21 weeks!!!!!!!

How far along: 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 9 1/2 pounds. Holy Moly I'm not sure how much longer I can post this!
Maternity clothes: Today I'm wearing a maternity top (that's so yummy feeling) and maternity skinny jeans. The jeans are sagging in the rear end but my normal jeans no longer button so I have to wear the bella band which I actually don't like.
Sleep: The pillow between my legs is helping but sometimes I have CRAZY dreams!
Best moment this week: Parker moved into his big boy room so the nursery is officially yours!
Movement: Much more this week :)
Cravings: I've enjoyed lots of pancakes. Weird since I don't normally like breakfast! Pretzels.
Gender: GIRL! Avery Madison Wise!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Nothing this week. We're pretty darn excited about you!
What am I looking forward to? Your bedding and car seat cover coming in!
Milestones: None that I can think of!

20 weeks! Halfway Done Baking!

Not the most flattering picture... but you get the idea. You're in there and growing... as apparently is my face.

How far along: 20 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: It's Christmas. I'm going to take the week off from weight checks!
Maternity clothes: Today I did not wear maternity clothes but I did wear a maternity dress to Christmas Eve Service. Normal clothes are getting too snug and maternity clothes are too big. We're in an awkward phase!
Sleep: I've started sleeping with a pillow in between my legs which is helping me fall asleep.
Best moment this week: It's Christmas! I kept thinking that next year you'll be here!
Movement: Yes and I love it!
Cravings: Soup, Mexican
Gender: GIRL! Avery Madison Wise!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Wine. I would have loved to have a glass of wine on Christmas Eve and Christmas.
What am I looking forward to? A quiet day tomorrow! The last 2 days have been crazy! Yesterday was Christmas Eve and today is Christmas! Your brother is so overwhelmed, he didn't open a single present! I think tomorrow, now that we're home, and things are quiet, he may dive into the pile!
Milestones: We hit 20 weeks! You're halfway done! (That is if you're full term!)


You may or may not have 3 Christmasy outfits already and MULIPLE Christmas bows. This one is my favorite! I sure hope you fit in it! The mud pie brand sizing is super weird.

You got an ornament today with your name on it. It made having you here next year seem more real. I also got a baby bijorn! I had one for Parker that I loved and I really wanted a new (fun green color) one for you since Parker spit up and pooped in his more times than I can count. I think he spent the majority of the 1st 6 months of life in it! I hope you like it as well!


We love you to pieces! Keep growing and nudging me! I love it!

Kicks, Boys and Bows!

Your daddy felt you kick for the first time last night! It was so precious! You must have really been into the Green Bay and Patriots game because you were just going to town cheering in there. Do I have a future cheerleader in my tummy? If so, then we're set... you've got 3 Clemson cheerleading outfits ready to be worn!

Exciting news... your brother is getting really close to saying your name! We've gone from "A B" to "Abby" to "Avie" I can live with "Avie" as a nickname if "Avery" is tough for a while but I wasn't so thrilled with the brief "Abby" phase since that's a common name... but it isn't yours! Parker has also gotten a little more interested in my belly. 2 nights ago, he was kissing you and blowing you strawberries. Of course, the sweetness only lasted so long and then you became an awesome "mountain" (more like a hill) to push his train across.

This has nothing to do with you but here's your brother... the world's worst hide and seek player. You should have the upper hand here. LOL

He has the "if I can't see you, you can't see me" mentality. I'll give you a hint for when you play hide and seek. Check the couch first then here... beside his bed.

Choo Choo!

Playing trains across you.

Giving you kisses!

 Now, we've got a "problem"......... I made you a hairbow holder.... and it's full. :) I've been a hairbow making queen lately! I took some advice and scaled a few back so you can wear them before you're 18. hehe. We're going to have to find an alternative solution to what to do with the rest of your bows! I'm proud to say, I've made them all! This is currently hanging in the nursery, which is still decorated in Parker's bedding until we move him into his big boy room on February 1st! Then this becomes "Avery's room" for good! Right now Parker has his "little boy room" and his "big boy room!"

This picture was before my 4 hour bow making session that completely filled the rest of the space (and then some!)

Close up of some pinwheel bows

My proudest creation! The curly ones!

Today we had a Happy Birthday Jesus Party! It's amazing to me to think that next year you'll be here to celebrate with us as well! Once thing is for sure... you already have 2 Christmas outfits to choose from to wear for the party with matching bows!!!! Man, are you fun to shop for!

19 Weeks!

How far along: 19 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: According to my scale (which I'm loving today!) +2lbs WHICH I know is totally wrong. I weighed myself at a friend's house the other day and I was still +5lbs. Thankfully, still all belly and boobs!
Maternity clothes: Today (pictured above) I am wearing both maternity tops and bottoms but I keep having to pull the pants up. The top is quite comfy though!
Sleep: Starting to have a hard time finding a comfortable position to fall asleep in but once I'm out, I'm usually out for the night!
Best moment this week: I felt you move from the outside once this week. That means we're getting close to daddy feeling you!
Movement: Yes and I love it!
Cravings: Still eating a lot of soup and baking. I'm note sure the baking is from pregnancy or just this time of the year!
Gender: GIRL! Avery Madison Wise!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Nothing this week!
What am I looking forward to? Christmas!
Milestones: 1 week away from being halfway done baking you!

