October 5th 2012
Dear Little One,
Today we had our follow up ultrasound. I was nervous all morning but when the doctor turned the screen toward us, your daddy and I were overjoyed and relieved to you see your little peanut body and the faintest flicker of your tiny beating heart. We showed the picture to your soon to be grandma and grandpa as well as your uncle and aunt. We went to see my best friend Stephanie. She made a photocopy of your peanut self. It was super cute. Stephanie is going to be your godmother. She has been by mommy's side through thick and thin for many many years. You will love her! I am sure of that. We weren't going to publicly announce it until you were a little bigger but Uncle Eric couldn't contain his excitement and told the world via FB. So we had to announce that you were joining our family. :)
Daddy is excited. He says if you are a girl, he is going to whisper into your crib every night how precious, beautiful, and special you are. That way you will never forget. If you are a boy then he will whisper "You love the Raiders". That way it'll sink into your subconscious. Your mama thinks you should be a chargers fan though. All the cool babies root for the Chargers ;) I know it's early but the names your daddy and I have chosen for you are Temperance Cordelia Welch if you are a girl and Liam Nathaniel Welch if you are a boy. The middle name for Liam is still up for discussion.
Mommy brought back a bunch of baby things from her Africa trip. Your nursery will be decorated in Safari theme with the African paintings, stuffed animals, and a mobile over your crib. There are alot of people excited to meet you little one. :) We praise the Lord for taking such good care of you and hope that you just keep growing in there. We love you alot dear one. Never forget that!
<3 Your Mother
P.S. You are the cutest smudge I ever saw ;)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Wishing and Waiting
October 2nd 2012
My Dearest Child,
Today I am experiencing milder morning sickness than previous days. This causes great joy and even greater fear. I am told that morning sickness is a sign of a healthy baby. It means you are growing. So I wonder, if I stop getting sick does that mean you are unwell? Pregnancy can be a fearful time. All your mommy wants is for you to grow big and strong and for my tummy to be your safe haven. But all I can do is trust in the Lord that He will sustain you. Ultimately, it's out of my control. All I can do is eat healthy for your growing brain and body and try and keep stress minimal. I love reading your daddy's letters to you. They make my heart warm. I knew I loved your daddy deeply but I never realized how much I truly loved him until I saw how much he loved you.
We have our first ultrasound in 3 days. It's going to be the longest 3 days of my life as I wait impatiently for news that you are ok. Your daddy prays over you daily. I know it's scientifically impossible for you to hear him. But sometimes I swear you can, because it's as if your little spirit is calmed when he lays his hands on my belly. My dear child, I can't wait to meet you!
Love, Mommy
October 2nd 2012
My beautiful child,
Every time I write to you, I wonder how old you will be when you read this. I wonder what kind of person you are, and who you will become. You are growing. Every day something changes about you. You are alone, yet the paradox is you are surrounded by your mother, and the love we share for you. I am going to tell you a secret, my little one. Something not even your mother knows. I love being alone. I draw strength from solitude, but my whole life I've been surrounded by people. People whose noisy eyes and crashing thoughts invade my solitude ferociously. Now here is the secret: I have always been careful who I spend time with, because no one gives me peace. But, when I am with your mother, there is peace. She is the only person I have met that I truly enjoy spending time with. I love your mother deeply, and every moment I spend with her is precious.
I tell you this deep secret because, for now, you and I share that bond. We both get to spend time with your mother, and she loves us both immensely. She carries you, protects you, and gives you strength. I carry both of you in my heart. Your mother is a wonderful woman. I truly believe there is no greater or more beautiful woman than your mommy, and you get to spend your first moments of life with her! That is something amazing. I love you, little one. I pray for you often, and I think about you constantly. I can't wait to meet you, to look into your eyes, and love you awake for the first time.
