Letters to our baby girl

I've been waiting all my life to finally be a Mom and I can't believe that day is about to happen in just a few days. I grew up playing with my dolls and dreaming that someday I'll actually have my own little baby to play and take care of. I am so lucky to have become pregnant so quickly with no complications and I hope I deliver a healthy little girl at the end. For the most part, it's been a wonderful experience being pregnant. There has been some ups and downs, but it's been amazing. I have to thank Darrin for always being so supportive and loving throughout this whole journey.

To my little girl:

I've carried you for nine months and I anxiously wonder what you will be like. Now, that I know you are the girl I've always wanted to have, will you be more like me, like your Dad or a combination of us both. Will you be as sweet, patient, and loving like your Daddy or be observant, kind and quite like the both of us. Will you have blond, red or curly hair like the rest of the family? Have my green eyes or your Dads blue eyes? Will you be tall and have big lips like your Dad or have one dimple like me? Have a bottom like your Dad and be a dancer like you were in the womb? Will you be artistic and creative like the Gillespie side. I'm so curious and can't wait to meet, kiss and hold you. I will love and support you whatever your heart desires. I can't wait to watch you grow, learn and experience every milestone in your life. I know you will make mistakes and I will always be there for you and try to guide and protect you. I wish you happiness, love, and laughter in your lifetime and I hope I can be the best Mother to you. I am so proud to be your Mom and I love you so much already. 

Love, 

Mommy

Letter to my daughter:

The date is December 23rd, 2012. Unless you decide to come before, you will be born December 26th. I can’t even describe how anxious and excited I am to finally meet you! Your Mom has done a wonderful job carrying you in her tummy for the past 9 months. You couldn’t have had a better Mom to take care of you. We are very lucky to have her in our life.

I have been dreaming and praying for the day that I would have a family of my own. The greatest day of my life was when I married your Mom. We are very much alike and we both couldn’t wait to have our own child. Then we were blessed with you! It was the happiest day when we found out that we were pregnant.

I have so many questions right now… What are you going to look like? Are you going to look like your Mom or me or a combination of both of us? What is your personality going to be like? Are you going to be quieter like your Mom and me or are you going to be a talker like your grandparents? What is going to be your favorite subject in school? I will go ahead and apologize if you aren’t good at math. I hope that you are though! Are you going to like playing sports like me? Are you going to be an artist like your Mom? No matter what you do in your life, you will always have our support.

I can’t wait to hold you as a baby. I can’t wait to hear you say your first words, and take your first steps. My new favorite thing to do is going to be hanging out with you, reading you books, watching cartoons, and watching you play with Maddie. The list of things I can’t wait to see you do is too long to write in this letter. I can sum up my feelings for you before I have even met you in a few words: You are the greatest thing that I have ever created. Nothing that I accomplish in my life will compare to the joy that you and your Mom bring me. I pray every night that you are healthy and that you live a long life. I pray that I can raise you the right way and provide everything that you need. I pray that you think I am a good Dad. I pray that you live your life to the fullest and accomplish your dreams. I only ask a couple things of you though: for your Mom and my sake, don’t grow up too fast. We will talk about the others when the time is right;) I love you more than I even know right now, see you in a couple days!!!!

Love,

Your Dad

Our fun maternity shoot in November

34 Weeks

How many weeks: 34 Weeks 

Baby Size: Cantaloupe. Over 4.5+lbs and 18 inches long

Weight gain so far: 20+ now

Stretch marks: Not yet! 

Sleep: It's been difficult the past two weeks. It's much harder to roll over and I have a lot more pain at night now. I've had a vein on my left thigh that's been killing me for over a month and docs don't know why? Maybe it's a nerve and the baby is hitting it? I don't know, but I feel really old, when I get up now cause I'm in pain. Hope it stops or we figure it out soon! I am also getting shortness of breath now and have to prop my pillows more at night to get air. Miss Baby Q is taking it all!

Best moment these past weeks: Besides her being extremely active, I feel helpless when she has the hiccups:( She has them right when I wake up, after lunch and usually at night.  I hate them myself and she gets them everyday! They are super cute to feel them though... Also, we received our maternity photos from the photographer and they came out great! Our pets look beautiful in them, ha! We were happy she captured them too. 

Missing Anything:  Bending and getting up fast. 

Movement: Yes, all day long and it's crazy to see my stomach lopsided now. I see it shake too!

Food cravings: Still haven't stopped my pumpkin coffee kick.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not since 16weeks

Gender: It's a GIRL! 

