hi baby boy!

Dear Ryder.
i apologizing for writing this too late.

On April 22nd, 2011, you were born!
the night before, my water broke. i was getting ready for bed and you decided you wanted to come out and join me.
i packed up the rest of our stuff and drove myself to the hospital.
we were admitted of course, and i wasn't going to go home without my little baby!
the contractions hurt mommy, so i got the most wonderful thing, to feel it less.
at around 4:30 PM, the next day they told mommy that you were going to come out of my belly, FROM my belly.
they prepped me for surgery.
i was put to sleep, so i wasn't able to meet you until two hours later, but the doctors took really good care of you while mommy was cleaned up.
you were screamin your lil lungs out until the moment mommy held you. you opened your eyes and looked at me and all was right in the world.
we spent the next two days getting to know one another and bond and snuggle and recover.
ha, and i thought i loved you then!

in a little over a week, baby, you will be turning three months old.
your first few weeks were rough.
you didn't like the formula you were on so you screamed all the time, and mommy wasn't sure why. we switched you to something new, and you calmed down a lot.
you breast fed for a week, but then you got lazy and didn't want to work for your food anymore.
you began smiling in your sleep and i always wondered what you were dreaming about.
you've never seen your crib because you always slept in bed with mommy!
you loved your glow seahorse SO much, that within two months, the batteries needed replacing.

you have grown so much little man.
you now stay awake most of the day and sleep most of the night.
you are absolutely FASCINATED with your hands and are content just playing with them, or chewing on super bear.
you know who daddy is, you'll stare at his pictures, and wake right up when he calls because you hear his voice. he can't wait to meet you!
you wiggle and squirm and you have rolled over once already!
you have FINALLY gotten into size one diapers, becaue you have such a teeny butt.
and you're long.

your smile, it's the best smile in the world. it melts my heart.
i love hearing your giggling or talking, you're such a happy baby, aside from the temper tantrums. and i just love looking at you, i love holding you. i love everything about you.
and i wouldn't have you any other way!

almost time!

hi baby boy, this is mommy.
and i know now why you didnt want to come out last week when daddy was home.
that penis must have been very scary huh? lol.
its okay, thats what made you baby boy!
everything is all ready for you to come into this world, even though daddy is far far away.
all that's left is to dilate mommys cervix and have contractions.
which i don't think you'll like, but they pop you out!
but you must be a long baby because you're all the way head down and you're STILL killing my ribs.
did you feel commander reseter poke your noggin today??
and i can't wait to snuggle yous. and bring you home to mommy and daddy and Ryders house.
i'm already tired from you little man, so you might as well come and see the world!
sometime in the next two weeks, you will be in my arms, all wrapped up tight, and watching daddy on Skype.
see you soon baby!


love, mommy.

our little boy???

uhm, hello little baby.
you now have a PENIS. 
mommy was shocked, i thought i was having a little girl.
a baby girl i had bonded with for the past 10 weeks.
you are now, a baby boy.
Michael Ryder Nelson Junior.
just like daddy.
what an adjustment!!

time has flown!

hi baby girl, mommy loves you.
time has gone by so FAST since we found out about you.
in only less than 2 months, mommy gets to hold you, and kiss you, and love you forever and ever and ever.
like that hasn't already happened. <3
you have been growing SO much and wiggling and kicking me, it kind of hurts!! i would like it if you stayed out of my ribcage, that isn't very nice!
but i have concluded you take after daddy, hyperactive, ALWAYS moving.
daddys family is in town and mommy doesnt like them and they made her sad tonight.
i think that's why you havent moved too much today. except scootched into my ribs again, but i think you're just trying to get closer to my heart and make me feel better huh?
thought so!
tomorrow we get to see you, tiny baby.
and i am SO ready to see how big you're growing. and filling up my tummy.
we will find out if i get to have you the normal way or the ouchie way.
either way, as long as it gets you out of my belly and into my arms, I'm happy!
it will be just me and daddy in the room tomorrow so you don't have to be a stinker and not cooperate for meanie people!
you don't have to worry, i promise.
i will write you a letter tomorrow and tell you how big you've gotten.
and how close you are to being in the outside world, little tiny baby girl!!!!

love always,
mommy.

new home!

my darling daughter.
daddy and i moved into our new home last week, the home i will be bringing you home too.
you have your very own room, and even bathroom. you're not even here yet!
spoiled little cowgirl, we love you so.
we also found out that we get to see you again!
however, thats not always a good thing. =[
when mommy went to her last class, her doctor told her she had Placenta Previa.
meaning that my placenta, what's holding you, is low. and it could cause blockage of my cervix, meaning, i couldn't have you naturally, i would have to have a Cesarean Section.
that scares mommy a little bit because that's major surgery, and a lot longer in a recovery time.
my heart aches for daddy to be able to be there with me.
but unless you make your appearance a little more than a month early, sadly, he will not be. 

