Well, here I am again...after 8 years of thinking that we were going to raise an only child. And I can honestly say, I couldn't be more thrilled. My husband and I have been married for 9 years (10 this September) and we have one son, Joshua. He is no doubt the light of our lives, and the everything our world revolves around.

I thought I had myself convinced that I was content with the blessing I already had, but the urge to do it again just wouldn't pass! God sure has plans, and there's no denying when He's speaking to your heart. So I prayed for years and left it in His hands. And after a whole lot of soul searching and even more faith, I was way more than hopeful that this would come to pass.

So a few Saturdays ago, I was about to enjoy a glass of wine when something told me it might not be a great idea..I talked my husband into buying a pregnancy test and prepared myself for the answer. I cannot begin to explain the range of emotion that raced through my body. There was no way I was prepared for a let down, and no way I'd know what to do with the BFP!! After 8 years...??? Can I even do this again?? ;o)

Well, before I even left the bathroom I knew the 2nd line was already appearing. But maybe I wanted this so bad that I was imagining it? So I walked away and came back to it a few minutes later-husband in tow. Sure enough...two big fat lines and 2 hearts jumping out of our chests! I cried, laughed, cried, laughed and cried again-raw anxiety for what was about to change life as we knew it. Thank God for answered prayers!

I was dreading having to tell Joshua. He is absolutely bent on being the only child, and perfectly happy knowing exactly where his place is in this life of ours. Much to my surprise, he was as thrilled as we were..He can't wait to have the responsibility of 'Big Brother' and protector. He's praying for a boy-we're secretly praying for a girl. He wakes up every morning and asks 'Mommy, did your belly pop yet?' It's priceless!

Our news surprised the ENTIRE family, and shocked all of our friends, but we thankfully have all of their love, support and well wishes.

I look forward to updating my page as this journey God has me on continues, and I pray for the strength and wisdom to make it through!

2/8/08

Had my first prenatal appointment today. I think they called it a pregnancy confirmation appointment. Well, if I'm not pregnant, then there's got to be some other reason for why I feel like this lately! Last week I was worried because I wasn't feeling any symptoms..but every morning so far this week I have had an unpleasant surprise-morning sickness. I haven't been sick, yet..just a general feeling of nausea and low blood sugar. But anyways, back to the appointment-did the usual pee in a cup, draw 5 vials of blood thing and then the fun part. When the nurse rolled the ultrasound cart into the hallway, my heart really began jumping! I can't begin to explain the surge of feelings that I felt through my entire body. I thought I had forgotten what it was like the first time around, but memories quickly came flooding back. I remembered instantly the excitement of knowing I would meet my baby on a more personal level, I would actually get to see that something really was growing inside me. I could hardly contain my smile! And my nerves were also a force to be reckoned with. It was such a nervous excitement, but I loved it!

So, with all it's glory, my bean was just hanging out, heart pumping and all! God, what a thrill to watch and hear! Josh and Paul came in the room to see also, and I don't think you're ever not amazed by such a site. The expression on Josh's face would have been worth paying for-hell, there wouldn't be a price! And Paul, I could easily tell, was awestruck-again! Instant love at first sight for all of us. We got to take a printout of the little bean and Josh snatched it from me as fast as he could-he wants to take it to school on Monday to show his classmates. And for the rest of the day, he kept repeating..'I can't believe I'm going to be a big brother.' It feels so good to hear that. When I figure out how to work my new laptop better, I will be sure to post the photo for everyone to see. So far mom and baby are healthy and content and hopefully that's how we will remain for the next 7 months! I will update again soon. Until then, take care!

3/1/2008

I had my second appointment with the doctor on Friday the 22nd of February and this time I got to go it alone. No troops with me this time, which was kind of nice. I am measuring about 8 weeks 2 days as of the 22nd and things are moving along quite nicely. I have gained a few pounds, but it has to be water weight and constipation, ugh! I certainly don't feel like myself with this bloated feeling, but I am still enjoying every minute of it. I got to have another ultrasound and was able to hear the heartbeat again, only this time it sounded like a wash machine and it was strong and fast. I was amazed at how big my baby bean looked just 2 weeks from my last ultrasound! I will go again in 4 weeks and secretly hope time flies by.. I promised myself I would not rush this pregnancy-but who can help themselves? I feel pretty good lately, for the first time in 8 weeks I feel human when I wake up in the morning. I'm no longer doing the deep breathing, holding back the upheavel,don't talk to me right now thing. Now if I could just get past the sleepiness, I would be golden! Josh has changed his mind on the sex of the baby-he's pulling for a girl now, too..so we're all busy thinking pink! God is working in ways I never would have imagined in my life and I am continually thankful. I will keep updated and hope that all is well and healthy to all who read this. God Bless til next time!

3/21/2008

Hello! I saw the doctor today. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get an ultrasound, but I did get to hear the hearbeat via doppler today, so that totally outdid the let down! Josh went with today, in hopes of seeing the baby again, but he was just as thrilled to hear the washing machine! If you could have seen his face, he smiled the BIGGEST smile as soon as he realized what he was listening to. Doc says about 150-152 beats per minute..so that of course says 'boy' to me-based on wive's tales, of course..But I'm still holding out for my baby girl. I decided to do the translucency testing, nothing like waiting to the last minute, huh? I really thought I was just going to skip it, but something told me to just go for it.. So now I have the hospital scrambling to get me in before the 13 week mark. At least I get one more ultrasound before the 20th week! LOL! Doc says we won't do another one until then, when we will check for the sex of the baby. Ugh! I don't know if I can possible wait that long! Let's pray that we are able to tell what it is! I can't wait to find out!!! I feel great lately, not going to bed by 7 anymore, I can actually stay up past 10 now-so that's nice..I've had a lot of energy, too which is helpful. Got myself into a bathing suit this past weekend to go to the beach, boy let me just say that wasn't a pleasant experience! I'm not looking forward to being huge in a bathing suit, it made me feel so self-concious. It was refreshing to get back to normal life again, though. Don't feel so queasy in the mornings anymore, so long as I eat some breakfast right away and I'm telling you, I could eat myself out of house and home some days. All is well for all of us, and I hope the same for the rest of you. As I know more, I will be sure to update my page. Have a Happy Easter to all of you and God Bless! Enjoy your families, friends and loved ones ;o)