Labor Signs: Nothing new lately

Symptoms: Same. Nothing new

Belly Button in or out? It's still flush with my tummy and hoping it won't pop!

Mood: My energy level peaked about two weeks ago and now I feel it coming down. I guess I have to realize to relax and lounge more. I'm feeling tired and fuzzy.  I'm "nesting" too and trying to get things organized with Darrin and it's hard that I can't do the heavy things... I'm also doing the "waddling" dance now;)

Looking forward to: My Dad and his wife Mary Lou are finally coming to VA and visiting us for Thanksgiving! We are excited to show them around the area and see our house! I'm also looking forward to our Thanksgiving meal! We have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Things to do still: We have attended two birthing classes so far and we are learning a lot. One more to go... I also need to read more, wash her new clothes, buy diapers and pack our hospital bags. The list can go on!

Due Date: December 29th! My family is flying in the 27th and hopefully she will arrive just in time or we will induce to be home for New Years:)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

31 Weeks and Baby Showers

How many weeks: 31 Weeks 

Baby Size: Pineapple. Over 3+lbs and 16 inches long

Weight gain so far: About 20 now. 

Stretch marks: Not yet and that line below your belly button has thankfully not appeared.

Sleep: I hardly slept at all when I was home in CA this weekend. The baby started kicking throughout the night and waking me up. Also, not sleeping in my own bed with Darrin was difficult, but for the most part I'm doing really well on sleeping. Just takes me longer to roll over;)

Best moment these past weeks: My two baby showers (VA and CA) and getting excited to put all the wonderful gifts away in her room. Getting to fly home and see my family and friends. Also, punches and kicks are not as often anymore compared to full on body movements. She is constantly moving now. 

Missing Anything:  I went to my favorite Cal-Mex restaurants, Aquis when I was home and I wanted one of their strong margaritas so bad! They are the best ever and I wish I could ship one to my hospital room:) 

Movement: Like I said above, tons of movement! I see my belly move all the time now and her butt or head sticking out of my stomach. I love feeling the hard spots and Darrin loves feeling them too. I feel hiccups everyday.

Food cravings: Again carbs. I have been drinking coffee again:( 1/2 cup, but it's the pumpkin creamer and ads at Starbucks that are sucking me in! I have to stop again! I eat more than Darrin now though, which I don't like, ha!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not since 16weeks

Gender: It's a GIRL! 

Labor Signs: A few days ago, I had a lot of pelvic pain and we went to the hospital to get checked out. Everything was fine, but I learned my lesson to call the doctor as things were happening. I waited to call the next morning when things had subsided. Baby is healthy and I need to drink more water than I am.

Symptoms: Her butt moved out of my ribs and ever since I went to the prenatal yoga class, my lower back has not been hurting! I don't know what I did to stretch that out, but it worked! I went again last Sunday and it is really helpful.

Belly Button in or out? It's still flush with my tummy and hoping it won't pop!

Mood: Pretty good still. I feel I'm waddling more, but we've been taking Maddie on walks since it was  gorgeous outside last week and I've been keeping up.  

Baby Likes: Mornings, after lunch and nights. Mainly after food is when she is active. Music from Lil' Wayne and Drake (we call her a little dancer). Cereal, peanut butter, drink a lot of Dole pineapple/strawberry/orange throughout this pregnancy. 

Baby and I Do NOT Like: In the first 16 weeks it was hot chocolate, coffee smell, perfume, hairspray, bathroom spray (still is that), claustrophobia, wire bras... 

Looking forward to: Our maternity photo shoot this weekend and setting up the baby room more! 

Things to do still: Attend the birthing classes we signed up for.  Mark off/buy the things we still need from our registry. Read more...

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

A few things that have happened since my last post:

- Darrin turned 29!

- We setup the baby room even more and it is looking so pretty.

- I've gained the most this past month and really look pregnant. I think my 6-7 months have been the best so far though. I didn't expect to have more normal energy.

- I'm still in awe about living in the South and experiencing Fall colors.

- My Mom came to visit and we took her to her first VT game! It was a really great game and perfect weather! She had the best time at it.

 - My Mom, Darrin and I attended the, "Taste of Inspiration" silent auction event for Special Olympics at Lane Stadium. I had worked on the events designs since August and happy it all came together. 

- You can never predict the interstates here, since they have tons of semi-trucks. Our flight back to CA didn't go as planned and we had to stay an extra night near the Charlotte airport. Thankfully, they didn't charge us for changing our flights. 

- I had my two baby showers! I had a great time at both and laughed a lot at the games we played. I was happy to have Darrin there at my VA party too! I learned he needs more practice on diaper changing, ha! We got a lot of great gifts and we are very thankful.

