37-39 Weeks

Peanut,
You are here!!!  Actually you have been in our arms for two weeks now.  However, before I get to your birth story and sharing your name, I am going to catch up on weeks 37-39 first.

37 weeks -
~Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Had a house full, amazing food, mini-bonfire, and felt very thankful to have amazing friends to spend Thanksgiving with.  I didn't get to do any in-store Black Friday shopping, which I really love to do.  I get in a lot of pain if I walk around too much so I decided it was best to shop online this year.
~We did however get our Christmas Tree.  We were going to go to a farm to cut down our tree but went with a tree stand that was closer to home.  Your dad and I thought this year's tree was the most beautiful one to date.  Your brother, at age 3, really got into picking out the tree and decorating it this year.  We had to make sure to give him shatter-proof ornaments, for he really loves to rearrange the ornaments on the tree.
~We also celebrated the 43d AES Children's Christmas Party.  The theme this year was Polar Express.  Everyone wore their PJs.  Donuts, pastries, as well as Hot Chocolate and Coffee were served at the party.  Then Santa surprised us all and took a break from the North Pole to make a visit at the party.  Your brother didn't want to sit in Santa's lap though.  He stayed in dad's arms and told Santa he wanted a Polar Express Train for Christmas.

38 weeks -
~Your dad and I celebrated our 8th Wedding Anniversary.  I did not want to do anything but just spend the day as a family.  Dad was able to take the day off from work and we did nothing.  It was fabulous!!
~This week was also the 43d AES Adult Christmas Party.  You decided not to come yet, so your dad and I dressed up and partied!!  It was a lot of fun, great laughs, so-so food, but overall a wonderful date night.  It is pretty awesome to be part of a Squadron that is able to and partakes in celebrating the holidays.

39 weeks -
~This week ended up being our last Dr Appt for me being pregnant.  We went in for a routine appt and ended up leaving knowing we were to be induced.  My BP that week was sky high, lots of shooting pain down the right side of my hip and leg, and blood work showed signs of Preeclampsia.  After much discussion with the Dr and your dad, we all agreed that being induced would be best.  How I really wanted to let you come on your own, but even my BP really had me nervous.  Wednesday came and off to the hospital we went!!

Up next is your birth story but till then here are some pictures from weeks of 37-39.
Love,
Mom

Your dad and brother listening to Santa reading a story

All dressed up for the Adult Christmas Party

38 week belly

End of the night....what a wonderful

night celebrating with your dad

Morning of being induced - 39 week belly

33-36 Weeks

Dear Peanut,
The past three weeks have been fun, busy, and I hope to remember everything that has been going on to do a quick recap.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and we are having a house full....17 people at last count! So this letter to you may be short since I need to get back to cleaning and cooking.  However, when I think that I am 36 weeks into this pregnancy, this indescribable joy bubbles inside me.  To know that as soon as 4 weeks, you could be in my arms!!! Peanut we are ready, oh so very ready, to meet you little man!!

33 weeks -
~Your dad was given the OIC position in his office just few days after pinning on Captain.  Things have been crazy busy with his schedule, coming home late, going in super early, etc.  However he is trying to make some much needed and positive changes in the office.  I am very proud of him and have no doubt he will succeed at this new position.
~Celebrated Halloween for the first time ever as a family.  Normally your dad has had to work or been on a TDY.  I hung back to take pictures while your brother and dad walked, checked out all the costumes, and collected candy.  It was a wonderful night and look forward to Halloween next year with you!!
~I had fun and went to a Craft Fair.  When we used to live in Louisiana and Mississippi, I would go to craft fairs all the time during the holiday season.  However Ohio didn't seem to have the same love of craft fairs as the South did so I never went to any.  It was great to go again and get some ideas to make my own crafts, especially for Christmas!!

34 weeks
~Nothing major happened this week.  We did take our Maternity/Family Pictures.  Your brother truly can not stand the camera and he was a challenge.  We are staying waiting on the pictures from the photographer so I don't have any to share yet.  I do hope she was able to get some great shots though!! I wonder if you will love the camera like I do, or be just like your brother and make me learn to breathe LOL!!
~This week we also celebrated Veteran's Day.  Your dad was flying and I reflected on our long family history of serving in the military.  More stories to share with you and your brother when you are both old enough to understand!

