Twenty One Weeks: Be Safe

July 26, 2014

Twenty One Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

You've been bouncing around quite a bit lately. It's not all the time, which for at least a few moments has made me worry. But I love it just the same.

Today we went venturing to Hartman Rocks in Gunnison. You're dad floated down the river rapids on an air mattress and smiled like a five year old with a candy bar the entire time. Every time he hopped in the river I said "be safe, I love you," even though he's a grown man. Someday I'll say the very same things to you, and you'll know it's not because I don't trust you or I think you're still a little kid, it's just because I love you and I have to say that.

I told your dad today that I hope we get to take you on lots of adventures too. Next summer, okay? But it may be a few years before I send you down the rapids, okay?

Be safe, I love you,
Mom

Twenty Weeks: Christmas

July 13, 2014

Twenty Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

Today was what we call Christmas in July here at camp. We woke up and left our jammies on and ran to the lodge to fill it with Christmas cheer. The stockings were hung and the music was playing and the lodge smelled of cinnamon baking as we put the last touches on Christmas morning.

I love Christmas. So does your Dad. I'm sure you'll come to love it too.

We had monkey bread and chocolate milk and mangoes and cherries and even Chick-fil-a nuggets: all delicacies here at camp.

The morning was going quite splendidly up until worship time. After exchanging gifts we broke out instruments and began to worship. This Sunday, because it was Christmas in July, we sang Christmas songs. We started, "O Come All Ye Faithful..."

Then I started to cry. I didn't even think of it, but all of a sudden I couldn't handle it. Last time I gathered around people and sang Christmas carols it was Christmas Eve. You're sister had just gone to heaven and it was a very, very special time with me and God. I didn't realize that today I would think of all those things so vividly.

Someday I'll tell you the whole story, but until then know if I'm ever crying around Christmas, it's not always because I'm sad. It's because sometimes I'm just thinking of how great God is and how much I still love your sister.

Merry Christmas in July,
Mom

Nineteen Weeks: Hole in One for the Win

July 10, 2014

Nineteen Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

Today both your dad and I played in what we refer to as the Lake City Open. It's a mini-golf tournament that springs up for about three weeks every July up here in Colorado. It's about being silly, but also about playing mini-golf.

You're dad won last week.

He wore the 'winner's jacket' to play in this week, you know, as the defending champ. And after a tied finish, he sunk a hole-in-one on the 'playoff' hole for the win.

I'm very proud of your daddy. Mostly because he finds joy in so many little things.

You're one of those 'little' things. And getting bigger every day.

I still can't believe you are a boy. You're dad called you 'mister' today and I kind of freaked out a little. You're lucky that we have your dad, he'll make sure you are fun and that you enjoy silly things like fake mini-golf tournament titles and wearing jackets with 'duct tape embroidery.'

I love you lots,
Mom

Eighteen Weeks: Boy, oh boy...

July 3, 2014

Eighteen Weeks

Little Tiny Man,

Today we got to see your face. Well, in black and white at least. We got to stare at a tiny screen and see you jump around. Even though I can't always feel it yet, you kick quite a bit.

From what we could tell you may have a big chest like your sister and your dad. But you were imitating me laying on the ultrasound table with my hands behind my head, as if you could see me, you had your hands behind your head too. Just so you know, if you start putting only one head behind your head, that's from your great grandpa.

Today we also found out you are a boy!

I am excited, but I will tell you that your dad is beyond excited! He is already so very proud of you. You have no idea. Someday he'll teach you to fish and how to catch a football and I'm sure he'll teach you all the ways of what it means to be a man of God. If you turn out half the man he is, I'll surely be pleased.

I love you. I love that I can call you 'he'. I love that I can stare at pictures of your profile now any time I want.

Love always,
Mom

Seventeen Weeks: Bins Full of Pink

June 27, 2014

Seventeen Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

This week we heard your little heart beat again. After the doctor said 138 beats per minute she told me to "wait" as she walked over to her computer. I thought something was wrong. 138 sounded lower than I remember for your sister. I waited for what seemed to be a lifetime and turns out there was nothing wrong at all. The doctor just didn't want me to get all the gooey Doppler gel everywhere before she gave me a towel.

They say 138 means your a boy in there. I think you're a boy.

But I also thought your sister was a boy... and well, she wasn't. We have entire bins full of pink clothes and dresses and hair bows, so it would be funny if you were in fact a boy.

Don't worry, if you are a boy I won't make you wear all the pink... at least not in public.

Love always,
Mom

Sixteen Weeks: Mint Chocolate Hip Replacement

June 20, 2014

Sixteen Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

In the summers we live near a small town. Like three places to eat that are open year-round type of small town. Like there is one lady in town that does ultrasounds at the one clinic. This week she is having her hip replaced. So although we could technically find out if you are a boy or girl this week... we'll have to wait until she recovers. She's spunky though, so I'm sure she'll be back in the office soon.

Until then we'll eat ice cream at the soda shop and guess if you're a girl or boy. I thought maybe if I fed you ice cream you'd start kicking for me... or maybe you're like your dad and rocky road is the only flavor for you...

Ice cream has calcium. I'm just trying to give you strong bones.

Love always,
Mom

Fifteen Weeks: No More Shrimp Grits

June 11, 2014

Fifteen Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

Your dad and I went on a date tonight to one of our favorite restaurants of all time; it was opening night of the season. Tonight I was going to introduce you to the best garlic shrimp grits I've ever tasted (and I don't even eat grits).

The restaurant changed the menu. They now serve Mexican food. We love Mexican food in this family, but not as much as these grits...

I love you still. Even if you won't kick me yet so I know you're there. Even if I don't know if I can call you he or she. Even if I can't feed you garlic shrimp grits.

Love always,
Mom

Fourteen Weeks: Camp Starts

June 6, 2014

Fourteen Weeks

Little Tiny Human,

I know you can't hear yet, but I started talking to you a lot this week. I spent a lot of time singing to you and about you this week too. I think about your sister all the time, so it's nice to add you to the mix.

I'm also waiting on pins and needles for a few things. First, will you move already? I know it's way too early for that, but I'm real excited to feel you start moving.

Second, are you a girl or a boy? Kick once for girl, twice for boy... okay?

Camp started this week. We had River Day, the Barn Dance, activities, families, the whole nine yards plus some. It's Friday night, your momma is tired.

Love always, even if you make me tired for the next 18 years,

Mom