A Letter to the Birthday Girl...

 Dear Peanut,

Well my sweet Bria, today marks your first Birthday. You have brightened my world now for 365 days and each day gets brighter and sweeter, more than I could have ever dreamed of.

I now understand when Mama's everywhere say, "It feels like just yesterday that you were born- where did the time go?" because sweet B, that's exactly how I feel. It was on this day a year past, in the middle of winter, and the quickness of a mere few hours that we welcomed you into this world- and it was the start of everything. Every year on this day for the rest of my life, I will relive the power and emotion of that experience. 

My sweet-pea, I move and act and think differently since you were first laid in my arms. You have given me more purpose behind my reasons more motivation behind my actions. Thank you sweet baby girl for giving me more life.

I have loved watching you grow and achieve milestones. You are already so full of creativity and energy. You are always making people laugh with your goofy nature. You love to entertain and be the center of attention.

You are the center of our world. Bria, you are a wonderful joy to your father and I as a daughter and I know you will be an amazing role model and big sister to your younger sibling.

I can't wait for this gift of next year with you. And the one after that. And the one after that. And a lifetime of watching you become. Bria Eden, this whole world is yours for the taking and I have no doubt that's exactly what you'll do. 

Happy Happy 1st birthday dear one. 

I love you with all of my being.
Oodles, and oodles of hugs and kisses,

Your Mama

Letter to Bria

It's been a while since I have written a letter to our Babes, so, because I am using this blog to update family and friends about our lives and a baby book for Baby B..I decided to keep posting letters to her. If you want to check out other letters that I (and other family members have written) you can read them here!

Dear Bria Eden,

It has been a while since I have written you a letter. Actually, it’s been since before you were even born that I wrote you. It’s not because I had nothing to say. It’s because I have too much to say. Bria, everyday there are thousands of emotions that well up inside me. Emotions that I never knew existed until the moment you were born. Emotions that I just can’t find the words to express. They are released when I am dancing in the living room singing Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog (in my most obnoxious singing voice, tears rolling down my face because you are that much heavier) with you in my arms, smiling with your gumminess grin. I am reminded that you no longer will be this young again. You will no longer have a first smile. You will no longer discover your hands for the first time. All of your firsts will no longer be. But I have to remember to embrace the fact that you are growing older and that it’s a privilege from God to watch you grow and learn about this wondrous, beautiful world of ours.

I am excited to teach you how to crawl, walk, talk, and dance. Bria I will teach you that two plus two equals four, that the Earth is round, and the grass is green and sky, blue. I will teach you to be kind and love everyone, and hurt no one. But most of all Peanut, I will teach you that you are Altogether Beautiful. You will know this from the core of your being, that you are perfect in every way imaginable. You are you and I will love you in your darkest hours and in your happiest moments. My love for you will grow deeper as your years pass.

Remember dear Bria, you, My Darling are Altogether Beautiful. You and your chubby legs that have grown an inch since last week are beautiful. You and your cute, adorable double chin are beautiful. You and your thick stubby fingers (just like your mom’s) are beautiful.

You are and always will be Altogether Beautiful!

I love you to the moon and back,

Your Mama

"You are Altogether Beautiful, My Darling and there is no blemish in you."

~Song of Solomon 4:7

Letter to baby Bria

I got a surprise call from my sister Alexis at work.

It was so good to hear her voice. We usually just chat through Skype. But it's different when you can actually hear your loved ones voice.

She wanted to tell me about a letter she wrote to our Bria through facebook.

It's so good that I wanted to share it here with you all.

I literally wept while reading it. Not that it's mushy 'n gushy but the simple fact that Bria is loved so much and many family and friends take the time to think about her. Well, part of the letter did hit a soft spot of my heart with an arrow: "you have the best mother in the world" ... That....Right there, is what I hope to be someday! 

Here it is:

Of course this is probably all in hopes that Alexis will truly be her favorite auntie.   

But.... just the fact that she has 4 wonderful and amazing women as her aunts will be truly a blessing, and if Bria's at all like her mother, she will love them with an endless love.

34 Weeks!

It's upon us again that I write yet another update on this whole pregnancy bit. However, I think it's vital that I at least post something since it has been about a week and a half! I've been far to busy with college and work to even log into my account! Sheesh. But, my friends and family I am almost done!! So, without any further nonsense ramblings....Here is the recap of the week:

Baby Bria,

You now weigh about 4-5 lbs, which is the weight of a cantaloupe! You are also around 18 inches in length! Already you are a big girl :)...Your precious skin is as smooth as it has ever been! 

Keep on growing baby! We can't wait to meet you...