18 Weeks!

How far along: 18 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: +5lbs
Maternity clothes: Lately I've been wearing a maternity top paired with normal pants or maternity pants with a normal top but we aren't ready for both. I can still get into most of my normal clothes but they just aren't very comfy!
Sleep: Sleeping well but having weird dreams!
Best moment this week: I've enjoyed feeling you more this week!
Movement: Yes and I love it!
Cravings: Soup for breakfast and Mexican every chance I get!
Gender: GIRL! Avery Madison Wise!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: This week it's jumping in bounce houses with Parker.
What am I looking forward to? Christmas!
Milestones: We found out you're big! 8 inches long and 1/2 a pound! Go you! We had another ultrasound and you look perfect!


I've gotten some crazy good deals on eBay this week on new with tags gymboree clothes! We can't wait to put you in them! I also put the stroller together. Your brother LOVES it! I hope you do too! We've set a date of Feb 1st to be the day Parker gets kicked out of your room and becomes a "big boy." It makes mommy a little sad but I'm excited to start transforming his room into your room. Maybe I'll get daddy to take a picture today... man do I dislike maternity pics (not because I don't love growing you but I think I just look fat... it's a girl thing. You'll understand one day!) We love you! Keep up the good growth!

You're undeniably a GIRL!

Today I had a very cool opportunity to have an ultrasound at 3D Dream Images at Baxter Village! Since I have my OB ultrasound on Thursday, I was the perfect candidate to let the "new girl" practice on and "compare"! Of course, I wasn't going to turn that down! I went in with low expectations and came out with WAY more than I"ll probably get at my doctor's appointment on Thursday.

Well, it's official... you're most definitely a GIRL! I have 63 ultrasound photos, many of which are of your lady regions to prove it! You were amazing! Hopefully, you continue to be so good having your picture taken... unlike your brother who I STILL don't have a Christmas picture of! 2 different sonographers were there and you were an easy case to crack. As soon as they turned the machine on, your legs went spread eagle! Thanks, baby girl! It made the rest of the ultrasound so fun because I could stop wondering what you are and focus on things like your mouth yawning. Precious!

You weigh almost 7 ounces and are measuring at May 12th being your due date. They turned on the 3D which was a little weird since you're still pretty skeletonish but I think you look like nana! ....maybe because she has a small face and since you have no fat, you also have a similar look.

You moved all around and I enjoyed seeing you kick and spin. You liked having your hands behind your head. I hope you're as mellow of a newborn as you looked to be today. You looked peaceful but playful at the same time. I'm in love... even more.

I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am that you're a girl! I started to question myself this week as your first monogrammed item came in the mail... I sorta started to freak out. Everything else has tags but that didn't! It was your name, in thread, none returnable... and now I'm loving it! Let the hair bow and dress making kick into overdrive! I've been paying attention to bow sizes on little girls recently.... yours are on the bigger side. haha. I don't believe there is a such thing as a hair bow that's too big.

Well here's what you've been waiting for.... my favorite of the 63 photos that they printed for me AND put on a disk! Sweet!

The 1st of many lady regions pictures! Note the 3 lines.... those are skin folds. It's a GIRL!

Waiving

Those precious little legs that give me an occasional nudge

Profile and spine

Precious little feet!

Sticking her tongue out!

Big yawn! Someone was sleepy!

Another check to the lady regions.

The only 3D image that looked human. Clearly I need to eat more coffee ice cream and snickers.... look at those ribs!

One last check to the lady region just so I could leave and not feel guilt any more about buying dresses! 

Pretty cool, huh!?! We have another ultrasound at the OB Thursday so I'm interested to see how different it is than this experience at 3D dream images. One thing is sure to be the same... you, my love, are a girl!!!!!!!!!!!!

16 and 17 week update!

Mommy was a huge slacker this week and didn't do the 16 week update so I'll combine the two! The weeks have run together anyways with so much going on with the holidays and traveling to Atlanta, we skipped a week. Sorry!

How far along: 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +4 1/2 pounds. The holidays weren't kind to mommy's waistline!
Maternity clothes: Not yet but we have moved into wearing the bella band for comfort! My boobs (sorry boys) also feel like they are about to EXPLODE. New bras are on our shopping list this week!
Sleep: Still sleeping well! I often fall asleep on the couch watching TV at night.
Best moment this week: You've been tumbling around and I feel you often but lightly.
Movement: Yes and I love it!
Cravings: I still want soup most mornings for breakfast... weird, I know. But isn't vegetable soup healthier than lucky charms anyways? Why not indulge?
Gender: GIRL! We'll know definitely Thursday!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Tonight is girl's night.... I miss margaritas again.
What am I looking forward to? The ultrasound next Thursday!
Milestones: You're about 5 inches (a turnip) and weigh about 5 ounces according to Baby Center. We'll see if that's still true Thursday!

