Dear Baby Boy

To my sweet baby boy,

I am 36 weeks pregnant, and it feels like the final countdown until you are snuggled in my arms. I am so excited to meet you! I cant wait to count your perfect little fingers and toes and stroke your little chubby cheeks. Will you have lots of dark hair like your sisters? Will you like life on the outside, or will it be a big shock for you?

Then I have all the questions for what birth and labor will look like this time around. Will you come early like your sisters, or will you stay cozy in my womb and decide to come late? Will labor start in the middle of the night (this is my hope), or will it surprise me during the middle of the day? Will I be able to breathe and push with clarity and purpose as I’ve practiced? Will I feel heaven close when I bear you?

So many questions. So many unknowns. But I do know that I love you with all of my heart. I still cant believe that I will have a son!

This past weekend I was able to celebrate your coming with a baby shower. My mom hosted a tea party themed shower at the Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano. You were spoiled with lots of cute outfits and even a Jazz basketball jersey from your Auntie Vi (who reminded us that she is a Lakers’ fan but wanted to support your daddy’s love of the Utah Jazz). Everyone was so generous. Even my mother-in-law was able to travel from Utah to attend the shower and spend a few days with us. I am always so grateful for what a wonderful family I have been blessed with (both through birth as well as through marriage).

In these last few weeks, I have dealt with more heartburn as you continue to grow. Last night was the worst so far! Ooof. I still go walking a few times a week with my friend, Laura, but even that is getting harder. I find myself moving more slowly and struggling to get comfortable when sitting or laying down. This is especially difficult since your sister, Harper, still wants me to carry her up and down the stairs. haha. The little stinker can totally do stairs on her own, but she is quite attached to me and wants to be near me all the time. I wonder how she will handle your arrival (prediction: I think it’s going to be a rough transition for her). Your other sisters, Grace and Maddy, are so excited to meet you. They help me rub lotion on my growing belly and they tell you “good morning” and “good night”. Grace loves to feel you move, but Maddy has a harder time discerning what movements are your wiggles and what is just me breathing.

The other thing that has been on my mind lately is what to name you. Andrew’s favorite name is: Walter. My favorite name is: Wesley. But we may need to scratch both ideas and find a neutrally-liked name. I dont know! It’s starting to stress me out, so I hope that when I see you I will find clarity on what your name should be.

Alright, baby boy, I think that is it for now. Keep cooking in there and I will look forward to holding you soon.

Hugs, snuggles, and kisses from your Mommy