Oh Baby!

Word is out! Our family is growing! Jacob and I are expecting our first child in November. Our estimated due date is November 21st, which makes baby 8 weeks today! (Grandma Brenda is hoping the baby will hold out for November 23rd so they can be Birthday Buddies.)

It was a bit of a journey to get here. We had decided early on that we wanted to start trying to have a baby after a year of being married, so last year at the end of May I threw away my pills. Of course, I had hoped that we'd be one of those lucky couples that get pregnant right away. That wasn't the case. I had a sad day or two (or three) every month. It was hard to watch so many people I know have babies and get pregnant and wonder why it wasn't me. All the while I was so happy for them, but there was always that twinge of envy. There were months where I was sure that I was pregnant, and it just wasn't happening.

After several months though, I just have to say, that it was totally worth that wait!

We found out that I was pregnant on March 23rd. By then I was over a week late (but I had been someone irregular after coming off birth control, so I really wanted to be sure.) I had a hunch that I was pregnant on March 17th, but just kept it to myself, because I wanted to really be sure. I still wasn't sure the morning that I tested. Jacob had already left for school and I finally decided that if I didn't test, I'd go nuts that day. I took it and 1 line showed up. I was disappointed, but time wasn't up yet. I walked away for a minute or so and when I came back I couldn't believe it. Another line had appeared!

I was shaking SO bad. (Excited shaking). I couldn't stop looking at the 2 pink lines. I was almost afraid they were just going to disappear. I decided to wait and surprise Jacob when he got home. It was a LONG day. Especially because it was a Wednesday and Jacob doesn't get home until 8:30 on Wednesdays.

I went to Wal-Mart after work and bought another test...I just had to be certain! I also got Jacob a little present. When he got home, I had him come into our bedroom and had a box sitting on the bed. I told him I got him a present. He opened it and this is what he found:

A bib and the 2 positive pregnancy tests. It took a few minutes of staring to let it sink in and then came the excitement! The look on his face was priceless and I ended up bawling because I was so happy!

We decided to keep it quiet until I could get into my OB for an appointment. I got one scheduled for today...and so the 2.5 weeks of secret keeping began. Actually we didn't keep it a secret from everyone. We each got to tell a co-worker, and then we called the Grandparent's-to-be and Aunts and Uncles on that Friday night to let them know. Everyone was so excited! I am extremely proud of my mom for keeping quiet...I know it was hard!

Today finally arrived and I went to my first appointment. Jacob wasn't able to come with me, due to a concert rehearsal, so his mom came with me instead. We got to see the baby and hear its heartbeat. That was probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen or heard. I don't have the ability to scan these right now. They're grainy to begin with, so this doesn't help, but I'll still post them.

If you can see the arrow drawn on there...that's the baby. We're calling it "Peanut" It's currently 1.65 centimeters and had 172 heartbeat! The old wives's tale says that's a girl...but we shall see.

Another without the arrow.

It"s incredible that a human life is growing inside of me right now.

The pregnancy is going well. I have been fortunate so far and haven't had morning sickness. I feel sick sometimes, but no throwing up. Lot's of bloating, tiredness and headaches, but it's all to be expected. Just praying that everything continues to go well. I'll be happy to get out of the 1st trimester when a lot of the risk factors go down.

Pretty excited that in 7 months I'll be holding my own little one. I've taken care of so many others, but this time I get to be the mommy! Jacob is thrilled to become a daddy too!

Can't wait to share our journey as it continues.