35 weeks
~This week seemed to kick of the Thanksgiving/Christmas celebrations.  We attended the unit's Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon and had the best time!! While we were at Ohio, your dad worked in the ICU unit and there were never any parties or luncheons.  So being part of a squadron that is capable of doing parties and plans fabulous parties/luncheons at that, is really wonderful!! Your brother stayed home with "Miss-us Ash-wee" (Miss Ashley fabulous babysitter!!) so I could enjoy a lunch date with dad. 

36 weeks
~Yesterday I had another OB Appt.  It was a so-so Dr. Appt.  You are healthy and right on "target".  The Dr. just wants to do some tests to make sure I am not developing Pre-Clampsia.  Your dad is not worried at all and thinks everything is just fine.  However, me being the one carrying you, I am a little worried.  Just want you as healthy as possible and come when you are ready.
~Like I said earlier, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  None of the family is coming to visit us and we didn't feel comfortable making the trip all the way back home to Louisiana/Mississippi with me this far along.  All the Root's are having a family reunion in Florida which we truly wish we could attend but we get down there next year.  So the next best thing is celebrating the holidays with our military family.  Often times, your military family truly become closer and feel like "real" family.  As I type this we have about 17 people coming.  Everyone is bringing food, drinks, and plan on watching some football, eating all day, and being thankful.  It is going to be a lot of fun!!

I love you little man! Here is to celebrating Thanksgiving with you next year as a Family of 4!!
Love,
Mom

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of Baby -

You are is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day.  You may weigh almost 6 pounds and be about 18 1/2 inches long.  The way you move I swear you are just a BIG baby - ha!

Weight Gain/Loss -

I have added about another 5ish pounds.  The Dr told me to watch how much I put on the next few weeks.  Not something I liked hearing but your dad did remind me I lost 25 pounds in the beginning.  So if I am hungry, eat.

Gender/Name -

Still our little Elvis.  We did share your name with the photographer for some maternity shots.  If felt weird sharing though :)

Movement -

Not sure if you are head down yet or not.  You still try to flip and have dance parties so I am thinking you are not in "position" just yet.  Your dad and I lay in bed at night and play the game of "guessing which body part this is" because you just move so much! Some days/nights you make me stop in my tracks but overall it is a great feeling knowing you are healthy.

Sleep -

Peanut, yep you need to let me sleep!! I also need to start taking naps :)

Cravings -

Was doing great with zero cravings lately.  However I blame Thanksgiving and Christmas for me wanting Cheesecake.  Cheesecakes have even entered my dreams...not good!

Symptoms -

BP was high yesterday so we are going to monitor for awhile.  Hopefully it was just high from walking the parking lot and the hospital to the appt.  Other than that, heart burn is back with a vengeance.  Still on Zantac but some nights take Tums as well.

Best Moments Of The Past Few Weeks -

-Our Maternity Photos

-Celebrating Halloween

-Unit's Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon

This Week's Activity -

-Thanksgiving

-Getting our Christmas Tree

-Decorating the house for Christmas

Halloween 2011

Your brother didn't want pictures, he wanted to Trick-Or-Treat!

33 Week Belly

In honor of Veteran's Day this year - 

Picture of your Grandpa Bice's Retirement Ceremony

28 years of Service in the United States Air Force

At 36 weeks, this would be the size of you....

a Crenshaw Melon :)

32.5 Weeks

Dear Peanut,

What a wonderful week our family has had!! Your dad pinned on Captain and we couldn't be more proud of him.  He didn't want to do a ceremony or have any one make a big deal out of it though.  However, I truly believe in celebrating life and every joyful thing you can, so I pulled a mini surprise for your dad.  I made his favorite, Red Velvet Cupcakes, and brought them to work.  Along with a beautiful coin rack for his desk (when you are old enough to understand, your dad will explain the history of the Air Force Coins). 

I would not have been able to pull off the surprise without the help of a coworker (cleared the schedule so I could come up to the office) and your Bice Grandparents (they helped in getting the coin rack).  *Side note, I have become really bad lately about taking pictures lately.  So bad that I do not have a photo of your dad in his uniform and new rank.  As well as a 32 week belly picture.  Must do better!!

