Dearest Norah

8/22/15

Dearest Norah,

In 1 day, 2 hours, and 33 minutes I will be 32 weeks pregnant with your beautiful self and I could not be more excited to meet you.

Many may not know this, but after your sister was born, we didn't know if we were going to be able to have more kids.  Actually a week before we found out I was pregnant with you, the doctor told us that I might have ovarian cysts or premature ovarian failure.

You may not know what those are, but they can possibly make it where mommy wouldn't be able to have babies.  The doctors told me to take birth control pills to see if that would help and so in a last ditch effort, at 6 am in the morning, mommy took a pregnancy test just to make sure.

The joy and relief I felt when I saw those two pink lines surpassed all the grief and depression I had felt knowing that I wouldn't have more kids lifted and I ran to your daddy and jumped on the bed, scaring him awake and showed him a stick with my pee on it.

I think it took him a while to get out of dream land, but when he realized what I said, he just held me.

Right now, daddy is a little scared to meet you because he is doing a lot for our family right now and he wants to do right by us, but don't worry, she is just as excited as I am.

Evelyn was our Angel Baby-rushing to greet us.  You, my sweet girl, are our Miracle Baby-the one we thought we'd never meet.

You take your time, and you get strong because we can't wait to hold you in our arms and cuddle you through the night.

(Maybe try your hardest not to come on Uncle Skyler's and Aunt Cadrina's wedding day, so you can have all the attention to yourself.)

We love you so much sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy, Daddy, and Evelyn
xxoo

Baby Ground Rules

Today our little family finally went to the hospital to register to give birth (basically you give the hospital your information so when the baby is trying to push it's way out of your junk you don't have to fill out paperwork.)

As we were enjoying the surprisingly yummy cafeteria food we decided to hash out the Do's and Don'ts of baby visiting.

We are targeting anyone who wishes to visit those first, let's say 2-4 weeks postbirth.  This includes family and friends and most definitely acquaintances or nonfriends.  Actually nonfriends can just stay away!  Though I can't think of any names off the top of my head.  (That's a good sign, eh?)

http://www.solomatters.com/summary_of_major_rules_changes_for_2015

Let's Begin....



1.  Unless you've contacted us via call, text, facebook message, letter, etc AND received a response, you should stop and do so before visiting.  Common courtesy people!

2.  If I give birth at night- no visitors until the next morning.  We will all be tired and yucky and I know you want to see Norah but seriously it's not happening.
     If I give birth in the day- Spencer or I (most likely Spencer) will text you (family) when we are ready for visitors.  It will probably be 1-2 hours post birth.  Again, be patient.  Last time I had some minor issues and those will need to be situated before I want visitors barging in.

3.  The hospital rooms are nice but I don't want everyone and their mother in the room at once.  So unless we have told you specifically we would like you to visit the hospital to see us, please don't.  This will most likely be only family and extremely close friends.

4.  At our apartment we will set up visiting hours.  (yes I'm serious.)  Right now I'm thinking 3-5 pm on any given day.  You might get to stay longer if you bring food or do some chores.  Yes this is bribery and I'm okay with that. :)

5.  Please be happy and upbeat if you visit.  We will be stressed enough as it is and we need the positive jujus headed our way.



Well so far, that is it.  If you have issues with these please talk to us.  This is an exciting time but also a scary and busy time for Spencer and I.
We love you and we can't wait to meet Miss Norah.

PS We've started a baby registry.  I believe there will be a shower- just not sure of the details yet!  If you want to see what we have so far, go to the link below!  We will be adding more later.  Just search "Claire Nelson" in the serach bar at the top of the page.  The password is norahrose.

http://www.myregistry.com/baby-registry/Claire-Nelson-Spencer-Nelson-Vancouver-WA/924062?

Much Love,
Nelson Family
xxoo

Ravings of a Pregnant Woman

Meet Norah Rose Nelson <3

Pregnancy.  The start of a new life.  An absolutely beautiful thing.  Where you can feel the beautiful baby stirring within you.  Don't get me wrong it's glorious.  I love it, but it is also frustrating,

Even if you omit the constant nausea that accompanies the first trimester and the breasts that feel like they're going to explode every time your daughter or your cat decides to walk or crawl directly over them.  Sometimes it's like being trapped in a monstrous B****'s body.


Prior to pregnancy you were sweet and patient and calm and ready for anything but something about the potion of hormones coursing through your bloodstream make you into a person you aren't.


The husband you so lovingly created another life with- who you love beyond anything- is suddenly a man who can't get anything done.

I mean how dare he sleep in?  How dare he hang out with his brother while fixing the suburban you demanded he fix prior to baby's birth?  How dare he empty the litter box a day later than you asked?
Pretty much how can he do anything?

See-even writing this I'm again confronted with how ridiculous I sound.  Even when I'm "in the moment" and feeling so grumpy I know I'm not myself.  I know I'm overreacting but it just doesn't stop.  It just flows out in continuous word and emotion  vomit.  

This morning I've been in one of those funks.  I've barely spoken 20 words to my husband because for some godforsaken reason I'm upset at him again and yet all I want to do is to snuggle him all day.
So there you have it.  The pregnant woman is a walking contradiction and is fully conscious of the fact.  So before you get completely frustrated with me..with us.. remember that we are not only creating a new life(lives) but we are also brewing some strange concoctions of emotions and hormones and that maybe we need a little bit of your patience and love because we see who we are being and we don't like it.

Much love,
Claire 
xxoo