According to the sonographer...

...we are officially 20 weeks!!!

As much as I'd like to say all of the anxiety has passed, it still lingers over me like a cloud. Praise God that He is my sunshine and my umbrella. :-) He has given me many distractions, which include family, Sam, Abner, thinking about strollers, etc. These distractions and much prayer and time with Him have kept my thoughts away from the "what ifs?" a bit more than our last pregnancy. Though I still fear really planning for this baby, but I trust a Greater Plan beyond my control and fears.

     "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."  -Exodus 14:14

I was reminded of that verse a few years ago. It was incredibly applicable with everything going on at that time, and I have clung to it ever since. I find I am comforted by this often, especially as a mom: a mom who feels overwhelmed with motherhood, life, pregnancy...

It's been a while since we updated you guys, but we are happy to announce we have officially survived another winter in NY! These winters are much longer and colder than anything I ever experienced in GA! :-D We are appreciating the playgrounds again and enjoying some stroller walks with Sam!

One of the great playgrounds near our house!

This winter, Sam discovered his love of tracks, 

blocks, cars, and all things BOY!

*Notice Abner doing what he does best: resting.*

We finally had our diagnostic ultrasound (aka the gender ultrasound) this week! I say finally, as I feel as if I have been waiting forever to see this sweet baby! We weren't able to get any printed pictures, but Kyle took a few with his phone. Here is a nice profile pic of the baby:

I'm pretty certain this baby is singing all the time.

We were thankful to hear the baby is measuring well, and everything looked ok. We opted for genetic testing, and those results came back normal, too! So far, things are progressing well. We have 20 weeks to go. We're half-way there!!!

I shared during our pregnancy with Sam that Moses girls marry into the family. So, we have been thinking through the items we already have from Sam's birth, and we have been thinking about boy themes for the nursery.  We have plenty of boy clothes and blankets, so we should be pretty well-prepared for this baby...

...except for the fact that we were given some surprising news:

Mommy and Sam's favorite place on campus! 

We are looking forward to introducing you to 

Penelope Caroline in August!

Here's the update on the pregnancy summary:

Week: 20

Due Date: August 23 or 28 

(We should probably start taking bets on when this baby will actually make her appearance. "Fashionably late like Mommy?" or "Always on time like Daddy?")

How do I feel?  Still somewhat anxious; less sleepy (I can survive most days without a nap!); the nausea is gone; a lot of pulling in my abdomen (probably from my surgical scars.)

Most exciting moment this month: How about most surprising?!? Finding out this baby is a girl. I am still in shock that we are pregnant, so finding out we are having a girl just adds to the excitement. *That ultrasound better be correct...*

What do I miss?  I am enjoying decaf coffee more than before, but I still miss my doctors. 

Is the baby moving?  Yes, I have been feeling the flutters for a while, and this baby likes to kick every now and then. 

What do I crave? I crave chocolate, Dr. Pepper, Coffee, grits, and fruit. 

What makes me sick?  Lately, I get sick if I go too long without eating. Also, I feel pretty miserable if I eat a full meal. 

What do I fear?  I still worry about not making it to the hospital in time and delivering this baby in a car or at home. Also, I worry about what to do with Sam, what if we go into labor early and have to deliver at a different hospital, and what if the baby needs to go to the NICU and has to be transported to a different hospital.

What am I looking forward to? Meeting this sweet baby!

What feels different this time?  Well, now that we are having a girl, we are in greater awe than before. I honestly feel older this time, too. Knowing my daddy will not hold this baby hurts my heart, and I know it will be difficult for my family to come here to meet her. Being pregnant far from home is harder than I realized it would be. Last year before my daddy died, I longed for home more than ever. Maybe I'm just getting older and sentimental. :-)

We continue to pray for this sweet baby, mommy's health, and Sam. We pray he is a great big brother and for God to grant us wisdom and discernment as He blesses us with the privilege to parent these sweet children.  

So, I guess it's time to start shopping for all things lace, flowers,
ruffles, smocked, monogrammed and girly!