I definitely want to post a picture this week because the bump is undeniable now (unless I'm in a larger shirt) BUT I'm currently looking less than picture worthy. Tonight is girl's night and we're having an ornament exchange pajama party! How fun is that going to be!?! I hope you have wonderful girlfriends when you grow up to do fun nights like this! Tonight, when I'm dressed "down" in my Christmas jammies I'll have daddy take a belly picture and will post it. Love you bunches! Keep tumbling... it's fun for now.

15 weeks

Finally a baby bump to take a picture of!

How far along: 15 weeks, 1 day\

Total weight gain/loss: +1 pound. I have had an appetite like NEVER before this week! I'm hungry constantly!
Maternity clothes: Not yet but if this eating keeps up I'm sure it will be soon! I did wear a pair of maternity yoga pants the other day because I needed to do laundry. They were SO cozy but WAY too big!
Sleep: We've been sleeping amazingly! We even went to sleep at 8:45 on Thursday and slept until 8am!
Best moment this week: I felt you rolling around twice this week!
Movement: Twice I felt you tumbling around. It was very sweet!
Cravings: No cravings but Qdoba sounds tasty and so does homestyle chicken noodle soup. I don't HAVE to have them but they sound pretty appealing! 
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Not having daily headaches.
What am I looking forward to? Getting in the nap nanny! It was supposed to be here this week but UPS lost it so diapers.com sent another AND gave me a $20 credit! AMAZING customer service!
Milestones: Feeling you move.


Lets, see, according to the baby center week by week site, you're an APPLE (hopefully a delicious, plump honeycrisp one)! You are about 4 inches long and weigh 2 1/2 ounces. Go you! Keep up the great growing!


I've been making bows and burp cloths. They're turning out SOOO cute! I can't wait for you to puke on them! At least you'll be puking in style! This week, I went to Hobby Lobby and bought lots of ribbon, headbands, hair clips and more fabric to make more bibs, bows, onesies and burp clothes for you! I've been so pleased with how they're turning out! 

 This also came in the mail for you today! I'm in love! (of course yours says "A")

 Love you, little lady!

Hello 2nd Trimester!

How far along: 14 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: Still -1 lbs.... but not for lack of trying! We've been enjoying coffee ice cream with sprinkles frequently lately but we've been counteracting it with LOTS of walks!
Maternity clothes: Not yet!
Sleep: We've made it all the way through the night for 3 nights in a row! WOO HOO!
Best moment this week: Baby girl stuff shopping
Movement: You're moving all around but I don't feel it yet.
Cravings: No cravings but I have gone to the grocery store hungry a lot lately which means I've bought some pretty random things.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Still margaritas and not having to always ask about the cheese dip.
What am I looking forward to? Getting in my new online purchases for you!
Milestones: Hitting the 2nd trimester!


According to the weekly baby center emails, you can now squint, frown, grimace (which I hope you aren't doing!), pee and suck your thumb. Congratulations on your latest accomplishments! The site also says you're 3 1/2 inches but I bet your bigger than that since you were 3 1/4 inches at your ultrasound. This week, apparently you're the size of a lemon. :) 

My energy is coming back and I've very much enjoyed getting out and walking. We've walked the 4 mile creek greenway a few times this week. It feels SO good to get out and be active!

I've done lots of baby prep this week! Your bedding is purchased and being made. Your car seat cover material has been purchased but I haven't contacted the seamstress yet. My friend (and Parker's godmother), Tabitha, made you a precious little beanie for when you're a newborn. It's ADORABLE! I also found this one and had to have it for you for pictures. 

I can already envision you naked, in a basket, wrapped in a fluffy blanket, asleep, with this beanie on. THEN I can frame it on your wall because it matches your bedding! How smart is mommy? 

I also splurged this week on something I REALLY REALLY wanted for you. A Nap Nanny! I explained how amazing these little things are and daddy was sold. You see, Parker would ONLY sleep at an angle and we spent many sleepless nights trying to prop him up so he would sleep. As an infant, he would only nap if he was held and that just isn't going to fly this time around with you and a toddler! Every mom I know who has one loves it! (No worries other mommy friends... I've read the reviews and I know how and when to use it... I'm also aware of the recall and this one is the 2nd generation version). Anyways, I hope you love it because I love the idea of it. I scored this one on eBay new for $50 less than in the store so I was pleased. 

 Love you bunches, baby girl!

Paisley, paisley everywhere!

I sure hope you like paisley because mommy went a little paisley crazy today. You're going to spend a lot of time looking at it! I am SOOO excited. You will soon find out that I am the baby gear/bedding research QUEEN. So, when the best of the best baby bedding seller on etsy had 1 more opening this year, I jumped at the opportunity for her to make you a custom bedding set. She's having a baby of her own soon and is closing shop for a while. We've worked together to create a precious set and I'm just trilled about it! Aren't we lucky girls!?!

