20 1/2 weeks and so thankful

So Bean is kicking more emphatically now. I've noticed a pattern with her (wow I'm still on cloud nine about getting to call her a 'her') and look forward to her "Good morning, Mommy!" kicks just as I'm getting out of bed. One morning she kicked so hard John and I could see my belly jump. I took John's hand and pressed it into my stomach. He was able to feel the kicks himself! I was so happy for him to be able to experience that.

You know, I am so blessed that I can barely stand it. I think about how much this baby is already loved by us, our family, and our friends - both local friends and cyber friends. I think about the things we want to teach her and do with her, how her life will be different and better than many aspects of my own childhood. Not that mine was bad, but having two loving parents to raise you has to be better than having only one. Then I think about how freely God has provided comfort to me throughout this pregnancy. I am so grateful, so humbled...

Okay, the grossest thing I've EVER read...EVER!

I feel the breakfast rising when I read the title of THIS article and could not get further than the first paragraph. Okay, I did eventually skim through the rest of it.

My FAVORITE part is where the author says: "I’d have to be stupid-drunk to eat placenta."

Amen, sister!

Belly Development @ 20 weeks

I figure it's time to post some belly shots. I mean, I AM 1/2 way to the finish line.




For reference, this picture was taken at 16 weeks. Now that I compare the two, I do see some progress. Grow Bean Grow!

God has shown favor on us yet again....

and has given us a baby GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to the family Bean-ette!

Yay! The wait is finally over and I couldn't be happier.

John held my hand the entire time. When the technician's magic wand hovered over Bean's "baby bits", I'm pretty sure we all held our breath until she said "That's most definitely a girl!" Then simultaneous screams errupted (from me and The Moms), followed by tears of joy (again....from me and The Moms). In between joyful sobs I managed to croak out "Are you SURE???" The sweet technician confirmed it again and then let the doctor come in to confirm for a 3rd time. My mom made this sign that had "It's a Girl" written on one side and "It's a Boy" on the other. How cute is she?? I'm so glad she made the sign because we were able to snap a few quick pictures.

All other baby parts were verified and seemed to be working normally. It was INCREDIBLE to see the tiny chambers of Bean's heart. Two kidneys were visible. We saw arms & legs & fingers and toes. We saw stomach & brain and spine and ribs. All precious in my sight. God bless technology!

Of course The Moms were thrilled. I was so glad they were a part of this monumental day. Once I was able to wipe all the ultrasound goo off my belly, button my snuggly fitting jeans, we all practially RAN out to the waiting room to fire up our cell phones. That was the beginning of the 4 hour text/phone fest. God bless technology!

After the appointment our families gathered for a celebratory dinner at Outback. What an emotional day. It's only 8:00pm here on the east coast and I am drained!

I wonder if it could possibly get any better than this. I do have a sneaking feeling it's going to get TONS better. I can't yet imagine how much better, but I'm ready. =)

How twins are made...mystery SOLVED!

Yay! We have a new follower!

Welcome to the party, Tonya! Glad to have you join us! Feel free to comment any time!

Not that I'm trying to keep up with the Jones' (or Camps)or anything, but Lisa has had 9 for a long time and now I do too. Yippeeeeeeeeee!

Minced?! Have you ever caught a minced fish?!

This commercial comes on every day at lunch time and my coworkers and I crack up. Maybe we shouldn't because the kid is kind of demanding and bratty, but it's just so funny!