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}

Happy 2nd birthday, my big adventurer!

Dear Keegan,

How quickly the last two years have gone.  Seems like just yesterday, we were bringing all 7lbs, 11oz of you home from the hospital.  You made us first time parents, and you have filled our lives with so much joy; truly our cup runneth over.

Last night, was bittersweet as I tucked you in as a one year old for the last time.  Silly, I know, but as I prayed aloud with you and thanked God for giving you to us, I couldn't help but cry.  You make us so very happy and I can not imagine our lives without you.  I have not rocked you to sleep for some time, but last night for some reason you called me back into your room and climbed from your bed onto my lap where you laid your head on my shoulder.  My heart could have burst with love right then and there.  Your cake was sitting in the kitchen, waiting to be frosted, and the dishes were piled in the sink, yet all I wanted to do was savor that moment.  I sang you the song, I used to sing to you daily when you were a baby,

I love you, Keegan, oh yes, I do.

I love you, Keegan, and I'll be true.

When you're not with me, I'm blue.

Oh, Keegan, I love you.

In that moment, I was taking a trip down memory lane and remembering the countless nights of waking up with you and rocking and singing you back to sleep.  The days when you were content just to lay in my arms and do absolutely nothing else.  The days when I could kiss you all over your face and you didn't mind at all.  Oh, Keegan, I love you so much!

I pray that God gives us wisdom to raise you and I pray that you will have a wonderful year.  Happy birthday, my big adventurer!

Love, 

Momma

 

 

You made me 'Momma'

Dear Keegan,

Since we have been having such nice weather lately, you and I have been going on long walks around the neighborhood.  The other day, I was pulling you in the wagon and you were pointing out all the squirrels and birds you saw and were  making car noises anytime a truck or bus drove by.  Everything about the moment was so surreal - the calm breeze, the smell of spring, and the birds chirping.  In that moment, I suddenly got a big lump in my throat and felt tears springing to my eyes, I looked at you with your big eyes taking in the world around and your chubby fingers pointing at all the little scampering animals and it hit me that you aren't going to be my baby for much longer.

I whispered, I love you, as I swallowed that lump and blinked back the tears. I told you again how that you are going to be getting a little brother, named Judson in just 5 months and that he would be your new playmate and our little baby.

Things will be different...in a good way, I told you.

I thought about our little routines and how much I enjoy being your Momma.

You were the first little boy to steal my heart and make me burst with so much love and joy that I didn't even know my heart had room for.  I call you 'my little buddy' because that's what you are.  You follow me around the house and like to help me with whatever I am doing, whether making dinner, dusting furniture, or fixing my hair.  I want you know how very special you are, after all you were the first one to call me, Momma, and that is by far the highest calling in my life.  I love you, my little buddy, forever and always.

Love,
Momma

{Us on one of our walks}

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}

Happy birthday, little one

I felt you first.  I remember the first time, you moved in me.  It was like we were having a secret conversation and I cherished it so much.  Throughout the weeks prior to your arrival you became more and more active and I loved being able to let Daddy feel you move too.  No longer were you just the size of a pea, but you were growing each and every week until you were the size of a watermelon!

I read book after book.  I made freezer meals, cleaned my house, washed all your tiny clothes, and waited.  Could you tell I was scared?  I would talk to you and imagine what it would be like to finally hold you in my arms.

But then you were here.  Eighteen days early, on a beautiful spring afternoon.  They placed you in my arms and I sobbed.  I felt my heart do the something I didn't know was possible - it grew.  I counted your finger and your toes, I kissed your tiny lips and stroked your baby soft skin.  It was love at first sight.

We brought you home and despite all the books and article I had read, I still felt so unprepared for motherhood.  Nobody tells you about the countless sleepless nights, of the baby cries that hurt your heart, or the thoughts of  
                                        Am I doing this right?
                                       Is he in pain?
                                      Does he know how much I love him?
                                      Will I ever feel like I have this motherhood thing down?
                                    
