Miles Joseph Trudelle

Miles Joseph Trudelle

Born August 6, 2012

6:01 am

7 pounds 12 ounces, 21 inches

I will tell Miles's birth story very soon, but for now, here is our little guy in pictures.  Welcome to the world little Milo!  We love you!!

One day old:

Two days old:

Four days old:

One week old:

Two weeks old:

10 on 10: August

40 Weeks

How far along? 40 weeks, 1 day
*this picture seems much closer than the other bump photos...or maybe I'm really just that much bigger!

Baby fact: About the size of a small pumpkin, he probably weighs around 7 pounds.  My doctor's prediction is that he's not much bigger than that.

Symptoms: So this is the backache I've heard about!  After about 15 minutes of doing anything active (and active these days includes standing while watching the Olympics), my upper back really starts to hurt.  Otherwise, I've had Braxton Hicks contractions (my stomach becomes incredibly lopsided and tight) and a little bit of cramping.

Movement: Yep, but it's different now.  There's hardly any room in there!

Sleep: I get up about 1-2 times each night.  Not bad!  There are now multiple pillows surrounding me.  I definitely hog the bed.

Dreams: No, but my sister has been telling me about her's.  And Steve's had a few--one in which our baby came out with a killer sense of humor.

Cravings: Smoothies of any kind.  And Mighty O donuts.

Favorite moments: Seeing the excitement on the faces of our family members as they ask, discuss, and speculate about our baby's arrival.  Steve's family came through Seattle on their way to Canada for vacation, and it was so great to see all 7 Trudelles.

On the to-do list: I think I finally checked off most of the things from my list.  I guess I could continue organizing some spaces in our house, prep some meals, etc.  Then again, maybe I'll just watch the Olympics.

Looking forward to: The big day.  It's amazing how my emotions can fluctuate so quickly.  One minute I'm convinced he's coming today and my heart starts to race a bit.  The next minute, I'm perfectly calm and prepared to practice my yoga breathing and other strategies to get through the pain.  Giving birth is such an unknown, and preparing for it is a true test of patience and relying on faith.  I know the biggest adventure is still to come though--and I look forward (with a healthy dose of nervousness) to becoming a mother very soon.

July Photos

I love blue sky in July!  August here we come!

Dear Baby,

Your due date is getting really close.  10 days until August 1st, which seems even closer now that I type it.  When I think about 10 days ago, I realize that was just yesterday.  So you'll be here just like tomorrow. 

I've been home a lot, since this is summer vacation, but I can't say I've been very productive.  I'm sorry if all of your things aren't organized when you get here.  I'm really a procrastinator, and not knowing the day you'll be here is not helpful for people like me.  No firm deadline?  You mean, I should get things done now? They say that the "nesting instinct" will kick in right before you come, and I'm hoping that happens.  There is still laundry to be done, clothes to be put away, boxes to be unpacked...maybe when I actually feel like doing these things, it will be my first sign that you are on your way?

The past few nights you must have really liked the pizza, and tacos and ribs I ate because you've been moving and shifting around my belly so much that it takes on all kinds of weird shapes.  Your dad and I watch in amazement, and he thinks it means you really want out of there.  Overall, you haven't been the most active baby, but when you move, you move.  I like to think you like a fine balance of exercise and rest, just like me.

We still haven't decided on what to call you.  It bothers me a little that I'm always changing my mind--it would be fun to start calling you Baby____.  Your dad wants to name you a name that is much less common than the other ones on our list.  I just can't decide.  But then I remember that you'll be here soon, we'll see your face, and then maybe we'll know.

You're going to change our lives really soon.  The enormity of having our own child has hit us at funny times.  I love watching your dad talk about this:  "He's going to be here so soon!" he says, and I think we are both filled with a mix of anticipation, nervousness, excitement and awe.  We are going to be your parents.

I'm going to keep praying that you'll enter this world healthy, and that we will do the right things as your new parents.  The other day during yoga class the instructor told us to send whatever message came into our minds to our baby, and right away I began to think, "Dear baby, I promise to love you.  I promise to love you no matter who you are or what you become.  I will love you."

See you soon!

Love,
Your mom

Two Years

Today is our two year anniversary, and I feel very blessed when I think back on my life so far with Steve.  We've known each other for almost 10 years, have been married for 2, and I smile when I think about what's still to come.


Two Years from rachel trudelle on Vimeo.

10 on 10: July

A pretty relaxing summer day in and around our new home.  It's hard to believe that we'll (most likely!) have a new little baby by the time the next 10th rolls around. :)

Check out many great sets here!