Did you know you have a brother?

Dear Isabella,
   Did you know you have a brother? Today, you are 23 weeks and 6 days old. You are the exact same age as he was when he went to Heaven. God designed your brother Eli perfectly. He knew that Eli's sickness would change Mommy and Daddy's life in a way they would have never expected, and despite the sadness of the situation, God used Eli for good. So many people have heard Eli's story, and know our testimony, and God decided that your brother had done such a good job in such a short time, that he was ready to go home early. And if Eli hadn't gone home early, we wouldn't be expecting our next miracle... you!
   God has great plans for your life, too, Isabella. They are different than your brother's, but they are similar, too. He wants you to let others know about Him. He wants you to live in a way that when people see you, they see Him, too. It's a big mission, but Dad and I know you're up for the challenge. You're such a mover and shaker already inside Mommy, with moments of quiet grace, and we are assured that this will be reflective when you arrive.
   My only request right now is that you stay put and don't arrive early. I know you don't have much control over this, but we had a bit of a scare this week that landed us right back in Labor & Delivery. It's a place we love (the nurses and doctors are amazing... I can't wait for you to meet them!), but also a place that brings back lots of scary and sad memories. It was probably my fault that we were there, since I had a really busy three-day weekend and probably worked myself a little too hard, but sometimes when you move and kick I hold my breath, convinced that you're trying to break out. So keep growing, and keep developing those muscles, but stay put for just a while longer. I know it feels like you're running out of growing room (don't worry, Mommy doesn't quite know where she's going to store you yet, either!), but I hear that the body finds a way of making more room, so take up as much space as you need!
   Speaking of moving and kicking, you're quite the entertaining one, Ella. Whenever there is a loud noise, you wake up with a start! You're probably adjusting to the new ability to hear, and I'm sorry if I've scared you. Things such as the ice machine, the vacuum, the hair drier, and loud crowd noises at football games send you into a frenzy of jolts. It makes me laugh a little, since this is really our first form of interaction, but makes me feel guilty at the same time. That protective motherly instinct is in high gear already! I'm hoping that by the time you're born, loud noises won't bother you, especially during nap times. The house has to stay clean, I'm going to have to get ice at some point, and a shower and doing my hair once in a while would be nice. I'm sure during most naps I'll be joining you, but we'll have to work on the noise issue at some point.
   That's all for now, little one. We're very excited that tomorrow you will be 24 weeks... a huge milestone in your development. It's the point when doctors consider you viable, and each week that you stay in from here on out, the chances of us meeting a healthy baby girl increase rapidly. We love you, and know that you're guardian angel, Eli, is watching over you, too, convincing Heaven that this little angel (you) needs to be an earthly one for quite a while. :)
   Love, Mom (and Dad, too!)

Tummy Time...

Dear Isabella...

   I'm a little bit behind on sharing images of you with the world. Let's note that I'd love to post pictures of your precious face here as well, but at every ultrasound you've hidden. The doctors have been able to see that your face is forming perfectly (two eyes, a nose, a mouth, no cleft palate...), but right when they get ready to switch to 3D or 4D, or to try to get a profile shot of you, you wiggle your cute little self so that you're facing my spine. Guess you want us to wait until December to see you! Daddy and I are willing to wait, precious girl. What an exciting Christmas we're going to have!
    We've confirmed twice now that you're a girl. The first time, you were tucked away in a little corner inside Mommy, and it took a minute to try to see if you were going to be an "Ella" or a "Jeremiah". The ultrasound tech, Kathy, finally got a good peek, and she let us figure out what you were, before confirming that she was indeed 99% sure that you were in fact a girl. (Daddy chimed in here and said, "Inconclusive!" and then threw in "Let's ask the baby for directions. Then we'll know for sure.") Dr. O came in after, and announced your gender by saying, "It's expensive!" and then writing "$$$$$$$$$" on your ultrasound picture instead of the standard "It's a Girl!". We love Dr. O and his wise-cracks! Since the main ultrasound pictures we have of you are "gender reveal" ones, I'm going to spare you future embarrassment and not post them online.
    I do have a few tummy shots, though, and thought I'd post them so that those who love you and are praying for you can see how you've grown.

(taken 7/18/12, 15w 2d)

(taken 7/15/12, 16w 2d)

(Taken 8/19/12, 21w 2d)

Keep growing, little Miss Ella. Only 19 short weeks until we welcome you to this world.

Love, Mommy