Happy birthday Stephanie!!

Today is my best friend's birthday. We have survived 17 birthdays together and have seen almost every aspect of eachother's lives. So Steph here is a tribute to you:

The first time I met Steph was freshman year in Bonnie Bowman's class. I was a quiet girl from Hawaii who didn't know anyone and Steph was this huge presence who seemed to know everyone. We were different in every way possible. She had the coolest, curliest hair and mine hung straight. She threw together these awesome outfits and I was so simple. We were as different as anyone could imagine so who would've thought we would end up as best friends. I don't even think we did. But after a bonding session at a party, we would be forever friends. So to you my dear friend. I hope you have an amazing birthday because you deserve it. I have seen you grow from a confident teenager to an amazing mother. You are not only my best friend but you are my family. I love you and happy birthday!!!!!!!

Sigh of Relief

I feel like I can breathe again. Since I first found out I was pregnant 7 LONG weeks ago, I couldn't wait for that appointment when my doctor said "You are 99% in the clear now, only 1% of women over the first trimester have miscarriages". I felt an exhale from deep within. I tried to stay positive through the first trimester, but there were times when pains or cramps would set me back and I would start with the "What if" scenarios. So 7 weeks after finding out that there was a little bean inside my belly, I am finally out of my first trimester.

So I think I have had more ultrasounds than some women get their entire pregnancy. Last week, Ryan and I went in for a "routine" exam but when the Dr. couldn't hear the babies heartrate using the doppler he sent us to get an ultrasound. I was a litte nervous, but they had warned me that it is still pretty early to hear the heartrate on the doppler. So after waiting an agonizing 1 1/2 in the waiting room we were finally called in to get the ultrasound. Right away we saw the baby moving about, another sigh of relief ( I think I will just hold me breath for 9 months)! I couldn't believe how much bigger it was from the little cute 'teddy graham' at 8 weeks. It seemed gigantic although it is still only 2 inches! The first thing I said was "It looks like an alien". Sorry my sweet baby, but you did. (Picture to prove it) I think Ryan was a little nervous that our baby is going to comeout looking like E.T. because as soon as we got home he was on the internet googling images of 12 week old pregnancies. I think he started calming down when he saw that most resemble creatures that flew in from Roswell. I still think my baby is the cutest 12 week old baby in the world.

So tomorrow I go in again for yet another ultrasound, my fourth one in three months. I am starting to feel like Katie Holmes. We might as well just have one in our house! At the ultrasound last week they tried to get the measurement of the neck called the nuchal translucency screening. This screening is one of the first ones that test for Down Syndrome. So tomorrow while sitting in the waiting room I will be holding my breath again. I think they should just start handing out oxygen masks in the waiting room. For now, you can see my sweet baby. The best picture is the one of it's little foot. So perfect, so sweet. I can't wait to kiss those sweet toes!

The little foot. You have to look close. That is the bottom of the foot with the little toes.

Still the cutest thing I ever saw!

Big News!!!!

Our "Teddy Graham" at 8 weeks!!






I have heard from many of you that you were sick and tired of reading my "Good-bye to Summer" blog, but there is a reason why I haven't posted anything for the past month. The reason is.....

I am having a baby. Yes, my very own sweet, precious baby. It is surreal. I am already talking to the peapod everyday although I don't think the hearing has developed quite yet. It has been a pretty easy (knock on wood) first trimester. The only sickness I seem to be getting is evening sickness and that is only if I eat too much. I am incredibly tired though. In the mornings I am great and as the day wears on I seem to get more and more tired until about 8:30 and I am out. Everyone says to enjoy the sleep now, which I have to say is not my most favorite thing to hear!!
So how is daddy Ryan taking the news? He is ecstatic. I always knew he would be excited but nothing like this. He tells me everyday how he can't wait to be a daddy. We have a pregnancy journal that we read together every night. It's funny though because I think he expects the baby to be born and shortly after we will be taking the baby to play sports. I told him there is a lot of time before the baby is at that stage, but he doesn't seem to listen to me. I can't wait to see him as a daddy.

So I am almost entering my second trimester!! Tomorrow will be week 11. Amazing. Only 7 more months. I know the time will fly and I should be enjoying this time but I have to admit, I can't wait to hold that baby in my arms. My baby. Wow, what an amazing and generous God we have to share all these precious angels with us. I can't wait to meet my angel because I will give it all the love my heart can possibly share.

I will keep updating the blog now that the news it out. I would love to eventually show my pea pod all my thoughts that I have shared throughout my pregnancy so I just want to write something to my sweet angel...

I know we have yet to meet, but my heart is filled with so much love for someone I haven't laid eyes on yet. I feel like I know you because almost every minute of every day you are on my mind. How you are doing? If you are comfortable? What you look like? If you can hear me? I may not have laid eyes on you, but you are so loved by me and your daddy. We will spoil you with love and try to make your life as fulfilled as possible. You will make us a real family. A family I have always dreamt of, my own family. So my sweet angel, I want you to know how much your daddy and I wanted you and how much we talk about you. You have already touched our lives in so many ways and I know that the best is yet to come. I love you already more than words can say!