dear avery

This is your 29 week ultrasound, it was probably the last time we will get to see your through a machine. This is only good news though, because soon you will be in my arms! Lately, you have really enjoyed my ribs. You like to kick them and have found them to be a nice hang out spot for you. It makes me quite sore! You are getting so big in my belly, you are running out of room. Sometimes I wonder if you are just as uncomfortable as I can get, or if you really like to be snuggled in there tight. Per request of MANY pregnancy books and websites, I usually lay on my left side if I'm laying down. You tend to be more active in the evenings and at night, and when I lay on my left side you kick/punch it a lot! I feel your little feet (or hands?) moving around and it's so interesting. It can keep my entertained for a long time. Sometimes I'll talk to you while you are moving around like that (I talk to you throughout the day, but when you are moving around like that I know you are awake!)... I hope you can hear me and it comforts you. Sometimes your movements aren't kicks or punches, but more like waves drifting across my belly. I wonder if that is you turning around, or doing a flip. I wish I could see what you are doing in there... I'm so curious. We took our hospital tour at the German hospital here where we live... I don't have anything to compare it to from American hospitals because you are my first baby, but I feel pretty good about this hospital and even though your dad and I aren't fond of living in Germany, this place will hold a special spot in my heart because it is where you are going to take your first breath. I can't wait to take you back to Texas though, I want you to be my little Texas baby. Shortly after you are born I'm going to be starting some college courses. I'm kind of nervous about this because I want to make sure that you will be getting all the attention you need.. but everyone assures me newborn babies sleep so much so it should be okay. I'm just afraid I'm not going to want to study, I'm just going to wait to stare at you all day! I have a month before the classes start, so I think I'll be okay. Anticipating your arrival has made think about a lot of things, I want to make sure that your dad and I provide you with everything you need and things you want too! That is why it is important for me to go to school.

At 30 weeks pregnant a friend of mine took some maternity pictures for me. These pictures mark a very significant moment, and I didn't realize it until we took them. This is the time in our lives when our little family went from two to three! I think when I look back on these photos in the future I will remember all the feelings that went through us while waiting for you to arrive. The ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. I get very emotional when thinking about it all. I'm so excited for you to come.

I hope even while snuggled warm inside my belly you feel loved. We love you so much and talk about you all the time. From today, there is exactly 2 months until my due date, and 5-6 weeks until I'm full term. We will meet soon little one!

Love,
Your Mommy