I know your mother is eager to meet you too. I know she worries about you, probably more than she tells me. One thing you should know about both of your parents, my precious child: we always have more on our minds than we let on. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe not. But know this, beneath all of the worries and stress your mother and I carry, lies a foundation of deep love for you. A love for who you are. A love that will keep you safe. Your mother loves you, and daddy loves you too.
Love, Your father.
My Dearest Child,
Today I am experiencing milder morning sickness than previous days. This causes great joy and even greater fear. I am told that morning sickness is a sign of a healthy baby. It means you are growing. So I wonder, if I stop getting sick does that mean you are unwell? Pregnancy can be a fearful time. All your mommy wants is for you to grow big and strong and for my tummy to be your safe haven. But all I can do is trust in the Lord that He will sustain you. Ultimately, it's out of my control. All I can do is eat healthy for your growing brain and body and try and keep stress minimal. I love reading your daddy's letters to you. They make my heart warm. I knew I loved your daddy deeply but I never realized how much I truly loved him until I saw how much he loved you.
We have our first ultrasound in 3 days. It's going to be the longest 3 days of my life as I wait impatiently for news that you are ok. Your daddy prays over you daily. I know it's scientifically impossible for you to hear him. But sometimes I swear you can, because it's as if your little spirit is calmed when he lays his hands on my belly. My dear child, I can't wait to meet you!
Love, Mommy
October 2nd 2012
My beautiful child,
Every time I write to you, I wonder how old you will be when you read this. I wonder what kind of person you are, and who you will become. You are growing. Every day something changes about you. You are alone, yet the paradox is you are surrounded by your mother, and the love we share for you. I am going to tell you a secret, my little one. Something not even your mother knows. I love being alone. I draw strength from solitude, but my whole life I've been surrounded by people. People whose noisy eyes and crashing thoughts invade my solitude ferociously. Now here is the secret: I have always been careful who I spend time with, because no one gives me peace. But, when I am with your mother, there is peace. She is the only person I have met that I truly enjoy spending time with. I love your mother deeply, and every moment I spend with her is precious.
I tell you this deep secret because, for now, you and I share that bond. We both get to spend time with your mother, and she loves us both immensely. She carries you, protects you, and gives you strength. I carry both of you in my heart. Your mother is a wonderful woman. I truly believe there is no greater or more beautiful woman than your mommy, and you get to spend your first moments of life with her! That is something amazing. I love you, little one. I pray for you often, and I think about you constantly. I can't wait to meet you, to look into your eyes, and love you awake for the first time.
I know your mother is eager to meet you too. I know she worries about you, probably more than she tells me. One thing you should know about both of your parents, my precious child: we always have more on our minds than we let on. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe not. But know this, beneath all of the worries and stress your mother and I carry, lies a foundation of deep love for you. A love for who you are. A love that will keep you safe. Your mother loves you, and daddy loves you too.
Love, Your father.
Love Letter From Daddy
September 30th 2012
Like a seedling germinating in the ground, you are hidden in your mommy's tummy. Quiet and still, you must hardly hear the sounds of the outside world as it passes by you unseen. But passes by it does. I am looking for more work to sustain your mother as she carries your fragile life inside of her. Your mother had the drive and strength to get a college education, but so far I don't have one. Thus, the jobs I seek don't pay well, but I do what I must to help you and your mommy. That is what a good man does, my precious child. A good man puts aside everything for the ones he loves, and the people I love most in this world are your mother and you. It is the strength of that love that compels me to continue, urges me to do greater things. Because of love.
Because of love, little one, your mother cares for you tenderly, though she has great discomfort. I don't say these things to cause you guilt, but rather trust that you will draw strength from our love for you, and learn to love as your mother and I love you. For we love immensely precious one. Your mother talks to you, her voice becoming gentle and soft, like a warm blanket covering you with her words. Never forget , throughout your frustrations in your life, that we love you. In your earliest moments of growth, your mother and I care for you the best way we know how.
