Baby Week 23

Dear Baby,

This week was pretty uneventful for you. You just kicked Momma a lot and even though she enjoys feeling your kicks now, Grammy Olsen reminded her that in a few months they may not feel too great. She is trying to enjoy your movements now before that time comes. You are about 11 inches long and weigh about 1.5 pounds. Your momma isn't fond of the fact that she's gained about 13 pounds and you only weigh about 1.5! You did give your momma her first leg cramp at 3:30 am! That was definitely not a fun experience and it was sore for a few days afterwards; Daddy was a sweetheart and rubbed her calf several times to help it feel better.

We found out on Thursday that your first Rhodehouse cousin will be a girl. She'll be born just about one month after you and hopefully you will be great friends. Your cousin Maisey is so excited for you to be born so your parents will have baby toys at their house now. She asked if she could buy you a present and give it to Daddy for his birthday. He turns 25 this week and is not excited! Momma isn't helping when she keeps telling him that he is 1/4 of the way to 100. Grammy Olsen reminded him that 1/2 way to 100 isn't too bad so 1/4 is nothing! You and your momma have special plan for his birthday...hopefully it turns out well.

You went bowling for the first time this week! Since Daddy didn't have school last Monday he took your Mommy and you bowling. Mommy got one of her lowest scores ever at only 73! Daddy did much better and got 146. Daddy's prize for winning was a Dr. Pepper and he bought Mommy an ice cream cone to help her feel better from her lousy game.

Daddy is a little nervous for you to grow up because he's afraid Mommy will embarrass you. He said that she will be one of those moms who can't stop cheering for her son when he is playing in a game or can't put the camera down when he goes on his first date. You know, Dad is right, Momma will probably be exactly like that and she'll be proud of it!

Your Momma already knows that you are special. You shared a very special experience with Mommy this week that let her know that you will be a sweet boy. She can't wait to hold you tight and snuggle with you.

Mommy has been missing your Papa Olsen a lot lately. She hopes that he is teaching you and spending lots of time with you now. Hopefully you are enjoying your special one on one time with him and you'll remember him a little when you come here. Your Momma will tell you about him often and how wonderful he was and still is. She wishes he could be here with her to watch you grow up but is comforted knowing that he'll still be watching and guiding you.

This week your Momma learned that you love cereal and music. Whether she is snacking on dry golden grahams at work or eating a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats at home, you love it! You wiggle around and eat it all up very quickly! When she listens to her iPod at work you like to move around to the beat. You are gonna come out loving country music, especially George Strait and Garth Brooks...your Papa Rhodehouse will be so proud! You also love when your Daddy sings to you (and Momma loves it to!) Since Daddy has to study late every night and Momma can't stay up that late he will tuck you guys into bed and sing you a hymn. It helps you both sleep peacefully. Daddy's voice is a lot prettier than Mommy's so he'll have to teach you how to sing!

Your Momma loves to tell you all about your Daddy! She took you to their special place over the weekend: the park where Daddy first told Mommy he loved her and where he proposed to her and told you the wonderful stories. She hopes you turn out a lot like your daddy, sweet and patient.