dear fern, it's almost your "birth"day!

Dear Fern,

Today a couple of my preschool students made you a "birth"day crown, because as one little boy put it:

"On the day she hatches out of you it will be her birthday!"

He also said,

"When she comes out we should all say 'SURPRISE!' and then you can put her birthday crown on her!"

We can't wait to share your "birth"day with you!

Love, 

Mom

dear fern, you had your first photo shoot.

Dear Fern,

This weekend I had maternity photos taken to document my massive belly, which means it was your very first photo shoot!  I'm hoping you'll enjoy looking back on these and seeing just how much I love you and just how giant I got just for you :).

Love you Ferny!

Love, 

Mom

dear fern, you've got anxious fans.

Dear Fern,

Everyone is so excited to meet you...especially my little preschoolers at work.  There is a little boy named Nolan who is particularly interested in your arrival.  I wonder if you would recognize his voice when you arrive - he's pretty loud and boisterous, so you've definitely heard lots from him over these past months.  The other day we had a little conversation about you....

Nolan:  "Teacher...how come your baby is taking so long to get hatched out of your belly?"

Me:  "I don't know buddy.  Why don't you ask her."

Nolan:  (proceeds to tap on my belly) "Fern!  Hurry up and come out!"

You already have plenty of anxious fans awaiting your arrival :).

Love, 

Mom

dear fern, just a little update and a big belly.

Dear Fern,

You seem to be quite cozy in your nesting spot in my belly, but things are getting super tight in there and it's hard to believe that my belly could possibly stretch anymore - it already feels like it's going to explode...literally.  Every time I sneeze or couch it hurts.  Not cool.  

This is what my belly looked like just the other day.  The photo really doesn't do it justice, but tomorrow I'll be going to get maternity photos taken with your Auntie Lisa so that one day you can appreciate just how ginormous I got for you.  I'm starting to get stretch marks, which I'm a little sad about, but I promise I'll try not to lord it over you when you're older and remind you of all that I went through for you...although it may be difficult :).

I had a terrible stomach flu this past Friday and went to the birthing center to check up on you.  Luckily you were A-OK, but having the stomach flu when you're 37 weeks pregnant is not the greatest.  You've pushed my stomach up into my lungs and it feels so strange...weirdest stomach flu ever.  It only lasted 24 hours though, which was the good news and I guess I can't complain all that much since I did go an entire 37 weeks without throwing up, which is a lot more than most mamas can say.

Love you lots.

Love, 

Mom

dear fern, you've got your own playlist.

Dear Fern,

In the spirit of getting ready for your arrival, I decided to make a birthing playlist.  Part One is upbeat and Part Two is for Relaxation.  I'm rather partial to Part Two, but we can listen to whatever you prefer :).

PART ONE:

PART TWO:

I hope you don't mind ODB...sometimes you just have to have some goofy music to lighten the mood.  I can't wait 'til you're big enough for us to have dance parties.  I'll introduce you to all sorts of silly dance moves...since they're really the only ones your dad and I know.  Can't wait to meet you!

Love, 

Mom

dear fern, this is getting real.

Dear Fern,

Today marks 31 more days until your "guess date"!  I can't believe you'll be here so soon - just one more month!

I wonder if you'll be early or late?  I guess we'll see soon enough.  All I know is that your dad and I are beyond thrilled to finally meet you and see your little face and actually hold you!  We're so excited!

Love, 

Mom

dear fern, what will you be when you grow up?

Dear Fern,

This weekend you went to your first play.  It was a musical and I think you really liked it.

You generally aren't much of a mover and shaker, but during the play, you were going crazy!  You got especially wiggly during the tap dancing parts.  I told your dad that maybe you'll be a thespian or a dancer one day :).  Whatever you become, we can't wait to watch and see you grow!

Love, 

Mom