This is what Aidan's room will look like.

Aidan Keith is on his way!

Yes everyone, you are seeing blue :) Jeff and I are having a baby boy!!! Let me tell ya, he is the cutest little thing. The ultrasound tech called us back this morning, and I went in and got all ready. She put the gel on my belly, and got started, and we knew in 2 or 3 seconds that it was a boy. When she first saw him she said he was sleeping and all curled up, so I thought....Great, it isn't going to cooperate. Then in her next breath she's telling us its' a boy. She got him to wake up though and we got to saw him yawn about 4 times, and his last one was such a big one. He was a sleepy boy. He would tilt his head back and wiggle around, and we got to see him bringing his hand up to his face. Oh, I loved every second of it. I can't wait to hold him and kiss him all over. The tech said that everything is very healthy. I loved it when she showed us all 4 chambers of his heart and we got to see it beating. I really don't think there are words to describe the experience except for awesome, and I'm not even sure that word does it justice. It's such a little miracle. God is so good to us.

As you can see, mommy and daddy had to go to the store to buy him something blue. Jeff picked out the baseball jammies, and I picked out the Peter Rabbit outfit for church. He'll be the most handsome man on the block.

I must go now. Those of you who have babies, give them big old kissies! What an amazing and blessed day this has been!

His spine.

Here he's saying....Hi Mom and Dad :)

Our beautiful baby boy!

I meant to post this weekend, but it was so full I didn't have time. As some of you know, my dad is legally blind. He has his peripheral vision, and that vision is blurry for him. Since he can't work anymore, he volunteers for this group called Daybreak. It's like a daycare group for people with alzheimer's. He really enjoys helping out there. He gets to take trips all over and go to shows and concerts and try all kinds of restaurants around here and Michigan. I"m glad he has that occupy his time. Anyway, this is a picture of a bear he painted for the baby. When he gave me the bear...oh, he looked so proud that he painted it. I was actually getting ready to take a bath in their big garden tub when he gave it to me. So, I hugged him and took the bear and I went in their room to soak in the big tub and I cried and cried. I think it was just that he isn't able to see well and he painted something for our baby.....wow! I love that this is something we'll always have and be able to tell our baby about how Pappaw can't see, but he loves you so much that he painted this for you. I love everything about it.

Sunday we took my dad to Columbus to get his seeing eye dog. He'll be there till May 19th going through the training with his dog. He's getting a lab, so I'm sure it'll be a pretty dog. I'm glad he'll have it b/c it'll be such a great help to him. My mom has talked to him and she said that it sounds like he's having a great time there. He is a huge social butterfly, and loves to talk to people and tell stories! I'm glad he can enjoy his time there.

Well boys and girls, tomorrow is the big day!!!!! We find out what this baby is. I thought this day would never get here, and right now it's almost 12 hours away. OH, I can't wait to see it! I hope it cooperates! I'm praying that it does. Then what am I going to do?....Buy something in blue or pink!!! All I want is a healthy, healthy baby.

I must go and watch the shows I've tivo'd the past 2 days. For once I've had a life and I've been busy. I love you all and hope you've had a great day.

Just a quick post, more to come later.

The picture of me yesterday was of me sitting at home bored. So, I did the cheesy thing I hate and took a picture of myself to document my boredom. Jeff told me I look mad.....I"m not mad, just bored. I'll post more this weekend! Enjoy the sunshine everyone!

No title for today...

Last night was great. Jeff and I laid down in bed last night and the baby started being it's usual wiggly self that it is right when I lay down, and I put Jeff's hand on my belly and he could feel the baby kicking! That was so amazing. I've been waiting for this little one to kick hard enough to where he could feel it. I was just tickled.

Today is going well. Nothing exciting is going on. I got up and made french toast and bacon for breakfast. We all need that comfort food from time to time. Now I'm just sitting here with Maggie. Actually, I'm watching her nap on the love seat. Looks like we're both bored. I think I'll take her for a walk.

I'll let y'all go. I was just excited about Jeff getting to feel the baby. Yay! Have a good day everyone!

Easter

We had a great day of great church and food and family today :) My mom can cook a great meal! I hope all of you have had a wonderful Easter also.

My lovely lady bump....Check it out!