-Love your Mama!

How far along? 34 weeks! 

Total weight gain/loss: Last time I checked, I gained 18 lbs. I think that was two weeks ago, so I probably have gained a little more since the little princess is growing so rapidly! 

Sleep: I have a routine now. I get up around 2:30-3:00 in the morning and stay up for an hour and then fall back asleep-which makes me feel exhausted throughout the day! I plan on sleeping a.lot when I get to Ketchikan and am waiting for baby to arrive! 

Best moment of the week: when I had my last class of Curriculum Development ED664!! 

Movement: To give you a picture of what it may feel like, imagine a tiny hand grabbing a hold of one of your ribs and squeezing! It may be a small hand, but ribs are precious little bones! With the rib-grabbing and twirling around it's been wonderfully painful! 

Stimulation: The dogs barking get her all wired up as well as good 'ole chocolate milk! 

Maternity Clothes: None anymore. I can't fit into my maternity jeans :( ...They were size small though. I live in my black stretchy pants!

Stretch marks: I hope I don't jinx myself, but as of right now I have been very blessed and have not received any stretch marks! Although, I am on my third jar of vitamin E and cocoa butter lotion! 

Food cravings: nada! Except for Organic Italian Soda in Blood Orange. Sounds weird, but Ketchikan Safeway has it and it's delicious! I was fortunate enough to have a bottle because a sweet friend sent a care package! 

Gender: girl, girl, girl!! 

Labor Signs: none this week! 

Belly button in or out: In and stretched!

What I miss: Running! 

What I am looking forward to: seeing my feet again! 

Weekly wisdom: sleep, sleep, sleep! 

Milestones: If the babe is born, she will be healthy and will be able to breathe on her own and with minimal health complications! 

Mama and lil' one 34 weeks! 

*please excuse the messiness of me! This was done right after class around 9:00 p.m. but I refuse to let another week go by without an update and picture** 

Thankful

In the spirit of being thankful this week I wanted to share what Clint has posted outside of his classroom.



This about melted my heart when I saw this! How amazing is it that Clint is going to be a daddy?!  It's the most wonderful blessing I could ask for!

Butterfly Kisses

Oh Pregnancy is beautiful.
There is a CHILD in my belly.
A child that's going to wow the world with her heavenliness.

It's been crazy and scary and funny and miraculous all at the same time.

Am I ready for it to be over?
No.

I can live without the late night bathroom trips, the back-aches and the feeling that I am waddling down the halls like a duck. But those are minor, insignificant details.

I am dreading the day when it's no longer just her and I-skin to skin. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled about the day she enters the world. Thrilled when she wraps her little finger around daddy's finger.


But there is something magical...

something dreamlike being able to feel her little butterfly kisses.

Oh those Little Butterfly Kisses!

Mini Photo Shoot!!

I know this is my second post for today...and I was going to wait to post until tomorrow but I'm to darn excited to give a hoot! After my blessed morning with Clint waking up and making pancakes which were slathered with Almond Butter...Mmm... We decided that it's too nice of a day to spend inside. I mean, living up in northern Alaska where winters can be brutally cold, you have to take advantage of the nice weather. So, with dogs in tow, all four of us headed out! It was a beautiful day with the sun shining, crisp air, and snow on the ground along with frozen mud. It was a blast!

We had a mini photo shoot! I have been contemplating on whether or not to have professional photos taken of me, the bump, and Clint...But Clint has a hard time spending money on something that, "he can do himself"...

I think his quote proves that, well, he's right! I am so proud of the pictures that he took of me...I feel like a life-giving goddess in these photos...Seriously. I may be tooting my own horn but this little princess is radiating her beauty through me...

Have a look...Tell me what you think!

26 Weeks and 4 Days...

Dear Baby Girl,

You are and always will be, my most precious creation!

 

Love, 

Your Mamma

Letter to Baby Girl Shultz

It's been a while since I have wrote a letter to our daughter. Life has been crazy and has been feeling like we are going at race-track speeds. I was thinking of her this morning as she kicks me in the ribs ever so gently, but at the same time, ever so uncomfortably! I was thinking of how precious life is and how so often people rush through it like they are sprinting to the finish line-without really realizing the beauty that God has given us. I am ashamed that I have been in this category of going through life just a little too fast. This is a trait that I hope our baby girl doesn't have.

Dear Baby Girl,

You have been quite the little mover and shaker the past couple of weeks, and every time I feel you, I get the biggest smile on my face and warm feeling in my heart. You are mine. I am yours. Forever. When I lay down to go to sleep, this is when you are most active-almost as if you are saying, "I'm here mommy!" thank you for that. Thank you for keeping peace in my heart by moving. Even if I do complain about my ribs hurting from you pushing, kicking, or whatever it is you do in there. 