I would make your bedding but she's REALLY reasonable and her work is SO professional looking. I just couldn't compete with that. I'll still make your window treatments and blanket but shes making your bumpers (I know the SIDS stats..... they're cute....and keep their limbs in... I like them), crib skirt and crib sheet. I can't wait to see them in 8 weeks. (even though they'll go in storage for a while unless your brother suddenly desires to sleep in his big boy bed)

The material is SOOO cute that your car seat cover is also going to be made out of the same material! That way it all looks nice in your room. PLUS, it's a fun, stimulating pattern. Hopefully it keeps your attention better than your brother's brown car seat canopy. He was not a happy infant car seat rider.

Here are pictures of the 2 main fabrics. Cream minky dot will also be used.

Your dad is also pretty excited about this set. For a few reasons actually. 1. We don't have to paint the room. It matched the funky green already on the walls (that I love!) 2. I'll stop researching and asking him "what do you think about this one?" 3. He's a stickler for quality. 4. Every now and then, he likes to make me super happy and he knows the way to do that is usually to tell me "yes." :)

You've got a good daddy and I have a feeling you already have him in the palm of your tiny hand! We love you so much!

13 Weeks!

Your due date got changed a bit since measuring you this week during the ultrasound. That means yesterday, you turned 13 weeks old! YAY!  Mommy is SUPER sleepy tonight so this is going to be a short post.

How far along: 13 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: Now I'm down 1 lb since my starting weight. Not for lack of trying though! I've indulged most of what you/I want!
Maternity clothes: Nope but my new ruched Japanese Weekend top came in so now I want to grow a belly to wear it.
Sleep: Once to pee.... sometimes more if Parker is having a rough night.
Best moment this week: Ultrasound!
Movement: You move a lot but I learned your placenta is on top so I won't feel you for a bit longer.
Cravings: Cheesecake. I made daddy go get it and it was gross. He wasn't pleased.
Gender: GIRL! 90% (but I've already bought lots of stuff soooo...... that 10% is killing me)
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss: Still margaritas.
What am I looking forward to? Having your car seat cover made. I bought the material tonight and it's to die for!
Milestones: Finding out you're a girl!!!! 


I'm sure you've grown so many new, cool body parts this week but I haven't quite looked it up yet. Seriously, I'll be pleased if this post makes sense I'm SOOO tired! Anna, my friend, gave me a DVD called "Inside the Womb" I plan to watch tomorrow. That should be cool.... or creepy.... I'll let ya know. Love you, baby girl!

It's a..........

GIRL!!!!!!!!! Today we had an ultrasound and the doctor and tech agreed their 90% sure you're a GIRL! They told us not to paint the room pink but we could buy a few clothes and leave the tags on. haha. AHHH! We're beside ourselves. We have another ultrasound December 15th to confirm but since I've known ALL along you were a girl, this was all the confirmation I needed!

Your daddy and I had already decided your name would be Avery but today we picked a middle name. Your beautiful little self will be named Avery Madison Wise. You're 3 inches long and you like to stretch! I can already tell you're going to be a booger in the 3rd trimester! You would scrunch up really small then throw your arms and legs out like a star. This could have been because you were sleeping soundly and the ultrasound tech had to poke you to get you to move around. Sorry baby! We needed to see your other arm! Your heart still sounds like a bunch of horses and was 157 bpm today.

Here are some adorable pictures of you!

Profile:

More profile shots: Look at that nice nose bone which means you're VERY unlikely to have down syndrome. YAY!

Hi mom!

The ultrasound tech also took a picture of your face but it's scary looking. It's of your bones and you look like a Halloween skeleton so we'll skip posting that one :) I like to think of you as chubby and sweet!

We love you to God's house and back, Avery Madison Wise!

Disclaimer: If you're a boy... SORRY! We love you equally as much and I'm sure I'll spend a lifetime making these next 6 weeks of me declaring you're a girl up to you. There's always that 10%....

CHEESECAKE

C.H.E.E.S.E.C.A.K.E
I'm not a huge cheesecake eater but I must have one... right now. New York Style. With Strawberries. Lots of them. DANNNIIIEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLL....... 8:15pm Harris Teeter run? That's not too much to ask right?

If I eat this cheesecake,  I will have a baby bump picture to show soon! Or would it be more considered baby craving fat rolls?

12 weeks!

You're 12 weeks old now! This was a big week for me because I decided a while back that at 12 weeks along, I was no longer allowed to worry about you. Previously, we've been optimistically thrilled about you but there was always the thought in the back of my mind that we could loose you. I know SOO many people who have miscarried and the thought of that possibility makes me cry. Now that you're 12 weeks (a date that the chances of loosing you drops dramatically) I WILL stop worrying and start being 100% excited with no "buts." Satan must have known I set 12 weeks as my "stop worrying date" because I had the WORST nightmare the exact date (at almost midnight!) that you turned 12 weeks. I woke up in tears and so scared! Too bad for him that "in the name of Jesus" he was demanded to leave my thoughts and we went right back to sleep!

