23 Weeks

Hello baby GIRL!!!!! I still can't really believe it, though this pregnancy still seems surreal even.

So much has happened over the last few weeks and life has been so busy! On December 12 we had our second ultrasound to check in on you.  Baby girl, you made it so difficult on the Technician! We were there for nearly 1 hour, 20 minutes. That poor lady was trying to get all the images she's supposed to get and you would NOT stop moving you little wiggle worm! :) Thankfully she was able to see that your heart, head, and spine are all healthy. Your heartbeat was 136. At the end, she let us watch you squirm around and then showed us your body parts, including your female parts. Even though both your daddy and I thought you were a girl, we still doubted ourselves. You have a big brother and four boy cousins. I asked the Technician "Are you sure?" We laughed and she showed us three different views of your lady parts. Your daddy and I both laughed as tears spilled out of my eyes and then your daddy just laughed at me too.

You are following my footsteps to become the first granddaughter, just as I was. <3 My dad had two brothers and then there were three grandsons before I was born. My grandma was thrilled, as all the stories I've been told point to three extremely rowdy boys born to the sweetest woman on the planet. Now you are to be the first granddaughter for both sides of our family - 5 grandsons on 1 side and 1 grandson on the other (just your big brother).  Not only that, but you are due May 7th, just two days after my grandma Lillie's birthday on May 5th. Talk about a special family legacy and timing for God to have formed your life.

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families.  Your big brother was old enough this year that he was really excited about almost everything - Christmas tree, lights, singing, presents, etc. We drove around several times looking at Christmas lights and also went to Wildlights, all of which were so much fun. Your big brother loved opening his presents and was very excited Christmas morning to see that Santa had brought him some special presents! We can't wait to celebrate next Christmas with you here as well.

You are estimated to be about 11.5 inches long and 1 pound!  Size of a large mango. Your eyes, lungs, and brain are rapidly developing. Within the last week, I have felt you much more, pretty much every day! Usually more than once every day too. Even though the placenta is attached on the front this time, you are apparently very strong because I've even seen my stomach move from the outside with some really strong kicks. I know you are a strong girl and you're going to have to be tough, with your busy / rowdy big brother and cousins. We love you with all our hearts and will continue praying for you as you grow and prepare for life in our arms.

Found this little gem for you...

Your silly big brother...