Secret's Out!

Well, Little One, the news is out!  Daddy and I published some pictures to Facebook tonight to share our big news with the world.

Our happy (expanding) family!

My smart aleck take on the "baby shoes" picture announcement.  ;)

We are so excited to share you with all of our friends and loved ones.  It's hard to believe that you are already 13 weeks and 4 days old.  October is going to be here in the blink of an eye!

Love always,

Momma

Aunties!

Oh Little One, what a fun week it has been!  We were able to go work out again and, though we have to start back in slow, it was a great feeling!  We're going to be sore, but it is worth it.  Feels so much better to be active again!

And tonight I finally got to do something I have been waiting to do forever...tell all your Texas aunties about you!  We had our Moms' Night Out and I revealed the news.  They are all so excited to meet you!  You will love them and their kiddos...I will be so happy to introduce you to your Texas family when you arrive. 

Your very happy aunties!  Special thanks to Ms. C for keeping our secret for so long!

Ms. E was also so excited to hear that she and I will be pregnancy pals and that you and her little one will be so close in age.  So many wonderful friends are coming your way!  It will be very exciting this weekend to take some pictures and announce the news to the world.  You already make us so happy, Little One!

Love always, 

Momma

Relieved

Hello Little One!  We were so excited to see you at our 12 week appointment at the doctor's office today.  The appointment was running a little late, but we didn't mind, because we knew it was because our doctor was delivering Mr. A and Ms. A's new baby boy, E!  I am sure he will be a good friend to you.

By the time we did get to see the doctor and discuss our ultrasound, we were relieved to find out that the hematoma had completely reabsorbed!  Hooray!  Again, although we knew that this was a relatively minor complication, it still feels wonderful to have it gone.  I'll be looking forward not only to working out again, but to sharing our big news!  We've already alerted a few more close friends, but by the end of the week I hope to make it public that you are coming into our lives this fall.

You are truly perfect and beautiful in every way!

Unfortunately, Little One, you were asleep during the appointment (still with a very strong heart rate!) but we couldn't get you to move around for a good picture.  Oh well, you and your umbilical cord are still cute!

Love you,

Momma

Sharing and Preparing

Well, another couple of friend know about your upcoming arrival!  We had lunch with both Mr. M and Ms. S yesterday and, since we got to see both of them, had to share the news.  Especially since Ms. S was going to find out at a concert we are going to in a few weeks, because I won't be drinking!  They are very excited for your arrival!  We will slowing start sharing the news with close friends as we decide on how to revel to the world (in the present day, nothing is official until it's "Facebook Official".  This probably won't make any sense to you when you are a teenager, but it's a big deal in this place and time.)

Also, I had to have Daddy pull out my maternity trunks so I can start prepping what I will need as the pregnancy progresses.  We are already using cocoa butter, but my wedge pillow would be nice to sleep with, and bella bands will be necessary soon!

It's going to be fun going through these again.  I'm sure I've forgotten a lot of what I saved!

Less than 10 days until our next appointment.  Can't wait to see you again!  Hopefully that hematoma will be gone and we can just focus on you growing healthy and strong!

Love you so much, 

Momma

Nice to See You!

Well, we had our second appointment today!  The good news was that we did hear your very strong heartbeat (185 bpm!) and that the hematoma is almost gone.  Unfortunately, it's still not completely absorbed, so I am still on exercise restriction, which stinks, but you're worth it. ;)  We will come back in on the 22nd to check again.  Hopefully, by then, all will be back to normal.  Your Daddy and I have decided to wait a little longer to share the big news, mostly because we're trying to decide a fun way to do it and because I am still very busy finishing last semester of doctoral classes.  Not much longer, Little One, and you'll be my main focus!

Thankfully, besides being tired (and missing running), I am still feeling pretty good.  I never feel sick, but I often don't feel hungry.  Between that and losing muscle tone from not working out, my weight is actually down a few pounds.  Soon we'll be out of the first trimester and we'll have the excitement of watching you grow in my belly!  Until then, these images from the doctor's office confirmed how much you've already grown!

Looking less like a blob and more like a baby!  :)

Man, technology has improved since your big brother was born!  It's so amazing to see you with such detail.  A perfect little person!

Until next time, Little One!  We love you so much!

Love always,

Momma

The Family is in the Know...

It's driving me crazy not being able to tell the world that you're coming, Little One, but Daddy and I decided to wait until after we hear your heartbeat this Thursday to share.  It's fun having a secret, but we did decide to share it with some other important people in your live, both your uncles!

We told Uncle C while Mimi and Pop-Pop were here, and we just told Uncle J, Aunt S, and Baby T over Skype on Easter while Mamaw and Papaw were here.  The reactions continue to be shock and excitement!  I think we've been keeping our secret well!

Your big brother and I had a great time at an Easter Party with our Texas friends yesterday.  I can't wait for you to meet them.  You will be coming into a wonderful group of baby friends and aunties who are going to love you so much!  

Can't wait to see you on Thursday, 

Momma