Still no belly pictures this week because there just isn't one. Some pants are getting a little snug but not even enough for anyone but me to notice. We go for an ultrasound on Thursday and I'm SOO excited! Because I'm high risk, the doctors wanted to do some non invasive testing which includes an ultrasound so I'm super thrilled! I'm HOPING that just maybe we'll get to see what gender you are. It's a long shot but I know some friends who have found out at 13 weeks! :)

Speaking of gender... I'm a sucker for guessing what/who you might be so I wasted $30 on one of those urine gender test. According to the test you're both a girl and a boy. haha. I was certain the test showed girl but your dad showed me from a different angle that the test showed boy. We kept moving the test to different light angles. I think it was slightly more girl but it was still definitely inconclusive. Oh well. $30 not so well spent but it was a fun 10 minutes.

Yesterday was Halloween. I kept thinking that next year I'll have a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 month old! How fun!!!!! 

Now that we're 12 weeks, I'll start doing some updates in the Q&A format.  Here's our 1st one!

How far along: 12 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: 1 1/2 pounds but I feel like it looks like more.
Maternity clothes: Not yet but I did wash all of mine and add a piece or 2 recently
Sleep: I usually wake up once a night to potty in addition to any time Parker wakes me up.
Best moment this week: Hitting the 12 week, no more worrying mark!
Movement: Apparently you're moving a lot according to "the books" but I can't feel it yet.
Cravings: I'm loving cold fruit and soups!
Gender: I think girl... but I'm starting to waiver more recently
Labor Signs: No. Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in our out? In!
What I miss:I'm not going to lie. I miss margaritas and wine at night after Parker is asleep!
What am I looking forward to? Seeing you Thursday. You'll look more human and less blobish.
Milestones: Hitting the "stop worrying" mark!!!

You're a Plum!

That's right. you're the size of a small plum or kumquat or large strawberry.... depending on what book or website you read. Either way, you're getting BIGGER! You're (according to the doctors) 10 weeks old! I'm excited to have another ultrasound soon to see if they'll readjust that as we KNOW that isn't quite right. I'm still 99% sure you're 11 weeks! For now, we'll stick to 10 week stats.

Supposedly you're a wiggle worm but I won't feel you for a few more weeks. I'm really looking forward to that. It's so special (at least until it starts to hurt)! You have fingernails and you're developing fingerprints. How crazy is that! It seems like most your organs are formed... they just need to get bigger! It amazes me how everything forms so quickly and perfectly. God is SOO amazing!

No need to post a belly picture as there isn't a belly. I can tell my waist is thickening and my skinny jeans aren't making me look quite so skinny but until they no longer fit... I'm rocking them. I think the best way to describe my current physic is "Man, she's let her herself go.... one too many snickers."

I wanted to post a picture of exactly how big you are but every one I find makes you look like a scary alien with a big head and bulging eyes. The "Your pregnant by week" book makes you look so cute and shows your actual size. Maybe I'll have to scan that but since I still haven't scanned your 7 week ultrasound.... that's probably not going to happen.

How about this. While still slightly creepy, after some googling, I found this company that takes pictures of "wax" babies that are the size of a fetus (I hate that word, so we're going to use baby).

Thank the Lord you don't come out that small. I'd loose you! I do kinda like that hat, though. Maybe it will be pink? We'll see in 8ish weeks! Keep up the good growth... next week you're a LIME!

Baby Name Polls!

While this is HIGHLY preemptive..... I'm obsessed with baby names. It makes this process feel more real to me since I don't look pregnant yet... just a little on the puffier side! Maybe I'll take a 10 week picture on Sunday.

Back to names. We have first names for a girl and a boy but we're struggling with middle names. For a girl, her name would be Avery. For a boy, his name would be Gavin. They're like 99% set in stone. Daniel likes Elizabeth as a middle name with Avery but I'd prefer something a bit less traditional.  For a boy... we're both stumped. I created a poll on babynamegenie.com. Help us out people.... either comment on this post with some middle names (make sure to specify boy or girl) or head to the polls to pick from the 3 names that I like (it only let me input 3 or I'd have a list of 12).

Girl poll:
http://www.babynamegenie.com/polls/208371
Boy poll:
http://www.babynamegenie.com/polls/208373
Here's the full list of middle names I'm currently batting around.
Avery:
Hannah
Elizabeth
Olivia
Madison
Amelia
Austin
Emerson
Savannah

Gavin:
Brady
Emmitt
Lawson
Cooper
Carter
Carson
Brooks
Owen
Daniel
Austin
Hudson
Jackson


Feel free to throw others into the mix! Thanks guys!

The 1st bump picture

My waist is officially thickening. SUPER! This is happening light years before it did with your brother!!!! I've been promising a picture.... here you are at a little over 8 weeks. WELL.... technically, you're still the size of a kidney bean so all that extra that I didn't used to have is really your home... not you.