Here's the belly at 21 weeks. It's really starting to stick out there. Please don't mind the hair. I think I need to shorten up the bangs a little b/c my hair is just hanging around the front. I didn't even realize how much it's lost its shape till I saw this picture, so I think I need some work done at work tomorrow. Well, I just wanted to share the pic and wish everyone a Happy Easter :) I hope everyone is able to have a great dinner, and don't forget the true reason of Easter. We're going to go to church in the morning, and then go to my mom's for a delicious meal. I'm in charge of dinner rolls and cheesecake, so let's hope everything turns out ok! I'd hate for the cheesecake to be a flop. It's actually a very good recipe, so I'll go ahead and share...oh, and it's easy to boot! I regualr sized bowl of cool whip, 4 oz of cream cheese softened, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat it all together and place in a graham cracker crust and put fruit of choice on top :) It's very light and delicious. A good summertime dessert. Mom will be making my favorite ho-ho cake, and I can't wait! I may just save it all for myself. Anyway, let me get off of this rabbit trail.....Sunday evening we'll go back to church b/c our church is doing their famous Easter drama this year called Come See the Savior. It's awesome. It's such a good reminder of what Jesus did for us, and so many people get saved after seeing it, and that's what it's all about! It's very touching. I'm sure they'll do well this year. Happy Easter again to you all! Enjoy your weekend!

My blog is messing up

I had like 3 more paragraphs on yesterday's post and it's acting like I didn't even type them at all. Where did they go? Wow, you probably think I'm crazy and just end things abruptly. I'll try again later...

A great time of year to be pregnant.

I'm not sure if I'll be saying this come August, but this Spring weather is the best! Maggie and I went for a great walk today. We definitely need to do this everyday. She is the sleepiest little dog I've ever seen. She's always falling out somewhere and taking a nap, so I know the exercise is great for her. I know it's great for me too. I need to keep my strength and energy up. I've been very exhausted the past 2 weeks or so. I think this baby is going through a growth spurt in my belly right now. Right now it actually feels like it's doing tiny little somersaults. It's a feeling I never get tired of.

During this pregnancy I haven't craved much, although I could eat watermelon and strawberries all the time. One thing I have really been craving though is this yummy taffy from a place in CA. It's vanilla taffy filled ith peanut butter. They have other flavors too, but I only want a truckload of the peanut butter ones. I was so hungry for it last night that my stomach started growling. It is Heaven in a wrapper! It's probably best we don't live close to that candy shop b/c I would have probably gained 50 pounds by now. Of all the weird things to crave though. You think I would crave something that's atleast accessible and local. I must add that the women at work drive me crazy. All of the pregnant women there have had raging appetites, and I'm eating just like I did before. I still can't eat a whole lot or eat too fast b/c it makes me sick.

Goodnight Everyone!

This is the time of day that's the worst for me. I sit here waiting for Jeff to get home. He'll be home in a little over an hour and time is dragging. It seems as if it'll be 5 years until he gets home. He really is the best thing that's even happened to me. He's my best friend. I feel bad b/c lately I know my hormones have been getting the best of me and I've been so emotinal and stressed out. I honestly don't know how he always seems to love me so much, especially on days when I can't even stand myself. I love him :) He's definitely a keeper. My wish for every single girl is that they find a guy like Jeff. He's so respectful and kind and caring and chivalrous.....not one time has he ever forgotten to open my car door for me. I don't even ask him to do that for me. It's just something he's always done. His mama raised him well!

I'm going to head on out for the night. I love you all and you're in my prayers everyday. Sleep well and sweet dreams. xoxox

What a day!

Here is my Maggie all groomed. She needed it desperately! She was a shaggy Maggie. Today is such a beautiful day. I'm sitting here with all of the windows open, and there's a nice warm breeze coming through the house. It's so nice to have this fresh air!! Hello Spring!!

I do have an update on my friend's baby. She is doing very well! They've taken her off of life support and they took the tube out of her that they had in her side and she should be going home in a few days :) I'd like to say thanks to everyone for your prayers. I know my friend and her husband and family appreciated everyone praying for the baby. I was so relieved when I heard the news that little Jordan is ok. I know my baby isn't here yet, but it's like my heart just broke for Ruthie and I could sympathize her. I would have sympathized before, but I don't think I would have had the strong feelings I have now. Pregnancy definitely makes you so vulnerable to so many things and so many emotions. It's wonderful and scary all at the same time. I can't eblieve I'm half-way done and we'll be finding out what we're having in 2 weeks! Woohoo! This is going so fast. I have 4 months left till this baby is here. Right now I'm just praying I carry this baby to term. I've been healthy so far and the baby is healthy....I just worry b/c my mom had all 3 of us early. I think the main problem was that her blood was negative and that gave her a lot of complications. I weighed 4 lbs. 2 oz. and lost down to 3 lbs. 12 oz. If you'd see me now, you'd never guess I was that tiny...well, you wouldn't guess my brothers were that tiny either. I'm 5'9, one brother is 6'2 and the other is 5'11/6'0, somewhere in there. I just pray for a healthy baby! I'm so tired of being asked what I want this baby to be. I say that I honestly don't care as long as it's healthy. Then I get the response....no, what do you really want? A healthy baby! I get so tired of hearing women complain b/c they baby they're having is the sex they didn't want. How about you say that to women who can't have babies and see how much sympathy you get. They'd be happy to have a baby, period. Babies are a blessing and let's be thankful for what God has given us. I can say that Jeff and I weren't planning on having a baby this soon, but we are and thank God for it! I think about this baby all day long and everything about this baby and the process of pregnancy is amazing. So, I thank God everyday for blessing us the way He has. I hope I'm a great mom and raise a well-rounded person. Jeff and I both have had wonderful parents that have been great examples to us, so I believe that we'll do well. With kids today I see so many that are disrespectful, mouthy, disobedient....I know b/c I give them haircuts and it's like WWIII!! I just want my babies to be respectful and loving people.

