Upside down, you turn me

Dear Laney,

All through my pregnancy, you haven't given me one bit of trouble, EXCEPT... It seems you like to hang out upside down. Before it's time for you to get here, we need to find a way to get you turned the right way. Peg Peg says the problem is that you're nosy and you want to hear what everyone else is saying, so you refused to tuck your head.

We read somewhere that if I lie upside down, that we might get you to flip. Your dad built me a ramp, and I would lie with my head hanging down every night, but it didn't work. We tried shining a flashlight on my belly for a little while to show you where you should go. You thought it was cool for about a minute, then you were over it.

Finally, we heard about an ancient Chinese remedy. I ordered some herbs online, and your dad and Amy helped me follow the directions. We were supposed to light the herbs and hold them next to my pinkie toes. We tried it, but all it did was fill our house with funny smelling smoke and give your dad a reason to play "Bob Marley's Greatest Hits." Someday, I will explain to you why this is funny.

Even though we didn't convince you to flip, we all had a great time trying. I can't remember when I've laughed so hard.

Love,

Mom

Fun Visit

Dear Laney,

While we were waiting on you to arrive, Peg Peg, Tex and Granny Jack all came out for a visit. We had a great time - Dad drove us over to Blodgett Canyon, where your grandmother and I accidentally sat on a log that was covered in ticks. To help her recover from the shock, we stopped at an ice cream place for a treat - one of your grandmother's favorite things to do.

Dad's hoping that you learn to love nature, so we took you on a walk to (literally) expose you to the great outdoors.

We had a cook-out and Grandma Sue, Erik, and your great-grandfather Ron came over to eat. If this many people want to come see you BEFORE you're born, I imagine you're going to be very popular once you get here.

Love,

Mom

P.S. It was Tex's birthday on May 20th, and I have a tradition of making him Martha Stewart's Chocolate Malt Sandwich cookies for his birthday. Maybe in a few years, you can help me make them, because they're HARD.

Is That A Whale, Or Is It Just Your Mama?

Laney,

I'm having a wonderful summer, but sometimes it gets hard to carry you around all day, so your dad took me to the Frenchtown Pond so I could go swimming and let you float around a while.

We brought the canoe, and your dad paddled around while I floated - it took TWO life jackets to keep me up, but I didn't care - I was having so much fun.

I don't remember why, but while your dad and I were sitting on the bank of the pond, I started doing an "I told you so" dance. I was jumping back and forth and singing "Told ya so! Told ya so!" ...And that's when I slipped and fell on my butt.

This should be a lesson for you: God really seems to like your dad, so watch out.

Love,

Mom

Your Hipster Parents

Dear Laney,

We had a few musicians staying with us last night, because they were on tour and needed a place to stay in Missoula. I keep telling you that your mother is cool - I hope you believe me.

They had a good visit, and took this photo of your dad and me standing in front of Nate's truck. There aren't a lot of photos of the two of us together while I'm pregnant with you, so I thought you'd like to see this one.

Love,

Mom

The Taj Mahal of Cribs

Dear Laney,

When he found out you were on your way, Tex called and asked if he could build you a crib. It was an amazingly generous thing for him to do, and I can't even imagine how many hours it took him to do it. The finished product is the prettiest crib I have ever seen, and I'm sure we'll have it in the family for generations to come.

Lucky you, lucky us.

Love,
Mom

Happy Easter!

Dear Laney,

Being pregnant with you has been amazing. You hardly give me any trouble, and I'm starting to be able to feel you move around in there - you're even hiccuping! Even though I'm getting bigger and bigger, I feel beautiful and I like the idea that I'm taking you with me everywhere I go.

Your dad took me out to eat in town for Easter, and we had a great time. There was still a little snow on the ground, but the days were getting warmer and sunnier.

Next year, we will buy you a beautiful Easter dress of your own, but this year, you had to share mine.

Love,

Mom

Fun with Gus

Dear Laney,

Here's what happens most nights at our house:

I get down on the floor and lie down on a big fluffy blanket while your dad and I watch a movie. Gus sneaks over and rests his head on my belly. I'm not sure if he knows you're in there, but I like to think that he knows he has a friend on the way. You always move over to whatever side of me Gus is lying on - probably because he's so warm.

I hope that when you finally get here that you and Gus will be big buddies - I can already tell he wants to meet you.

Love,

Mom