Letters to London: Volume One

I wrote this post yesterday, but then this happened last night and (inspired by my friend Kelsey), I had to share:

Now then, back to the original post...

I have seen lots of people write letters to their unborn children (Page over at It's Marvelous being one of my favorites), and I've really wanted to do it but was waiting for the right time to start. 30 weeks seems like a good landmark to me ... it'll force me to really put my thoughts down and capture the feelings of these last few months before she's here. But, given the pregnant brain / chaos at work / chaos of preparing for her arrival, it's likely going to be stream of consciousness and may not be anything you want to read. That's ok, at least I have it.

Also, secret's out, her name is London. I haven't announced that yet, have I?

London Claire Eckerson

What better place to start these letters than the story of her name. To be honest, I'm not sure there are three words I enjoy writing more. But let me start from the beginning.

London,
Before we even thought about trying to have a baby, I had a long list of names I loved (most girls do, don't let them tell you otherwise). You probably will too, and that's totally normal. It will change as you get older or as certain things become inspirations to you, and that's normal too. As a couple, your dad and I had very little commentary about names we liked, so I was nervous that our tastes would be totally different (they were!) and we'd never agree on something.

We didn't discuss names with the first pregnancy - honestly, we didn't discuss much of anything, everything happened so quickly. But with you, sometime in the first trimester, I got the urge to start talking about it. Your dad kept saying no, it wasn't time, we couldn't get ahead of ourselves, let's find out the gender first, etc. Finally, after what felt like ages (but really was only about 6 weeks after we found out I was pregnant with you), your dad gave me the sweetest birthday gift - we could spend the day talking about what to name you. So we went to a sports bar around the corner, he ordered a pitcher of beer (and a water for me, of course) and we went through the list, narrowing down to about 25 options. Still overwhelming, but it was progress!

We agreed that we wouldn't talk about it again until our gender ultrasound, which was scheduled for the middle of January. We took the day off work, had our appointment first thing in the morning, and planned to spend the rest of the day doing all the things we hadn't let ourselves do - go shopping for you, buy you clothes, pick your name. Those things were physical manifestations of the fact that we were about to have a child, and we could finally let ourselves accept and get excited about that! As soon as I found out I was having a daughter (an emotional moment, as you saw in the video!), I was ready to give you a name, an identity. You weren't just a baby anymore - you were our baby, our girl. You needed a name.

We spent the next few hours running through our list and before I knew it, we had it narrowed down to about five choices - London being one of them and your dad's favorite. We weighed the pros and cons, and your dad brought up the point that we would be taking you to London just a few weeks after you were born, and if there were ever a time to use the name it was now. It wasn't just a perfect name, it was perfect for YOU! He was right, your name would be London. I never imagined having a daughter named London but from that moment on, it seemed to make perfect sense, and we both couldn't stop saying it.

Your middle name was my decision - your dad seems to think that middle names don't matter (he forgets that you will be raised in the south, where middle names are pretty much just an extension of your first name). As we drove around the next morning (shopping for you, of course), I kept saying aloud the various combinations we were considering, but London Claire just fit. It's feminine - just soft enough - it's classy and it's unique all at the same time ... all things we knew you'd be! So within 24 hours of when we found out we were expecting a sweet baby girl, it was decided - London Claire Eckerson would be your name, and we both couldn't have been more thrilled about it.

London has a few different meanings, but the one we found that day (and the one that's our favorite) is Wild. Combine it with Claire, meaning Clear - Wild & Clear. Let your name be a constant reminder of who you were destined to be. Others may not know where you're going, but you always will. Sometimes you'll march to the beat of your own drum, but you'll always know exactly who you are. Your personality may be wild, but you'll always have a true sense of clarity about the things that matter most - Your God and Your Family. You're going to be incredible - you already are, honestly, and you're not even here yet.

I cannot wait to meet you London,
Your Mom

Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

I've been craving things that are cold and refreshing lately. Pudding, frozen coffee drinks (decaf, of course... ok,  you got me, half-caf...), etc. Needless to say I've been dying to make this cucumber tomato salad since I saw it on Pinterest. So good, so healthy - it really hit the spot. I imagine I'll be making a lot of it this summer. Oh, who am I kidding - I'm not going to be making a lot of anything this summer. Other than breast milk (hopefully!). But you, dear friends, can make it for me and bring it over in exchange for some baby cuddles. You're welcome for that.

