on the outside--for Thanksgiving. I love the togetherness of Thanksgiving. If you feel like arriving just a few days early, you'll be able to smell the stuffing--my favorite.

October is full for your daddy and I. He is turning 30 and we'll be traveling to an out-of-town wedding for a long weekend. I have some work commitments in the city a few mornings per week for the whole month, along with lots and lots of photo-taking of little people just like you before I put the camera and my business away for awhile when you arrive. That's actually a lie. I won't put the camera away for you. You'll be my favorite subject of all.

Recently, I'm so unbelievably tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. I know that's because you are having a growth spurt and my body is adjusting. When I am able to do so, I take a nice long pause in the afternoon with a cup of tea. We sit together and relax (sometimes I nap), which usually helps me feel a bit more like myself. I imagine we'll have a similar routine once you're born.

We had a party in your honor a couple of weekends ago. Our friends came to celebrate you and bring you the sweetest gifts. All of your clothes and blankets are washed and folded in your dresser. Your beautiful bassinet is assembled in our bedroom and I'm having way too much fun organizing your toys, books and other little belongings. Your carseat was delivered this week, and admittedly, both your daddy and I had some trouble unclasping the safety belt. It took us a few tries before we were able to get the hang of it.

I imagine that's what parenting will be like. We won't always have all of the answers or figure the tricky stuff out right away, but we'll get there. And we'll get there together, with each other, and with you.

I can't wait.

All my love,
Mama