I am happy to report that our son, Jonas, was born on his due date last week. I went into labor in the afternoon of 8/28 and gave birth to our healthy baby boy the following morning. It was extremely difficult to go through such a life changing event without Scott there. Scott did manage to call me at just the right moment that morning and was able to coach me through my final pushes and heard his son's first cries. I will thank God every day for allowing us to have that moment. It also seems that he has blessed us with a relatively relaxed and easy baby (knock on wood). I will be forever grateful to my support team who stood by me through labor in Scott's stead. Outside of Scott being there, I couldn't have asked for more. 

It has been quite some time since I have posted an update. Back in June, Scott was transferred from FCI Lewisburg to FCI Loretto and he has been there ever since. So far, it has proved to be a positive move. We were approved for visitation within a week and I have been going for weekly visits since then. We have phone calls every night, though they never feel long enough. He spends most of his days reading, spending time out in the yard, or working out. He has developed a core group of guys who he spends most of his time with. 

In baby news, I am currently 37 weeks pregnant and little man could make his appearance at any time. I often struggle with feelings/thoughts of doubt and regret. It is a joyous event, of course, but it is difficult not to feel sad because things shouldn't be this way. I can tell that Scott is happy, but also sad that he can't be home to see the birth of our son or help out around the house. He frequently reminds me that this could all be over come January and he is doing what he can to seek a pardon ahead of time. I pray that God shows us a way to shorten his sentence. 

Scott was transferred out of FDC Philadelphia and sent to FCI Lewisburg on June 4th. We’re not sure if this will be his permanent spot for a while or if he will be moved to a different location closer to home. We’re not far from the Pennsylvania line, so I feel like placing him in any PA facility is pretty likely. We’ll just be grateful once visitation is approved as we haven’t seen each other since his sentencing hearing back in April.

With this move, communication has completely dried up. I haven’t heard from him in almost a week. He had been hoping that since he has been in the BOP for over a month that communication wouldn’t be greatly impacted, but of course that wouldn’t be the case. Other people have assured me that going 7-10 days without hearing from him would be pretty normal after a transfer. The fact that this is a normal occurrence is pretty sad. It’s frustrating to hear professionals talk about how important it is to maintain community ties and yet it is definitely not a priority for these facilities. The last I heard from him, his spirits were up because he was happy to finally be moving on. I hope that when I eventually get that call I will hear that same optimism from him.

I’m officially in the third trimester of my pregnancy. Prenatal appointments will start picking up now and baby showers are on the horizon. I’m still feeling pretty good, though I am starting to notice that I am not able to be quite as active. I have days where I truly question whether I will be able to handle things here without Scott. I know that I am not alone and have had many people reach out to offer support should I need it, but I’m stubborn and independent and I hate asking for help. I just wish Scott could be here to be a part of this miracle and to see our son brought into this world. It has been hard doing it all without him and the things I am able to share with him never feel like enough.

As always, prayers are welcome and if you feel the desire to write to Scott, please do. I know he appreciates every letter he receives.

Today is a bittersweet day as it is my birthday. I am now 33 years old. This is the first of potentially four birthdays that Scott and I will spend apart. His birthday already came and went back in February and he will miss the birth of our son in August. It is always hard being separated, but it is especially difficult on important days like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

The BOP just officially posted his release date as 8/27/2028. He is currently still being held at FDC Philadelphia, awaiting transfer to his permanent facility. I haven't seen him in over a month, the last time having been at court when his judge sentenced him to 66 months. I am hopeful that he will be transferred soon and to a facility close by so that I can visit often. The last time he saw me I was only just starting to show, by the next time he sees me I will be in the third trimester. 

He continues to have a good attitude and has adapted to every situation they've thrown at him. For now, he is just trying to keep himself busy and stay positive. He constantly expresses to me how grateful he is for all of the support he has received thus far. 

Thank you everyone for the prayers, donations to his commissary, and letters you have sent to him. They mean a lot.