A girl?!?

When I found out that we were being blessed with another daughter, I wanted to tell the kids in a fun and creative way. So, being a girl myself, I did what we girls do best; I shopped! I found a really cute set of onesies and cute little pink and brown horse and decided to wrap them up and let the kids "unwrap" the baby's gender. When I got home, Rob had already told the kids that we knew what we were having. They were so excited, but the boys were just literally jumping like they had ants in their pants in anticipation. "I know we're having a boy!" (that would be Phillip) "Aww Mom, why do we have to wait? Can't you just tell us now?" (That would be Bobby) "Mommy, Mommy, I think I know, I think I know, but I don't want to tell the boys!" (that would be Ria, who must have overheard our conversation on the phone, because she guessed correctly that the baby was a girl, but was kind enough not to tell the boys!) Eventually, I put the items in a gift bag and we passed it around to the little ones. Every one got to take a guess as to what they thought we were having. Ria and Daniel were on the girl side, while the boys were adamant that there was no way that this baby was not a boy. The shock on their faces as Ria pulled out our pink treasures was hilarious. They were screaming and yelling and Ria and Daniel were doing a little happy dance. I think it's safe to say that everyone is happy that we're having a girl, not that we'd be upset if we were having a boy, but I guess we're just ready for yet another princess!

Things that give me the warm fuzzies....

A cold rainy day, hot coffee, a warm blanket and a good book
Cuddling in bed with my kiddo's
Chocolate followed by a cold Dr.Pepper
Popcorn accompanied by a good movie
A movie that makes me cry really hard...
Laughing
Hearing a sermon and knowing that God is speaking to my heart
Seeing my husband's beautiful (yes beautiful!) smile
The realization that God hears the prayers of little insignificant me...
Hearing my husband whisper "It's going to be okay" in my ear
Hearing Ria giggle that sweet little girl giggle...
Watching my two oldest boys become young men
Hearing my mom say that I'm creating beautiful memories for my children
Looking back over the years with Rob and realizing that I'd marry him all over again
Great conversations with friends
Understanding just how much God really loves me
Kisses from my 11 year old
Hearing my three year old Say "I love you mama" for no reason
Rob grabbing my hand as we walk
A good book that I can't put down
Laying my head on my soft pillow after a rough day and closing my eyes
My children bringing me breakfast in bed when I'm sick
My breakfast in bed actually tasting good!

Sara or Jonathan?

I had no idea that at only 17 weeks, I would be able to discover the gender of our new little one. I was excited when my friend Deanna related to me how early she found out that she would be havinga a daughter. I guess that would be the one perk of being considered "high risk" in terms of my pregnancy. I see a perinatologist monthly to monitor the baby's growth and development. Diabetes can be very dangerous for the babies involved if glucose levels are not tightly controlled. Though I don't enjoy being poked and prodded on a monthly basis I am comforted to know how things are going. We recieved a glowing report the day before Thanksgiving that the baby was strong and healthy, with no malformations. The baby is growing at the rate that is to be expected for the gestational age. We also discovered that the baby was actually a baby girl! When the doctor revealed this to me, I giggled out loud and said "Seriously?" I laughed so hard I could see my oversized tummy jiggle. I don't know what I found so funny, except for the fact that I knew that we were going to have a little Jonathan. It still seems unreal to me, although I am happy about it. I suppose I imagined that Ria and I would remain the sole Queen and princess of the household. Of course, Ria is thrilled to have a sister at last, and she can't seem to stop talking to Sara and kissing my baby bump. Daniel seems a bit confused and calls the baby Sara and Jonathan. I do admit my own excitement at the prospect of future pink purchases. I wanted to post pictures of the adorable onesies that I bought when I found out, but for some reason I can't access my blog from home, and I'm typing this at the library right now. Hopefully Rob can figure out what is going on with my computer so that I can catch up on my blogging. Either way, wer're so happy to know that we're having a little Sara in May. I'll post later about how I told the kids that they would be having a sister!