Whoa baby

Whoa baby is right. It looks as though our Little Miss will be making her debut a bit earlier than expected - in July! While this was music to Mom's ears, I think Dad's going to need a bit more time to digest ;-). Joe and our new ob have become "buds" over these past five months and I think if the work day had been over for Dr. O he would have taken Joe out for a cold one to process the news. Did I mention Dr. O will become a new dad this May as well. It's pretty fun to hear how his wife is doing, names they are thinking about (very Irish by the way), the aches and pains I'm having seem to be the same she is having, etc., etc. I think we're really developing a trusting relationship with Dr. O, especially since he has been incredibly supportive when we discuss Elliott and the last pregnancy.

Wednesday's appointment brought more good news, little miss is continuing to grow bigger and her kicks are certainly getting stronger. Joe's been able to feel a few when placing his hand on my belly. Our evenings seem to revolve around our new (well really old) indulgence, the television series Fringe and me saying "did you feel that one?" followed by me falling asleep on the couch during the middle of the second 45 minute episode I told Joe I'd stay up to watch.

Overall, I have been feeling really good physically. Still working as much as I can and getting to the gym a few times a week. However, I've had alot of pressure lately, sometimes making it difficult to sit at work at times. Fortunately, our desks are very ergonomic and can raise if I need to stand. This past month I've been having a painful burning sensation in my upper and middle abdomen. It's definitely not heartburn. While it's NOTHING close to what I felt when they stuck the enormous needle in my belly to take out the amniotic fluid, it does remind me slightly of that pain and the labor that shortly followed. So, perhaps to ease my nerves more than anything our doctor did a quick trans-vaginal scan. Everything looks good, normal, healthy in fact. No early signs of labor. What a relief! However, due to Elliott's early arrival and the incision Dr. N had to make, it's been confirmed by both doctors now that the risk of me going into labor before a pre-scheduled c-section could cause more harm than good. Dr. O explained that once we set a date, he will give me steroids 48 and 24 hours before delivery to prevent the baby from having any respiratory issues after delivery.

While the official date has not been set, we do have a few wagers on the table. One in particular of July 12th, Nana Kathy's birthday. I believe I could easily win daughter of the year if that happens, right Mom?? I have a felling little miss may be here a little earlier than that, perhaps we can spoil her by telling her all of the fireworks are for her. Plus my brother, sister in law and niece may be in Michigan in July and could very well be here to meet her, how exciting!

Following our appointment, Joe and I headed out to dinner to talk about the news. I think it's really starting to sink in now. There's so much to do in the next few months and all of it so very exciting. Yesterday, all day, I kept thinking - wow, so this is how it feels, to know your baby is growing strong and healthy, to feel no sadness in your heart as she kicks and twists in your belly, to proudly show off that ever growing baby bump, to look a stranger in the eye and happily answer questions about the pregnancy. To feel hope and joy at the thought of buying baby items and putting together a nursery. The two items below are the only few things we've had the guts to buy....until now, oh happy shopping day. But in all seriousness, this truly is a beautiful feeling. And we are so very grateful  to experience it. Thank you God.

We couldn't help but talk about Elliott at dinner as well and honestly I love how she finds her way into our daily conversations. April 6th is tomorrow and while that would have been her first birthday, I truly do not feel a connection to that date anymore. February 3rd is her birthday and we threw her one heck of a party. This weekend she will be looking down on her adorable cousin Luke, I'm sure laughing and smiling as he celebrates his first birthday. I wish we could be there too to see this little farmer baby open his gifts and blow out his candle. Happy Birthday little man, we love you!

As our dinner was coming to an end the sun's rays streamed through the restaurant windows hitting our water glasses causing a faint rainbow to fall upon our table. Another beautiful reminder that she is always with us.