20 weeks (hump week!)

Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall....

Yeah! I am half way there!! Oh no...only half way? Yikes! At least I have plenty to do in the next 20 weeks. So, as you can see...I am starting to grow both in my belly and back side! Why did I ever decide to post pix of my belly? What was I thinking? Oh well...I know that is the first thing I get asked about with family. Definitely been gaining weight...just ready to really start showing so others know I am pregnant. I have been feeling great for once. I started to feel the baby move in my 18th week (at least now I know for sure that was what I was feeling) and now feel the baby move ALL the time! It is such an amazing feeling. I am so blessed to be a woman and get to feel this miracle inside of me. I must admit...it was so weired at first. It almost feels like an "alien" is inside of me. I instantly thought of Bella from the Twilight series (ok I'm I dork I know!). But very quickly I became used to the movement and very excited to feel this little one inside of me! Still waiting for stronger movements that can be easily felt outside the body so Josh can join in this amazing experience. We have started to think about registering, but no serious talk yet about names. I guess one thing at a time! It is CRAZY all the things you need (or at least THINK you need) for a newborn! I will be definitely be taking advantage of my friends' advice on this subject!

Daytona Beach Family Reunion

We got back from Josh's family reunion (his mom's side) on Monday and still trying to get back to reality. It was so nice to get away one last time before the baby comes. We were able to stay with his grandparents on Thursday night and the hotel the rest of the time. His grandparents house is right on the beach and it is so quiet around there. I felt spoiled! They are such sweet people and I feel so lucky to have gotten to know them better. We were able to hang out by the pool and on the beach at the hotel the rest of the stay. Again, I really enjoyed getting to know the rest of his family and hang out with his sister and niece. Of course they were so nice and kept saying I did not look pregnant...I guess I just looked fat! Ha. I felt that way though. I had decided not spend the money on a maternity swim suit and wore what I had. I of course felt like a beached whale...but they made me feel so much better. No...I did NOT take any pix of me in a swim suit. No need to remember it..... Josh really enjoyed himself with his cousins. It had been over 5 years since he has seen some of them! We will get to see them again next year during his sister's August wedding. That time with one extra little traveler!

19 Weeks (on Wed)

We had our "19 week" check-up today. All went well despite some anxiety from me. I just get so anxious until I hear that little heart beating strong. So interesting enough...the heartbeat dropped today to 145 bpm. Still normal and healthy....but not as much in the high range. Next visit on August 14th will be interesting. We have our big ultrasound that day and I can NOT wait! It is going to be so cool to see our baby so big and with features so defined. I think I am starting to feel the "stinker" move around...but not always so sure since it is all so new to me. My friend Holly had her third child (Grace) today and it made me so excited! In 5 months I will be holding our baby for the first time. I know it will be hard work...but I just can't wait. I can't believe Josh and I are going to be parents. We have waited so long! (for a 2 legged baby that is!)

Brutus loves playing ball!

Sweet Pea doing what she does best....being sweet.

18 weeks gestation

We are 18 weeks along today! I have been wanting to get to that 5 month mark and I am almost there! We have a checkup on Monday and I will post the results later. Our big ultrasound will not be until around the 21 week mark. No...we are NOT finding out...sorry! We need a little "surprise" in our lives and want something not to be so planned out. It is so hard not knowing when you are excited to start shopping! We have started getting the nursery ready and have cleared out some of the guest furniture. (thanks to Josh and my brother Tyler). We still have tons to do (yes...more work for Josh :) ), but at least we have a start! We plan to do white furniture against a chocolate wall and add neutral colors to the decor. I figure we can add the blue or pink later as accent pieces. The baby won't care! I am getting so excited about shopping and registering in the next month or so!

16 weeks gestation

16 weeks...still have a bump!

I am now 4 months along! I never thought I would be hearing myself say that! This whole process has been amazing and I feel so blessed to be experiencing it. I know this journey will only make Josh and I better parents and appreciate things that much more. It is so easy to take things for granted and this process has opened our eyes. I am lucky enough to be having children close in age to 2 of my very best friends (one will be 5 months older and the other 3 months younger!). I have always wanted to have kids close in age to my best friends and this is just another reason why good things come to those who wait!

Sweet Pea and Brutus

So those of you who know me really well...are probably shocked that I am just now mentioning our first 2 babies....Sweet Pea (4.5 years old) and Brutus (2.5 years old). Our English Bulldogs have been our lives for the past years and we are so excited to introduce a little one to our family. Not so sure how excited they will be about it....but change is good...right? I think Brutus and the baby will be best buds...but Sweet Pea is another story. She gets very jealous and is an attention hog. I promise you that she is just as sweet as her name...but she may pout a bit after the baby is here. I know Josh will give them both a little extra attention. I am so excited to have an addition to our neighborhood walks together!