(Week 12) Sunday, April 24th

(Week 12) Sunday, April 24^th

Dear Baby,

            Happy Easter! I want you to know that this is a time of rebirth and renewal, not only because the weather permits it in the northern hemisphere, but because I know that our Savior was resurrected so that we too could have our bodies and spirits reunited after death. Easter is one of the biggest reminders of the atonement and I can’t wait to teach you about it.

            Well you are about the size of a large plum. Every time I see Uncle Linc he asks how big you are, still. In fact, I have probably told him three times this week that I really don’t know how big you are. All I can do is read and guess. He is excited none the less to hear about what is going on in there.

            Today had a rough start. Papa and I stayed up late last night finishing up our Sunday School lessons. We were teaching about how Jesus healed the blind man and how he was called the Good Shepherd. Needless to say these two topics took a lot of extra study on our parts. If you think waving your arms and kicking is hard right now, just you wait until you get to teach a pack of fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen year olds. They are delightful, but I always feel like I am telling them things they already know and then when I ask a question they all stare at the carpet. I really need to find a better way to get them to participate. To top it off, I was also asked to speak in a couple of weeks. Phew!

            One good thing happened in class though. One of my girls asked if I was pregnant and since I can’t lie in church I told them all that I was. They were all happy for us and excited. That was pretty fun news to share with them. Then in Relief Society one of my good friends from the ward came and sat by me, giving me a squeeze and saying how excited she is for our family. I have to admit, moments like that make me more excited too.

            When we got home from church, Papa and I took a long, well deserved nap. One thing I love about weekends is the time I can dedicate to simply sleeping. We didn’t have any plans until dinner so we both just curled up under the blankets and dozed off. Granted, for Papa it was more like bulldozed because he snores, but you get used to it. When we woke up it was time to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Easter Eggs and dinner. All in all a fun filled, spiritual, relaxing Sunday. I look forward to sharing many of those with you, but doubt it will happen for quite a while.

                                    Loves,

                                                Mama

(Week 12) Wednesday, April 20th

(Week 12) Wednesday, April 20^th

Dear Little One,

            I guess you are now the size of a large plum. Wowee things are going by pretty fast as far as you growing. I have yet to gain any extra weight, but I definitely have noticed some areas getting soft—tummy and bummy for example. But guess what is going on with you! Hopefully your bone marrow is making white blood cells. That is just nuts to me that your little plum sized body has bones, marrow, and white blood cells. This is your best weapon against germs once you are born, so hopefully things are all going well in that department for you. Yeeesh! What a miracle you are.

            As for me, I am still tired and pretty sick. Eating is a must, even though most of the time I don’t even feel hungry. In fact, I think I have stopped feeling hungry all together. Instead I just feel sick.

            This evening was a good one. I got paid, ran to the grocery store, picked up some fruit for R.S. and drove home. Then I cut up the fruit and put it in a bowl. I know, not all that exciting, but that is when things picked up. Next I drove over to the church for the R.S. Activity and you would not believe how many people are excited for us. It feels good to have such a wonderful support system surrounding me all the time. They are sweet, kind, and full of wise insights that I am sure I will be implementing.

            At the activity we talked about gardening and I cannot wait to get outside and start working in the yard again. This is probably my favorite summer chore. Lawn and garden care is just something I was born to do. I do however often find myself wondering if you will be born with green thumbs or carpenter hands or maybe something completely different from your dad and I. It is something to look forward to for sure.

            Keep up the good work in there my marrow producing plum.

                                    Love you,

                                                Mama
Cravings: Strawberries.

 Sickenings: A stinky kitchen sink.

(Week 12) Tuesday, April 19th

(Week 12) Tuesday, April 19^th

Dear Bombay House,

            Sorry baby, but this is just a quick message to the place where we ate dinner with some cousins. So Bombay House, thank you for the not spicy mango chicken, the delicious garlic naan, and a table in the very back of the restaurant. We were loud, slow eaters, and laughed almost the whole night long. Also, thank you for giving us this chance to get together with family, chat it up, eat a delicious meal, and cause a ruckus. Granted, now all of my clothes stink like Indian food, but it is soo worth it.

