Last sonogram, laying out, time with YaYa & Bowie baby shower!

We had our last sonogram of you at 37 weeks! You measured at 7 lbs 13 oz (of course that could be off by about a pound) but holy moly baby girl! You are definitely big and strong. Your head and belly are measuring a week ahead in growth. We got to see a precious picture of your sweet face and confirmation that you are indeed a girl! Yes, we saw your petunia! Which made mommy and daddy really happy because our hearts are set on having our baby girl, Halen.

Everything else looked great, I am dilated to 1 cm and 60% effaced, which means you are making progress! It shouldn't be long now.

After our appointment your YaYa and I went to enjoy some treats at La Patisserie, we had a pain au chocolat, turkey croissant, some delicious macarons and a delicious salted caramel latte. Then we went to the Herb Bar to buy your mama some natural red raspberry leaf tea, which is supposed to help strengthen my pelvic floor muscles and bring on labor.

Then I went to lay out with your Aunt DeDe by the pool! It was really nice spending time with her.

Then your YaYa and I went to El Monumento for a nice meal on the porch. It was a relaxing day.












My school, Bowie High School, also threw me a baby shower...which was so sweet! They had the nautical theme and I was able to invite some family to help celebrate. It made me feel really special.

 

















 Adorable cake!

You got so many cute outfits from everyone!



 Your Aunt Dana holding your friend, Jaxon. So glad Dana and Traci came to the shower.


Counting down to see your sweet face baby girl!

 Here are everyone's guesses for your birthday!

xooxo Mama & Daddy

Maternity Pictures

During spring break Deborah Mathison came to take our maternity pictures when I was 32 weeks. I was so excited about these! We decided having them in our own home would be more memorable. We took several with different outfits and then I was bold enough to take some in the nude. I was so proud of my body and belly that was made to create you that I wanted to capture it. I will definitely show you those pictures one day.

Here are some of my favorites:

 Your daddy is already so in love with you...this picture is so precious to me.



I loved this dress your daddy bought me!






We are so in love and can't wait for you to be part of our family!

Pure love!


I'm sitting in your nursery with the blanket Neicey made you and the pillow NeNe made you!

Can't wait til you are in our arms sweet girl!
















Me and you baby girl.

You'll be in our arms soon!

Baby Moon, Hypnobirthing and Hospital Bag

Hello sweet girl. Your daddy and I had spring break What else is going on...daddy and I were able to get your car seat and pack n play! We should be getting your stroller soon too. Daddy took me on a babymoon this past week since we were off for Spring Break. He tried so hard to make it perfect...and in hindsight it really was, because I was with your daddy and at the end of the day that is all I ever want.

We toured the Hill Country, our first stop was in Blanco, TX where we had a yummy lunch. They had lavender iced tea and potato chip-chocolate cookies...yum! Then we meandered to Boerne and walked around all the shops, next we stopped in Medina for an apple turnover (they are known for their apples there...we'll have to go apple picking with you one day!), then we stayed the night in Fredericksburg. We ate a delicious, celebratory dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in
Fredericksburg. The next day we walked around the shops and found you the Legend of the Bluebonnet book, so we purchased that for you. Next we drove to Llano and had Coopers BBQ for lunch (your daddy LOVE bbq), we met a band from Australia that was playing in SXSW. Afterthat, we stopped by the lakehouse where your mama got into her bikini! :)

Then we went home and just enjoyed time together. We are definitely ready for you baby girl...daddy and I feel like life is on pause until you get here, almost as if we are waiting for our lives to truly begin. But we want you to take your time getting ready, there is no rush.

We've been attending our HypnoBirthing classes and they are making us feel so empowered and excited for your birth. We know that you will know what to do and mommy's body will know what to do. Mommy will surrender to my body, you and God, knowing that altogether a natural, peaceful birth will take place. And daddy will be there every step of the way, protecting us, encouraging us and patiently waiting for his baby girl to arrive. Daddy is learning how to massage mommy and help with different exercises we can do at home.

Daddy put together your swing the other night. It definitely gave us a taste for what future Christmas Eve's will be like. :) Let's see I am 37 weeks and I am craving peanut butter, chocolate covered almonds or chocolate covered goji berries and granola. I am drinking my raspberry leaf tea like crazy and taking Evening Primrose Oil to help prepare for you!

We have packed our hospital bag! I keep adding stuff but it is in our car...ready to go! I have cute little outfits for you in there, and some comfy clothes for me. Essential oils to help with labor, your swaddling blankets, I'm making coconut water ice chips and raspberry leaf tea ice. Coconut water is going to be my go-to for hydration and electrolytes, since I don't want to be hooked up to an IV. I have written out all the hypnobirthing affirmations on construction paper that we will post around our hospital room. We want relaxing music to play in the background and dim lights. We will bring our birth ball to help in labor too.


