It's a...

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

What a morning of suspense! My appointment was scheduled for 10am with the ultrasound at 10:30am. Well as it goes in the doctor's office, they were running behind. About an hour behind!

They first checked my weight and blood pressure, both of which looked good. I had actually lost 2 pounds and was a little nervous about that, because believe me I'm eating! The doctor said as long as Baby looked good there was no concern, the metabolism will continue to pick up. Then she laughed as she told me that I'd wake up one day and there all the extra pounds will be!

So then to the "subwaiting room" for a little while. They trick you because just when you think you're being called back, they take you to another mini waiting area. Anyway, from there they called us back for the ultrasound, so we got to wait in another area for that. And yet again more suspense, this time thanks to Baby!

After all sorts so poking and prodding around, the technician determined that Baby was nice and comfortable and was not going to move for her to get the right anatomy angle she needed. That was a bit of a problem for Mom and Dad because we wanted to find out if Baby was a boy or girl. We thought we were going to leave the office still not knowing! Apparently an empty bladder gave Baby more room to move and sure enough she showed her backside just long enough to catch a glimpse! Girl it is!! So now the baby is no longer an "it" but a "she!" Hooray!

We have not discussed names at this point, but if I know me I'll talk Steven's ear off about it daily. Plus, we don't know if we'll have one name picked out or a few to choose from once we see her in person! The way we figure it, we've got some time!

So, without further adieu....here's our baby girl!!!

Apparently this is her backside with girl parts showing.

"What's this? Oh, my hand!"

That hand on the forehead better not mean a "drama queen!"

Either rubbing her nose or sucking her thumb!

Looking right at us!

18 weeks

For the past two or three weeks I've had some random "feelings" in my lower belly area. (I guess you could say I'm pretty in tune with myself.) I know the sensations could be muscles, ligaments, and of course air bubbles, but I just can't help but wonder when I'll feel fetal movement! I'll be sure to let you know!

Everyday since I've known I was pregnant, I'd check myself out in the mirror for any signs of growth and Steven would burst my bubble by saying "No, not yet!" I woke up the other day and sure enough, out of no where, was this sign of a little bump. Finally Steven agreed "Yep, it's there!" So, this is my belly picture at the 18 week mark.

Next week we'll find out if we'll be having a boy or a girl! Stay tuned!!

Beach Bound

The last week of May Steven and I headed down to Destin, FL for our annual get away. How fortunate we were that Steven was able to take days off work for a vacation and that we had a great place to go stay. On Saturday we made the long 11 hour drive from Louisville to Destin, making a couple of pit stops along the way of course!

We stayed the entire week and what a wonderful week it was! The weather was sunny and warm for the most part; a bit breezy at the beginning of the week though. We slept in every morning and then headed out to the beach or pool to just relax for the rest of the day. We'd read books, take naps, and people watch (which is so entertaining on the beach!) Steven really enjoyed when dinner time rolled around because he got to man the grill. He made some of the best steaks and brats and burgers ever! Then the last few days of the week my mom, sister, and cousin joined us. It was fun to see them since we hadn't visited in a while.


Steven and I had prayed that the Lord would bless our week and He truly did. There is something about getting out of our surroundings and into the beauty of His creation that draws us to Him. Everyday we'd look out at the sandy, white beaches and glistening, emerald water with its forever long horizon and just be amazed that the God who created all of that breath taking beauty created us and loves us...it's just quite humbling! Steven and I enjoyed our time together, away from work, computers, phones, etc. It was a time to regroup, refocus, and regain perspective; we all know what it's like to get bogged down with the daily routines and demands of everyday life.

Our week came to a close and we made the long trek back to Louisville on a Sunday. We were able to grab some lunch with Steven's parents in Birmingham, so that was a nice bonus!

We were so thankful for our week long vacation and look forward to doing it again next year. But next year our family of two will be a family of three!

16 Week Appointment

In mid May I returned to the docotor's office for a 16 week check up. This appointment was a breeze! No waiting around forever and no lovely gown; pretty much in and out! My blood pressure was great and weight looked good. (For you who want the details, I had gained about 3 pounds at 12 weeks and 3 more at 16 weeks.) The doctor and I had a quick Q & A session and then listened to the baby's heart beat. She said it's BPM was around 160 (I think that's what she said.) Regardless, she said it was good! It was so exciting to hear our baby's heart beat. Yet again, another vivid reminder of the miracle of life God has created!

This is me at the 16 week mark. Only for the sake of documenting my belly would I ever post a bathing suit picture!

(I wanted to wear a sign that read "I know it looks like I need to do some crunches, but I'm 16 weeks pregnant!) Just kidding!