Trials may come, and tears may fall, but I love you. Your mother loves you. Wrap these words around your heart like a coat, keep them close in your thoughts. Knowing we love you will keep you strong. Keep your feet on the path to God, for we draw our love from Him. God is the source of greatest love, and in time I pray your source will come from Him as well. I love you, little child. Keep growing, strong and temperate, but please be gentle on your mother as you grow. She is weary, and her discomfort, as yet, remains. Be easy on her little one.
I love you,
Your Daddy
Like a seedling germinating in the ground, you are hidden in your mommy's tummy. Quiet and still, you must hardly hear the sounds of the outside world as it passes by you unseen. But passes by it does. I am looking for more work to sustain your mother as she carries your fragile life inside of her. Your mother had the drive and strength to get a college education, but so far I don't have one. Thus, the jobs I seek don't pay well, but I do what I must to help you and your mommy. That is what a good man does, my precious child. A good man puts aside everything for the ones he loves, and the people I love most in this world are your mother and you. It is the strength of that love that compels me to continue, urges me to do greater things. Because of love.
Because of love, little one, your mother cares for you tenderly, though she has great discomfort. I don't say these things to cause you guilt, but rather trust that you will draw strength from our love for you, and learn to love as your mother and I love you. For we love immensely precious one. Your mother talks to you, her voice becoming gentle and soft, like a warm blanket covering you with her words. Never forget , throughout your frustrations in your life, that we love you. In your earliest moments of growth, your mother and I care for you the best way we know how.
Trials may come, and tears may fall, but I love you. Your mother loves you. Wrap these words around your heart like a coat, keep them close in your thoughts. Knowing we love you will keep you strong. Keep your feet on the path to God, for we draw our love from Him. God is the source of greatest love, and in time I pray your source will come from Him as well. I love you, little child. Keep growing, strong and temperate, but please be gentle on your mother as you grow. She is weary, and her discomfort, as yet, remains. Be easy on her little one.
I love you,
Your Daddy
Morning Sickness Blues
September 25th 2012
My Dearest Little One,
Your daddy clearly is the more eloquent of your parents. I hope you don't judge me on my lack of literary skills. haha. It's almost been a week since we found out I was pregnant. Supposedly I am 7 1/2 weeks or 7 weeks and 2 days today. Your mommy likes to round up. I thought I had gotten lucky with the morning sickness until today. So far I've just had a little nausea but today you decided you had other ideas. My devotional this morning was about peace. I found this ironic. I don't know how I can have peace when I won't know for another 10 days whether you are healthy. I'm spending the majority of the day trying to avoid people with perfume so I don't find myself running to the bathroom. I feel like a hunting dog because I can smell EVERYTHING.
Your daddy is a trooper though. He gives me back massages when it hurts, cooks dinner when my stomach can't handle the smell, and is constantly comforting my fears and reminding me how much he loves us both. I can't imagine going through this without his support. You are one lucky baby to have such an awesome daddy. Just promise me when you're older that you won't forget that your mother is pretty cool too! I adore you little one.
<3 Mommy
My Dearest Little One,
Your daddy clearly is the more eloquent of your parents. I hope you don't judge me on my lack of literary skills. haha. It's almost been a week since we found out I was pregnant. Supposedly I am 7 1/2 weeks or 7 weeks and 2 days today. Your mommy likes to round up. I thought I had gotten lucky with the morning sickness until today. So far I've just had a little nausea but today you decided you had other ideas. My devotional this morning was about peace. I found this ironic. I don't know how I can have peace when I won't know for another 10 days whether you are healthy. I'm spending the majority of the day trying to avoid people with perfume so I don't find myself running to the bathroom. I feel like a hunting dog because I can smell EVERYTHING.
Your daddy is a trooper though. He gives me back massages when it hurts, cooks dinner when my stomach can't handle the smell, and is constantly comforting my fears and reminding me how much he loves us both. I can't imagine going through this without his support. You are one lucky baby to have such an awesome daddy. Just promise me when you're older that you won't forget that your mother is pretty cool too! I adore you little one.