It's all about the countdown now baby girl! When you move in my belly now I feel full on body parts, your legs, feet, hands, elbows, bottom...it's pretty surreal. You've been getting hiccups a lot lately too! Sleep at night is getting harder and harder but when I can position myself perfectly I am out like a light.

Three more weeks til we meet your beautiful face! We have a sonogram this week to have one last check up on you. It'll be awesome to see you again, the last time we got pictures were for the 20 week appointment so it's been a long time!

Also one of your besties was born! Sweet Cora Elizabeth Ray, her mama, Morgan and daddy, Coby are some of your daddy and my best friends. We cannot wait for our families to spend time together!


We love you sweet pea. xoxoxoxo Love Mama & Daddy

Hope anchors the soul. Hebrews 6:19

Hello my beautiful Halen girl. Mommy is 34 weeks! Which means about six weeks until we meet your
 perfect face. I think that is what I am so excited about is to see what you look like, I can't even attempt to picture your sweet face. I know you'll be the best combination of your daddy and I. God made you in his image and is very proud of his artistry.

Let's see an update...my belly is getting SO big! Things are becoming more difficult to do like...getting out of bed, getting in and out of the car, bending over, taking my walks, etc. But overall I feel amazing. You move so much, which I love because they are constant reminders that you're with me. I LOVE granola right now, I eat a bowl at least once a day with fruit and whole milk. I also love sweets. But your daddy tries to make sure I don't eat too many. :)


Your Aunt Dana and Aunt Heather threw the most fabulous baby shower for us on March 1st! I was blown away by all the decor, flowers, food, the details and of course all the beautiful people who came to support us and shower us with love. It was a perfect evening. Your YaYa made all kinds of yummy foods including sandwiches cut out with whale cookie cutters, crab sandwiches with croissants that looked like crabs, jello desserts that looked like the sunset! Your DiDi carved a whale out of a watermelon with fruit salad! Your Aunt Nikki ordered the most beautiful cake that looked like ocean waves, topped with sand (graham cracker dust) and shells. Aunt Heather made sugar scrubs for all the guests and found all these awesome nautical details. Aunt Dana made sure I was taken care of the whole time and her mama took gorgeous pictures of everyone there.

We got a Moses bassinet from your Aunt Kari and Aunt Marilyn! Tons of precious clothes! Papa got you a piggy bank from Tiffany's...yep Tiffany's he is going to spoil you silly sweet girl! Papa and Gigi got you a beautiful bracelet from Bailey, Banks & Biddle with pink diamonds in it, I think you'll wear that for your baptism. Your Niecey made you a precious pink and blue blanket and a little hat, it smells just like her, you'll love it! Your Aunt Jenna, Aunt Julie and Niecey made your awesome diaper cake! Your Aunt DeDe worked on all the games and activities. We played a game where she asked daddy questions and then asked me the same questions to see if I knew what your daddy would say. He surprised me on some of them but when it came to you we definitely had the same answers. :) Everyone was so generous and sweet in all their gifts to us.





People wrote little encouraging notes for when I go into labor.

Your YaYa is counting down the days until you're here. I can't wait to watch the precious relationship you'll have with her. She is the best person on the planet. She's always been the perfect mom and I know she'll be the perfect YaYa to you.


















 Your bestie Piper was at the baby shower! I can't wait til you meet her!

Your daddy was beaming with pride!

 Your Neicey can't wait to love on you!

Your Aunt Jenna is going to love you so much and probably want to party with you one day...hah!

Your Aunt Julie is thrilled for you to arrive!






Even your doctor, Doctor Swenson came to the baby shower!





Our neighbor, Rachel was there. Her little girl, Brooklyn will be born a few weeks after you! We're so excited to have our playdates together.


Nikki and Jennifer have been some of my best friends since we were 3!







Traci and Jaxon were there! You'll definitely have a lot of play dates with him and Piper!




Your cousin, Caroline came to the shower with your Aunt Jennifer. They are very excited to meet you.


Your GiGi is beside herself to meet you, she talks about you all the time!



Your daddy and I cutting the gorgeous, delicious cake!


Opening the personalized present your NeNe made you!

You got a Michigan Wolverine burp rag from Traci & Jaxon!Aunt DeDe is so excited!

This is your NeNe and DiDi with your daddy. They adopted him when he was 18 years old and have been amazing "moms" ever since. They can't wait to be a part of your life.

Your Uncle Chase and cousin, Crash came too!








Crash can't wait to play with his cousin Halen!!!



We love you Halen Rae Carol! This spring and summer are going to be the best.  You're your daddy's girl and your mama's world.

