Wednesday, May 7, 2008

19 weeks 1 day

It's a BOY!

In a few short months, Caleb will get his little partner in crime. Someone to play trains with and teach all his daredevil moves to. Someone to play ball and matchbox cars with. Someone that will look up to him, and in turn someone that he will care for and protect. A buddy for all time, and hopefully, his best man someday. I pray they are close. I pray they are good friends. AND, I pray I survive all the boyish games that are about to invade this house.

One thing is for sure... Katherine will reign supreme. She'll have two little brothers to watch out for and boss around... and I'm sure she won't let either of them forget that she is "the princess" around here.

So.... this begs the burning question.... do I want a fourth child?? Do I want to try for a little girl... a sister for Katherine? I will say this... for as long as I can remember, I've wanted twin girls -- Katherine and Elizabeth. I've held them in my dreams and prayed for them in my heart for years. At this point, Matt probably wants to stop with three kids, but I *really* want to keep that door open. I'm not ready to call it quits. I'm not ready to leave this phase of my life. We'll have to see how Matt feels about it in a couple of years.....

Monday, May 5, 2008

18 weeks 6 days

Wow... It's been ages since I've updated this blog. I promise from now on, I'll do better -- much, much, MUCH better!!

Tomorrow is the big day. We have our ultrasound at 9:30 and if all goes well, we'll be able to find out the sex of the baby. I do have gut feeling, so we'll have to see if I'm right tomorrow. In all fairness -- I've told very few people what my true gut feelings are on this one. I've decided to stay pretty quiet about it as I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I really don't care what the sex of the baby is... With that being said....

Katherine really wants a baby sister, and Caleb really wants a "brudder". So regardless of what the ultrasound shows in the morning, I'll feel both overjoyed and sad. Since this will most likely be our last child, it means that either Katherine or Caleb will have the opportunity to experience a sibling of the same sex.... the other one, won't know what it's like to have that special bond. For the one who gets the sibling of the same sex, I'll be elated for them. I'll rejoice in their excitement as they'll be about to experience an amazing relationship -- one like no other. For the other one, I'll share in their disappointment, and I'll understand the sadness they may feel. However -- regardless of what the baby is, the relationship they both will have with it, and with each other will hopefully grow and evolve over their lifetime. I'm not sure if any of this makes sense or not ..... it just may be the late night ramblings of a pregnant woman! LOL.

So now here I sit, unable to sleep, and anticipating the big ultrasound in the morning. I can't wait! Truly, I really don't care what this baby is... I just want to know! It's strange -- with Katherine I desperately wanted a girl, and given the Hanson genes I feared I'd never have a daughter. (Matt is the youngest of 4 boys, his oldest brother has 3 boys, his brother Todd recently had two boys -- along with a daughter in college, his grandfather was one of 5 boys -- right Fran??). So when I found Katherine was a girl, I was walking on air. Literally, I would not have been happier if I had just won the lottery... actually, I felt like I did win the lottery!! With Caleb, I knew from the second I conceived that he was a boy. The ultrasound was nothing more than a formality. I would have bet almost anything that he was a boy. Both of them have brought so much joy to our lives, but in such different ways. They are each amazing, remarkable little people and thankfully mine.

So regardless of what this baby is, I have no doubt it will be the perfect fit for our family. He or She will complete us, and make us wonder what we ever did before s/he arrived. So until tomorrow, I can't help but to wonder if our home will be invaded by more cars and trucks and boyish play, or if more tea parties, magical weddings and pink frilly things are in our future.....

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

16 weeks 1 day

Last night on the way out the door to the Billy Joel concert Katherine wanted to kiss the baby (my belly) goodbye. Caleb came up to me and said, "Mommy, I wanna kiss the baby too". I looked at him, smiled and told him that the baby would love one of his kisses.

He said "Great" and hugged my boob and then proceeded to slobber all over my shirt. What was that???? I started laughing, and he patted by chest and said, "good night baby. I see you in the morning".

OK, my boobs are getting huge, but come on!!

Friday, April 11, 2008

15 weeks 3 days

I had a routine appointment today and met one of the new doctors in the practice. I really liked him -- he was super nice, took tons of time with me, really listened to what I had to tell him, and was older, about 50'ish.

Anyway we were chatting away and when he found the heartbeat he said, "I better be quiet. It's the baby's heartbeat you want to hear, not me!" How right he was!!

The baby's heartbeat was close to 160. He looked at me, laughed and said, "How's another little girl sound????" Talk about making me giddy! To be honest I really don't care what sex the baby is, but I really want to know one way or another. I'm such a planner!

The good news is that on May 6th, at 9:30 in the morning, all the guessing and wondering will be over and I'll (hopefully) know for sure! I'm getting an ultrasound and the little one better be willing to show the goods!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

14 weeks 1 day

Reason number 582 why I love my husband....

Last night I'm sitting in Katherine's bed waiting for them to pick out books, when Matt walks into the room, takes one look at me, and says,

"WOW.... Your belly really is getting big!".

Oh, just wait baby... I'm a firm believer in getting even!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

12 weeks 4 days

Right now -- this pregnancy is all about insomnia and cravings...

Every night about 12:30 I wake up and rush to the bathroom. I can't believe it's happening already, but I swear my bladder is shrinking, and I have to go in the worst way. Literally, it seems like all I have to do is lie down and fall asleep and PRESTO! the bathroom is calling. Then, I have the worst time falling asleep again -- my mind starts wandering and I think of the most ridiculous things -- which just makes me angry because I can't sleep. It's a vicious cycle!

So, I've been trying to not drink anything before bed, but inevitably I forget to take my prenatal vitamin, so I end up drinking anyway.... UUUUUUGH! It's maddening!

My cravings are also starting to kick in, and thankfully, Katherine and Caleb, will eat right along with me. Our morning tradition of pancakes has fallen away, and the three of us share TWO grapefruits -- because one is not enough! I have to laugh, grapefruits are now one of their favorite foods. The more sour the better!

Then, today we were at Target picking up a few last minute things, I ended up in the frozen foods isle -- right by the pizza. Remember those super cheap Tostino's pizzas -- they're like $1.00 each??? I haven't had one since living in the sorority house in college, but as soon as I saw them I couldn't help myself -- I threw FOUR in the cart. As soon as I got up to the check out I was totally embarrassed. Who really buys these things anyway??? I'm sure the check out girl thought I was feeding this junk to my kids -- but NOPE -- these babies are all for me!! How sad am I?

As soon as I walked in the door I threw one in the oven, and man... in was Heaven! I devoured that thing like I hadn't eaten in a year. It was sooooo yummy! Speaking of cheap college foods .... Danyel was telling me that she made hamburger helper the other night, and I was about drooling. What is it with the food I ate in college that my mom would NEVER have served us as kids???? Matt better watch out! He just may be eating Hamburger Helper slop some night soon!

So far, I haven't gained any weight, so really will one (or in my case 4) Tostino's pizzas really hurt? Here's to hoping not!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

12 weeks

Wow... I can't believe it.... My first trimester is over. This time has passed so quickly (probably because I spent so much time sleeping LOL) but really, these past 12 weeks have flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the bathroom staring at a positive pregnancy test, thanking God for the blessing that was entering our lives, and now 12 weeks later, when I look in the mirror I see an already growing belly. Oh, and Katherine won't let me forget about my expanding waistline. Love that!

I didn't think it was possible, but the past few days I've felt the baby start to move. At first I thought it was hunger pains and tummy rumblings, but really, I'm pretty sure it's the baby.... which is unreal because I thought I had to be in the 14 to 15 week range. It's so exciting!