daddy leaves on Monday for a 5 week field training ops, and will be away from you and me.
it makes mommy sad, she really does love daddy, and hates being without him!
you have been moving around soo much lately and he just loves feeling you move all around in mommys belly.
you like it best when his bare tummy is pressed against mine and he rocks us. 
and when you randomly kick him, or poke him, he pokes you back.
he's already so in love with you baby girl. i know it tears him to pieces knowing he wont be able to be here for us when you're born.
and yes, it's going to be very difficult for mommy on her own.
we know that you're worth it. i just want you to know what all I'll be going through when you enter this crazy world.
and one day when you're older i hope you understand and appreciate what all i had to do.
you are going to be one tough, strong, little girl.
you already are, inside of mommy. 
it'll be okay. just know, very very much, that we both love you more than you can ever imagine. 
 and when daddy comes home, it will be an even more emotional and precious gift for him to hold you for the first time.


love always, mommy.

hi, wiggle worm.

lately miss Lyvia, you have been movin and groovin in my belly. I'm not sure if youre doing cartwheels or play soccer of what. but it sure does feel funny.
and the other night, you kicked daddy in the face when he was trying to hear your heartbeat.
he giggled, he thinks it's funny when you move.
i can honestly say you two make quite a pair.
and he's making quite the change on being a better husband and daddy to you little girl.
you're changing everyones life, and you've only been in my belly for 23 weeks, we havent even met you yet and you're changing our whole worlds.
he's putting us first and thats all he ever thinks about.
he's growing up, you'll learn when youre older that for guys, thats a BIG step and it takes awhile.
but he's beginning to be amazing, and he loves you so so much already.

you got your first Christmas present in the mail today from Aunt Kelly. though we're going to have to give her a clever name, seeing that we all have goofy ones around here.
we have Mimi as your grandma on Mommys side, and Pops and Unk too. Mommy is Bug to your cousins Gracie and Drew, and daddy is occasionally "Guppie" but he's not around too much that they tend to forget. Grandma on Daddys side hasnt chosen a name yet. he suggested MeMaw, but Mommy doesn't like it. she's not redneck enough, hehe. you are known as  baby "Lybia" to your cousins, one day they will get it. I guess thats Mommys fault for making it so unique. and if Pops starts calling you Fred, it's because he has trouble saying your name. He suggested me naming you Piper today, which is very silly, but then again he wanted to name Unk Quincy Macquein before he was born. thankfully Mimi said no. So maybe he will nickname you Pip. either way, whatever people decide to nickname you, we all love you already, baby girl.

Mommy and Daddy now get 12 whole days together without him having to go to work, so we're going to work on projects for you since time is beginning to grow short. we've decided your room theme with me cows and cowgirl, since Mommy is Country at heart. i think you're going to love it. just like, I LOVE YOU!

love forever,
Mommy.

P.S. one of my favorite things to do with you is to take a bubble bath. i place my hands on my belly, lay back, and wonder what you're going to grow up to be like. you're already my best friend Lyvi Jean. i can't wait to meet you, and grow with you. you're always going to be my world, little beautiful baby girl.

Lyvia Jean Nelson.

on Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 at 0800, Mommy and Daddy walked into the ultrasound room.
Mommy laid down and they put cold gel on her belly and moved a little wand around to see you.
first the tech found your spin and all your little organs.
your tummy, your bladder, your kidneys, your heartbeat [that was Mommys favorite!]
then the regular lady sat down and turned the screen so i could see a little bit better. you were being a little stinker and kept moving away from what she wanted you to do.
you little wiggle worm.
but then she started showing my all of you. your arms and legs and where your little belly button would be.
and i got to see your nose and lips in a 3D image, i swear they come from daddy.
you and your little upturned nose.
i saw your little bones and they measured your belly and head, youre almost a pound!!!
and right where you should be with growth.
and theeeeeeen, the good part!you sat all daintily in my belly with your knees crossed, but she was sneaky and went underneath you so i got a clear view of your little booty.
and right there, between your crossed legs, guess what!?
NO LITTLE BOY PARTS!!!!
Mommy was sooo happy, you're exactly what she wanted.
i couldnt stop smiling, i have a perfect baby girl in my belly!!!
so today i went to the thrift store and bought you pretty little dresses. 
and a stuffed monkey because thats Daddys favorite.
some more bottles that will be better for your tummy when you eat.
and a little mini skateboard Daddy and i are going to fix up for you and make it cutesy, since Daddy use to skate everyday.
of course, it's going to be pink.
and Daddys going to have his hands full with the Queen AND the Princess.


i love you my darling Lyvi.
i can't wait to meet you, hold you, love you forever and ever!!


love always,
mommy.

whatever happens.

my dearest Lyvia or Mikey,

tonight wasnt a good night for mommy and daddy. alot of things are changing way too fast, and the things that really need to change, are not. mommy is really unhappy, and isn't being treated as well as she should be.