This last year we have grown together -you and I and we are still continuing to do so.  I have realized that I would do anything to make you happy, and that that makes me happy.  Nobody could have prepared me to understand all the love I would feel for you.  And I don't know that I can begin to put it into words.  You are my sunshine on a cloudy day and my rainbow after the storm.  You are my little buddy and I look forward to seeing you grow.

I birthed and made you, but you -- you made me a mother and that is a title that will always be most dear to my ears.

Happy Birthday, little one.

Love,
Your Mommy

Dear Keegan || 43 weeks

Dear Keegan,

Before you made your entrance into this beautiful world, Mommy used to write you letters.  I was just looking back on them and a whole flood of memories came to my mind.  Memories of wondering what you would like look, how you would act, if I would have any clue what I was doing...

Well, here we are just five days until you turn 10 months, and I still wonder if I know what I am doing.  You have changed so much in your short life and I can hardly believe that in just 2 months you will be a whole year old!!

You have completely changed our lives in more ways than I could have ever imagined.  Even on days, when you are wearing out my patience I can't help but thank God for giving us such a healthy active boy.

Mommy loves you so much, Keegan, and I would do anything for you.  Having you has given me a whole new understanding of God and his love for you and me.  Daddy and I look forward to telling you Bible stories and pray that you will come to know Him at a young age.

I must tell you, that you are exactly how I imagined you would be...:)  Even in mommy's tummy you were so full of energy and would kick like crazy!  Now, you keep mommy on her toes by crawling ever so quickly and getting into anything and everything!

Since you have never been much of a cuddler, I do so enjoy those night time moments when you lay your head on my shoulder.  I don't even know how to describe it...

Your little fuzzy head will nuzzle into me and a feeling of complete and total love will wash over me.  It moves me to tears so many times and I just want to hold you forever.  I know that someday you will be embarrassed if mommy tries to hug or kiss you.  And so for now I want to cherish each and every moment.

Please stay Mommy's little buddy forever, Keegan.  Please know that I would do anything in my power to make you happy.  I love you baby, with all of my heart.

Love,
Mommy

PS Mommy used to close each letter with your current taste preferences and here are yours now...

You love chicken and stars soup, yogurt bites, and you feel so big drinking water from a straw! :)

Hello Baby || Week 34-35

Dear Keegan,

We are now under 6 weeks until your due date; and you are approximately the size of a pineapple - weighing in at 4.9 pounds and measuring 19-22 inches.  Doctor visits have went from being monthly to bi-weekly and soon will be weekly.  Your Doctor says you are doing well and in the proper position for birth, which makes us happy.  And speaking of happy, you sure do seem to be having a party of a time in Mommy's tummy!  I know your living quarters are becoming more and more tight as you grow, but you sure do seem to do ALOT of moving.  Some of your jabs and kicks take my breath away and make me anxious to watch your little feet and arms move from outside of me... :)

Spring has finally arrived and it makes your arrival seem that much closer!  I cannot wait to go for walks with you and Daddy this summer.  I cannot wait to show you the world!  But most importantly I cannot wait to share with you how much God loves you and how special you are to Him.  Your Daddy and I want to raise you to serve the Lord and love Him with all your heart; after all you are our gift from Him.  Every time I feel you move, I can't help but thank God for you...you are wonderfully created and my heart quickens with each thought of you.

I love you my ever-growing, little man.  Can't wait to meet you next month!

Love,

Mommy

PS  Favorites: Starbucks' refreshers, green smoothies and frozen gogurts!

<<<Keegan's favorite smoothie recipe>>>

1 cup of ice

1 cup of orange juice or water

1 heaping cup fruit of your choice

(I enjoy a mixed variety that I buy frozen from Walmart,

which I then defrost in microwave for a minute so 

as to get some of the fruits' juices)

1/2 banana

2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach

Blend it together for a delicious and refreshing smoothie!

