Oh, baby!

Hi Alexander, You have been full of surprises since day one. At our 34 week appointment, I found out you were transverse or sideways. I worked for weeks to move you head down. I bounced on a yoga ball for hours a day and went on walks twice a day. It worked! You were head down at our 37 week appointment. I was happy that things were going as planned. The next week you were still head down but I was not dilated. Our doctor, Nestor Delgado, decided we need to induce at 39 weeks due to my diabetes. He didn't want to risk you being too big. You were measuring at about 8.5 pounds at the last ultrasound. I came in Monday, April 27, for a check up and decide whether to start the process that night or the next morning but you had other plans. In that one week, you had move back in the transverse position. Dr. Delgado decided we needed to do a c-section. I was prepared for a c-section if induction didn't go as planned but I was hoping to avoid surgery. We scheduled the c-section for Wed...

Hi Alexander, It has been quite a while since I wrote to you here but these are strange times. You're actually strapped to me right now as I type this but that's how it goes these days. We are living in a pandemic. The coronavirus that causes the illness COVID-19 has caused much of the country to shut down for months. Your dad and I have been self-quarantining since mid-March. States are just reopening after officials shut it down to help slow the spread of the virus. Businesses were shuttered, schools closed and classes - for all ages - transitioned to online. I am sure you will learn about this time in school later on. It is an once in a century event. I wasn't planning on taking maternity photos but with all the time on the world on my hands I figured why not. I got dressed up, set up my phone on a tripod in the backyard and convinced your dad to take the photos. It turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. I know I will cherish them as time goes on. Here are some of...

Hi Alexander, I got to see you at our 31 week ultrasound today. I had been concerned you weren't growing since I've gained zero pounds. Apparently, you're just getting all of the weight I'm losing. You're weighing in at 4.5 pounds and between 15 to 16 inches. The technician says that puts you ahead one week and it's all in your belly. I'll take a little chunky monkey baby as long as you're healthy and everything looked good. I love seeing your little face. At one point, you were were yawning and sticking out your tongue. So darn cute. I went to the ultrasound by myself but was able to FaceTime your daddy. He was just as excited to see you. Keep on growing in there, nugget. Momma and daddy love you to the moon and back. 

Hi Alexander,  We're 30 weeks and 1 day today. It won't be too much longer before I will be able to hold you in my arms. I have to admit I am excited and terrified all at once. I am so happy to see your daddy getting excited to meet you. You've been pretty active while I'm sleeping, kicking and tumbling around inside me. This morning, your daddy was able to feel you kick and punch repeatedly in a short amount of time. It got to the point where I would drift off between and a really good kick would wake me up. Your daddy would laugh at those moments.  He texted me later saying he never thought he would be excited for 5 a.m. I asked him if it was because of your antics and he responded saying it felt like you two were doing mitt training. You are going to love your daddy so much. I hope just as much as I do. Love always, Mom

Hi Alex, I got to see how you're doing today at our 26 week ultrasound. Memaw was there since your daddy had to work. I was so excited to see you. You seem to already picked up my habit of putting my hand on my face while sleeping. You had your little fingers around your face, yawning much of the time.  The tech tried to get you to move your hand so she could take a picture of your face for me but it took a little work. I did get a good look at your limbs. Take a look at the muscle definition on that arm right there. The tech pointed out that it looks like I have a strong little man. While we were focused on your face, your foot made an appearance too! Apparantly, right now your favorite position is folded up. Your head down so I'm getting headbutted, kicked and punched all in the same spot. I'm not very surprised though. I have a short torso so if I'm sitting for long periods, you really don't have room to stretch. I do try to lay out on the couch when I'...

Hey baby! You can definitely tell I am growing a human these days and not just having a food baby. Your daddy had been trying to feel you kick again for weeks. One night he was cuddling with my belly when he heard gurgling noises. He said I was mistaking gas for your kicks. It is definitely not the case. But you, little man, is a slippery one. You would be kicking and as soon as your dad puts his hand on my belly you would stop. He would leave and you would start up again. It is quite funny. Tonight oh, I was laying down when I felt you move. When I place my hand on my stomach and pressed. I felt your heartbeat. I went over to your dad and had him press his hand into the same spot. He was able to feel you as well and bonus, you kicked for him. You should have seen his face. He had the biggest grin. He's going to be a good daddy.. I had a funny experience this week. You still have a lot of room to move and it seems like you take advantage of it. I had parked th...