Next time I'll try to have my face in the picture BUT as you can see, I was in my jammies and you wouldn't have wanted to see my face! I swear I don't think I look that big. Maybe I was bloated that day OR maybe I'm just getting fat everywhere else now too so it all blends together. Who knows! Either way, as incubators  moms we sacrifice our bodies to create yours! Enjoy your home for the next 8 months because the next one you'll have is a lot crazier!

You're Facebook Official

While I'm hoping you'll never know what "facebook official" means.... you are. ha ha. I'm sure in 18 years there will be another cool social network you'll be all into and facebook will be old news. Then I'll have to sign up for whatever new network there is so I can stalk you and your brother and post a bunch of embarrassing pictures of you. Kidding! I'd never do that?!? You'll just have to wait and see. It will probably depend on how awful of a tween/teen you are. Just remember that! ;) Be nice to mommy!

What I meant to say in the 1st paragraph is that you've been announced! Most of my close friends already knew but now it's posted for the world to know! We're very excited! You're healthy, you're growing and your heart is so strong! That combined with the fact that mommy is tired, nauseous, craving specific foods and puking in the fitting room of Old Navy (yes that happened today) is making this "secret" hard to keep! Why would we want to anyways? We're thrilled!

May 14, 2011!!!!

That's your due date... for now! We had a "best case scenario" doctor's appointment today! As soon as the nurse started the ultrasound she said "What a strong heartbeat!!" I was like "The baby's ok?! It has a heartbeat?!" The nurse responded that with a heartbeat of 171 beats per minute, she bets you're a girl. You know something crazy? Her daughter was born on May 14th! My guess is that you'll be early... just not too early please!!!

I'll be honest... it isn't possible for you to be 7 weeks and 3 days old like they told me. I know when you were created and you are 8 weeks 3 days old. They calculate due dates based on how big you are and my blood work but it's all within an average "range." Since we know I have small babies, it's definitely possible that you're just a bit small right now... but you'll catch up! According to your due date, you were created while mommy was in Myrtle Beach on her girls weekend. ha ha! WHICH we know isn't correct!

You're tiny. The size of a grain of rice. Just over 1 centimeter. I couldn't make out any features but you are a precious little blob. You wiggled around and I could see your heart pumping blood. If I can figure out how to use the scanner, I'll upload your ultrasound pictures. NOT that we can make any of it out... BUT it does seem very official. Your 1st picture!

Because I'm slightly high risk since your brother was born early and I've had cancer, the doctors are monitoring you closely! I get to have another ultrasound in 4 weeks to see you again! You'll have features and everything!!!! That will be super exciting!  AHHHH... I'm on cloud 9!

I think we may tell more people about you soon since I know you're doing well. You have been a pretty fun secret to keep but I've definitely spilled the beans a few times. Who wouldn't?! You're exciting news! Keep growing!!!

Ultrasound tomorrow

Is it Tuesday at 2:30 yet? I am so anxious about tomorrow that I think I've made myself queasy. I guess you never really know how much you love someone until you think about the possibility of losing them. I pray for you everyday and I'm just going to believe that you are fine, growing and healthy until I hear otherwise tomorrow at 2:30! Only 24 hours and 43 minutes to go!!!!!! (but who's counting!)

Blood Test Results

Today I got my finger pricked! OWIE! You're worth it, though! This blood test was different. All of the other test have been normal blood test where they take lots of blood and get the results back in a few hours. This time, they pricked my finger and squeezed the blood onto a piece of paper that is sent off and along with the ultrasound is used to determine how far a long you are. I was hoping to get the results back this afternoon but instead we won't know until Tuesday. Oh well! I'm becoming used to waiting!

In other exciting/not so exciting news.... today I feel nice and pukey! I'm hoping this is a good sign of you growing big and needed all of my nutrients! Take 'em baby! Get big, be healthy! .... even at the expense of my desire to hug every trash can I passed today at the mall!

The Beach and Blood Test

Your brother and I just got back from a wonderful 3 days in Charleston... one of mommy's FAVORITE places! We saw his God-parents, shopped and went to the beach! I'm still finding sand in your brother's creases! I look forward to the day we go again! Next time we see the beach, you'll probably be with us! How exciting!

Tomorrow morning at 9:15 I go for blood work. We're continuing to pray that you're growing properly which should be shown by the growth in my HcG hormone levels. Hopefully we'll have good news to share tomorrow afternoon or Friday! As long as the HcG hormone levels are doubling like they should, we'll have another ultrasound in attempts to see you on Tuesday! We can hardly wait!

Grow, baby. grow!

1st ultrasound

Today's doctor's appointment was a bit disheartening. We had our 1st ultrasound and were SOOO excited to see you! The only problem is.... you were too tiny to see! My HcG hormone levels had risen to a number where we thought you were far along enough to get a glimpse of... but all we saw was a little sac. The ultrasound tech said she was a bit concerned but the doctor said you were just gestationally (not a real word... I know) a lot younger than we thought! Honestly, as much as I'd like to say, "Oh no big deal, we'll see you in 2 weeks!" ... it worried me.

