R's Back to the Grind!

So R had two months off between medical school and his residency. Today was his first day of residency and even though I am so happy and excited that we're starting on a new phase in life, I am a little anxious because I hope this first intern year isn't going to be as much of a disaster as his first year in medical school? Plus, it's been nice having him around the house. We could do whatever we wanted and go wherever we wanted. I guess the one good thing is that we'll probably be spending less money on shopping and eating out at all the restaurants AND now he'll be making actual money! That's pretty exciting!

Our social life has already stepped up a notch since this residency thing started, I swear we have been out and about with other residents and their families every week and it doesn't seem like that is about to slow down. There are a ton of picnics, BBQs and home get-togethers on the schedule this month. I have actually LOVED getting to know the people in the program, everyone is super nice and is actually A LOT like R and me. Overall, I have a good feeling about this year:)

We Have Movement!!

Week 21: Baby is about 10.5 inches long and weighs about 12 ounces. Baby's eyebrows are now formed:)

For weeks I have thought that maybe I was feeling you move, but the little fluttering was so brief and so light that I wasn't sure if it was you or maybe just gas or something! Lol!

This past weekend, we went to Moline, IL to visit G-ma and G-pa. While we were all watching a movie together Saturday night, I felt you move, without a doubt it was you!! You were kicking and moving for about 20 minutes straight, the longest I have ever felt you move, so I knew it was you:) Apparently, you either like A&W Cream Soda OR you like the movie "Invictus" because something about that night had you in a tizzy! I am so excited to know that you are really there, it is so amazing to feel you kicking and twirling around! I love you!!!!

"Dad Life" by church on the move

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!! LOL!!!

The Nursery: the beginning

Week 20: Baby is 10 inches head to heel and weighs 10.5 ounces:)

This week we are starting your nursery:) We bought a bedding set and furniture and daddy is painting your room pink as I write this. We've decided to do a Hello Kitty theme, not for any particular reason except for that I have always loved Hello Kitty and think that the room decorations are cute as heck! I don't think we could have picked a girlier theme...I sure hope you are a girl, lol!! I can't wait for you to see the room that we put together for you!!

UPDATE: So we are up pretty late tonight, but we took pics of what we were able to get done in just one day! Now we just have to add a few more things and we'll be done!!

19 Weeks: Fun in the Sun:)

Having a great week in Florida! I can't wait until our next trip to the ocean (and you'll actually get to see it)! It's so beautiful!!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 18: Baby girl is 5 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and weighs 7 ounces:) The big event this week is that her nerve cells are getting myelinated, which is super important for her development.

This week we've been in FLORIDA:), with an average temperature of 92 and a heat index of over 102, we've been sweltering in the heat but still living it up in the sun and enjoying time with family. This past week, my Aunt L, who works in an Ob-Gyn office, couldn't believe that we hadn't done an ultrasound yet, so she invited R and I to have our first ultrasound on Friday! We were super excited to see our little boo bear and we spent the next few days debating on whether it was a boy or a girl:) I thought it was gonna be a girl, only because R has been so convinced that it's a boy!

On Friday, as the hour approached, I started to lose it a little bit. I guess I am kind of a huge worrier. I started to worry about what if there was something physically wrong, what if there was a genetic defect, a malformation, or something wrong with the placenta or umbilical cord or whatever. My mind just kept racing because I know all of the things that could happen and I had to calm myself down by actually expecting to see the very worst on the ultrasound screen. I decided in my head that if there was something wrong, it is a part of God's will and that we were going to handle it as best we could. That way I wouldn't be surprised by anything.

As I got up on the ultrasound table, I could feel myself becoming so overwhelmed with fear that I was numb. However, within a few seconds, I saw this beautiful little baby come up on the screen. I saw the spine, ribs, a head, arms and legs. I broke down:) It was the happiest moment of my life! The US tech confirmed that she was a SHE and that she was perfect. She pointed out her brain hemispheres, a four-chambered heart, teeth and a tongue, hands and feet. She showed us the umbilical cord and that said that I had a good anterior placenta. I was so happy!!

As we walked out of the appointment, R said he liked the name Ava Rose:) I like it too, but I also like Ella. We will see. Whatever your name is, WE LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU<3<3!!!!

FOUR INCHES IN A DAY! PROOF!!!

So I am in Florida right now in my cousin's bedroom. Take a look at the picture of me this morning and then the picture of me on the same day this evening. I literally gain 4 inches of bloat in my belly in less than 12 hours. I BIBLE that I am not sucking it in OR pushing it out at all. It is literally so painful and dramatic that I knew it would show up on camera....ughhh, it is the worst feeling ever:(