We didn't make it to a Pumpkin Patch this year which disappointed me a little but we did manage to get a Pumpkin for your brother.  After I write to you, we are going outside to decorate his Pumpkin.  Watching your brother get so excited about Trick-Or-Treating and Pumpkins, makes your dad and I giddy with anticipation in having two boys to celebrate the Holidays with!

This past week we also had our 32 week Dr. Appointment.  First time we were able to go as a family.  Your brother could have cared less until we listened to your heartbeat.  Peanut, you have one of the strongest heart beats ever!!!  Your dad's head popped up and he just instantly started smiling.  But the funniest was when your brother's eyes widen and he replied "whoa whats that?!?!"  After we explained what it was, we got a "oh cool" out of him and back to his ABC game on the iPad he went. 

We have started noticing a change in him since the appointment though.  He will climb on the couch to snuggle with me/us and will lay his hand on my belly.  Or out of no where, he will run up to me, wrap his arms around my legs, and kiss my belly.  Then he smiles and takes off running again.  I believe he is very ready for you to be here!

Like I said earlier, I don't have any new pictures for this week but promise to do better.  Especially of my ever growing belly.  We have a fun filled, packed weekend ahead of us for Halloween.  As fun as this weekend will be, I have a feeling next year's Halloween is going to be the best....YOU will be here to celebrate with us!
Love,
Your Mom

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of Baby -

By now, you weigh around 3.75 pounds and are about 16.7 inches long.  Peanut, you should gain a third to half of your birth weight during the next 7 weeks as you fatten up for survival outside the womb.  Coolest thing is, you now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz.  Which when your brother was born, he had a full head of jet black hair).  I love that your skin is becoming soft and smooth as you plump up in preparation for birth.

Weight Gain/Loss -

I have gained 4 lbs.  I had this weird feeling of feeling like a cow, but I had to remind myself my body is playing catching.  Especially since I have lost 25lbs since pregnant with you.  Weight gain is good!!

Maternity Clothes -

I am loving the maternity clothes I bought! I can still wear my regular jeans, which I do most days, but I have to leave the button undone.  Otherwise you like to kick and let me know you need more room.  

Gender/Name -

Well Elvis George May, I have slipped your name a few times while in conversation.  The people in the conversation with were either not paying attention OR being super nice and acting like they didn't hear your name. 

Movement -

Dr has told me to purchase a belly girdle type of band because you are so low and active, that you are now causing pain.  Often my lower belly and right leg will either go numb or have sever stretching/ripping sensation.  I am beyond thankful you are so active (positive signs you are healthy) but little man, your mom still has 8ish weeks left to carry you.  My goal this week is to find this girdle band and hope it helps. 

Sleep -

Between where you are positioned, your level of nighttime activity, and I can't seem to get comfortable, sleep hasn't happened a lot this week.  I still like to grab your dad's hand while he is sleeping so he can feel what you are doing inside my belly.  He just giggles!!

Cravings -

This week has been a normal week for cravings.  Well, I guess if you call wanting green olives all the time "normal".  However your brother loves it because he would eat olives all day if we allowed him to!

Symptoms -

No swelling or heartburn.  Just battling the pain that is mentioned above.  New one is crying.  I find myself so teary eyed at seeing babies, newborn clothes, or looking through your brother's baby pictures.  I just laugh at the big sap I have become!

Best Moments Of The Past Week -

-Your dad is now a Captain of the USAF

-As a family listening to your heartbeat

-Booking a photographer for maternity/newborn photos

This Week's Activity -

-All things Halloween and Trick-Or-Treating

-Purchasing some cute outfits for you (newborn photos and coming home outfit)

If you were a fruit, this is the size you would be, in my belly. 

However, I like to envision you as a baby, not as a food item.

Peanut you are already one adorable baby!

28-31 Weeks

Dear Peanut,
Oh boy I am ever late writing to you.  I really wanted to do better about Blogging my pregnancy with you on the Blog.  I will say, as each day passes your dad and I are over the moon excited to meet you.  We keep talking about you to your brother but he just doesn't seem to get that you are in my belly.  He laughs and says no baby brother for me!  However, he will see babies in stores or friend's babies and gets super excited. 