I want you to know that this week was perhaps the happiest week of our pregnancy. This week, on October 5, 2010 at 8:43pm you kicked so hard that your daddy felt you. He placed his hands on my tummy, and felt little flutters, then...BAMB! He had his, "Christmas-morning-winning a championship-on-top-of-Mnt.-Everest" smile and a twinkle in his eye. Keep moving baby! Move lots and lots while you're in the warm place of my tummy.

However, when you make your precious existence in this crazy world of ours. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to help you live life slowly. Take deep breaths and watch the birds in the trees, and the clouds in the sky. I will help you slow down to enjoy life.  

Love,

Your Mama

Reality....

Do you remember this post about how I wanted to wait until I got home from Nome to tell Clint we were having a baby girl? well, this sign, that's hanging on his classroom bulletin was how I was going to tell him!



I colored a DAD sign with purple (remember, there is no pink in this house) and yellow. If it were a boy I would have picked blue and green.

But here is the sign:

Tiaras and Baby Dolls!!!

It's funny how you think about the most creative ways, and the most entertaining ways to tell people some really good news. Believe me. I had the cutest idea on how I was going to tell Clint we were having a baby girl and wanted to wait until I got home-but of course, I was emotional while talking to him on the phone and mid sentence I blurted out, "we're having a baby girl!!". At first I was nervous on what his reaction might be-but he was happy and told me he feels blessed to have a baby girl on the way. That right there, is why I married him. He is perfect in that he knows exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.

It is. It's a blessing that we are having a baby girl and we couldn't be happier!

Before I show you the pictures of our precious sweat pea. I want to tell you that this baby of ours is the most beautiful creature on the planet and she hasn't even left my womb. The technician even said so.  The first thing we looked at was her face, and the technician told me, "My gosh, you are going to have one beautiful baby.  I have seen a lot of ultrasounds and she's a beauty!" My first reaction as Duh! Of course she is.  She's our baby! And then, I was thinkin' that this lady says that to all the first time mamas. But I'll take it anyway. Because it's the truth.

Here she is:



One of her precious footsies... A chubby one at that!



And...Because some of you may need actual proof:




There you have it! A baby girl shultz is on her way!


Because I am super excited about this baby of ours and we finally know the baby is a she I have pulled out my knitting needles and yarn and started to work.  And what do you know? I have already finished her first pair of baby booties! Now remember how I said Clint and I are not a fan of pink? Well, we love purple! So here you go:





Yes. I made those! I am super proud and ready to make my next pair...Mmm...Nice yellow ones sound good to me :)


Dear Baby Girl,

It's amazing that I was able to see your beautiful face again on the ultra-sound screen. You are precious! When I feel you in my tummy I now have a picture of what you may look like when you enter the world. However, I know that you're going to be a hundred times more beautiful than we could ever imagine!  Stay cozy and keep growing :)

This is going to be short, but I want you to know that already, you are the twinkle in my eyes and the center of your daddy's world. We love you more than anything.

Love, 
You're Mama

Our Baby's a Rockstar!!

Just a real quick post to mark this special occasion.  You may be wondering why a Friday in September would be marked on my calendar as a day to celebrate. But alas my friends, I have good reason! You ready?

Our baby kicked!!

On September 3, 2010 @ 2:03 pm I felt our little Rockstar baby kick for the first time!!!

It wasn't quite a 'magical' moment at first, until I realized what was happening. 3 different times I felt a sensation in my stomach-as if someone was jabbing a pencil inside my womb. It happened on the lower left side. It happened while listening to preschool songs while trying to find some music for next week. It was the most incredible feeling that I have ever had in my life. Knowing that there is a little person growing inside me is unbelievable-and what's even more remarkable is that it's part Clint and part Me. That reason. Right there. Is perhaps the most amazing thing about this entire pregnancy.

Dear Lil' Rockstar,

You are quite the mover and shaker in my tummy :).  Today was a milestone for both of us, as it was the first time mommy felt your sweet little kick! You, my little one, are my definition of happiness. Every time I feel you move, you put a smile on my face. Every time your daddy and I talk about you (which has been almost everyday, all day), you put a smile on our face. Every time I think about you wrapping your little fingers around ours, it puts that smile on our face.

Now, our task is to raise you with the same desire to seek and find those people, experiences, places that will bring you personal joy. I promise that we will always support you in your journeys-may they be far away, or in our backyard. Now that I know you are listening in there, I will be playing some music for you to dance to. 

