Week 26

Millie,

you are now the size of an eggplant! Congratulations! I LOVE LOVE LOVE feeling you kick and squirm. Already you are making me smile and giggle!

A Real Millie!

I've finally met a real live Millie! Last night Gottwals Books sold books at an author's speaker engagement at Mercer University in the same building where Shane and I met, Willingham Hall. Millie was a very sweet lady from one of the schools that co-hosted the event. She, too, was a Mercer alum and said she loved that we were naming our daughter Millie and that she'd always loved her name. I hope our Millie loves her name, too!

Our room is the top window on the far right--half covered by a tree in this picture but special nonetheless!

25 weeks, 4 days

Maternity Clothes: I just ordered two more pairs of maternity jeans and am outgrowing some of my not-maternity-but-made-them-work-for-a-while tops! My denim skirt is by far the most comfortable skirt so I wear it all the time, too!
Movement: More and more every week! I used to feel her kicking about once or twice a day, but now it's more like 4-5 times a day, and not just the strong kicks, but smaller movements, too...there's nothing in the world better!
Sleep: Well, it's 4:45 a.m. as I write this...most nights I am waking up at 3:00 for a bowl of cereal or Sprite if my tummy is upset. Tonight it was both. I should use this time to be productive (as in doing laundry) but instead it's turned into prime Pinterest and baby shopping time!
Cravings: No kill-Shane-in-the-middle-of-the-night-if-he-doesn't-go-to-the-store-for-me-right-now cravings, but I have had a California Avocado sandwich from Atlanta Bread Company for two days straight now!
Weight Gain: About 20 lbs...eek! I really wanted to keep it 25 for the whole pregnancy but I'm not going to make it something to worry about.
What I Miss: Being able to squeeze around people and some of my clothes.
Best Moment of the Week: Learning that my best friend, Hope, is probably going to have her baby (Maddie, Mille's future bff) early next week!
What I'm Looking Forward To: Aunt Miriam (the original Miriam!) coming to visit in a couple weeks!

Cutest Baby on the Block

Your Daddy

Dear Millie,

This is your daddy. He is the smartest man in the whole world. He's also very funny. He also love you very, very much. He loves to talk to you and sing to you. His favorite song to sing to you is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. He's not a very good singer, but when he sings to you it's the sweetest thing in the whole world. I know you'll be proud to have Shane Gottwals as your daddy.

First Glimpse

Dear Millie,

We caught this first glimpse of you on April 11th, your daddy's birthday. I'm pretty sure no future birthday gift will ever top it.

We love you, Millie, and eagerly await your arrival!

From Aunt Courtney

I got lots of fun mommy and Millie things today from Courtney! One is the cutest pink tutu you've ever seen! How fun!

Friends for Millie

One of my favorite things about being pregnant is that I've gotten to be alongside my two best friends, Hope and Angela. we took this picture together this past Sunday.

Angela is expecting her second child, Samuel, September 7th. She has a daughter, Ari, who will be two in October.

Hope is expecting her third, Madeline, August 31st. She has two boys already.

Miriam Rose

Dear Millie,

You are being named Miriam Rose after two women I greatly admire. They are your great-aunts, your Abuelita's sisters. Here is am with Miriam at last year's McKee family reunion.

And here with your Abuelita and Ouida Rose this past Christmas.

I can't wait for you to meet them!

Another Cousin!

Another cousin! This darling girl arrived yesterday...Rivkah Alejandra Shelton. Her mommy, Sarah, is married to my cousin Joshua and I couldn't be any happier for them!

Meet Stanley!

Dear Millie,

Today your Uncle Victor is going to be on his way to visit! He lives in Texas with your Aunt Courtney and Cousin Stanley. Stanley is now seven months old and I hope you will be good friends all of your lives. This week Stanley learned how to crawl! You will get to meet Stanley at Christmas--we're all looking forward to having a very special Christmas with our new babies!

23 Weeks

Today is the last day of Millie's 23rd week...tomorrow starts week 24!

My energy level has been good and I have no major complaints. My feet have started swelling a tiny bit, but just when I'm on my feet for long stretches at a time. I haven't been exercising as much as I want to, but I feel like I'm doing the best I can. I am hungry all the time and my go-to food is peanut butter (yes, Mom, you read that right!). In particular, I love Bee's Knees, all-natural made with honey!

I started a registry this week at Target, found here. Facebook has been a wonderful tool to get opinions on cloth vs. disposable diapers, gliders, and diaper pails among other advise!

Millie, we can't wait for you to come!!!