Inquiring minds :)

Howdy, folks! Earlier this week, one of the girls at the parish where I work asked me if she could ask me a question. Having just fielded a bunch about saints, confirmation and retreats, I said sure. "How long have you been pregnant?" Ivana asked. Her mom blushed, but her brother looked equally interested. "Since the end of October," I replied with a smile. "After we already met you?" she continued (they just moved here this fall). I confirmed that, at which she and her brother exchanged puzzled looks. Then she exclaimed, "But, you don't LOOK pregnant!"

All the adults in earshot laughed, and her mom reminded her that they had already talked about this, and it takes a few months before someone looks pregnant! I also told Ivana and Anthony not to worry, by the time of their First Communion (May) I would definitely LOOK pregnant!

It reminds me of that joke: "I have a perfect 10 sized body, but I keep it safe under a few layers of fat." Right now, it's the same for this pregnancy!!

Lots of people are asking me how I feel, etc. There's nothing too new physically (though I seem to have lots of my own questions to figure out over the next 6 months!)

While nothing's apparent, I am starting to feel different. Still have heartburn occasionally, still tired somewhat... but also am feeling "full" in the abdomen area. Hard to explain, but it sure feels like something's in there! Or should I say, someone...

and speaking of the little cause of all this commotion, check out the poll to the left. You can vote on whether you think it's a little guy or little gal! No new tests or news to report - it's been a quiet week. All is well, thank God!

Swoosh Woosh, Swoosh Woosh

Well, folks, we had the first 'official' prenatal appointment yesterday. The fun part, though, was that between the earlier appointments to figure out how far along we were, and last week's "oh-my-gosh-what's-happening" visit... we had already all the bloodwork, ultrasounds & urine tests done =! But, we did have a nice sit-down chat with Leslie (Birth Assistant) and Sam (the midwife) to review all kinds of stuff. At first, it seemed more responsibility than joy...

and then Sam took out the nifty Doppler thing AND WE COULD HEAR THE HEARTBEAT!!! Jim is much better at imitating the sound (see headline). Our little tyke seems mostly laidbaid and cooperative during these visits-- because it was fairly easy to get the heartbeat and it didn't seem like the baby was moving around or out of range.

So all is well! I am feeling much better, and there's no spotting anymore. Still a little tired and have night time heartburn. Jim-dad is excited, but feels like July is SO FAR AWAY (like when he was a little boy and was waiting for his bday after Christmas)... while I am excited, but am wondering how we'll ever get everything done or be ready in such a short time! The parenting balance begins...

Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

of Coughs and Couches

Hey folks,

Baby & I are fine, but had a little scare Wednesday am with some spotting. An afternoon visit to our wonderful midwife & dr. showed the little bear swimming and kicking-- all okay. Their theory is I was coughing so much, something got jiggled around and wa-la: a little blood. So I have to spend a few days on bed rest (or couch potato duty). Jim is off to a wonderful conference for ministry (somewhat reluctantly, but I think it'll be good for him!) -- I was registered but opted to stay home to rest up. Still coughing occasionally but not quite as tired as before. Of course, I'm not doing much of anything. Ma came over to stay with me, so it's quite nice to be pampered a bit! Pizza, soup, meatballs- good stuff.

Anyway, all is well but keep those prayers coming for the baby! He or she can use all the support :) Thanks for 'visiting' us! Love, K

ps- this is week 11, and the little one's big development is (drum roll) peach fuzz on his/her skin! and bones are hardening up, and the liver (or is that the kidney) is making its own cells now!

The Little One

Well, here's the first photo that begins to look like a baby's in there! The top is just a close up of the original (second) image. We are about 10.5 weeks along. If you look at the smudge in the middle, the baby's head is to the left (the biggest part!), and then he or she is on their back, with the cute little feet kinda up to the right. A half relaxed, half fetal position- and for the few minutes we were peeking in, the tyke apparently was sleeping. Doc says the baby will have sleep/wake cycles anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours. Wow!

Heartbeat & growth are all fine- so everything's looking good. Oh, and there's only one in there (I'm slightly disappointed, Jim seems pretty happy about that). And (spoiler alert- this may be considered gross) - the black space to the bottom left is actually my half-full bladder!

THANKS for all the prayers! Keep 'em coming! We have another appointment in a few weeks (no ultrasound) and will post any updates then. Love to all...

Happy New Year, Y'all

The above pic is why our cool midwestern family visits in December... Jim & his niece were actually a good bit out (Sanibel) and diving down for HUGE shells. Don't ask me why I don't have pics of those!?! Anyway, the pelicans were feeding not far away-- then a group took a rest and floated nearby. Hey, what do you call a group of pelicans anyway? (that's a real question, not a joke)