Merry Christmas!

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, even though it may be the most hectic since getting married. Juggling families is never an easy task. Unfortunately, we were both sick this year, which made the Holidays a little less happy than they usually are.

Mike and I started a new "tradition" this year by hosting Christmas Eve dinner at our home, which included me cooking a 22lb turkey! Other than it taking an hour longer to cook than I predicted, everything came out delicious. Christmas day started by opening presents with dad, then with Mike's family. After coming home and getting a little rest, we were off again. First to my aunt and uncles, then to his. At about 8:30, the cold and the pregnancy got the best of me and I was done. We've never called it a night that early, but made an exception this year.

I cant help but think of what Christmas will be like next year with Ashlynn. She already has Christmas pj's that her grandma Cindy bought for her. Just one more year...

Our 22nd Week

Our little girl just keeps getting bigger! The last two weeks I have defiantly noticed a change in my waist size. The jeans that fit comfortably with my Belly Band are now becoming just as uncomfortable as the rest of my pants. Sweats and yoga pants have become my new best friends! The pregnancy books say she is almost a pound and about 11 inches long. I can now feel her move and kick and actually see her pushing against my stomach. It's still hard to believe there's actually a person in there! Since I informed Mike that she can hear what's going on in the outside world, he talks to her everyday. I love it! Other than my back hurting... sometimes very badly... I really don't have any complaints. Our next Doctor appointment is in 12 days and I can't wait to hear her heartbeat again. It stops mine everytime...

20 weeks to baby!

"I can already put my hand in my mouth! "

"See mom and dad... I'm a girl!"

I am now officially halfway through my pregnancy! The only real complaint I have lately is that since I'm carrying her low, she is constantly pushing on my bladder. It can get very uncomfortable! Everything else is very manageable. They say the second trimester is the easiest, and so far I'd have to agree.

Today was our 20-week anatomy scan. I was hoping that she wouldn't be jumping around all over the place like she usually is during ultrasounds since I knew they would have to look at how her organs and bones are developing. She was calmer than usual, but was still kicking and trying to get away from the pushing on my stomach. Even the technician said I have a very active baby!

After all the pictures were done, and it was re-confirmed that she is definitely a girl she said our little girl is developing perfectly, is healthy and has a good strong heartbeat. I was thrilled! We watched her grab her feet and pull them up to her face, then put her hand in her mouth. Shes such a little gymnast!

As of now I have gained 4 pounds which is wonderful since I had food poisoning five days ago and thought whatever weight I'd gained would've been gone thanks to Carl's Jr. Basically, I'm all baby weight, which is just fine by me!

We want to thank all of the friends and family that have been praying for our little angel since we found out she was on the way, and ask that your prayers continue for her healthy growth and development. Keep growing little girl!!!