Oh, and the biggest shock? This is a Paula Deen recipe! A Paula Deen recipe with NO BUTTER! What is the world coming to?

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
  (you could do this little trick if you want to be fancy)
  
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  (Paula recommends Vidalia but I had a white onion in the fridge and it worked just fine)
• 1 tbsp (or more, to taste) dried parsley
  (Paula recommends 2 tbsp fresh parsley, but there are only certain herbs I'm willing to spend money on to keep fresh in the house, only to throw it away a week later because I didn't use it, and parsley is just not one of them)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Mix everything (EVERYTHING) together in a large bowl
   Use a glass bowl if you have it, because this salad is pretty and colorful!
2. Let sit in the fridge for 10 minutes or more
   

Hooray! Bring it to your next cookout or pair it with some grilled chicken breasts for dinner. This serving size makes quite a bit for two people, so you can probably serve it for several meals (and, in my opinion, it's great as "leftovers")

How the heck are we at 30 weeks already?

1. How far along?: 30 weeks 1 day! Oh my gosh, I am 3/4ths of the way through my pregnancy, that is JUST PLAIN NUTS.

   

   Taken this morning...
   Don't worry, I put a shirt on over that tank
   Let's be honest, no one wants to see that

2. How big is baby?: According to What to Expect, she is now the size of a head of lettuce - let's just hope her head isn't the size of a head of lettuce ... ouch! She is about 18 inches long and should weigh 3lbs 2oz. Her heart rate was in the 140s yesterday at our appointment, which is great (it's normal to slow down as they grow - she used to be in the 160s), and my belly is measuring at 31 weeks which is perfect!

   

   This old man looks nice.
   Maybe I'll let him hold the baby when she's born...
   IF he washes his hands and brings me a casserole ;)

3. Weight gain?: 13 lbs. Praise Jesus! I was so worried at how fast I was gaining (after not gaining for so long) but somehow I've only gained a pound since my last appointment four weeks ago. Grace said to me yesterday, "I honestly don't know how you can eat as much candy as you do and only gain one pound!" - she's right. I eat so many sweets, it's disgusting! But delightful (especially all this Easter candy - big thanks to my mom and mother-in-law!)
4. Stretch marks?: Still none, let's hope it stays that way. After searching drug stores and Ulta, I ended up back at Bath & Body Works for their body butter. It smells good and feels good, and it appears to be working so far, so why mess with a good thing?
5. Maternity clothes?: Still running through my new-to-me wardrobe passed down from Sloan, which is a Godsend because nothing else in my closet fits me. Easter Sunday was such a struggle! I ended up in an elastic-waist white skirt from Old Navy (that I've had for years) and a long cardigan that, I later found out, stuck out below my belly. Cute, real cute.
6. Sleep?: Dr. Segal confirmed that the coughing is most likely reflux, so he said I can take a Pepcid before bed (in addition to the one in the morning) and it should help. I tried it last night and I slept better than I have in awhile, so here's hoping that's the trick!
7. Best moment last week?: I love our doctor's appointments, and I'm actually kind-of excited that we now get to start going every two weeks. Hearing her sweet heartbeat and being told that we're both right on track is so reassuring. Non-baby related, church on Easter was really nice!
8. Food cravings?: Fried fish - what? So weird. I'm blaming this on the brain development she's experiencing this week. 
9. Symptoms?: My hips / butt / thighs get so sore if I sit for too long, especially if I'm crossing my legs, that I kind-of have the pregnant girl waddle when I first stand up. I'm sure that's adorable (that was sarcasm, it's not). Heartburn is still kicking my ass but they say that means she'll have a head of hair so that's a perk. 
10. Exercise?: Week two of doing virtually nothing (although getting to and from work from the parking deck is exercise in my book!) because we were in between yoga sessions for one week, and tonight we have a meeting with a pediatrician. But I'll resume next week and can't wait to meet the new girls in my class!
11. Gender?: 
12. Movement?: Her movement appears to be less frequent and less strong than it used to be. When I feel her, it's often a "one-off" type wiggle or kick, and a lot of times it's been so far toward my back or so low that it can't even be felt from the outside. I feel bad because Ben hasn't really gotten to feel her in awhile, but I hope that means she still has lots of room! Also, the hiccups. At least once a day, she gets them, down in my hooha. Really kid? In an important meeting? I guess there's nothing I can do for her (or me!).
13. Belly button?: Another week and it's still in. I'd consider this another blessing!
14. What I miss?: Sushi - with my fish cravings this week, I'd prefer to be eating something raw and healthy than the fried greasy goodness I consumed Monday, but I'll suffer through ;)
15. Labor signs?: Other than the fact that I'm pretty confident her head is down, none. We want her to keep cooking until June!
16. What I'm looking forward to?: My shower this weekend - nothing beats getting spoiled by your mama, especially when pregnant!

