Boy Oh Boy!

As you've probably seen or heard by now, we are expecting our first child at the beginning of next year. His c-section is schedule for Feb 6th. It's been a long and fraught-filled journey for us.

We've been waiting for this for 2 and 1/2 years. In between, we've had a miscarriage, a tumor removed and a couple of months of Clomid. Personally I think it's because we were finally set. We bought a house in March and we find out we are pregnant in June. Not that we were waiting or wanting to be "set" but I think Heavenly Father knows us well enough to give us what we need when we need it. Of course, I'm sure the Clomid helped!

We already know it's a c-section because of the tumor I had removed from my uterus a year ago.  It was so deep and in a part of the uterus that it would be unsafe for me to attempt a traditional vaginal birth.  I'm coming to terms with it. 

For my age, I am at a much higher risk for chromosomal defects. But after my ultrasound, the doctor reduced my risk to 1 in 750 because they liked what they saw. He was all curled up in a ball so it took a bit for the tech to actually see that it was going to be a boy. After we found out what we were having, she tried to get a picture of his face but he had his hands in front of his face.  So she jiggled him around a bit and he moved his hands to the side of his head but stuck his foot up in his face!  He's already giving us a hard time!

The first question people ask me is if we are excited. Yes, of course we are but it's taken some time.  We spent the first 3 months worrying that it wouldn't stay, that we would have another miscarriage and keeping the wonderful secret to ourselves.  Nobody tells you that the first few months you don't actually seem or feel pregnant.  I suppose I'm naive.  My biggest complaint at first was cramps, then headaches and now my feet hurt and I pee a little when I sneeze sometimes.  You don't need to know that, but there it is.  Time to do some Kegels. Altogether I've been very blessed.  No morning sickness, no extreme tiredness, no frequent urination...

Now, I must love you people to post this next picture... But in the spirit of full disclosure (and because people are asking me)...

This is me at 22 weeks.  Not sure I really look pregnant. I just look like I've gained weight.  What looks like baby is just my fat roll being pushed up. For the most part, the baby is below my belly button. I have officially given up on any kind on pants with a button on them but I'm not quite fitting into maternity clothes yet. Bother.

I guess I should back up.  When I said we were "set" I guess I meant that we had a home with an extra room to put a nursery.  As far as what a baby would need, we've got nothing!  So if any of you long lost friends out there want to contribute to the cause, PLEASE DO!!!  Here are the links to our registries.
Amazon.com
Target.com

Little Liam thanks you in adavance!!!

I am currently 23 weeks. I've been able to feel the baby move for a few weeks now.  Diego has been able to feel him from time to time.  The other day, he made me roll on my side on the couch so he could sit next to me and put his hand on my belly.  Another time he rolled over in the middle of the night and put his hand on my stomach and startled me awake.  I've read that pretty soon he'll be able to put his ear to my belly and hear the heartbeat.  I've read about the flashlight thing too but we're not going to do that.  It seems mean.

Anyway.  Wish us luck. And if you want to shower us with advice or presents we are totally willing...