4/14/2008

Well, almost at 16 weeks going by the dates from my ultrasounds, and finally beginning to really feel the little fish squirm. A few weeks back while Josh and I were laying reading a bedtime story, I had the all to familiar but almost forgotten about "popcorn" feeling & I got so excited! I thought, boy it sure seems early but I'm not complaining! And since then, hadn't really felt much. Now, though, seems like every so often just when I least expect it I get that gentle reminder that somethin' is brewin' down there! I have another doctor appointment coming up on Friday and it will be the only thing that makes this week worth muddling through. I wish this appointment was the moment of truth for knowing the sex, but I have to wait til next month instead. It will be a nice mother's day surprise. I got to find out for my birthday when I was pregnant with Josh, that was a great gift as well! As far as symptoms go, just dealing with constant headaches is pretty much it. Have no nausea, minor moodiness and still feel fat, but nothing worth complaining about, thank God. I am kept busy lately planning Josh's First Holy Communion, and we couldn't be more excited and proud of his accomplishment. Well, that's it for me..will update more again after Friday's appointment. Hope this post finds you all in happiness and health. God Bless and take care!

5/10/08

So...It's a boy! Can you believe it? I kinda can-I wasn't surprised for some strange reason? I kinda felt like maybe it was, but I wasn't for sure...And I'm stoked about it actually. I really thought maybe I'd be let down if it wasn't a girl, but I'm over the moon! My ultrasound appointment went so well, and the tech who did it was fabulous. I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful and exciting opportunity. She took her time and really made me feel great. She even got caught up in our excitement and giggles! As far as everything health wise-we are golden. Baby's heartbeat is 164 (holy cow) and he's weighing in at a whopping 12 ounces..I'm measuring at about 20 weeks + 1 day today which is about a week ahead of what my doctor has been thinking..Who knows for sure, though? And I feel fantastic! My belly muscles are stretching quite a bit and it's painful some mornings when I first get up, but nothing unbearable. I have also begun to really feel some kicking going on in there-even been able to see a few of them from the outside! I am so in love, it's impossible to describe.. I adore the idea of two handsome, healthy, loving mamma's boys! (Ask me about that again in 30 years when they're both hangin' onto my apron strings...) but for now the idea is wonderful! Hope you all have the best mother's day weekend, stay happy and healthy...and God Bless til next time!

6/6/08

Good Lord, sure has been a while since I last wrote..Sorry! Time flies I guess, when you're not really paying attention. I am 25 weeks this week and I feel like time is beginning to stand still from the pregnancy perspective. At first I wanted this to go real slow, then it kinda sped up a bit, and now we're at a snails pace & I kinda do want it to speed up..Does that make any sense? I'm enjoying baking my bun in the oven, though. I feel really great lately and am enjoying the attention of everyone noticing my growing belly. I don't enjoy having to wear clothes lately-which is really nothing new for me, and thank goodness I can work in the a/c all day cuz it gets HOT down here in SW Florida! At my last doctors appointment I learned that all is well from what he could see of the ultrasound photos-I am measuring right where he expected I was and then out of nowhere he informed me that I have a low lying placenta. I haven't had any complications or any symptoms so I'm guessing it's fine? May have another ultrasound this month-find out for sure tomorrow afternoon..He says he'll just keep an eye on it until I get further along. Brendan Ross is the name we have decided on-couldn't recall if I mentioned that earlier? And Josh is becoming more and more excited about his arrival. He often talks to my belly and gives it kisses. We were practicing how to put a diaper on a baby the other nite & it was such a thrill to watch Josh prepare! He's going to be the best big brother a baby could ask for..I do think he is having some issues coming to terms with this whole new idea, though..cuz lately he has been a bugger. His attitude is changing a little (for the worst) and he is rebelling in ways he never has. Could just be the age..but he is certainly giving me a run for my money! We have been enjoying watching Brendan move like an alien in my belly and that is where I find my peace at the end of a crazy day! I have also become the lucky buddah everywhere I am-people instantly stick out their hands and rub my belly. I can't believe the way most people just don't think twice about what they're doing. I couldn't imagine doing it to someone else-and for the most part it doesn't bother me...but there are some days I feel like chewing their hands off! Well, if I learn more at my appointment tomorrow I will gladly update. I enjoy reading all of your updates as well, and comparing pictures (I will try to update some of those as well!) Hope this message finds you all content, healthy and blessed! Until next time.... ;o)

6/19/08

So, my appointment went fine. Got handed my lovely Glucola bottle to consume before my next appointment in 3 weeks. Yum..I can hardly wait ;o) We discussed the possible low placenta again, and I am scheduled for an ultrasound on the 8th of July to measure it's distance from my cervix..Needless to say I am thrilled at the prospect of seeing my little man again! Aside from that, nothing out of the ordinary to report. I am exhausted today for no good reason at all, and don't have much motivation-I hate feeling that way..but sometimes our bodies just know when they've had enough & need a break I guess. Going to put my feet up and eat some ice cream-always good for the soul! Look forward to reading all of your updates & want to thank you for checking on mine as well. God Bless and much love!!!