                                    Regards,

                                                London Schade

(Week 11) Wednesday, April 13th

(Week 11) Wednesday, April 13^th

Dear Baby,

            Now you are the size of a fig. The only thing we really know about figs is that we like to eat them as Fig Newtons, but the fact that you are approximately 1 ½ inches long is pretty fantastic. You are almost fully formed at this point. Soon your hands will open and close, little tiny tooth buds will to appear, and some of your bones are beginning to harden. Apparently you are also kicking and stretching, but Mama won’t be feeling that for another month or two. Mama is really looking forward to no more nausea, more energy, and the return of her regular appetite. That and getting her butt back to spin class a little more often. Fingers crossed, that is, if you can even do that.

            Today was a great day. We all went over to Grandma and Grandpa Gygi’s house to celebrate Kelsey’s birthday! As you will soon come to find out your Auntie Kelsey really loves her birthday. She loves it more than anyone we know, five year olds included. She starts getting pepped up for her next birthday pretty much the day after her current one is over. Everyone knows when her birthday is, and if you ever forget we are sure she will remind you.

            Uncle Lincoln and Mama surprised Kelsey with some extremely decorative sidewalk chalk. This adventure reminded Mama of her sidewalk chalking days with her best friend. They would sneak around the whole neighborhood, night chalking the driveways of neighbors and friends. It really was so much fun. However, tonight’s chalking reminded Mama again of how much she needs to keep working out. All those squats to scribble with chalk had her thighs burning a little bit. In the end though, it was a masterpiece and well worth the effort.

            As for presents, this year while we visited St. George Auntie Kelsey had her nails done by our cute cousin. Makelle had a colossal bag full of polishes, files, clippers, remover, and even Mama got a little jealous when she saw the motorized buffer and file. So Grandma and Grandpa decided to get Auntie a bag just like our cousin’s. She was very excited. We contributed some pretty polishes, some clippers, and files to the bag, but we really think that Aunt Nana’s gift won out. It was a gift card to Olive Garden. When Auntie Kelsey opened that up and saw what it was she busted out her Beyoncé booty shake. No kidding!

            Well little fig, turns out you like Canadian bacon and pineapple pizza sprinkled with almonds. We had some for Kelsey’s birthday and it was delicious. Papa isn’t sure this will be a good thing, because he doesn’t like pineapple on his pizza, but now the vote will be two against one and he will have to conform to the Papa Murphy’s perfect pizza with you around. It is half pepperoni and half Canadian bacon and pineapple.

            Well that is all we have for now. Hopefully you are doing great in there and growing and kicking. Uncle Lincoln is very excited for you. He keeps asking Mama how big your are and then grabbing his hair and saying, “It is going by so fast!” We think it is going by fast too, but we can’t wait. Be good little fig.

            Cravings: Celery with easy cheese. Dinner rolls.

            Sickenings: Saltine crackers (they don’t help with nausea like everyone says).

                                    We love you,

                                                Mama & Papa

(Week 10) Monday, April 4th

(Week 10) Monday, April 4^th

Dear Baby,

            I skipped the rest of week nine this week because I took you along to the doctor today and you are one week ahead of what your Papa and I thought. Instead of a grape you are a kumquat, whatever that is. Now your tissues and organs are growing and maturing, at least that is what I hear.

            Today was one of those long days of work that took forever to pass by. I think it was because I was so nervous for the visit, knowing that Papa wouldn’t be able to come in with me. Also, I still don’t have my car back from the shop. So Papa dropped me off and then Grandma Shawnka picked me up. Not at all fun because Papa missed out on some pretty big stuff.

            First, I found out I am 10 weeks along. Dr. Willis, the man who delivered me, is your doctor now too. He was very excited to see me and I love him to death. He is so candid and friendly, I cannot wait to go back in one month for our next visit. Don’t worry, Papa can make it to the next one. As far as the ten weeks goes, I wasn’t at all surprised to hear I had gotten the math wrong. It is hard to keep track of all the days that have gone by. But now we know for sure, you my dear, are 10 weeks. But that wasn’t the most exciting part.

            Today I got to hear your little heart beat! I didn’t believe it at first. Dr. Willis initially said that it wasn’t likely we would be able to hear it. That it was just too early for something like that. But you have to understand, this is how he works. With Dr. Willis it is always a win, win situation. He doesn’t build it up just to let you down. I said that was fine since your dad wasn’t there and I thought it might be too early. He used the Doppler stethoscope anyways. At first I couldn’t ear much. Then I heard something and Dr. Willis raised his eyebrows at me. I listened more intently and three it was, a rapid pumping sound. I had to ask if that was it and Dr. Willis told me it was. It was your heart beating. What a relief to hear it, and so exciting, and so strange all at the same time. Today I heard a heart beating inside of me that wasn’t my own. Turns out that if the mother gets to hear the heartbeat there is a much less risk of miscarriage.