<3 Mommy
Daddy's Sends His Love
September 21st 2012
To You, Our Child,
Your mother and I love you so very much. Even in the first few weeks of your life, as you lay quietly nestled in your mother's womb, we hold hands and talk to you. We argue most about who loves you more. You are bringing so much joy into our lives, I can hardly wait to meet you! I love you very much, just as I love your mother. You are your own person, and I am interested to see who you become. Will you like broccoli? What is your favorite color? Will you love the autumn as I do? Or the summertime like your mommy? I pray our joy passes into your life, and that God sustains you. Let Him be your strength.
Sheltered in the fierce bonds of love, I pray you grow strong and healthy, my beautiful child. Rise up, and embrace life. Breathe in the song of light, and the stirring rhythms of your growing heart. You have strength just like your mother. Wield it wisely, as she does. Keep a song in your heart, for music is a wonderful part of life. A song for every emotion, when you are sad, when you are angry, when you are glad. When I make you frustrated there will be a song that helps you understand. I love you, and I don't want to make you frustrated, but I know music will help you in any situation you find yourself in. And remember, God is with you, keeping you company, wherever you go. Turn to Him in your time of need.
I love you, my beautiful child. There is so much more for me to say, but I am going to stop and write to you later, which is only a few pages away for you. Remember, my child, your mother and I love you so very much. Our love for you is great and unending. Bear this in mind, for your mother and I bear you in our hearts. You are our bright song and our happy smile. Be safe my child. Grow strong in your mommy's tummy.
I love you!
Daddy
To You, Our Child,
Your mother and I love you so very much. Even in the first few weeks of your life, as you lay quietly nestled in your mother's womb, we hold hands and talk to you. We argue most about who loves you more. You are bringing so much joy into our lives, I can hardly wait to meet you! I love you very much, just as I love your mother. You are your own person, and I am interested to see who you become. Will you like broccoli? What is your favorite color? Will you love the autumn as I do? Or the summertime like your mommy? I pray our joy passes into your life, and that God sustains you. Let Him be your strength.
Sheltered in the fierce bonds of love, I pray you grow strong and healthy, my beautiful child. Rise up, and embrace life. Breathe in the song of light, and the stirring rhythms of your growing heart. You have strength just like your mother. Wield it wisely, as she does. Keep a song in your heart, for music is a wonderful part of life. A song for every emotion, when you are sad, when you are angry, when you are glad. When I make you frustrated there will be a song that helps you understand. I love you, and I don't want to make you frustrated, but I know music will help you in any situation you find yourself in. And remember, God is with you, keeping you company, wherever you go. Turn to Him in your time of need.
I love you, my beautiful child. There is so much more for me to say, but I am going to stop and write to you later, which is only a few pages away for you. Remember, my child, your mother and I love you so very much. Our love for you is great and unending. Bear this in mind, for your mother and I bear you in our hearts. You are our bright song and our happy smile. Be safe my child. Grow strong in your mommy's tummy.
I love you!
Daddy
Hospital Horrors
September 21st 2012
My Dearest Little One,
The last two days have been jam packed insanity. After being admitted to the hospital and getting bloodwork and an ultrasound I waited for what seemed like an eternity for someone to tell me that you were ok. After 24 hours of being poked and prodded, answering the same questions a bazillion times and spending long hours fighting with insurance companies, we still don't know. The doctors are not confident because they did not see you on the ultrasound but my HCG levels were high enough that they should have. Your momma on the other hand is pretty sure you were just being shy and hiding. That's like your daddy. "On My Knees" a worship song by Jaci Velasquez played on the TV in the waiting room. The song carries great meaning for your momma. Then in the time of great uncertainty your nurse, who chewed out the insurance company for you, asked to pray with us. These signs eased my soul. I knew that the Lord was with there and watching over you.