As for what we have been doing since I last wrote you, well a lot.  We have slowly but surely organized and cleaned the house (more like rearranging rooms, decluttering, and working on the garage), have been on several trips - Charleston, SC, Gatlinburg, TN, Charlotte, NC, had a "Sprinkle in a Box", and celebrated my 30th Birthday.

The "Sprinkle in a Box" was thrown for us by the wonderful Shelly.  Think I will keep that for another post because there are some amazing gifts for you and your room that I can't show until you are born.  I will just say that my "Ohio Girls" (we all became friends in Ohio but are now spread across 8 different states) are some of the best women in this world!!  The Sprinkle in the box came at a time when I needed their love and support the most.  Can't wait to share the gifts, cards, well wishes, and one day for you to meet them all!

I decided to pick up a journal for you and a journal for your brother to also help record new words, milestones, funny stories, etc.  Lately my drive to Blog isn't what it used to be.  I do promise to do better about recording your life and your brother's life.  As a gift to pass onto you, your kids, and your kids kids one day.
Love,
Your Mom

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of Baby -

You measure over 16 inches long.  You weigh about 3.3 pounds (about four navel oranges)

Weight Gain/Loss -

No weight gain but no weight lose either. 

Maternity Clothes -

Took a "Me" Day and went shopping this past Saturday.  Bought some really cute outfits at Old Navy and even a cute pair of skinny jeans.  I thought they help offset my big belly HA!

Gender -

Wonderful boy whom we still haven't shared the name with family/friends.  However you have a few nicknames with of course Peanut being one and then Elvis George May.

Movement -

I read the following "He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy." This is so very true about you Peanut.  I think you move more than your brother did.  So much I have this feeling you just might be longer in length than your brother.  Guess we will see come December.

Sleep -
Sleep has actually gotten a lot better! Reason being is I finally have started taking anti-heartburn medicine the Dr. gave.  Still get up to move, pee, or lay there feeling you move but sleep has gotten better.  Hope it stay!

Cravings -

Anything and everything sweet.  I truly could eat cake, cupcakes, and M&Ms for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Your dad just laughs watching me fight the horrible sweet tooth cravings.  They are bad!

Symptoms -

Heartburn is totally gone for the most part.  Some days it will flair up but nothing like before.  Everyone once in awhile I think I am having Braxton-Hicks but you are so low and always moving that I don't know for sure.  Either way nothing major and no swelling so far!

Best Momenst Of The Past Few Weeks -

-Family vacations to Charleston, Gatlinburg, and Charlotte

-The Sprinkle in a Box
-Finding your bedding

This Week's Activity -

-Well still slowly but surely buying things for your room and your brother's room.  Biggest catch is that his bedroom furniture hasn't come in yet.  Once it does then we can really work on both of your rooms.
-Celebrating your dad pinning on Captain tomorrow!!
-Registering at Target and maybe Babies R Us or Amazon

There you are!!!

30 Week Belly

The very last picture taken by your dad, 
on our way home, from Gatlinburg, TN.

Inspiration for your brother's room

Two inspirations for your room -

the canvas was painted by Shelly

26 and 27 Weeks

Dear Peanut,
My sweet love, sorry I am writing to you two weeks late.  However I due have a wonderful excuse...your daddy is HOME!!!!!!  After getting out of the hospital, he called to say his replacement showed up early and he would be home a week early.  I did really well not getting overly excited but it was truly the best news ever.  Daddy arrived home on the 7th.  Since his arrival we have bought your brother his new bedroom furniture, bought a new SUV (our wonderful Sorento just wasn't going to be big enough once you arrive), slowly but surely rearranging the rooms and playroom, and best of all just being a family again.  All we need is you but please wait till December!

As for my recovery from the UTI and Kidney Infection, I am all healed.  The day after daddy came home I had my follow appointment with the Dr.  Best part, besides being cleared, was your daddy finally able to see you!!  The Dr. did the ultrasound which resulted in a very in depth ultra sound.  We were educated on all your heart valves, brain stem, spinal fluid, spinal cord, my kidneys, etc.  By all medical purposes you have been given a clean bill of health with a small warning.  You might end up being a big baby!! Your brother was born at 8lbs 6oz and the Dr. predicted you will at least meet that.  Of course this is just a prediction but your dad and I just giggled. 