    

    Just for fun: 10 weeks, 20 weeks, 30 weeks
    For the record...
    I can still wear the jeans I'm wearing in the 10 and 20 week pics

    
    

Recipe: Banana Pudding

As much as I love traveling up to Virginia and spending Easter at my Grandfather's house, it was admittedly very nice to stay in town this year - especially since we got to attend our new church's Easter service! Did I mention yet that Ben & I recently became members of FUMC-Cary? Because WE DID, and it is such a welcome relief to finally end the great Eckerson Church Search, and to do it before our little one arrives.

Anyway, we were spoiled with two Easter meals this year; one at Ben's parents in the early afternoon, and one with friends in Raleigh. I decided an appropriate impromptu contribution would be banana pudding, mostly because I've been craving pudding lately and banana pudding seemed appropriate for spring time. I found the skeleton of the recipe on Pinterest but now I can't find the reference page, so I'm sorry for not giving credit. Lucky for y'all, the recipe is simple enough that I could remember it - and I had almost all the ingredients already in my kitchen!

Ingredients

• 5 bananas, sliced
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tub fat-free cool whip (you know, to counteract the condensed milk)
• 1 box nilla wafers
• 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3.5 cups milk

Directions

1. Pour cold milk into large mixing bowl
2. Add pudding mix to bowl, beat or whisk until mixed thoroughly
   
3. Combine pudding with condensed milk and cool whip, try not to eat this deliciousness by the spoonful
4. In a large class bowl, layer nilla wafers, bananas, pudding mixture, and repeat until pudding is gone - I did a layer laying down, then did an extra layer standing up around the edge of the bowl for a pretty effect
    
5. Top with a pretty design of cookies and bananas if you're fancy like I am
6. Chill until ready to be eaten (but it can be eaten right away!)

 So easy and delicious! It's such a nice spring / summer treat and it only gets better as it sits in your fridge. Personally, I hate artificial banana flavored foods, so I use vanilla pudding instead of banana pudding and it's still enough flavor from the fruit itself, but you could definitely use whichever you prefer.

29 week update

1. How far along?: 29 weeks 1 day
2. How big is baby?: According to What to Expect, she is now the size of a butternut squash. She is approximately 17 inches long (head to feet), same as last week BUT weighs about 3.1 lbs. We've passed the 3lb mark, and to that I say Get It Girl! (L, not me)
   
3. Weight gain?: Next appt is Tuesday, so we'll find out then. Cross your fingers I'm still under 20lbs please!
4. Stretch marks?: Still none, Praise the Lord. I bought new cocoa butter lotion from the drug store this weekend (finally ran out of my amazing-smelling body butter that my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas) and after I put it on, I hate it. So that's going back to the store - any suggestions for what I can replace it with? I didn't see the Burt's Bees stuff which everyone raves about...
5. Maternity clothes?: Enjoying all my new-to-me clothes from Sloan, many of which are belly-friendly (see below - linen dress from Boden!)
6. Sleep?: Oh my gosh, y'all, this coughing. I can't. It's been going on for over a month and it's only getting worse. I keep the Chloraseptic Spray by my bed (dr says it's safe!) but that's not enough, so hopefully they'll have some remedies for me on Tuesday (which, I should mention, is my 30 week appointment. 30 WEEKS! that is so long. I have been pregnant for 7.5 months WTF?!)
7. Best moment last week?: Since I just posted on Sunday, not much has changed or happened. I spent two hours on Monday night setting things up in her closet (and already ran out of hangers) which was so fun and made me feel like I was actually accomplishing something for her room.
   