Love,
Your Mama & Daddy

"Let your heart sweetheart be your compass when you're lost."

Hello Halen girl! I am 30 weeks pregnant with you...we should meet you in 10 weeks! Your daddy and I are beside ourselves with excitement. I am officially in my third trimester and it is by far my favorite. I feel wonderful, I'm not having any of the negative symptoms I keep reading about. I am enjoying watching my belly grow and feeling you inside. You kick ALL the time now...and not just kick, I feel you swerve, do somersaults, punch, dance, swivel...girl you feel like you're doing it all in there. I even felt you hiccup the other morning!

We have been working on your room incessantly and are so excited that it is almost finished. The first thing we found was a dark pink chandelier from Four Hands Furniture...we didn't even know you were a girl yet but it was on sale and we just had to get it. We thought we jinxed ourselves into having a boy...but nope you're our Halen girl! Daddy painted navy blue and white stripes (upon mommy's request) across three of your walls. He did a magnificent job! Then we hand-painted your monogram right above your crib in ballerina tutu pink. It looks beautiful.

Your YaYa and DiDi have been busy buying letters for your alphabet wall...which is officially complete! Your daddy and Uncle Matt hung up all the letters this past weekend! I just love it. Each letter is unique, a different style and color. Some are even hand made and some are from different cities.

And some are gifts from people who love you so much. Your DiDi also bought the perfect circular pink rug for your room. And your Stephanie is painting and refinishing a table for you room, made you a one of a kind burlap pillow and has another surprise for us.We are trying to finish everything else for our baby shower which is March 1st so everyone can see it! Your Aunt Heather and Aunt Dana are throwing the shower for us. And your best friend is here...precious Piper! She is a beautiful little girl and can't wait to meet you Halen Rae!

Daddy loves feeling you in my belly, talking to you and playing a variety of music for you. We've played you classical music, Van Halen (of course!), and some more recent songs that we love. Both your daddy and I love the band Lady Antebellum and two of their songs remind us of you.

The one I picked was "American Honey" by Lady Antebellum:

She grew up on the side of the road
Where the church bells ring
And strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey

Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get going
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name
Like a long lost friend
Oh, I miss those days
As the years go by
Oh, nothin' sweeter than summertime
And American honey

Get caught in the race of this crazy life
Tryin' to be everything
Can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name
Like a long lost friend
Oh, I miss those days
As the years go by
Oh, nothin' sweeter than summertime
And American honey

Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somehow
To American honey

There's a wild wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name
Like a long lost friend
Oh, I miss those days
As the years go by
Nothin' sweeter than summertime
And American honey
And American honey

Such a great song and sung so beautifully. It reminded me of how you will be when you're caught between a little girl and a woman. With gorgeous golden locks flowing through the wind, your piercing blue eyes and determined attitude. I just want you always to know you can come home. The world is your oyster, you can do anything, go anywhere and be anything you want to. But always remember where you came from. Remember the values your daddy and I taught you. You're our American honey.

The song daddy picked is:  "Compass" by Lady Antebellum

Alright
Yeah it's been a bumpy road
Roller coasters
High and low
Fill the tank and drive the car
Pedal fast, pedal hard
You won't have to go that far

You wanna give up 'cause it's dark
We're really not that far apart
So let your heart, sweet heart
Be your compass when you're lost
And you should follow it wherever it may go
When it's all said and done
You can walk instead of run
'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone (never be alone) oh oh oh
Never be alone oh oh oh

Forgot directions on your way
Don't close your eyes don't be afraid
We might be crazy late at night I can't wait til you arrive
Follow stars you'll be alright

You wanna give up 'cause it's dark
We're really not that far apart
So let your heart, sweet heart
Be your compass when you're lost
And you should follow it wherever it may go
When it's all said and done
You can walk instead of run
'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone (never be alone) oh oh oh
Never be alone oh oh oh
You wanna give up 'cause it's dark
We're really not that far apart
So let your heart, sweet heart
Be your compass when you're lost
And you should follow it wherever it may go
When it's all said and done
You can walk instead of run
'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone (never be alone) oh oh oh
Never be alone oh oh oh

When it's all said and done
You can walk instead of run
'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone

I think what your daddy would say about this song is, you are never alone sweet girl. We are always here for you...no matter what. And life is full of uncertainty, difficulty and grief. But the best part is...life is also full of love, laughter, joy, comfort, and your family. With everything your daddy and I will teach you, you will always know that no matter what you can count on your heart. When you lose your direction in life, listen to your intuition...where does it tell you to go? Follow your heart precious one and you'll always be on the right path. God will help guide you with every step and so will we.

Love you baby girl!