It's a Girl!

So, I never know quite how to tell people: We are expecting a baby!!!

It is always a little weird to initiate that conversation. It's hard to express how much excitement we feel in just a few words.

Today we had our 20 week appointment. I love appointments because it is amazing to see the ultrasounds. I was first most fascinated by the heart, and today I was blown away by the intricacies of the brain at such an early stage. Appointments can also bring a lot of peace when you hear that things are going well. Pregnancy is an interesting experience. Even with ups and downs, I love it. I don't love everything about it (like the heartburn now...), but I don't feel like I can ever complain for being given this blessing.

Below are some photos of our baby GIRL! I also included a few answers to commonly asked questions:

The baby is due on October 21st (my brother, Russ' birthday)

I have felt sick off an on--normal pregnancy things like nausea/vomiting, heartburn and icky headaches. Not as bad as my poor sisters.

8 weeks (posing)

I am very tired--basically always. I'm not one to love naps or sleeping in...but both are always welcome now. I can't stay awake too late to watch movies anymore because I always fall asleep.

I've been able to carry on my job like normal (except I haven't been to observe any procedures for a few months so I am not exposing us to radiation).

12 weeks (sleeping)

Cravings? Yes--citrus fruits for weeks. I think I had at least 2 kilos of blood oranges per week in February and March. In addition to that, all I wanted was a good Jamba Juice (not in Geneva yet). I made myself a lot of fruit smoothies. Chinese/Thai food was especially good for a week or two there..but I don't know if I can really attribute that to being a pregnancy craving.

Aversions? I have not eaten as many sweets as I generally do--especially chocolate. They just don't sound as good. Oh! -with the exception of popsicles. I have always loved popsicles, and now they taste better than ever. I wish I could have snow cones and slurpees too. Just finished an orange popsicle. Perfect combination (thanks for rushing to the store on Saturday 10 minutes before it closed, Curt!).

20 weeks (hiding)

Belly photo? Well I think the last few days were the first days you could sort of tell I could possibly be expecting. A belly photo before this point would have just been an awkward photo of me. Those will come when they merit coming. My pants have been tight for several weeks and I don't really button or zip them up anymore. I am glad I have a lot of long shirts on hand. It would be nice not to 'graduate' to maternity clothes until September..but I am pretty sure I can't control that.

20 weeks (waving "Bonjour")

Yes, the baby moves and kicks and swims around. I started feeling it just over 2 weeks ago. At first I wondered if it was weird digestion...but then there was no question. Curt has even been able to feel the movements a few times. They are definitely more pronounced now. That is one of the parts I love most.

That's all for now--I'm sure I'll have more and more to write as time progresses. We're at the half–way point and nothing seems real yet...I don't know if it will until October...