8. Food cravings?: Anything and everything.
9. Symptoms?: Not sure if this is a symptom, but girlfriend has gotten the hiccups several times recently. This was cute the first couple times, when I could see my tummy rhythmically bouncing (it also made me feel so bad for her), but now her head must be very, ahem, low because the hiccups are quite uncomfortable. I guess the good news about that is that I'm not worried about her being breech? 
10. Exercise?: I signed up for another 8 week session of pre-natal yoga, starting next Wednesday. My good friend who's due the week before me is still running and I am so impressed by that, because I can barely make it up the stairs. But, I can kill it on some 90 second wall sits.
11. Gender?: I'm sorry, did you miss the closet full of dresses and rompers? We are in so much trouble if she suddenly grew a penis in the past 2 months.
12. Movement?: Again, movements are still pretty gentle. Either she's tiny or just has plenty of room still because I'm so big. Either way, the movements are rarely annoying or painful, and she often moves at the exact moment I start to worry about her which is so sweet.
13. Belly button?: Still in. Cross your fingers for me, y'all. It's not looking good.
14. What I miss?: Sleeping through the night. Might as well kiss that one goodbye.
15. Labor signs?: None.
16. What I'm looking forward to?: I have a shower at home next weekend that should be really fun! Not looking forward to the four hour drive by myself, especially since the last three times I've driven through Richmond by myself, it's been POURING rain.

A Monday Quickie

Get your minds out of the gutter! Just a quick post in case anyone out there needs a Monday pick-me-up. Saw this on a friend's blog and couldn't help but share! Here's the NIV version, but I like this one better; it reads:

"Be Strong. Take Courage. Don't Be Intimidated. Don't give [the opposition] a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down, He won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Nothing is to big for Him, y'all. Amen?

I almost missed it: 28 weeks

1. How far along?: 28 weeks 5 days
2. How big is baby?: According to What to Expect, she is now the size of a small cabbage. She is approximately 17 inches long (head to feet) and weighs about 2.9 lbs.
   
3. Weight gain?: I broke down and stepped on the scale in our bathroom yesterday. Of course, I don't know how it matches up with the one at the doctor so I really have no idea how many pounds I've gained ... 15? 16? 20?! We'll find out next week.
4. Stretch marks?: Still none, Praise the Lord. I asked Ben to check me for stretch marks this weekend, and he asked what exactly he was looking for, so I'd say that's a good sign.
5. Maternity clothes?: Nothing new purchased in the way of maternity, but a dear friend had me and another friend over last night to raid the clothes she was purging - so I have new-to-me clothes!
6. Sleep?: I go back and forth on this. I feel bad to complain about sleep because at least I'm not uncomfortable, but the coughing and heartburn is making it hard to fall asleep most nights (and I know it's making it hard on Ben, too). Then I wake up around 4-5 am to pee many mornings. The nice thing about my sleep lately is that it's been so nice we've been able to sleep with the windows open!
7. Best moment last week?: Oh my gosh, y'all, we found a freakin dresser. The most wonderful, most perfect dresser in the entire world. OK, whatever, I don't care if it's perfect, I loooooove it. And I was so relieved when we found it, I was literally brought to tears. AND Ben finished re-doing her closet. What a productive week it was!
   
8. Food cravings?: Anything and everything.
9. Symptoms?: It's getting difficult to put my shoes on. Expect to see me wearing my rainbows quite a lot over the next 2.5 months!
10. Exercise?: I signed up for another 8 week session of pre-natal yoga, starting next Wednesday.
11. Gender?: Can I just take this one out?
12. Movement?: I've started being able to feel her stretch, which is really adorable to me, especially in the morning. Lots of rolling / gentle movements, which aren't uncomfortable. A few friends and coworkers have been able to feel her move lately, it's so fun to share that with someone else!
13. Belly button?: Still in. Cross your fingers for me, y'all.
14. What I miss?: Being able to eat anything without heartburn. Ugh!
15. Labor signs?: None. Cross your fingers on this one, too! We want this little one inside until June.
16. What I'm looking forward to?: Hanging her clothes in her "new" closet!!

    

    Don't hate on the barbie arm