I did the math... it isn't possible for you to be ANY younger than 6 weeks and I really thought you were at least 8. Even at 6 weeks, we probably should have been able to see you! The doctor said you could be tucked to the side of the sac which supplies you with nutrients but I felt discouraged. Interesting factoid... you came from my right ovary... just in case you ever wanted to know. Apparently my left one is 1/4 the size of my right one and is C-R-A-P-P-Y. Hey, who needs 2 anyways.

I'm not much of a worrier. It's pretty pointless and the rational side of me knows this. BUT for some reason, I worry about you. I worry I'm going to loose you and I was really looking forward to this ultrasound so I could SEE you were growing and that you were there and ok. Unfortunately, this appointment was really more unsettling. I'm just going to have to pray my way through it and trust God in His plan for both of our lives. It's a lot harder than it sounds though! Parker and I are heading to Charleston this coming Monday through Wednesday to play with his god parents. This will be a much welcomed distraction!

I go back to the doctor next Thursday for more blood work to check my HcG levels again. HOPEFULLY they will have skyrocketed! They're supposed to double every 48-72 hours. As of right now, my HcG levels measure at 7 weeks. The doctor was kind enough to schedule another ultrasound (since this one was SUCH a tease!) for Tuesday, September 28th. Once again, we had to work around daddy's work schedule. I'll be super whiny that Monday because I'll be dying to see you but that silly work schedule keeps getting in the way of those early week visits! Tuesday will come soon enough, though.

Until then, as my grandparent's garden sign says..... Grow Damnit!

You're growing at a rapid rate!

This morning I went to the doctor so they could take more blood to determine if you're big enough yet for an ultrasound. Good news! You're growing at MORE than double everyday! Doubling at this point is normal but you're growing even faster than that! YIPPEE! Way to go! Guess what that means? I can see you now!!!! Daddy's silly work schedule got in the way of me seeing you Monday so our appointment is Wednesday at 11:30! I can't wait to see you! I bet you're a beautiful/handsome little blob! I love you! :)

You're not such a secret anymore!

You're not a secret anymore! :) We haven't told EVERYONE but we've told some of our closest friends, my parents and Aunt Kelly. Daddy actually hinted about you on the boat with nana, poppi and Aunt Kelly on Labor Day so we spilled the beans. It's hard to keep such an exciting secret! I've also called Erin Reid and Cassandra Mikell, two of my best friends. I've actually called a few other people but they haven't called me back yet :) I'm DYING to tell Holly about you. She'll be so excited! She'll also be jealous that Jamie knew about you before she did! She is on vacation right now in Jersey but she'll know about you first thing when she and Brooklyn get home! I look forward to the day when I can tell EVERYONE our good news!

Tomorrow we go to the doctor for another blood test. I hope my HG hormone levels are high enough to have an ultrasound soon. I'm dying to see you and hear your heart beat! It was such a special day when daddy and I heard and saw your brother, even if he did look like a blob of cells. We look forward to that special day with you! Everyday that passes is a day closer! You're growing at such a fast pace (according to the baby book) that it should be no time before we get to hear your heart beat (which should have started beating last week or this week). I hope it's strong! I feel like it is.

I'm feeling better. Not quite as queasy anymore and the cramping is close to gone. This is a happy/sad. The cramps made me think of you often. They made you feel more real! On the other hand, I feel better and have my motivation back. I wasn't getting anything done around the house there for a week or so because I napped during all of your brother's naps instead of cleaning. Those 2 hours are valuable!

Love you, sweet pea! Keep growin'!

Meet your Big Brother!

Parker Alexander Wise is your BIG BROTHER! He should be about 25 months old when you're born if you're full term (which you WILL be, right!?!). His due date was May 5th 2009 (I'm guessing yours is May 7th 2011) but he came a little too early on March 21, 2009. I developed pre eclampsia (high blood pressure) and he was born via c-section between 6 and 8 weeks early depending on who you ask. He was so tiny at just 3 pounds 10 ounces. You're going to be 7 pounds, right? I'd like that. He was a fighter, though, and came home from the NICU after just 4 weeks! He changed our lives forever, just like you will!

I think Parker will be a good big brother after he gets over the initial jealousy. We visited Grady, a new baby born in the neighborhood, last week and Parker had to sit in my lap while I held the newborn. Parker is very good about sharing his toys and snacks. Lets just hope he doesn't try to share his goldfish too early! He loved riding in the Baby Bjorn. I hope you will too! It made it so easy for me to get stuff done around the house! I think it will also save you from flying balls!

I've already started researching double strollers to meet both of your needs! Right now I think I have it narrowed down to the BOB Revolution Dualie, City Mini Double, Bumbleride Indie Twin and the City Select. I know it's early but researching baby stuff makes you feel more real. It's important to me to get a stroller that you and your brother will both love. You'll be spending a lot of time in it! We're walkers! Your brother loves to take walks to the park and you'll be tagging along until you can play too!