You are already making your daddy laugh.  He can't get over how fast I run to the bathroom to pee because of the wonderful gymnastic moves you practice on my bladder.  Nor can he get over how strong your gymnastics moves are.  Whether it is the Dr feeling my tummy or daddy you really like to let us know you are in there and doing just fine.  But oh sweet boy, my bladder could use a break....just saying! 

I probably won't be able to write you this coming Sunday for we are going to go explore Charleston, SC.  Which means I will hopefully get to eat some yummy crab cakes I have been craving lately.  I do promise not to be two weeks in writing to you either though!!

With All My Love,
Mom

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of Baby -

This week, you should weigh almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower....food references make me giggle and have a better idea on how big/small you are).  You are also about 14 1/2 inches long with legs extended.

Weight Gain/Loss -

Being sick did not help for I have lost another 5lbs.

Maternity Clothes -

We had a tease of Fall weather temps this past weekend and made me realize I need to go shopping.  A fabulous friend mailed me maternity clothes which have been a huge help!!

Gender -

Our fabulous boy

Nursery -

-Your room is being done in Vintage Airplane Theme.  Super excited to decorate and even have a few items already for your room.  Will share when room is complete.

-Your brother is also getting a new room.  We are doing his room in Vintage feel as well.  However it will be decorated with Vintage Trains.

Movement -

You can't make up your mind if you want to dance like Elvis or have future plans to win a Gold metal in gymnastics.  As much as my bladder would love a break, it is amazing to feel you.

Sleep -

I get about 2-3 solid hours of sleep when I first go to bed but then after that it is hit and miss.  Your dad says I have developed hyper sensitive hearing because I wake up at the smallest sounds. 

Cravings -

Chocolate Cake, still Crab Cakes, and Steak.....did go out to eat for the steak and it was fabulous!!!

Symptoms -

Thankful nothing serious.  Just frequent heartburn again.

Best Moment this week -

-Your daddy's return!!!

-Your daddy finally able to attend a Dr appt and seeing you for the 1st time!

This Week's Activity -

Finish rearranging the Playroom, your room, and your brother's room.  Then mini vacation to Charleston, SC.

Love the look on your brother's face just watching daddy talk.

True unedited picture of your mom....

happy tears washed away all make up!

25 Weeks

Dear Peanut,
Well this has been one emotional week.  To make a very long and painful story short, I will say this - I had my very furst UTI and Kidney Infection.  These two issues took me to the ER twice and then landed me in the hospital.  First time ever being admitted (hospital visit delivering your brother doesn't count) and I was scared.  After 9 bags of IV Fluids and Antibiotics, I am home now.  I am on a week's worth of oral antibiotics and Tylenol 3 for pain.  I go back this coming week for more blood work, another ultrasound of kidneys, and hopfully be given a clean bill of health.   

The time spent in the hospital had me wishing we were closer to family because I really could have used my mom.  Wishing your dad was not deployed but understood this sometimes happens.  Even with the wanting of my mom and your dad, I also found myself thankful for my military family.  Thankful that I can call them up at 2am to take me to the ER or 3am the very next morning and ask them to watch your brother because I am being admitted.  So as scary as this week has been (how I pray you and I never go through this again) I am thankful.  I was shown this week that not only do you have two parents and a brother who love you dearly , but you also have a military family that love you like you are on of their own.  Life in the military may not always be easy son, but I promise you will never be alone!  That was made very clear to your momma this week.  107ish days to go till we get to meet you!!

With All My Love,
Mom

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of Baby -

Head to heels, you should measure about 13 1/2 inches. Weight, about a pound and a half.

Weight Gain/Loss -

I think maybe a few pounds in belly area.  Jeans are still loose in legs but getting tight in belly.

Maternity Clothes -

I think my regular jeans are about to be put on the shelf.  Unless I remember to buy a belly band!

