You are 18 weeks old today! I can't believe how big you are getting - you started out as a poppy seed and this week you are as big as a sweet potato!
According to some baby sites you are very mobile and are yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing! I haven't been able to feel you doing all these things yet but it is supposed to happen any day now. I really can't wait to be able to feel you wiggling around in there. Every time your dad and I go to visit you, you are always wiggling around and kicking so I'm sure I'll be feeling you soon. My belly is starting to grow also and I'm looking a little more pregnant every day. Today is the Fourth as July and we spent it hanging out with your Chacha and soon to be Chachi and Uncle Pavan and Aunty Namrata. Normally people go to see fireworks but we were all just too tired to stay out late so we went and got food and walked around downtown Boston. It was a hot day and probably the most exercise you and I have had in a while. Sometimes I still can't believe that this time next year, you will be in our lives as a little 7 month old baby.
I wish I had started writing letters to you earlier but I was honestly too scared to start for fear that something would go wrong. Now that we've visited you a few times, seen your strong heart beating and your little legs kicking I feel more confident. Every day though I still hope and pray for you to be healthy and grow strong. My mantra I used to chant in my head when we first found out you were growing in me was "Grow baby, Grow!". I would repeat that over and over in my mind just willing for you to stick with us. Tomorrow we have a big ultrasound appointment to measure all your little parts and see how you've been growing. A lot of parents find out the gender at this time too but your dad and I want you to be a big surprise. Sometimes I have a feeling that you are a little boy but other days I change my mind. The day you are born will undoubtedly be the happiest day of our lives whether you are a boy or a girl so we thought we'd keep it a surprise for when you are ready to enter the world.
Your dad has now been calling you "shakarkand or shakar ghadndhi" which just means sweet potato in Hindi. My favorite nickname has been Dal Pandey for when you were the size of a lentil (about week 5-6). Our usual nickname for you is BP for Baby Pandey. I love you so much my little sweet potato. Remember, to just keep growing.
All my love,
Mom
