Dear Baby Girl: Part Thirteen

November 29, 2014

Dear Baby Girl

As we sit here in the living room, I'm just over 36 weeks pregnant. Phew, I'm worn out, but you sure aren't! You've been moving and kicking all day. Some days you are a little more calm, but most days you have a lot going on in there. It only hurts occasionally, but I am always happy to know you are doing okay in there. This week has been a little worrisome because after my dentist appointment on Wednesday, I found out my blood pressure has been a little high. Aunt Kara was keeping an eye on it for me over Thanksgiving, and aunt Judi said that it's pretty normal to be at that rate being pregnant, but since I've been normal all this time, I just have to worry, though I'm trying not to be.

We go see Dr. Lown again on Tuesday so I think we'll be all right. This will be the first time since our first appointment at 8 weeks where he's going to be checking out things instead of just chatting with me. We're going to see if we are dilated at all, because we are getting so close! My guess is that we aren't even close to being ready yet, but I would be pretty happy if we were! 37 weeks is full term and is next Thursday, so anytime after that would be great!

We are excited to meet you (and JUST about ready with your doctor, bedroom, etc) but we still haven't decided on your name yet! You are still Baby Girl Rose Hoekstra... although I think we are finally getting closer! Right now, I still really like Piper, your dad likes Megan, and we are both thinking about Anna now too. We MAY not decide until you come, but I am sure once we see you, if we don't decide before, that we will know.

I feel huge. I'm tired and can't stand around very long anymore. Getting out of bed is just about torture, and I have to pee WAY TOO MUCH in the evenings. I've started getting my feet and ankles swollen, which is pretty normal around right now. They aren't too bad, but still something for me to worry about ;) All I know is I want you be healthy and safe, and I hope labor isn't going to be too rough on me! I'm not too good with pain, but I know the end result will be worth it because you will finally be here! I'm anxious to find out when your birthday is going to be, and what we will be naming you!

Hopefully we are putting up our Christmas decorations tomorrow so everything is perfect for when you finally arrive. Can't wait!

Love, Mommy

^Added a couple days after this post... two days shy of 37 weeks! Phew, feeling good today too!

My Hometown Halloween Baby Shower

October 26, 2014

My mom doesn't really love Halloween, but she knows I sure do. This year, my usual Halloween party just wasn't going to happen. I'm a little more exhausted than usual ;) So she was awesome and planned me a Halloween baby shower, complete with lots of fun costumes! Almost everyone participated, so that was great! I even got to dress up myself and make sure that I got photos of all the costumes! Thanks for a great party, Mer (and everyone who helped :)

^A few of the fun decorations my mom worked so hard to make.

^A few of the guests :)

^Oole and Puss came up for the party too :D

^Grandma hiding her costume ;)

^So many fun things!

^And more!

^Grandma got the pins for Mike. Awards for taking care of baby that he BETTER earn ;)



^Cousins (as "old bags"... though they already lost their costumes) before they left.

^T-Bird girl, bunny, and a goddess!

^Some pretty princesses and Gypsy Mom.

^Our usual group photo... sadly blurry :(

^The Rosie the Riveters ;)

^Halloween sweatshirt for Aunt Charlotte, not sure what Shirley is, and Theo the angel. Grandma is a baby, complete with diaper ;)

^Aunt Pam, straight from Hawaii and Nicole, straight from the clink.

^Goddess Jeanette, cowgirl Grandma, and soldier Aunt Mary.

^Bunny Kim and baby on old lady's back Mer

^Barefoot and pregnant... thanks to the Milkman ;) (that's Mike I guess ;)

My Grand Rapids Baby Shower

October 18, 2014

These photos are a little late in coming, but I wanted to be sure to post them before TOO long! Almost a month ago, my awesome mother-in-law, despite having had knee replacement surgery only a month earlier, threw a nice little bridal shower for Mike's families and some of my friends and coworkers down in our area. We had it at Heritage Christian Church, like my bridal shower, and it was a very fun time! Jenny helped create all the fun baby themed games, and Charyl's friends Mary Helen and Peggy helped organize and MC the whole thing. It was great to see lots of family members again and to chat with those from out of town. We had lots of fun!

^Definitely a very pink baby shower! :D

^Wow, way too generous, everyone!

^9 days old Ellie came to the party. Kara is squishing my buddy, Puss.

^Lots of baby snuggling going on!

^Fun presents!

^Mer, me and seeser... then my mommy friends and me!

^More of the family... I have awesome in-laws. SO LUCKY! Thanks again, Charyl!

Maternity Photos!

November 6, 2014

It's been a month and now I get to show off my maternity photos. Summer with Summer Jean Photography, who also did my boudoir and trash the dress sessions, was kind enough to do a quick little fall mini session for Mike and me. We wanted some fall colors, since that's such a pretty time, but the colors took their time again this year, and we didn't have a bunch. But shooting out in West Olive, where Summer lives, she had some good little spots that worked perfectly. Anyways, there are lots of great ones so...check them out!

P.S. We are still on our two-week doctor's visits. Everything is still looking good. I'm feeling like a house, but they say I'm right on track still so I guess we're doing all right!