Hello Baby || Week 31-32

Dear Keegan,

I am writing this blog post from my rocker in your nursery as you happily move around inside of me.  It is so wonderful to think that in just two months I will be rocking you from this spot and holding you in my arms...

We have been pretty busy getting ready for you.  Daddy and I had a maternity shoot done in Naperville; below are two of my favorites.  We had a good time picking a few to print for your nursery.

{Photography credit to: Photography by Britton}

Another fun thing we have done is registered for your baby showers.  Seems like just yesterday, Daddy and I were giddy with excitement and scanning items for our wedding registry.  Now, just 21 months later here we are still giddy but this time in anticipation for your arrival.  I dream about what you will look like and know that to us, you will be the most perfect baby in the entire world.

A couple of weeks ago, we were able to get a 4D ultra sound done.  Talk about amazing!!  We could see you plain as day.  You were behaving so well too; laying perfectly still with your hands clasped.  At one point, you even smiled and it tugged on my heart strings.  The technician also pointed out that you have hair on your head already, which Mommy is very excited about, although if you are a bald baby, I will love you all the same... :)

{We registered at both Babies R Us & Target}

Perfect little you <3

I love you with all my heart and cannot wait to meet you!

Love, 

Mommy

PS Favorite foods:  everything bagels/cream cheese and smoothies!

Hello Baby || Week 28-29

Dear Keegan,

Can you believe it?  We are finally in the third trimester - home stretch! :)  It is so wonderful to think that in less than 3 months you will be here...

Just this week, Daddy put together your crib and then we went ahead and put the sheet on it.  Daddy confessed to Mommy that he keeps walking in the nursery just to look at the crib.  I have done the same as well and love imagining your little body laying peacefully in it.

A couple of our friends have had babies in the last month and it has really made Mommy anxious for you to get here.  I see them looking at their babies with awe and wonder and I can't help but get a little teary and hold my stomach...oh I can't wait to meet you!

We are going to have so many adventures; you, Daddy, and I.  Life is an adventure waiting to happen and I cannot wait to share it with you.  I know that our world is about to change and that nothing will ever be the same.  I know that no longer will Daddy and I be able to make last minute decisions and do what we want when we want.  From now on, we will factor in a third person...YOU!

I hope that Daddy and I can show you just how much we love you and I pray that our love for each other and Christ will bring you to salvation at a young age.  I love you my little man; forever and always.

Love,
Mommy

PS We eat a smoothie just about every day and love them, especially with strawberries.  We also enjoy eating poptarts! :)

Hello Baby || Week 24-25

Dear Keegan,

We are just under 4 months til your due date and we are ever so anxious to meet you.  I cannot wait to nuzzle your face, count your little piggies, and stroke your skin.  You are now gaining 6 ounces a week and are weighing in at 1.5 pounds!  Such a big guy...:)  It is amazing how God has formed you; at just 24 weeks your face is fully formed and your ears are getting sharper.

I also am certain you are going to be a strong little man.  I find it quite humorous that nearly every time I am eating or have just finished eating, you will start moving around very excitedly; even your daddy has been able to feel you!  Sometimes you kick me so suddenly and hard that I jump in my seat with surprise, which always makes me smile...

Daddy and I have started to prepare the nursery for you.  We found a great deal on a highchair, pack and play, and diaper bag all in the same Eddie Bauer design - we can't wait to put it all to use!  We also painted our old dresser white for your room and Mommy has put all your clothes in the drawers in anticipation for you.  We are going with a nautical theme and just last week your Gram helped Mommy make you some burp cloths to match your nursery colors. :)

I love you, I love you, I love you, my little man.

Love,
Mommy

PS We love bagels, protein bars, apples, and crunching on ice...:)

{Your 2nd ultrasound picture}

I think you are soooo adorable and perfect! :)

Mommy's baby belly (23 weeks)

{Your burp cloths made from cloth diapers}