           Next Dr.Willis told me not to tell your dad we heard it. This made me smile, but I wasn’t able to keep it a secret. After another woman pricked me with a needle and sucked out five viles of blood, not fun I tell you, I was immediately on the phone texting your Papa to tell him what I heard. You are at about 160 bpm, which is pretty good from what I understand It is all becoming more and more real now, that you are in there, that you are growing fast, and that I might have a baby sometime in early November.

            I also told Grandma and Grandpa Gygi, Uncle Linc, Untie Kelsey, and Aunt Nana tonight about the heart beat. They were all very excited. Papa wanted to know if I was ready to spill the beans about you to everyone, but I don’t think I am just yet. I kind of like keeping my little kumquat a secret. But I am going to go for now, mostly so I can look up a kumquat on the internet. Bye for now little one.

                        I love you so much and your little beating heart,

                                    Mama

(Week 9) Sunday, April 3rd

(Week 9) Sunday, April 3^rd

Baby,

            By now you might have been able to tell that I am not really measuring properly what week we are on. I am just guessing. But on Monday I have an appointment and we will know exactly what is going on with you. We are visiting Dr. Willis, and trust me, you will love him. I think you are now the size of a grape. That is pretty exciting for me. You might be developing tiny teeth and your heart will divide into the four necessary chambers. Pretty cool!

            As you might also know, today was the last day of vacation. We were all pretty sad about it coming to an end, especially when we found out we would be heading back to four inches of snow. Ick! It is the last day for continental breakfast. The weather isn’t looking as nice as yesterday. We were all feeling like little mopes this morning, slowly packing our things and saying goodbye to the nice room. However, the constantly barking dog next door will not be missed. Pepper was an angel this whole trip. We were a little hesitant to bring to her to stay at the hotel, but compared to some of the mutts there she was the perfect size and extremely well behaved.

            She especially loved our little jaunt to the park. We will have to take you there sometime. We tethered Pepper in the middle of this expanse of grass and threw the ball and Frisbee for a while. Then Uncle Linc, Cousin Clayt, and Uncle Ty started a game of baseball with a big stick and the doggy tennis ball. The little game turned into a big one. Mama, Papa, Uncle Mark, and Grandpa Gygi joined in the rotation. We played pitcher, batter, first base, left mid field, out field, right mid field, and third base. The rules just sort of sprang from there. Basically you had three strikes, just like normal ball, but you also had the chance to score three times. If you hit the ball and got to first it counted as a point. If you hit the ball and someone caught it, you were out and we rotated. If you hit the ball and someone missed the catch, then you had to beat the ball to first base for your point. If you were tagged you were out or if the first base got the ball you were out, and we rotated. The funniest thing about the game though, was Pepper. If you hit a grounder in her direction it was almost a guaranteed point because she was so fast at picking up the ball, but never willing to give it up.

Unless you are Uncle Mark, who hit a pop fly. Pepper caught it out of the air. Granted she immediately dropped it and scooped it back up, but we all agreed he was pretty much out. It wasn’t a great game for him because on top of that your Papa smacked one right towards him and when he couldn’t get his hands on it, the ball struck right where it counts. He bent in half and we all laughed. It took him a little while to recover from that one, but before long he was laughing too.

The game really worked as a great equalizer. Hitting a hard doggie tennis ball with a stick isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. Every one got points sometimes and got out other times. It was so much fun. Auntie Laina and Grandma sat by the playground with Makelle and Auntie Kelsey, and when they got hungry we decided to head back poolside for a picnic before heading home. All in a good Spring Vacation.

                        We still love you little one,

                                    Mama & Papa

(Week 8) Saturday, April 2nd

(Week 8) Saturday, April 2^nd

Dear Baby,

            Our second day of vacation was a success; even more of a success than our first day. Trust us when we say even you had a good time. Mama didn’t feel sick, not once, which pretty much proves it, right? We dominated the continental breakfast, kicked butt in a killa game of water polo, hit up a small flea market, chowed down on Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the girls went shopping while the boys went to priesthood session, and finished it off with dinner at Café Rio. The perfect day full of fun, sun, and food.

