Being pregnant with you has been the most awe-inspiring and, at times, challenging experience of my life. It seems that each month brings exciting new events that have amazed your dad and me. The first few months I was pregnant with you were challenging in the fact that I really didn't feel well most days. Basically, I woke up feeling bad and went to bed feeling much the same. But, the sickness passed after the first four months and I tried to get on with things.
Along the way, we have faced some difficult news especially when we found out there was a cyst on your brain. We were very scared as we waited four days to have a special ultrasound. Thankfully, this ultrasound showed that you were growing right on target! Your brain, heart and limbs all appeared perfect, which is exactly what the doctors told us to hope for. The good news is that the cyst is probably already gone and it was just an isolated incident. As your mom and your current home, I too have faced some challenging health issues. Right now I am wearing a heart monitor (which I really hate) but the doctor's orders were to wear it for a month. While pregnant, my heart has begun beating very fast and hard and a few times I have nearly fainted. In a couple weeks we will know what is going on. But for now, I'm just trying to provide you with the best, safest and healthiest home I can.
One of the reasons I wanted to write you this letter was to share some wonderful memories over the past few weeks. About a week ago, I was lying in bed reading a book and your dad was falling asleep next to me. All of the sudden you started to kick me very hard and then it felt like you were doing somersaults in my belly. I lifted up my shirt a little bit to take a closer look at my belly. Sure enough, I could actually see you moving in there. I quickly decided to wake up your dad because I was sure he wouldn't want to miss this. I told him to just watch my belly and right away you started movin' and shakin' in there. We loved the little show you put on for us! I'm not sure words can adequately describe the overwhelming sense of joy I felt knowing you were growing so well inside of me. I also began feeling proud to be your mom and growing even more anxious to meet you. I know one day I will forget the exact feeling of what it was like to have you move inside of me, but I will never forget the intense emotions associated with these days. We love you already.
You seem to have distinct patterns of being awake and asleep. You really enjoy moving around in the early afternoon and by about nine at night all bets are off... this is when you really start kicking and rolling around. And then, when I am finally able to go to sleep you start kicking again. But that's okay, I truly love every move you make.
If all goes according to schedule, in less than three months you will be here with us. Then we will finally be able to meet you and know if you are Samuel or Maggie. But for now, we watch, wait and do our best to get prepared for your arrival. Enjoy your time in there and I will do my best to keep you safe and secure.