Gender -

Our fabulous boy

Movement -

You have dance moves that Elvis would be jealous of! You are still most active at night and love to have dance parties on my bladder.  Love feeling you move but maybe we could move off my bladder ;)

Sleep -

This week has been really bad for sleep.  However I am trying to nap more.

Cravings -

This week nothing bad or crazy.  Just steak and crab cakes! HA!

Symptoms -

My very first UTI and Kidney Infection.  The pain that comes with a UTI and Kidney Infection are truly indescribable.   My heart goes out to women who experience UTIs and Kidney issues often!

Best Moment this week -

-1st was watching the Nurses and Dr's laugh over how powerful you already are.  Your kicks, punches, etc are so strong that they had to sit in the room and hold down the stress test paddles onto my stomach.  For even the straps were not holding them in place.  One Dr. was surprised when he laid his hand on my belly to check for pain and you kicked his hand off.
-2nd is getting the message from your dad that he will be home soon.  Can't say the date but Peanut "soon" is amazing!

This Week's Activity -

All online shopping and bedroom furniture has stopped in order to get the house ready for daddy's arrival!!!  Your brother and I thought we still had about 2 weeks left till daddy returned home.  However "soon" has us scrambling to clean, stock fridge, and few "Welcome Home" decorations.

24 Weeks

Dear Peanut,
This has been one exciting week.  You have experienced your first Earthquake and Hurricane.  Well as much as you could feel it being in my belly.  You have shown us signs to always trust in God and believe in his mircales.  This due to the fabulous ultrasound I had earlier this week.  You have also decided to finally allow me to stand the smell of raw meat and giving me the want to eat.  I didn't realize how much I missed being in the kitchen till the past two days of cooking.  Making Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with your brother this morning brought me such joy!  We have around 112 Days Left till we get to meet you.  As each day passes I become more and more excited.
With All My Love,
Mom

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of Baby -

You are growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week.  You should be about/almost a foot long aka length of a ear of corn.

Weight Gain/Loss -

Havent't gained any weight yet.  I am not to worried though.  I know I have plenty of time to gain some weight..... 

Maternity Clothes -

Still in my regular pants/capris.  In maternity tops and a fabulous friend sent me some of her old maternity clothes.  I do need to but maternity PJs because the ones I have are not comfortable on the belly.  You kick to let me know you need room.

Gender -

Boy!!! Had a great laugh this week when the ultrasound tech, Ms. Victoria, pointed out your "Pickles and Penis".  The saying of "Pickles" was a new one to your dad and I!

Movement -

You are crazy active.  As in take my breath away, stop me in my tracks, because of all the kicks and punches.  I love feeling you though!

Sleep -

Sleep has become hit and miss.  However last night was very rough night of no sleep.  You were on a nerve that sent shooting pain and/or numbess down my right leg.  Around 6ish you moved and it was wonderful to have no weird sensation down my leg.

Cravings -

Oh goodness what a difference a week makes!  This week has been dill pickles (round hamburger style) and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.  I have a special cup size bowl for the ice cream.  Other wise I want to eat right out of the cartoon.

Symptoms -

Still ice cold water for I always feel thirsty.  The sensation of having to pee about every 10 minutes.  Then the nerve pain last night.

Best Moment this week -

Your Anatomy Ultra Sound

This Week's Activity -

Finalizing the theme for your brother's big boy room.  As well as finalize the theme of your nursery.  We were going to reuse the nursery for you but your dad and I changed our minds.  Decided it would be nice for your to have something of "your own".

Sneak Peak of your room....well one of the ideas HA!

Pickles.....

Dear Peanut,
Tonight I had your Anatomy Ultrasound.  It was a late appointment, 6pm, which the nurse at Womack Hospital explained they deliver over 300 babies a month so they offer late u/s appt.  Being that the appt was at 6pm, I was the last appointment of the day.  Boy did this turn into a wonderful thing.  What normally would have been about 30ish minute u/s appt, turned into an hour long appt.

Victoria is the lady who administered the u/s and man was she fabulous.  She explained all the pictures she took of you for your charts (over 40 pictures).  I explained how daddy is deployed right now and how you are also due around your brother's birthday.  Victoria was just as sweet and caring as she could be!

