Dearest Mia,

I am getting very anxious to meet you. I just don't understand how my belly can grow any bigger. It feels so tight and stretched to the max! I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I can't wait to hear your little heartbeat and hopefully get an estimate of your size. I still feel like you're going to come early but since you're my first baby, I really have no idea.

Mommy's co-workers had a baby shower for us last Friday. You got so many wonderful things, you are going to be a very comfortable baby. Everyone at Mommy's work is so excited to meet you. I think Daddy and I have just about everything we need for your arrival. So whenever you're healthy, strong and ready to tackle to the world, let me know because Mommy and Daddy are ready to meet you. See you in about 4 weeks (or whenever you're ready)! I love you Mia!

Love always,

Mommy

a blessing. Today I have reached 36 weeks of pregnancy! It is so crazy to think that I only have 4 weeks until my due date and that my little girl could arrive any day. Work is getting more and more tiring but I love my job and still enjoy going every day. God definitely blessed me with an easy group of kids this year that are so fun to be around each day. I will miss them when I'm on maternity leave.

eventful. Joe is on a cruise for work (if I go into labor while he is gone, he will never hear the end of it and I think he would be pretty devastated). He left Wednesday and will be back on Sunday so it's just me and Mia alone all weekend. He took the camera with him so I might not be able to take my 36 week photo until he gets back. I might try to use his DSLR and take a picture in a mirror tomorrow but we'll see. I'll have him post some of his pictures when he gets back. If I wouldn't have been pregnant, I probably could have gone with but walking around in a swim suit just doesn't the most appealing right now.

full of love. Today, my dear friend and co-worker, Nicole hosted a baby shower for me at work. I am still emotional because almost all of my co-workers came and I got some of the most amazing gifts. One of my co-workers hand- made 11 knit hats of various sizes! They are so beautiful. I also got a hand-made blanket from my good friend Angela. Two different groups of people went in on big gifts and got me a Pack and Play and Swing! I feel so loved and blessed to work with such kind people. I also got lots of diapers, wipes, cute clothes, books, baby toys and gift cards. I think we are officially ready for this baby!

I had a baby shower with some friends from church a couple of weeks ago and my friend, Mandy just gave me the CD with photos so I wanted to share them. Mandy is just starting a photography business and is very talented. I need to get a picture of both of us since she is one of my dearest friends here in Colorado. Enjoy.

The girls wrote notes on diapers so I would have some encouraging words as I'm changing diapers throughout the night. : )




Yummy strawberry cream cheese cupcakes and chocolate cake rattles!
Who can drink the most apple juice out of a bottle?
Mandy made these adorable chocolate cake rattles...yum!

My Grandpa and Grandma Esteb came to visit this past weekend. It was their first time visiting. It was a lot of fun to show them our house and were we live. We spent a lot of the weekend visiting and enjoying meals together. We went to a really yummy Colorado barbecue restaurant that had super good ribs and a beautiful view (see below). Grandpa, Grandma and I also went to the Denver Botanic Gardens which are always beautiful. They even got to experience record breaking heat on Sunday; I think it was around 96 degrees. After leaving our house, they are going to spend a few days in Colorado Springs enjoying some the tourist attractions there.

Dear Baby Girl,

Mommy has been very tired lately! My favorite spot is laying on the couch with my feet up. My body is definitely getting ready for you to enter the world. I have been having special practice contractions everyday and it makes me wonder if you will come earlier than expected. Mommy and daddy finished our birthing class this weekend. We feel prepared and ready for your birth. I am getting so excited for labor so I can meet you. I'm going to try very hard not to have any medicine while in labor so we can both feel awake and alert the first time we meet face to face. During our class, Mommy and daddy got to tour the part of the hospital where you'll be born. I had tears in my eyes as we were walking around just thinking of the special memories that will take place in those rooms. I love you and can't wait to meet you in about 5 weeks!

Love,

Mommy

The nursery is finally finished! We do still need a different floor lamp and some type of bookshelf/basket for books but besides that, it is done! I wish we could take credit for the adorable painting but it came with the house. I wasn't sure if the blue and green would work for a girl but we found the perfect bedding set that girls up the room perfectly. I was so excited when my mom bought the bedding for my shower gift. It is perfect! I went a little crazy with the pictures but when people don't get to see the real thing...I want to capture every detail.

I love the little pink bows around the crib. : )

Obviously the car seat and stroller won't be in the room after the baby is born. Eventually, we'll put a dresser in that open space.

I'm sure Mia and I will spend many nights in this chair.

Mia's bathroom

I love how these letter turned out! I made them with scrapbook paper and wooden letters.

All the bath stuff a little girl could need!

The detail on the crib bumper.

Changing table. Fully stocked and ready to go. I can't wait to use my Petunia Pickle bottom Diaper bag!

Closet...I love washing all of the baby clothes and organizing them by size.

Dear Baby Girl,

We went to the doctor on Friday and you were quite the show off! When the Doctor was trying to listen to your heart beat, you were moving around so much that she had to chase you around my stomach. The Doctor and I were laughing pretty hard! The Doctor asked if ever get any sleep at night since you're so active. You only wake me once in awhile...Mommy is lucky to be a heavy sleeper! You love to move around; it's almost like you're having a dance party in my belly! I've been trying to capture my belly shaking on video but haven't been successful. I wonder if you'll be as active after you're born.

Mommy and Daddy went to our first birthing class on Saturday. We want to do everything to be sure we bring you into the world as safely and comforting as we can. Labor is probably going to be quite painful for both of us but don't worry, we'll forget all about the pain once your laying on my chest. I love you and can't wait to see you in 6 weeks!

Love always,

Mommy

Dear Baby Girl,

You're growing bigger and bigger everyday! You are now around 4.5 lbs and mommy's body is definitely feeling the extra weight. Last Monday was our last run together with mommy's friend, Mandy. After the run, I was hurting for two days. It felt like you were going to fall out! Even though I'm excited to meet you, you need to stay inside for at least 4 more weeks. The next time I run will be after you're born. You'll learn that running is one of my favorite things and I can't wait to take you out in your special jogging stroller so we can run together.

Mommy can no longer sleep in because my hips get so sore at night that I have to get out of bed. I guess this is just my body preparing me for our many feeding sessions throughout the night once you are born. Being pregnant has been one of the most amazing journeys I have ever been on. I can't get enough of you! Your daddy sees how much I love you and is getting a little worried that I will forget about him once you are born. I told him that you will take a lot of time and attention once you're born but I will never forget about him. You are a lucky girl because you have an amazing daddy but I think you already know that. Every time your daddy talks, you move around. You're so smart to already recognize his voice. : )

I love you Mia! See you in about 7 weeks!

Love,

Mommy