I pray you and your bother get along. That you love one another, share and don't test my refereeing skills too frequently. I really want you guys to be close. That's the main reason your dad and I decided to separate you guys by 2 years. I pray you are close as adults. I see a lot of adults who don't speak to their siblings. Please don't be that way. My sister (your aunt Kelly) and I are so close and I couldn't imagine not having that relationship.

You are already SO loved, my little sesame seed!

There is a YOU in There!

I love you. Yes, there is a you. A precious, tiny, sesame side size you. We've been praying for you for a while. You and your big brother, Parker, have been the desire of my heart ever since I can remember. Your daddy and I are so thrilled to be parents again! Did you know that you're already a huge miracle? I was once told I probably wouldn't have children and guess what?! Now we have you and your big brother! God is pretty cool like that. I'll make sure you know all about Him :) You're already a bit of a troublemaker! You gave me a big scare on Friday, September 3rd, the same day we found out about you!

Here's your story:
You were fearfully and wonderfully made in August of 2010. Your due date should be right around the time your big brother was also supposed to be born! I bet within days (let's just hope you don't make such an early appearance!). I took a pregnancy test and it came up negative. I was sad but knew God would give us a baby in His time. A week later, I took another one and saw a tiny, faint blue line. I bought a cheap test so I figured it was negative. Little did I know, you were trying to tell me that you were in there! So once again, about a week later (September 3rd), I took another test and once again saw a faint blue line (you would think I would learn to just buy the nice test by now!) and you know what, I knew..... I knew I was pregnant. You were doing a good job trying to tell me! I'm sleepy, a little crampy, slightly quick to irritate and MAN do I NEED cold fruit! You name it: fruit smoothies, frozen fruit bars, watermelon, I even froze go-gurt. I was desperate. Parker and I dropped by the grocery store on the way to the mall and picked up a nice digital test. When I finally needed to "go" we went to the mall potty and found out for sure, there was a YOU!

I shed a few tears, pulled myself together and went shopping! We needed to find out a way to tell daddy! I tried to find Parker a "big brother" shirt but your daddy isn't that observant so I don't think he would have noticed. Instead, I bought a baby outfit.... a baby girl outfit.... sorry if you're a boy... I've just been dying to buy a baby girl outfit!!! Parker and I wrapped it up with the test and brought it home to daddy. I have it on video. He was sweaty from working out but I promise he's excited about you too!

Next, we called the OBGYN. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of them in the coming months. We got an appointment right away! Here's where you scared me! I took a test for the nurse and it came up NEGATIVE! I almost cried but I persuaded her to do another one! I just knew you were in there! Sure enough, the 2nd time, there was a faint line. The doctor also checked and they took blood to confirm. We pray that you're developing properly. I would be devastated to loose you! We have a special bond, though, and I think you're in there for the long haul (all 40 weeks PLEASE!).

We will continue to pray for your development and strength. That your heart forms and begins to beat in rhythm. The doctor should call me on Tuesday to confirm my blood counts. Hopefully then we'll be able to determine when we can do an ultrasound to see you! (or you all... hey at this point, we can't rule that out!).

Your dad and I are so excited about you that we've already done some research on double strollers, discussed which room will be yours and even thrown around names (don't worry, baby, I won't let him name you Alice). If you're a girl (which I really have a feeling you may be) we have your beautiful, strong name picked out. If you're a boy (which we would be equally thrilled to have a household of rough and tumble boys!), then you're still nameless but we've got time! :) The Chinese calendar says you're a girl and my gut is confirming that. First, I found out about you in the mall (come on... that's a sign right!?!); 2nd, I feel different than I felt with Parker; 3rd, when I got in the car after the mall, a song was on the radio about the relationship between a mother and daughter; 4th, a girl name came to us in minutes that we agreed on (we were still debating girl names in the car on the way to your brother's ultrasound... your dad and I have VERY different preferences in names!); 5th, when we looked up said name, the meaning confirmed that was just meant to be: 6th, the Chinese calendar is 50% right so I'll take those odds! ha ha If you're a boy, let me tell you... you've got a handsome little wardrobe! AND you and your brother will be almost exactly 2 years apart! How fun will that be?! We already own about 200 balls so you should be pretty set in that department. Either way, just know you are wanted, prayed for and loved.

I pray you grow to know and love the Lord. I pray we are a close knit family. I pray you and your brother are best friends, that you love and respect one another. I pray for your health, your spouse, your heart and your spirit. I pray you grow to be wise and discerning, kind and thoughtful, peaceful and joyful. I know for you to be those qualities, your dad and I have to exude them. We don't a lot of the time. We'll make mistakes and we'll ask for forgiveness but know that we will try to be examples and I promise we'll do our best even though we won't always succeed. You are loved and will continue to be forever.

Love,
Mom