40 something pictures later, it came time to make sure you are in fact a boy.  Right away she pointed out your "Pickles" and "Penis".  Wait...what?!?! Pickles???  Yep, she explained to me that you indeed were a boy because here were your "pickles and penis".  Oh, how I started laughing.  "Pickles" was a new one for me I tell you.  By the way, I tell you this story now because I know when you became a man and have "man humor", you will find it very funny that you manhood was called "Pickles" at one time.

After we both stopped laughing a miracle happened.  Well Victoria and I are calling it a miracle so a miracle it is.  With the 40 something pictures she took of you she just could not get a clear view of your face.  She then proceeded to talk to you in this very, very, high pitch voice and BAM!! You moved your arms away from you face, moved your head, and started blinking your eyes. 

I gasped because it was unreal to see your eyes blink already.  Then you stopped and proceeded to wink with your right eye.  Victoria was pretty shocked as well on how clear your blink and then winks were.  So for the next 5 minutes she left the wand on my belly and she continued to talk in her very high pitch excited voice.  Victoria and I watched you, this miracle of a child, wink and smile for the camera.  Yes I typed that correctly...smiled!!  Two times in fact and with a picture to prove it.

See I have been so sick this pregnancy.  As well as this tiny feeling the past 23 weeks that there was something wrong with you.  Maybe it was left over fear from the miscarriage or your dad not home to share my emotions/feelings with, but I have had this nagging feeling that there was something wrong with you. 

Well tonight, you and God showed me that you are perfectly fine.  Between the blink, winks of right eye, and the two smiles you gave, this complete calm feeling came over me.  It truly felt like you were giving me a message of "Relax mom! I'm okay!"  While I was lying on that table, you somehow managed to make me feel even more thankful and blessed that I get to be your mom!!! 

In about 4 months, I will finally be able to hold you in my arms.  Tell you face to face just how much your father and I love you.   I truly look forward to watching you grow, forming a brotherly bond with Gabriel, and seeing what type of man you become.  If tonight is any indication, son you are going to accomplish/do amazing things in this world!
I love you dearly and can't wait to hold you!!
Mom

Your 1st smile....to me

(By the way, not sure why this chin is coming from HA!)

23 Weeks

Dear Peanut,
Today I am 23 weeks along with you and the joy continues to grow.  I know I am very late in writing letters to you but better late then never.  The past 23 weeks have been very emotional for me due to your dad deploying, being so very sick with Hyperemesis, trying to keep a normal routine with your older brother, and just feeling blah. However, do not mistake how very excited and happy your dad and I are that we are pregnant with you!!  You truly are a blessing and can not wait till you enter this world to be part of our family.

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby - 

You are more than 11 inches long and weigh just over a pound (about as much as a large mango)

Weight Gain/Loss -

I have lost 19 pounds with you (25 with your brother so you have been a little bit nicer to mom HA!).  I have finally stopped throwing everything I eat/drink (happened around 19/20ish weeks).  Nausea is still hanging around but at least it is more manageable now.  Best part is each week the want to eat is coming back. 

Maternity Clothes -

Due to weight loss I can still wear my regular pants/shorts.  Which is a good thing because all the stores have been sold out of Capri/shorts for awhile now.  I am slowly getting into maternity tops which is a good thing for the extra room on top HA!

Gender: -

You are a boy...however this was told to us at 15weeks.  We have the "official" u/s coming up soon.

Movement -

You are very active.  I truly don't remember feeling your brother this strongly, this early on.  During the day you are much more relaxed but at night you love to party!!

Sleep -

Only one crazy dream but lots of tossing and turning so far.  You are very low in my belly and sometimes while you are partying you hit a nerve that wakes me up.

Cravings -

No cravings yet.  This go around I do want Mexican food but I have to be careful because already suffering from heartburn. 

Symptoms -

Have had a few Charlie Horses, want ice cold drinks all the time, and did have 24/7 morning sickness but that is just about completely out the door.

Best Moment this week -

-Last night actually felt you move with my hand. 

-Funny story around 16ish weeks.  I was loading your brother into his car seat and told him to be careful of my belly because his baby brother was in there.  Gabriel got this very serious and confused look on his face and shouted "What?!?!?!?!"  Oh man it was so funny to see him then scratch his head and sit back so I could buckle him in.