- Darrin surprised me with Eric Church/Justin Moore concert tickets at the Roanoke Civic Center and I'm so happy we finally got to go! He was way better than the first time I had seen him in San Jose. It was probably the last time I'll get to dance for awhile and I'm proud I stood most of the three acts!
- Hurricane Freakin' Sandy brought in our first snow!

31 weeks

VT vs. Duke... and we won! 

My Mom's first Tech game and she loved it! 

My first baby shower in VA! 

Darrin's side

The guys stayed and had a diaper changing contest.
D needs more practice!

Best buds

First stop in CA-Playing in the leaves w/Trent

Second babyshower in CA!

Who can draw the best baby on your head. My niece won!

Love my nieces and nephew. They are growing too fast!

My family and friends planned a great shower for me;)

The party favors my sis made. So cute!

27 Weeks - Third Trimester!!

How many weeks: 27 Weeks - 7 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of cauliflower head. Over 2lbs and 14.5inches long

Weight gain so far: About 17 pounds (I gained 4lbs in Texas last week. That BBQ and Mexican was good!) 
Stretch marks: Not yet!

Sleep: I'm sleeping well and not getting up to go to bathroom until the alarm. It's been like that since beginning of the second trimester actually. However once I'm in bed, I stay. It's getting harder to roll over and get up. I'm sleeping on my sides and trying to ease my back pain as much as I can.

Best moment this week: Going to a prenatal yoga class! I have been wanting to attend this Sunday class for so long. It was great and relieved my back pain and stretched my stiff body! There were five young girls there and I was the second farthest along. 
Also, we finally purchased things for the babies room! We went to a antique store in Salem and got a white dresser that is so cute. We got a little chandelier from Home Depot (Darrin wanted this) and a mirror that will go above the dresser. We are picking up a rocking chair tomorrow too!

Missing Anything: Shaving my legs, which is difficult now. Also, I gave myself my last pedicure. I will splurge and go somewhere because it really hurt bending. 

Movement: Jabs have turned into full punches and turns in the last few weeks. Darrin can totally feel her now! Love it. We've been playing music on my belly and for some reason she likes Lil' Wayne?! I get so much movement. We put on baby Mozart and I get no kicks. I can't believe we are exposing her to such lyrics, but we think she'll be a dancer and likes the beats, ha! 
Food cravings: My same carbs and dairy. I am eating way more now. I guess I have to make up for my first trimester, ha!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore!

Gender: It's a GIRL!

Labor Signs: I had some braxton hicks a few weeks ago, but haven't felt it lately. Didn't feel great.
Symptoms: Just my lower back pains still and her butt is in my ribs. Ouch!

Belly Button in or out? It's now flush with my tummy, hoping it won't pop!

Mood: Pretty good and I'm not that tired at all. I know that will change when I get huge! Darrin asked me tonight if I'll get emotional and just cry in the third trimester. Had to tell him, it could be with any trimester. I really haven't cried at all or been a crazy preggo;) 

Looking forward to: My glucose test this week and my sugar levels are all good. Also, in two weeks my Mom comes and can't wait to show her the things we bought for the nursery. Then it's Baby Shower time!

Things to do still: Again, READ MORE. Signup for birthing classes at the hospital. 

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

The Alamo, San Antonio

Last Day on the San Antonio River Walk. More mexican food.
With Darrin's boss Jim and his wife Melissa. Us girls had to
meet our men on their business trip!

We hiked to a spring 30mins outside of Austin. Gorgeous.

At the famous Allen's Boots. Soo many!

Austin's famous food trucks

The BEST brisket ever at The Salt Lick BBQ!
Famous on the Food Network.

A belated gender reveal!

I typed this post a few weeks ago and I never sent it...Very belated! 

On Friday August 10th we found out we are having a little GIRL!!!

Darrin and I had an ultrasound at our hospital and we were amazed how big and real our baby is now! Seeing the baby move and actually wave to us, was unreal! Her nose, lips, hands and feet are just so adorable! We told the tech that we didn't want to know the gender in the appointment and I'm so glad we waited. We had to drive to DC right after, but we stopped at a really nice restaurant in downtown Salem for the reveal! The place was so quaint and a perfect spot for our special moment together. After ordering a glass of champagne (for Darrin) we unfolded the ultrasound picture that had "GIRL" written on it! We both looked at it for a few seconds in shock and then there were happy tears. We just couldn't believe it! The whole restaurant staff knew what we were doing and came over to congratulate us. We had a great dinner and then we were off to tell Darrin's family the news in person. Then the next day, I flew to CA for the weekend to tell my family and friends! 

