Dear Lily

Dear Lily,

You are 8 months old today!  I cannot believe how fast time is going!  There are moments when I just want time to stand still, these are the sweet moments I want to last a lifetime.  The days you would fall asleep on my chest and lay there for hours!  You are a precious, sweet soul.  You are becoming very curious and you are constantly watching your dad and seeing what he is up to!  You love to snuggle, and I've gotten a few open-mouth-tongue-out kisses from you!  You love to listen to music, whether on the radio or mommy's singing!  You love to bounce and crawl.  You are standing up now and starting to furniture surf.  You have the proudest look on your face when you pull yourself up and stumble over to us!  I can tell that you are thinking a lot!  You study things and often let out a grunt or squeal when something catches your attention.  You are my sweet, curious girl!  I cannot wait to see what you learn and become in the next 8 months!

Letters to Baby, 36 weeks

Dear Baby,
You have grown in my belly for 9 months now!!!  At first it was hard to imagine you growing inside me, but as you've gotten bigger and bigger I can feel your movements and it tickles me with delight!  I can feel you twisting your body around, the little kicks of your legs and feet and the movements of your hands!  I imagine you sucking your thumb, or grasping at the umbilical cord!  You are so active!  I imagine we will have our hands quite full with all of your energy!
Your daddy and I don't know for sure, but we think you are a little boy!  The ultrasound measurements appear to reveal that you are built like your daddy, with a long torso and shorter legs!  You weighed 4 lbs 14 oz a little over a week ago.  I think you are well over 5 lbs now!  The ultrasound images look like you have your mama's nose, and your daddy's full lips with your mama's shape!
While we think you are a boy, we will be just a thrilled if you are a girl!  Your daddy is already thinking of all the things he will show and teach you.  He can't wait to take you to Table Mountain for the yearly astronomy event!  We look forward to camping trips, and day hikes, taking you to the places we love and discovering new places with you!
We have your nursery almost completely setup.  We have lots of books that we can't wait to read to you!  There are plenty of toys for you to play with!  As well as pals to hang with (Sabrina has already taken quite a liking to your room, we find her curled up in blankets next to your crib)!
We already love you so much, as does your entire family!  We are all so excited and awaiting your arrival!!!

Letters to Baby, 22 weeks

Dear Baby,
You are 22 weeks this week.  You're about the size of a small doll at a little over a pound.  In the next 4 weeks you are expected to double in size!!!  I am eating lots of salads and nutritious foods to help you grow!  Your daddy and I are also walking a lot to keep mommy in shape for when you decide to join us! I can feel you a lot these days.  Little flutter kicks while I'm at work, while watching t.v., especially at night when I lay on my side hugging my body pillow, I think you like that position!!!  I've woken up a few times this week and could tell that you were all snuggled up on one side on my belly!  I can't wait for your daddy to really start feeling you move around!  Your daddy says good morning to you everyday!  We can't wait to meet you!