the jellyball family blog

Dear Jellybean,

We're in the home stretch! It won't be long now before you will join us here, outside the belly. We are happy to report that we have scratched all our to-do's off what used to be a very long and daunting list, and what's left for us to complete before your arrival falls more into the category of "should do" or "could do".

Your clothes are organized into "your" half of the dresser drawers. A pile of clothes for both you and I have been set aside to bring with us to the hospital. We're stocked up on newborn-sized diapers. And much to your father's satisfaction, we even have diaper rash creme, though it will probably be a long time before you will need it.

Last week, we went to the hospital clinic for our routine checkup and will be going back to the clinic this coming Thursday. (After that we will be going once a week until you arrive.) Our doctor has been happy with our progress and lack of complications, though she is sending us for an ultrasound to make sure you are doing fine, because we're a little on the small side.

The doctor wasn't too worried - she thinks I'm just genetically meant to make smaller babies, especially considering that I've already proven that while I may birth small babies, they turn out to be frickin' 95th percentile giant fatties within the first few weeks. (My parents would always quote a Vietnamese expression, saying that I must be producing elephant milk.)

We've been busy getting everyone prepared for your arrival. This week, both sets of grandparents went through dress rehearsals for their designated shifts here at home with Caleb. While we were more than sure that they would be capable of handling the situation, it was as much for them to practice as it was for your brother to get used to being alone with them.

Both sets of grandparents did great - as did Caleb - and I can't describe how relieved I was to know that it went well and that Caleb did great too. All the grandparents, especially the grandmothers, were beaming with pride at the end of their shifts.

I have been having some contractions here and there, but apparently this is quite normal for a second pregnancy. You are continuing to move well and stick out your bum and random limbs from time to time.

I know you will arrive when you're meant to arrive, and whenever that is, we'll be ready.

I know you already feel all the love that is waiting for you here on the outside. We just can't wait for you to bring your own special kind of love into our lives.

See ya soon,
Mama