Until we can dance together,

Your Mama

Flawless Love...

"Love is patient: love is kind and envies no one.

Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and endurance.  In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of them all is love."

{1 Corinthians 13:4}

 I am fortunate to have some pretty amazing love in my life and that's something I don't, for one second, take for granted.  I have the love of a man who still, after 4 years together, takes my breath away when he walks into a room (mushy I know, but it's my blog, my thoughts :). I also love and have the love of some pretty amazing family members, although, as most of you know, love is never easy all the time. But it's still an aw-inspiring love.



As I ponder the thought of bringing another life into this crazy, scary, amazing, and beautiful world, which lately has been and endless stream of dreams-including day dreams, I can't help but think about the love I already have in my life and how it's going to change a gazillion times more-maybe even more than that!


One of my most favorite passages from the bible is 1 Corinthians, the quote stated above.  As I go through with this pregnancy and enter the realm of mommy hood (gosh, it still seems so surreal) I am going to instill from day one, that our lil' one experiences and knows that his/her mommy and daddy love.  Once we have established and have created love. We will teach our lil' one how to create stronger bonds with love.  The way to do this?

* Be patient and kind: Be kind to everyone and everything in life. Everyone deserves a smile rather than a rude comment.

*Avoid selfishness: Although sometimes it's okay to put yourself first sometimes, it is truly more important to think of other first.

*Do not be rude or boastful: This goes hand in hand with the first concept. If you practice being patient and kind, you will automatically be rid of rudeness or boastful.

*Be supportive and avoid envy: Be supportive and happy for everyone who seems to be doing better than you. 

*Fill your heart with trust: The strongest love has the most trustful relationship.  If you don't trust the ones you love, you will never be truly happy.  Trust is perhaps one of the most important elements.

*Believe in the power of love: If you truly love, you will have the power to overcome an negativity--if you believe in it. 

*Celebrate the love you share: Don't take love for granted.  Just don't do it.  Make time to celebrate the love you have.  We will create our own holidays to celebrate love!

There you have it.  Some of my thoughts on teaching our lil' one love.




Photo Credit: here

Dear Baby...

Last night, as I was laying in bed alone and letting my mind wander, I kept thinking about the little one growing inside me.  I kept thinking about all the feelings that I have towards this new life, a being that is created between my husband and I. I am no longer just a wife, but I am a mother as well. Yes, the baby may still be in my womb, but a mother nonetheless.

Here are my thoughts:

To baby:

I don't know if you are going to like pink and dress up like a princess, or if you are going to love mud puddles and build forts and play with bugs. I don't know if you are going to be Daddy's little girl, or his little Slugger.  I don't care. What I do know though, is I already love you with every fiber of my being. I know that that you are already the most perfect us. You are the most precious gift God has given to your daddy and I. You already have taken my breath away. The first time I looked down at the pregnancy test and saw two, very dark lines. The first time I heard your heartbeat-which sounded like galloping horses.  The first time I saw your little fingers and toes on the ultrasound screen. The first time I felt you squirm in my belly. You took my breath away.

We have only known of your existence for seventeen weeks, but it feels like we have been waiting for you since the day we met. You will complete our family in a way that we could have never imagined.

Love,
Your Mama 

An open letter to our baby Shultz

Up until the last post, we have told only family and close friends about you. You're the size of a lentil bean and are giving your daddy and I a feeling that nothing can even come close to. We already love you and are talking about how we are going to raise you.

The whole idea of us being on the other side of this whole parental thing is a little crazy. We have some ideas on how we are going to raise a brilliant, well-rounded, polite, happy child. Here is what we know:

1) I am going to let you eat dirt sometimes. And you'll probably get licked in the mouth by your doggy siblings from time to time...

2) We love adventures. Adventures of any kind. We hope you like them too. We don't sit around the house very much so be prepared to be bundled up and carried along for the ride. I hope you like the pristine waters from a kayak and the vast mountain tops from a carrier.

3) You're daddy will teach you everything he knows about the wilderness and outdoor sports. Be prepared to love them as much as he does.

4) Most of all. We are going to teach you respect. Respect for the world and people around you. Respect will get you far in life and will perhaps be the number one virtue that will make your life a fulfilling journey.

I'm sure I'll add to this list later, but this is what I have so far. So lets recap- you may occasionally have a dirt mustache, and Sierra licking your face while we head out on our latest adventure, where your daddy will be teaching you how to build a fire with nothing but a flint stick, and your mama reminds  you to say "please" and "thank-you".

Love,

your mom