Hello Baby || Week 38

Dear Judson,

Well here we are coming down to the final stretch before we get to finally meet you.  Nine months of carrying you, through winter, spring, and now the hottest summer since forever! :)  Of course, I would do it again knowing I get to hold you in my arms soon.

Mommy never made it to week 38, with Keegan since he decided to come 18 days early, so this is new territory for me. :)  It's hard not to wish you would come early too, but I know that in God's timing you will make your grand entrance.  You have been a pretty easy pregnancy, hardly any sickness and 15 pounds less weight gain, which mommy is happy about.

These days I am just feeling rather uncomfortable and constantly thinking about you.  What will you look like?  Will you have a head full of hair, will you be a cuddler (oh, Mommy sure hopes so), will you have any birthmarks?

It's so amazing that your Daddy and I could love someone so very much that we have yet to meet, although you can be stinker.  Whenever Daddy puts his hand on Mommy's belly you start to squirm as if to say, "Get out of my personal space!" :)

A few weeks ago we were able to get some family/maternity pictures, here are some of our favorites

 Daddy, Mommy, and you! <3

 Keegan cannot wait to meet you!

{35 weeks pregnant}

We love you so much Judson!

Love,
Mommy    

PS We love everything bagels, mango smoothies, and cucumbers.  Also, ice crunching has commenced... :)

Hello Baby || Week 34-35

Dear Judson,

Summer is buzzing along quite quickly, which means your due date is fast approaching!  You are currently weighing in at 5 pounds and just as active as your big brother was.  Just today, I installed your car seat in our new van...I don't believe I have told you - we traded in Mommy's car she bought after college graduation and bought a van to accommodate our growing family... :)

Your Gram, Aunt Brooke and Aunt Lauren came over this week and helped get stuff ready for you.  We folded all your tiny clothes, packed your diaper bag, and pulled out baby gear and toys that I know you will love.  Mommy is officially ready for you to come now...;)

Our doctor appointments have moved up to being biweekly, pretty sure these visits to the doctor are one of the highlights of  my month.  I love hearing your heartbeat and getting good reports from your Doctor.

I have been asked a few times about where your Daddy and I "came up" with your name, and so I thought I would share with you.  Adoniram Judson was a  great American missionary to Burma, someday you can read the same book Mommy did in college about his life and missionary journeys entitled, To the Golden Shore  Daddy and I both thought Judson to be a godly man and a good solid manly name.  Your middle name, Richard, is after your Papa McDonnell.  He raised your Daddy and loves you so much.  We can't wait to introduce the two of you.

Our current drink of choice is ice water, orange juice with lots of pulp and strawberry milk.  We like to snack on energy bites and pizza ALWAYS sounds good... :)

I love you and can't wait to meet you!

Love,
Mommy

Hello Baby || Week 25-26

Dear Judson,

This pregnancy journey is moving along quite quickly.  It is so exciting to think that in a little over 3 months we will have you at home with us!  We love you so very much and have discovered in the last few weeks that you are just as much a squirmer as your brother was. :)  I have also noticed that you must love music, because during certain specials in church you will start thumping inside Mommy's tummy as if you are keeping beat with the singers!  You also seem to want to party when Mommy wants to sleep. :)

You are currently measuring at about 10-12 inches long and weigh 1.5 pounds.  Such a little guy, yet so very loved already.  The next 3 months are sure to go by quickly, as you will be shooting FIVE weddings with Daddy and Mommy.  We are excited to be busy, because that means the time will go by even more quickly and you will be in our arms.  Your big brother, Keegan is excited to meet you as well.  He loves other babies and if they are crying tries to console them with a toy.  You two are going to be the best of friends!

Just today, I had Daddy raise the crib for you and I put on fresh bedding and got it all ready for you.  I know we still have a ways to go, but seeing that crib ready for you puts a smile on my face.  I wonder what you will look like...if you will be born with dark hair like Keegan only to have it turn blonde, or if you will have any hair at all.  Will you have a birth mark?  Will you have any dimples?  One thing I do know is that you will be absolutely perfect and we will love you immensely!

I love you, baby Jud.

Love,
Mommy

PS We love everything bagels, ice cream sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and late night snacks of cereal :)  We also have a food aversion to  Chinese and Mexican...:/

{Mommy & Judson}

{Your Gram & I picked out some material and made

you this blanket}

Hello Baby || Week 18-19

Dear Judson,

I have begun to compose this letter in my mind dozens of times, yet today when you are 18 1/2 weeks young, I am finally putting it 'to paper'.  I don't even know where to begin.

How does one start a letter to someone they have never met, yet love so infinitely?  Daddy and Mommy had wanted a baby for some time, after all, they knew the joy that one tiny being could bring into their lives.  The day Mommy found out she cried tears of joy and could hardly wait to tell Daddy.  They were so excited that God had blessed them with you.

Several weeks have passed and we are excited to have found out that you are a boy!  Having grown up with only sisters, Mommy is thrilled to have yet another son.  I know that you and your brother, are going to be the best of pals.  What is a brother, you may be wondering...  A brother is a built in best friend, and yours is the most wonderful toddler I know.  His name is Keegan, and he can already say your name.  He calls you, Jud for short, which is perfectly fine by us.  I am sure you both will have plenty of adventures together and I am looking forward to introducing you two.

I have just started to really feel you moving and every time you do, I can't help but smile to myself and anticipate the day I can hold you in my arms.  I love you, baby Jud, and I can't wait to meet you.

Love,
Mommy

PS We love raspberries and strawberries!

{Your first picture}