Baby Melon!

I can't believe our child is growing so fast! This week, our 20th week of pregnancy, our child is now approximately 10 oz. and 6 1/2 inches from crown to rump. If the baby is a boy, his testicles are beginning their descent; if the baby's a girl, her uterus is now fully formed with a million eggs waiting to make her own family one day.
This week is extremely exciting in our household as this Friday is our first ultrasound and we should find out the gender! I've had quite a few people tell me they think I'm having a girl, but the heartbeat is reading a boy as well as where I've gained my weight. All my weight gain is in my belly, which usually is a sign of a boy. I think JR and I both are to the point where we're excited to just see and hear that the baby is healthy and don't really care what gender God chooses. Our only concerns are that the baby is healthy and will love the Lord! May God use us to teach our child His ways early on!

And the 20-week pose...

Dear Baby...

Dear Baby Mango,

Your mother hasn't been very good recently at writing to you in this blog, but I haven't been reminded of your presence as much as earlier in the pregnancy. The only sign of your presence I have now is my ever-growing belly; thank you for not making my stomach upset anymore! You are now about the size of a mango and are developing your thin coating to protect your skin while in my womb. Don't worry though, you'll shed that white gunk once you are born! One great thing though is that I have started to feel your presence in my belly a little bit here and there. However, it would be nice if you made your presence known a little more and were a little more active! I'm sure I'll regret asking that of you once you get a bit bigger, but the thought of feeling you inside of my baby belly fills me with joy and delight.

Baby, another strange thing that has been happening lately is the increasing number of people, including strangers, wanting to touch my belly! People are already so excited to meet you and hold you. You are truly going to have LOTS of people to love you and pray for you!! Please know this though - your mommy and daddy, or "father" as he prefers to be called, already love you with an eternal love and pray for you every day. We look forward to looking into your eyes and holding you for that first time! For now, though, we wait for September 4, when HOPEFULLY the ultrasound technician will be able to tell us if you are a boy or a girl. It sure would help if that day you are sure NOT to be shy and spread those legs! :) We are so blessed to have you join this family, Baby Mango. We look forward to seeing you for the first time in just 12 days!

With all my love,
Mommy

New Sensations

We're now 16 weeks into the pregnancy and are watching the belly get bigger and bigger. Though I miss fitting into the smaller pants without having them unbuttoned, it's comforting to remember that this evergrowing pouch is due to a baby growing healthily on the inside. I had another checkup today with Dr. McKelvey. The heartbeat was still good and strong, and everything looked good with me. I did have a few questions for her though. As I get further along in this pregnancy, I'm getting these weird sensations in my legs every once in awhile where it feels like everything from my hips down are tingling as if it's restless legs syndrome or something. When I asked her about it at the appointment today, she said the baby is probably sitting on a nerve when I feel that. How annoying but how even more exciting, to hear about the baby moving around in there!!!! I'll deal with the funny tingles if it means my baby being healthy and mobile! I have to go back later this week for the blood test. My next appointment is Tuesday, Sept. 1, but even more exciting is that our first ultrasound is Friday, Sept. 4! We should know how many and the gender before I leave with the junior highers for Camp Patmos at Kelley's Island!!! We're thrilled about that and just praying that the baby be extra cooperative that day!

And to leave with a laugh, here's my newest belly shot at 16 weeks. It's grown quite a bit since 12 weeks, yet the doctor said I've only gained ONE POUND in the four weeks!! I just may lose weight with this pregnancy!! Here you go...