Right now you are about the size of a sesame seed.  Within one weeks time you have grown from a poppy seed to a sesame seed.  Still very small but more than double what you were this time last week.  This is an important time for you.  This week your heart will begin to beat and the four chambers will form.  For me and papa it is a very scary time because we want so badly for your heart to form perfectly.  I’ve been really watching what I am eating and trying to do everything possible to avoid getting sick.  Did you know that mommy’s immune system operates at about 80% for the first 10 weeks you are developing?  This is to prevent my body from fighting your developing cells.  My nausea has started and some mornings are worse than others but so far not too bad.

Next week you will be going on your first airplane.  Mommy has to go to Miami for a team meeting and you’ll be going with me.  I’ll do my best to keep you super safe and we will only be away from papa for a few nights.  We will be staying on the penthouse floor and will have impeccable views of the ocean.  One of your very first trips after you are born will likely be to the beach.  Mommy loves sitting on the beach while relaxing in the ocean breeze.  I know you will also be a fan.  I can’t wait to help you make your very first sand castle and teach you all of the animals, birds and fish that live in the ocean.  We can even build a bond fire and roast marshmallows and hot dogs right on the beach.  How fun will that be?  I’ve been making all sorts of plans for you while you are in my belly.  In only a few short months we can start doing some of them together.  Stay safe and strong until next time.

With love,

Mommy

Mister Rogers with his cardigan and Keds

Hi Baby,

Today I was reminded of my own early childhood when an internet search returned the name of one of my very first friends, Mister Rogers.

As a child, he was the star on public television.  He focused on early childhood education and began his show by asking children throughout the world “would you be my neighbor?”.   He would zip his cardigan all the way up, then halfway down, put on his Keds sneakers and invite you into his world.  Mister Rogers was perhaps my very first friend.  I learned so much from him.  I learned how to be polite, how to ask for help, how to tie my shoe, and most importantly how to be a friend.  I want you to have the same access to Mister Rogers as I had when I was younger so today I found some used, vinyl LPs of Mister Rogers’ most amazing songs and I ordered them.  I know we are going to have so much fun with these songs some day!  Soon I’ll be singing them to you while you are in my tummy and then in a few years you’ll be able to sing them with me.

Today we took Frannie dog for a long walk through the neighborhood.  Mommy is working to get into better shape so that when your birthday comes I’ll be very strong and in good shape for the delivery.  Papa and I can’t wait to see you.  Stay strong and I’ll do my best to feed you with healthy, good food.

Love,

Mommy

Doggy Bank

Hi Baby,

Today you are only a few weeks in the making.  About the size of a poppy seed you are growing at a furious pace.  When I read that I could compare you to a poppy seed I ran to the pantry to get one, hold one, just so I would know how tiny and special you already are.   Papa and I have only known about you for four days but thoughts of you inundate my mind (in an awesome way).  When I eat I think of what I am feeding you, when I drive I focus on being extra careful because I have a fragile package on-board.  Throughout every second of every day — I think of you.  I wonder if you are a boy or a girl?  I wonder if you will get papas awesomely, long legs?  Will you get the Callicutt dimple?  All of these things will be answered in just a few months but oh how excited they make me!

You’ll learn pretty quickly that your mom is an art lover.  Papa and I visited one of our favorite shops called “The Little Art Gallery” over the weekend.  And, we purchased your first gift.  What better than a gift of hand-crafted, local art?  It’s a doggy bank and I can’t wait to show it to you.  It’s so sweet and special and we bought it in a color that is gender neutral.

Doggy Bank from Top

That way boy or girl you will love it.  I plan to add any birth coins we get when your born to the bank so that you can keep them and someday show them to children of your very own.  Why a doggy bank?  You are destined to love animals and when you arrive home you’ll be greeted by three furry sisters:  Gracie – the sweetest dog ever to live, Frannie – the craziest and funniest dog ever and Princess Pretty Paws – the cat you have to love.  You’ll have lots of fun with these guys as you grow.  I’ll write you again soon.  I can already feel you, well not exactly — I already feel some nausea.  I know you are in there and I love the way I feel!

Love always,

Mom

Eric and Chandra on Pont des Arts Bridge, Paris

For nearly all couples there comes a time when you have to determine when you are ready to start a family.  Eric and I have both always wanted to have a child but for me I was never in a hurry to start the family thing.  Now, at 36 years old I have to face the facts and realize I don’t have another ten years to wait.  If I want to have children (yes, plural) then I need to start thinking about making that choice.

Recently, Eric and I decided the time is right.  We have traveled, we have good, solid careers and the home of our dreams.  The next step for us is to fill that home with a couple of children and begin living our second lives through the eyes of little ones.  The decision to have children is not an easy one.  It’s easy to say to “I want to have a family”, not as easy to actually make the commitment.  Still, here we are, late August of 2011 and we can finally agree — the time is right!