18 weeks

18 weeks!

The Name Game

We all did it as girls growing up- named our unborn/ not conceived (no husband or prospects involved) children. Maybe not all girls, but I am going to say the majority. Especially if you were like me who played with her baby dolls every day and dreamed of being a mommy one day. Anyway, I didn’t put much thought into the fact that there would be another person involved in the decision making process. This has put quite the damper on finding a name for our baby boy. Our conversations thus far have pretty much gone like this: Me: “How about (insert name here)? That’s cute!” Paul: “No, I knew a boy who lived in the trailer park in elementary school with that name.” I mean, REALLY? (Surely that means if we name our child that he will end up living in the trailer park). But, I just move on to the next name on my list and so far have just gotten, “No.” Yet, Paul has no suggestions...hmm…this could take a while folks. Right now my position on the name is that I don’t want to share it until the baby is born. This is for a few reasons number 1- People have opinions that are not always kind. I want to name this baby what WE want to, not because someone else likes the name; 2- I think it is special to have something that Paul and I can talk about and share JUST with each other; 3- For the people who have the unkind opinions, it is a lot harder to share them when you are staring at the precious miracle of a newborn baby. So, for now, I am still referring to him as “Baby DuRant”.

In other news, I think we may have a future field goal kicker or soccer star on our hands. (Football is more dangerous, but he would probably make more money, whereas soccer players tend to be more attractive, but he probably couldn’t make a career of it.) Anyway, I digress. I have been very pleasantly surprised that I have been able to feel him moving and kicking so early. Last night as we were lying in bed he started moving and kicking like crazy. I put Paul’s hand on my stomach where he was moving, because I thought just maybe he would be able to feel it.  Surely it was too early for him to feel this on the outside, but it felt pretty strong.  As soon as I was about to say, “Did you feel that??” he looked at me and smiled and said, “I felt him!” It was such a special moment. I was happy that he was able to feel these movements that I have been telling him about. Keep kicking buddy, I love every minute of it!

17 weeks and growing...

17 weeks!

And oh yes, I am definitely growing.  I feel like I wake up larger everyday.  I have definitely had a growth spurt in the belly area over the past week.  But, I have to say I am happy to be out of the is she pregnant, or has she just put on weight phase.  I look and feel pregnant now, which is exciting!  I have just started busting into my maternity wardrobe.  My BeBand got my through the awkward phase. (Which by the way I would suggest purchasing for any newly pregnant mom- they are great!) Also exciting is the fact that I have felt the baby move several times!  Usually at night when I am laying still on the couch, or when I have been sitting for a while at my desk at work I can feel these little movements.  It is hard to explain what it feels like.  I was very curious to discover what these early movements would feel like.  The best I can describe them is like popcorn popping inside my belly.  I can't wait until they become stronger and more frequent.  It is still hard to imagine that there is a little baby boy growing rapidly inside of me, but I am loving every minute of it.

16 Weeks

16 weeks

(The doctor moved my due date to Oct. 27th after the ultrasound,

so this picture was taken on Thursday.)

Baby DuRant Revealed!

After MUCH anticipation, we are excited to announce that without a doubt Baby DuRant is a...

Boy!!!

We went to the doctor today and were so excited that the baby decided to cooperate. At first the ultrasound tech did not want to say for sure that it was a boy, because it was so early. But then we got this shot and there was no denying! (I'm sorry buddy to expose you like this, but we needed the proof.)

We invited our parents over to have BBQ and cut into the cake to see if it was pink or blue.  We tortured them by making them eat dinner before they could find out.  But, it was a really fun way to tell everyone. 

 

The cake before we cut into it!

The moment of truth!

 It's a boy!

My mom and I

And last but certainly not least, my sweet little angel's face :).  We are so in love with him already!!

April Showers & First Baby Items

This past weekend we hosted a shower at our house for my good friend, Shelley and her fiance, Ryan.  I met Shelley my freshman year of college when we were neighbors in the dorm. Since then we have remained great friends.  She was a bridesmaid in my wedding, and I will be a bridesmaid in her wedding in June!  I was glad to be able to do something special for her and Ryan.  And, let me tell you, I have the BEST husband ever.  I could never have pulled it off without him (I don't think the pregnancy hormones helped the situation).  I was slightly stressed about the party, but Paul was such a sweet husband.  First of all, so I would not have to spend all day cleaning, he hired a maid to come clean the house on Friday.  He then spent all of Friday night (literally from 10pm-6am)  cooking BBQ on the grill.  After that, he woke up Saturday morning and did all the yard work.  Poor guy was worn out by the end of the night.  But, the party turned out great, and I think everyone had a wonderful time.

 The guests hanging out on the patio.

 The beautiful (and delicious) cake that Bridgette, one of the hostesses made.

 The bride and I

 Paul and I

                       All of the hostesses with the bride to be!

As soon as we announced I was pregnant, Paul's mom wanted to buy us our infant car seat.  Ok, if you insist!  I absolutely love it.  I love the grey polka dots- so cute (but what baby stuff isn't??).  The Easter Bunny (AKA George and Anna Paige) brought baby DuRant some great books.  I can't wait to cuddle up with our little pumpkin and read to he/she.  Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts! 


I cannot wait to start decorating the nursery.  But, I have resisted the urge to buy anything until we find out if it is a boy or girl.  I CANNOT wait to find out! I pray that he/she cooperates on Wednesday at our next appointment and we are able to find out.  I am going to go out on a limb and say I think it is a girl.  I could be totally wrong, but I figure I have a 50/50 chance of guessing right.  Paul already refers to the baby as "his son", and he is sure it is a boy.  The chinese gender predictor says boy too, so we will see!! What do y'all think- boy or girl??