Dear Gemma,

Hello little love! It's been a while, I know. I wanted to check in and record some things that have been happening lately. I also want to write to you about who your dad and I were when you were born. I did this for your sister here and think it will be fun for you too!

So, lately, I've been sick. Terrible bronchitis that makes me cough and makes you jump all around. This past week I coughed myself into contractions that sent me to the hospital. Everything was ok, but it has been stressful.

You are SO ACTIVE and you move around much more than Aviva did. Your dad and I spent a good while this weekend just watching my stomach literally jump and push from side to side as you went about your thing in there. Sometimes I sit quiet on the couch and then start to feel like I'm in a car on a bumpy road. You move my whole body!

When I was in the hospital being checked out, the resident commented on how strong and fast your heartbeat was. She said you were actually "healthy as a horse." I definitely know this and expect you to be feisty on the outside. I am very curious to know your approximate size, and at my last doctor appointment it was mentioned I can expect you to be bigger than your sister at birth.

Your dad and I are in gear (finally) getting things ready for your arrival. The clothes are out and ready to be washed, we've ordered some new furniture, I've organized all the bottles and feeding things, and I whipped together a small list of things we need to purchase for your arrival. We are obviously much more relaxed this time around about preparing things & buying things, but I do have to admit, these past few weeks have been agonizing. We want you here with us so badly. We both are moony eyed and excited to meet you, hold you, and have you in our lives.

And now...

When you are born, your father and I will both be 30 years old. A month before you are born, we will celebrate 8 years of being together. At the time you are born, we will have been married for just over 3.5 years. We came to a mutual decision to try for you in September 2011. I found out I was pregnant with you in October 2011.

Right now, I work at the same non-profit at the American Museum of Natural History that I did while I was pregnant with Aviva. I work only 3 days a week now. Your father got a job in April 2010 for a hotel, where he works the night shift. On the days that I am at work, your dad stays up and watches Avi. The days that I am off, he sleeps as much as he can (which isn't a lot!) On Wednesdays, your Grandma M. comes and watches Avi while your dad sleeps & gets some work done. He is still a freelance writer but has gotten much more successful in the past year or so. We are waiting to hear about an exciting opportunity for him, which if all works out well, will give us the chance to get me home full time in time for your arrival. Sadly, I haven't been able to make much jewelry since being pregnant with your sister. I did a bunch of markets and made a lot of sales, but it was definitely difficult for me to work on designing new pieces. I hope to get back to it once we are all settled in with you.

We live in Astoria, Queens, with our cat, Jada, and your sister Aviva. Our lease is up in December and we have been seriously considering moving somewhere with more space and cheaper rent. We still love it here but our family is a priority now. A lot of our close friends have gotten married or engaged, and we are happy to see some new babies coming into the world as well. We spend a lot of time at home together now since family time is at a premium due to our crazy schedules. We don't mind the sacrifice though, since it enables us to raise your sister (and you) ourselves. We see our friends as often as all our schedules allow (around 1-2/month) and it is still as wonderful as ever. Your dad is majorly into home-brewing beer and makes a new batch very often. This year he is growing hops in our backyard. I've lost a lot of enthusiasm for shopping which is great for our bank balance. I haven't picked up many new things since I was pregnant with your sister, though. I spend as much time as I can just hanging out with her and your dad, plus work, plus house stuff doesn't leave much time for anything else. I recently got interested in loom weaving, so maybe I'll explore that soon. I really adore being a mom and feel so happy with it taking up my time during these important early years of my children's lives.

While I'm at it, I'll write some about your sister. Aviva will be turning 2 just at the time you are born. She is really fun and happy usually and we are having a great time with her as she learns to speak more and communicate her feelings. We've been telling her about you since we knew you were there, and while she doesn't fully comprehend that she'll be a big sister soon, she knows the baby is in her mommy's tummy. We ask her, "Where's Gemma?" and she pats my stomach. She loves to hug and kiss my stomach and talk to you also.

Some pics of us:

Family nap time. We will be so happy when you join us.

Us at the NY Hall of Science (mirror room). You were there too!

All my love,

Mama