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| SeaWorld in San Antonio with the Maxwells! (I should do a separate post...but I'll just mush everything into one!) Love our little Max! |
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| It gets bigger by the minute these days! |
This week Jordan and I got to go to an extra ultrasound because the first time around, baby girl's brain was impossible to see because of the way she is sitting inside of me. I was secretly excited that it didn't work out perfect the first time because, quite honestly, I could stare at her ultrasounds all day. It's my only glimpse into her teeny tiny little world!
I got to bring my dad with me since I brought my mom and Jordan's mom with us to the gender reveal ultrasound. It was such a neat experience to have my daddy there! He is definitely as manly as a man could get, and after surviving his brain aneurysm I think he is just more convinced of his invincibility--but when I see him talk about having a grandchild, there is a love and tenderness there that melts my heart. I watched him play with one of his employees baby's today, and there is just something about watching his tough shell fade away when he plays with a child. He will be the cutest grandpa. I'm so grateful for his sincere involvement and genuine concern with our baby--I appreciate it more than he'll ever know.
We were the last scheduled appointment for the morning, so our ultrasound tech took extra time going over things (hooray!). As the tech looked at our baby's brain and heart, I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to hear everything looked perfect. Because of personal experience within my own family, I am admittedly hypersensitive to anything that could be perceived as a problem.
The doctor did give us a little scare when she said she, "couldn't find the baby's other arm". My heart dropped and after a few moments of silence, being the incredibly patient person that I am, I said, "That kind of worries me, where is it?" I could tell she sensed the fear in my voice and said, "Don't worry, we'll find it, she's probably just laying on it." A few moments later we found her little hand and forearm tucked up by her little head...she was sucking on her thumb. I could stare at that image all day! The doctor guesses from her measurements that she weighs about 2.2 perfect little pounds at almost 7 months along. What a chunk! ;)
Seeing her little legs kick, her heart pump, her brain perfectly functioning--it brings a sense of peace and happiness that is indescribable. Knowing that my baby is healthy is probably the greatest gift I could ever receive. I say that sensitively and don't take it lightly, coming from a family that not every ultrasound was perfect, and consequently, having a heightened awareness of what a miracle a healthy baby really is. Every time I say my prayers, I feel overwhelmed because of how grateful I am that our baby is okay, that she kicks, squirms and hiccups.
Last night I felt her practically doing gymnastics as Jordan and I were falling asleep...needless to say it's a tad difficult to sleep with the circus going on in your tummy. Jordan had his hand on my stomach and said,"Do you think this is an indication of how she'll be when she gets here?" I laughed and said, "You mean incredibly squirmy and constantly moving? Yep!" I could hear his smile in the dark as he happily said, "We have a mover on our hands." Every doctor's appointment we go to is kind of humorous as we struggle through the same routine of finding the baby's heartbeat for more than 2 seconds. Our doctor tells us that the best sign of fetal wellness is a wiggly baby, so I don't mind at all. Our little girl is definitely our wiggly worm!
I find myself talking aloud to her when we (baby and I) are alone. It sounds funny, but it seems so natural. I feel like I already know her personality, since she's already made me laugh and cry because of the intense love and happiness she has brought Jordan and I in these few short months.
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| Just about 7 months! (4 days shy!) |
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| Thank you to my fab photographers, Savanah and Mom! :) |
I tried to go buy some baby clothes for her, and realized how completely overwhelmed I was! I want her to have EVERYTHING! We haven't even met her and she has Jordan and I entirely wrapped around her little finger. I'm not sure how moms ever tell their kids "no". I would give up everything and more for her to have everything she wants---I guess that's why it's good that young married couples are on budgets! So I did the smart thing, and left the store and decided I better bring my mom with me so I don't end up with 20 tutu skirts that baby will absolutely hate. So far I have purchased headbands for her--so she'll be naked with awesome accessories! Perfect for winter...not! :)
Today, I just can't wait to be a mom. It's better than every Christmas morning combined. It's better than eating all the cookie dough out of a carton of cookie dough ice cream. It's better than probably most things in this world. It's probably one of the best "anticipations" I've ever personally experienced.
I can't wait to meet our little girl!
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| Another random SeaWorld pic...We love Shamu! or Shamoo? Guess I didn't pay attention that well... |
Great post, Ashley! I was hoping you could answer my question about your blog! I'm Heather and my email is Lifesabanquet1(at)gmail(dot)com :-)
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