How many weeks: 21 Weeks - 5 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of a long carrot. 10.5 inches. Over a 1lb

Weight gain so far: About 7 pounds
Maternity clothes: Belly band still, tank tops and I just got a lot of used maternity clothes from a family friend!

Stretch marks? I just bought Palmers Stretch Mark lotion, but I haven't done research on special lotions. We'll see if the standard one will work?

Sleep:  Even though I got the flu this past week, I was sleeping well. I had to take Nyquil PM some days;( The doctor said it was okay to take regular meds now... Its still really hard sleeping only on your sides though! 

Best moment this week: Flying home to CA and telling my family and friends the gender news! We were all in shock because we thought it was a boy. We are sooo thrilled it's a little girl though! My sister and Mom helped me register for the first time and it was a breeze. My sister told me all the things we really needed and all the things that would be a waste of money! She knows since having three kids what is crucial. 

Missing Anything: Saying goodbye to my family and friends again in Los Gatos. My nieces and nephew are growing up too fast!... Also, sleeping on my stomach and back!

Movement: I felt like she calmed down when I was on cold medicine, but she moves more in the morning and an hour before bed. The flutters are more like jabs now. I felt hiccups yesterday too!

Food cravings: I forgot to mention about carbs last time... Carbs, fruit and dairy have been a staple for me during my pregnancy. Pasta, cereal, cottage cheese, waffles, bagels and quesadillas, etc... are the usual. Before, I had a lot of salads and I need to get back to eating them more! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Well having the flu and being pregnant was not fun;(

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Some lower back pains still and stomach tightness.

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but it's not as deep anymore:(
Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: This week I was sooo tired and took my first sick day in a while. I needed to rest as much as I could to get rid of my flu, but still managed to keep busy doing house projects. Unfortunately, work has been super busy too. 
Looking forward to: To having my friends coming to visit for the first time! Kataneh, Morgan, their 15 month old son Emerson and Laura are staying for two days! They flew to Nashville and are driving to VA. Then we are all flying to upstate New York for our friend Mari's wedding! Then Darrin and I are taking Amtrak into Manhattan for a night! It will be busy, busy, but what a great trip we will spend together. 

Things to do still: We have been working so hard getting projects done in the house for my friends visit and the baby coming. Now, that Darrin finally painted our last room (guest room), we can try to focus on the babies room in the next couple of months. It helps that we know the gender now!

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

YAY!!

The reveal

Right after dinner. A double rainbow!

Telling my family! 

Pink sugar cookies for the reveal to my nieces and nephew

19 weeks – 5 days until gender day!!!

I have been following a cute blog, Schue Love for awhile and she posted a questionnaire weekly throughout her pregnancy. I was inspired, but I wasn't diligent in my first three months. Now, that I'm back to my normal self, I really want to keep track of my next five months. So, here I go!

How many weeks: 19 Weeks. - 5 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of a large mango. Six inches.

Weight gain so far: About 5 pounds - Finally have my appetite;)

Maternity clothes: Belly band is helping me wear my regular pants and I have a few maternity tops/pants. I never knew that maternity shopping was so hard.

Stretch marks? No, but I need to find a good lotion just in case.

Sleep: Sleeping well. Sleeping on my sides with my other boyfriend (full body pillow;) 

Best moment this week: Feeling more baby flutters

Missing Anything: A good margarita, coffee and sleeping on my stomach and back!

Movement: More movement this week from the little one!

Food cravings: I haven't had too many "pregnancy" cravings. The normal, thai, sushi and I was craving calamari last night.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Since, I've haven't been sick in a few weeks (thank goodness), I still get yucky with coffee aroma and the cats food/litter. 

Gender: We find out this FRIDAY!!!!! 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Some lower back pains throughout the day/night and my belly is tighter. 

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but it's not as deep anymore:(
Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: Darrin tells me I've been pretty good throughout this whole pregnancy. So that's good! I haven't cried for anything. I have more normal energy back, yay!

Looking forward to: Finding out what this little berry is! It's amazing what a huge life change we will be experiencing this week. Also, I'm flying home to California to tell my family/friends in person and finally going baby shopping!

Things to do still: Lots to do in five months! Registry, baby shower venue in CA, finally attend a prenatal yoga class, finish reading baby books, and try to find more decor for the baby room. The list will never end...

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

Miss Maddie will be a great sis to her little brother or sister.

A little belated pic.