You are now 23 weeks and past the 1/2 way point! It is so weird to look at the chart online and see your counting ticker be much closer to "newborn" than it is to "pregnant" now!
Here's what you looked like at 22 weeks (at Oktoberfest with daddy!):
Those "gas bubbles" I felt a few weeks ago have turned into some major kicking. I'd so much rather sit and stare at my bare tummy for hours, over watching tv any day! Just sitting, waiting, and watching for those jabs that remind me my precious baby will be here before I know it. Thank you for kicking and punching me as often as you do. I'm sure this will be the only time I will tell you that. :) So enjoy it now, little one!!
Your daddy and I have been working hard at putting together a nice little room, just for you! We painted a baby armoire for all your clothes and a cabinet to hold all your diapers and other essentials for your sweet little bum. :) The armoire used to be mine when I was younger and then both of your cousins used it also. I am glad to pass it on to you now. With a fresh coat of paint and new knobs and new contact paper in the drawers, it looks brand new! We also got your crib last week. You're lucky you have such a handy daddy! He put it together for you all by himself. Now it officially is looking like a room awaiting a baby.
Look! Your daddy is reading instructions! Good man. :)
(Yes, Daddy has a farmer's tan...this just means he's a hard laborer. ;)
Ta Da! You have a beautiful place to sleep! ... once we get a mattress that is ...
(And yes...I know. Daddy has what I affectionately refer to as a "poop smear" on his tummy. I pray for you everyday to not have one. And also for you to have my feet. However, PLEASE feel free to have his dimple!! :D)
Baby E, do you know what your name(s) will mean? Your daddy and I picked them out. Well, mostly I picked them out and he agreed and loved them too. It was Christmas last year, 2009, when your daddy gave me a Baby Name book. At that point, God knew you but I did not yet. We found your name(s) before you were forming in me.
Ezekiel Pierce: Ezekiel (Hebrew) means Strengthened by God. Pierce (English) means As Solid and Strong as a Rock.
Daddy and I loved Ezekiel, and Pierce was chosen because of your amazing and incredible father: Skyler Pierce Anderson.
Ellery Grace: Ellery (English) means A Cheerful Woman; Bringer of Joy. Grace (Latin) means Having God's Favor; the Personification of Beauty, Charm and Grace.
I found Ellery almost immediately in the Baby Name book and it just fell heavy on me and I knew I wanted a daughter named Ellery. Bringer of Joy. I knew that surely you would be bringing us years of joy. I can picture you already - adorable little toddler with wavy brown hair (and daddy's dimple?!), smiling and chattering up a storm with friends, family and strangers alike. Giggling. Spreading the laughter. You will bring joy to those around you. Your daddy took a little warming up to the name, since it was more unique but once he thought it over, he agreed it was a beautiful name and it will be yours if you are our little lady!
Grace was chosen as a reminder of God's grace for us and also because your great grandmother named Grace is one of the most enjoyable and wonderful women I have ever met in my entire life. She defines cheer and joy and has the most beautiful soul. I will be honored to have a daughter named after that amazing woman someday. :)
Baby E, whichever one you are, I cannot wait to meet you and love on you. I cannot wait to see how precious it will be to see your daddy with you. I already know it's going to melt my heart and turn me into a sobbing mess. Whatever happened to that girl that never cried?! Surely she has left me long ago and turned me into a blubbering mess at times. Even this morning, as I watched the most beautiful photo-journalism slideshow of a recent birth at Bella Vie that we had heard about, I sat here and I cried and cried and wondered how our experience there will be. Wondered how quickly or slowly you'll make your appearance. Thought of your daddy comforting me and supporting me. Soon enough we'll experience it. Soon enough we'll know, little one.
Loving you,
Your momma K