The final comfort was when our doctor came in to lay it all out for us. I instantly recognized his African accent and all was right in the world. You see, 3 months ago I spent a month in Africa volunteering with orphans. A pastor there prophesied over me and said I would give birth to a healthy child. I didn't put much stock in it until now. Once the African doctor came in I had complete faith. The Lord is with you little one. This morning I retook my lab tests to make sure the HCG levels were increasing. They are supposed to double every 48-72 hours. I was not surprised to discover that my levels had almost tripled in 36 hours. You are are very stubborn like your mama. I'm glad to see that you've got some fight in you! You just keep on growing and making yourself comfortable in my belly. I'll handle the rest :) I love you my dearest little one.
Love, Your mama
My Dearest Little One,
The last two days have been jam packed insanity. After being admitted to the hospital and getting bloodwork and an ultrasound I waited for what seemed like an eternity for someone to tell me that you were ok. After 24 hours of being poked and prodded, answering the same questions a bazillion times and spending long hours fighting with insurance companies, we still don't know. The doctors are not confident because they did not see you on the ultrasound but my HCG levels were high enough that they should have. Your momma on the other hand is pretty sure you were just being shy and hiding. That's like your daddy. "On My Knees" a worship song by Jaci Velasquez played on the TV in the waiting room. The song carries great meaning for your momma. Then in the time of great uncertainty your nurse, who chewed out the insurance company for you, asked to pray with us. These signs eased my soul. I knew that the Lord was with there and watching over you.
The final comfort was when our doctor came in to lay it all out for us. I instantly recognized his African accent and all was right in the world. You see, 3 months ago I spent a month in Africa volunteering with orphans. A pastor there prophesied over me and said I would give birth to a healthy child. I didn't put much stock in it until now. Once the African doctor came in I had complete faith. The Lord is with you little one. This morning I retook my lab tests to make sure the HCG levels were increasing. They are supposed to double every 48-72 hours. I was not surprised to discover that my levels had almost tripled in 36 hours. You are are very stubborn like your mama. I'm glad to see that you've got some fight in you! You just keep on growing and making yourself comfortable in my belly. I'll handle the rest :) I love you my dearest little one.
Love, Your mama
Suprise!
September 19th
My Dearest Little One,
Today I found out that you existed. I was a little surprised and a little scared. Terrified is a much better word choice. You see, 3 years ago you had a sister but she didn't make it and the doctors told mommy that she would never conceive again. Well, your momma she didn't listen and she tried and tried for over a year but no baby. I eventually gave up and your sisters daddy couldn't live with the idea. A year later, in walks your daddy. Well, he's all smooth talkin and super cheesy. I was skeptical of course but boy was your daddy persistent. He wooed and wooed. Love letters, back rubs, cooking dinner, you name it. You should take a page out of his playbook when you are older. ;) Anyways, your daddy proposed to your mommy September 2nd 2012. We had no idea that you were making a home for yourself in my tummy at the time! Regardless, your daddy and I love you very much! We are going to the hospital soon since mommy has been having some pain. We wanna make sure you are ok. :)
My Dearest Little One,
Today I found out that you existed. I was a little surprised and a little scared. Terrified is a much better word choice. You see, 3 years ago you had a sister but she didn't make it and the doctors told mommy that she would never conceive again. Well, your momma she didn't listen and she tried and tried for over a year but no baby. I eventually gave up and your sisters daddy couldn't live with the idea. A year later, in walks your daddy. Well, he's all smooth talkin and super cheesy. I was skeptical of course but boy was your daddy persistent. He wooed and wooed. Love letters, back rubs, cooking dinner, you name it. You should take a page out of his playbook when you are older. ;) Anyways, your daddy proposed to your mommy September 2nd 2012. We had no idea that you were making a home for yourself in my tummy at the time! Regardless, your daddy and I love you very much! We are going to the hospital soon since mommy has been having some pain. We wanna make sure you are ok. :)
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