Ok, I've rambled on and on enough I think. Today I've been listening to the song Gratitude by Nicole Nordeman and it's just a good song about realizing how God has blessed us and will look after us when we feel helpless, and how we need to be greatful for everything He has done for us. I recommend it :) It's a good reminder to be thankful. Have a great day everyone! I hope you have this wonderful weather where you are!

Please be in prayer.

My friend just had a baby girl yesterday by c-section. The baby was 6 weeks early. It wasn't planned that the baby would be born early. Come to find out, the nurse wrote down the wrong month my friend was in, so the Dr basically was a month ahead of himself and didn't know until the baby was born. They didn't even give her an ultrasound to see how far along she was for sure, or just to see if everything was ok. Anyway, they had to rush the baby to The Children's Hospital in Toledo b/c she was breathing right. My mom just called me. She works at the hospital. She said that my friend just signed herself out of the hospital and was on her way to Toledo b/c the baby's lungs collapsed. This baby needs our prayers that she makes it, and my friend and her family need prayer for strenght. I can't imagine the pain she is going through knowing her baby isn't doing well. My heart just breaks for her. So, keep them in your prayers if you could! I know it would mean a lot to them.

A wonderful visit from 2 of my favorite people :)

Couldn't you just kiss this little one's face off and then kiss it right back on?? I love him. Randi and Landon came to visit me today and it was such a nice visit. Randi and I go back 6 years, and she really is one of my best friends. It's so nice to have a friend around that you're comfortable with, and you know they feel at home in your house. We had lunch at Red Lobster, and it was delish! Everyone who knows me knows that I hate seafood, but I've been craving their biscuits, and they do have great chicken dishes! Landon was a peach the whole time. He was a very good boy! I do love seeing him and getting to hold him and feed him....It makes me so much more excited to see our baby! Thank you so much for visiting me today! I love you guys.

I've been so blessed with this pregnancy. I haven't really had any sickness. I've had a little, but it's usally if I eat too fast, or if I eat something I shouldn't. I'm still in my regular jeans which is great! I've had to wear maternity shirts b/c I need the length now to cover my belly. I'm all baby. I'm healthy. The baby is healthy. I am truly loving every minute of it. I also love feeling this little one when it's on the move in my belly. I can't describe how it feels, but it's awesome! I want to kiss it! I can't wait till it's big and strong so Jeff can feel it kick. Won't his heart just melt?

I have a little bit of a complaint. I'm a member of website for women. There are message boards and articles on everything!! I get frustrated with the message boards. I think too many women have too much time to sit around and worry about every little thing. They worry about things that have never crossed my mind. God wouldn't give us babies if we could kill them so easily. My brothers and I were all preemies. We slept on our bellies from day one. We got cereal in our bottles at night. Then it was ok to do this stuff. Now it's not. Next year, they'll come up with something else. It drives me crazy! I was researching SIDS b/c I thought, how could we as preemies sleep on our bellies and be ok and now it's such a bad thing to do. For your baby to be at risk for SIDS you need to be a teenage mother, smoke, not get prenatal care, be addicted to drugs. then of course there are the common sense things like not putting a lot of loose bedding around them and not making their room too warm. Moms are just making themselves sick worry over things. Just relax and use common sense! Your baby will be fine if you're taking proper care of it. Babies sense when you're that worried too, and it makes them tense and fussy. Whew, this is something that just drives me crazy and I had to vent a little bit. Relax ladies and take a breath. Our babies will be ok :) God wouldn't give us these babies if we couldn't handle it. It's also good advice I think to talk to our moms! They've been there and done that and give the best advice!

I'm going to head on out for now. I hope everyone has had a great week. Sleep well tonight and I'll talk to you soon!