no matter what happens, wherever life takes us, as a family or just me and you, please know that whatever happens, i love you. i have loved you since the moment i found out i was carrying you. i love you through thick and thin and you gave me strength. even has a little itty bitty one stil growing in my tummy, you have given me the strength no one ever has been able to give me. you and me, we're the strongest there is baby. whenever i get upset, or scared, or lost and confused, i always hold my belly, i reach out to you. i feel your little wiggles and kicks and i cant help but smile, a little me, growing inside.

this world is a crazy one. there's alot of hurt. I'm going to save you from all that i can until you have to have hurt of your own. i will do all that i can for you baby, from now until the end of time. you will always come first, youre my life. you're the only reason i wake up every morning, just knowing that it's one day closer to seeing your scrunched up little face, i cant wait to meet you.

love, mommy.

18wks; 6 days.

hello little baby, mommy loves you!
only one more week and we are at our halfway point.
but of course thats only if you decide to stay inside mommy that long.
i'm hoping to meet you sooner than that!!
lately i have been able to feel your wiggling around in my belly.
and little tiny kicks.
you made my tummy pop out this past week and daddy and i had to struggle to get mommy into her ball gown, but with a little elastic we made it work.
mommys belly is so cute.

you seem to lke the Marine Corps, little one.
are you going to grow up and be a Marine like mommy was going to be, like daddy is?
he's our hero isn't he?
i played a Marine cadence for you with my earbuds with you in my tummy and you moved around, just like you did during the ball ceremony.
we find out if you're a little girl or a little boy in 2 weeks!!
even though i keep having dreams you're a girl.
mommy and daddy cant wait!!!

15 wks

Lil Sprout you are 15 weeks in Mommys belly.
Six inches long.
and about the size of a naval orange.
youre growing some hair, [i hope its reddish blond]
and youre getting eyelashes, [i hope theyre long like daddys.]
we can't wait to see if youre a Lyvia or a Michael.
keep cooking, though know we love you very very much and can't wait to meet you.

p.s. you can tone down on the random heartburn at 0123.
and let mommy sleep, the insomnia isn't making me a happy momma. =]

Were You An Accident?

No, baby Sprout, you were not an accident. Mommy and Daddy planned you and we started on July 14th, 2010. Daddy had graduated his MOS school, his job training, for the United States Marine Corps, and headed on back home to Indiana where we lived. We started talking that night about making YOU, and we decided, that we were ready to start our little family along with our new life. I started taking baby pills. at one point during the 2 weeks we were left in our hometowns, Daddy decided maybe we should wait to try for a baby. He got a little scared and wasnt sure if this was the right time. Daddy was never good with words and when he told Mommy this, i got really upset. it was the night of our going away party and it caused an arguement. during our party alot of the family was talking about babies with us, i walked away from the conversation. later that night when we were laying on the couch at your Grandmas house, Daddys moms, he kissed my shoulder and held his hand in front of my tummy. he whispered to me, "we're next" i turned to him and asked him if he was serious, and he said yes, we were back in the game.

we moved to our new city in TwentyNine Palms, California, where you will be born, on August 1st, 2010. we stayed in a motel 6 for 3 days and moved into our house on the 3rd of August. I had always told Daddy after a lot of chances for a baby, that i wanted to be in our own house first, so i could run to him with the test after he got off work and show him. thats exactly how it happened. On August 13th, i woke up and took a pregnancy test and got a positive result. i went to the Naval Hospital and got it confirmed. when Daddy called me on his lunch break, he already knew when i said i had a surprise for him. he always could read me like a book. when he got home that night he ran in the door and started kissing my belly and wanted to see the test. he took a picture of it and sent it to everyone he knew, he was so excited!! this was is, the beginning of our family. as shocked as we were that it happened so fast we were sooooo happy, words couldnt even begin to explain.

Hello Little Sprout.

My Dearest Darling Baby,

One day when youre all grown up, you're going to come into the room as ask me for your story. were you planned? how did it happen? what was it like having you grown in my belly for 9 months? were you everything we had ever hoped for? the thoughts and feelings of Mommy and Daddy throughout the rough months with everything going on. So here it, from the beginning. Every question you could ever ask, throughout these pages, every little detail and feeling, non sugar coated. pictures and videos of you as a little sprout in my tummy, your birth, first rolling over, crawling, walking, words, the first time you get to meet your handsome daddy. all that and more. every month or week update, every good and bad day with and without you in this world yet. but no matter what happens between now and the time you read this, ust know that both Mommy and Daddy love you very very much. We couldnt have asked for a more precious gift to grace us, but you. whoever you become, a soccer player or a Marine like daddy, a reader and a dreamer like Mommy. carrying on in this world with every cautious step, lesson learned, heartbreak and more. we never would change who you're going to grow up to be. wherever this world takes you, the skys the limit. never less. I promise.

Love Always, Mommy.