            Breakfast is Mama’s most favorite meal of the day. If she had her way she would eat breakfast for all three meals. This is why the continental breakfast is such a hit with her. Bagels, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, pastries, you name it, she was probably eating it. That is one of the most likely reasons she felt so good all day was because she was so full of continental breakfast. It was also one of the reasons why she couldn’t go on a run with Pepper Potts and Grandpa Gygi, too full for that.

            The day was lovely, the weather so fine. When we got in the pool for water polo it was a little bit icky; enough that we didn’t feel guilty hogging the hotel pool because there were only a handful of others and they were all in the hot tub for the most part. What a fun game to play! One thing you should know about our family is that we love to play games. We can get a little itty bitty bit competitive, but mostly we just like to have fun with each other. We talk smack and get smacked, Papa got scratched on his back but didn’t even notice, Mama got tackled by Makelle, and I think everyone scored points sometime during the melee.

            The flea market was held at the Tuachan Theater, so we drove over there and wandered around for a little while. The best thing we found were the stand in posters for the shows. Mama was Prince Eric, Uncle Lincoln was Sebastian, and Cousin Clayton stood in for Ariel. Then Mama and Papa stared as the main characters of Grease. The flea market itself was a bit of a bust, something you will have to ask your Grandma Gygi about when you are a little bit older.

            We can’t believe it. One more day of vacation down, and only one more half day to go after this. We will be sad to leave this place, but Mama will be happy to be home and back in her own bed. Pepper though, we think she would love to stay here forever because Grandpa Gygi took her on that lovely run this morning.

            Cravings: Kajun Five Guys Fries.

            Sickenings: Café Rio Queso dip (Mama only had a couple bites).

                                    Love you so very much,

                                                Mama & Papa

(Week 8) Friday Later, April 1st

(Week 8) Friday Later, April 1^st

Dear Baby,

            Your first day of vacation was a success. We arrived safely, we walked to TJ Maxx to get Papa a swim suit and Mama a coverup, we slept by the pool, we swam, and we ate dinner at Benja’s. Then we went out for frozen custard and Clayt took fat face pictures of us and we all laughed so hard our stomachs hurt (sorry about that by the way, it was probably tight in there for you). All in one day’s vacation. Not too shabby.

            Today I also told Auntie ‘Laina, Uncle Mark, Makelle, Clayt, and Uncle Ty about you. I think Auntie ‘Laina is the most excited of them all. She gave us a big hug when I told her it wasn’t an April Fools joke.

                                    Love you,

                                                Mama & Papa

(Week 8) Friday Morning, April 1st

(Week 8) Friday Morning, April 1^st

Dear Baby Bean,

            Today you took your first trip. It was a long drive to St. George and you were up bright and early getting everything ready. However, a lot of bad stuff happened before Friday morning came that almost got this trip canceled.

First, on the way home from work Mama’s car broke down. Don’t you worry, I was already home by the time I figured out something was leaking. Turned out it was the coolant and I had to get my car back to the shop lick-ity-split. This took a long time with temps off the charts and no coolant. The problem was your Papa was supposed to take my car to work so I could pack his car. Nothing doing now.

            Next up, uncle Linc decided to come and stay the night with me so that we could leave as soon as Papa got home. Initially a good plan, right? He texted me and asked if I thought we would need the truck for anything. I assumed he was already driving it and told him that if everything went right we wouldn’t need it. Turns out he wasn’t driving the truck, but the Acura, and guess what? Yep, it broke down before he got to my house. Guess what else? It was overheating too. So I told him to drive slowly and carefully and just get it to the house, which he did. But now we were stuck with no car until Papa got home in the morning. I put together as much as I could for the vacation and went to bed. What a day!

            Then, early in the morning I got a text from your Aunt Nana saying that Great Gran was too sick to come and that we needed to give Auntie Kelsey a ride down. We only had one car left, Papa’s green monster. It was going to be a tight squeeze in there, especially with Pepper Potts riding along. I didn’t know what to do! Luckily Great Gran called and said we should just take her car, that way we would all fit, which we did.

            After some struggling we finally got on the road and started the long drive. It all sounds like some grand April Fools joke, I know, but it wasn’t. I guess the universe was just having a bad day. It tried to bring down some unsuspecting travelers, but was unsuccessful. We were stubborn and triumphed in the face of some minor adversity.

You did very well, I must say, only making Mama a little bit sick. Luckily I had some treats in the car to calm things down. Now we are finally here, St. George! You are going to love it here little one.

                        Love you so much,

                                    Mama