My Daughter

I have a confession...

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have a daughter. Maybe it was because I felt doomed to be surrounded by boys after my childhood with 2 brothers, longing for a sister. Or it could be that, before we got married, my husband flat out said to me, "I don't make girls", and for some reason, I believed him. I just thought that my life was destined to be filled with sports, and trains, and spills and stains.

I knew that Chelsea was a girl the day I found out that I was pregnant. Just instinct, I guess. The day that we found she was a girl, I cried. Even though I already knew. With her gender confirmed, I began to think "what do I do with a girl?" All I know is this little man and I am quite comfortable with being a mom to a boy.

My friends comforted me in saying, "it will be fine because you're a girl". Of course I know what girls are like and I am super excited to shop for cute clothes and have a tiny person look like she is listening to me when I speak.

As I we get closer and closer to our due date, I am getting more and more nervous. Will I ever get the hang of wiping front to back? Will I be able to tolerate all the bows and dresses? Will we have a good relationship? Will I be able to set my emotions aside when she is emotional? I was a Daddy's girl and I'm sure she will be too. Will I be able to handle watching her bond with her Daddy without feeling heart broken that mine is gone?

My brain is just running wild with anxieties over bringing Chelsea into the world! I know that it will all come naturally and a year from now I will no longer feel like a boy's mom but, a mom to 'The Boy' and 'The Lady' and it will feel as though that were the way it always was.

Thank you, God for blessing me with one of each. Even though she isn't here, I feel as though my family is complete. I can't wait to meet you little girl!

3D/4D Ultrasound

A sneak peek of our little girl...

There she is, all cuddled up in my placenta. It will be interesting to see if she has a 'buh-buh's lanket', too. The tech was saying that babies who cuddle the placenta are usually blanket babies.

Covering her face and starting to open one eye.

With her eyes open.

This was our first experience with 3D/4D imaging this far along in the pregnancy. With 'The Boy', we were up at Loma Linda and had some 3D imaging during our 20 week diagnostic ultrasound but, they were not this detailed. Our OB with 'The Boy' did not recommend 3D/4D imaging as it had not yet been proved safe for the baby. What a difference 2 1/2 years makes. I asked Dr. D if we could go ahead and do it and she didn't even hesitate before saying "sure".

I am so glad that we did this! Every picture that we have of her shows her arms covering her face. I am so happy that she cooperated and let us see her! She was totally awake and even had her eyes open for a while. It's so amazing because now when I feel her move, I feel so much more connected to her. And yes, she is still a she. Now we can start painting her room!

I love this photo! 'The Boy' was with us and by this point, he had decided that he was totally over it and started throwing a tantrum. As soon as he started screaming and crying, she stuck out her tongue. A sign of what is to come.

Our sweet baby, Chelsea. We can't wait to meet you, little one!

Sharing

Last night, 'The Boy' followed his Daddy into the garage and fished an old toy out of a storage box. He played with it for about a half an hour (which is ironic because when it was in the house he hardly touched it) when Daddy said, "Why are you playing with a baby toy? That's going to be for baby Chelsea".

'The Boy' picked up the toy and brought it to where I was sitting, lifted up my shirt and put the toy on my lap. He looked up at me and said, "I share with baby Chelsea". Such a good big brother. I don't think he knows what is really in store for him.

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter! This is by far my favorite and least favorite holiday all wrapped into one. My favorite because it is day that we recognize Jesus' sacrifice for us. My least favorite because somewhere along the way, someone thought it would be a great idea to make it all about candy.

We started our Easter morning early (6:30 am) partly due to 'The Boy' sleeping in his big boy bed (post to come). The Easter Bunny sure was generous this year.

'The Boy's' goodies.

His Easter basket filled with "Peeks" and trains.

A new carrying case for all those trains and our newest addition, Molly.




A new bucket and cool Mr. Car-E sunglasses.

So excited.

"I see my Molly!"

Checking out his new friends.

Playing trains and beginning a "Peek" feast.

"Daddy! That's my Mr. Car-E glasses."

Hunting for eggs. He still hadn't found them all by the next morning.

"I found it!"

Digging in.

Ready to go to church in his new sunglasses.

We went to services with Gigi and Pop. It was soooooo crowded and hot! I even had to leave once to get some fresh air. The service was good and we sang my one of my favorite songs Amazing Love. 'The Boy' wanted nothing to do with childcare so he came in the main sanctuary with us. He did really well and loved the music. He fell asleep on Pop's lap about 1/3 of the way through. That's what a 6:30 am egg hunt will do to you.

Still asleep in the car.

After church, we went to Richie's Diner for brunch. They have such good biscuits and gravy. Yummy!

'The Boy' and Gigi, coloring.

Playing with Molly.

We went to Gigi and Pop's after lunch for more Easter bunny treats and an egg hunt. Wow, Tyler, the Easter bunny must think you are very special to give you so many treats!

Easter basket and gifts at Gigi and Pop's.

So excited! He got the Mr. Car-E movie. We have watched it just about every day since.

"My Rosie!"

He insisted on opening his chocolate bunny like a present...

...and when it was opened he said "Chocolate!"

A Little Einsteins magnetic book.

Next it was onto the backyard for another Easter egg hunt. This time, the bunny hid them in some really hard to find places.

Note: The egg gets opened. Then the candy goes in the basket. Some goes in his mouth.

Searching really hard.

"I found it!" That one was hidden in the bark of the palm tree.

He took his new Thomas and Friends coloring book with him on most of the hunt.

"I got it!"

Later that night, Uncle Mikey came over and my Mom made a delicious Easter dinner: ham, coleslaw, and some other stuff. I was all about the ham and coleslaw. Then we played with some of 'The Boy's' new toys (video coming soon) before heading home. It was such a perfect Easter day!

Easter Egg Hunt

The day before Easter, we went to an egg hunt at Butterfield park with Aunt Janelle, and 'The Boy's' cousins, Calli and Cade. We figured that 'The Boy' was finally old enough to understand the concept of picking up eggs and putting them in his basket without sitting down to eat its contents before moving on.

That didn't matter because they just threw candy out on the lawn and let the kids go for it (by age group, of course). It was a little unorganized and warmer than I thought it would be (I got sunburned on my shoulders) but the kids had fun and that's all that matters.

What do I do with this?

He was wearing his basket as a hat for a minute but I couldn't snap a pic fast enough.

My sweet niece, Calli.

This is what happens when you ask him to look at the camera and say "cheese".

Passing the time. We had to wait for a bit for the hunt to start.

Getting ready.

And he's off.

My nephew Cade, trying to make sense of it all.

Lolly-pollies. Of course he was after these.

Check out all of those lolly-pollies.

Still at it. He got the hang of it super fast.

He collected a pretty good stash.

Enjoying the fruits of his labor :).

Happy Birthday to Daddy

We practiced and practiced and he did it! We all sung up until "Happy Birthday to..." and 'The Boy' says "Daddy". He looks so proud!

Johnny's 30th Birthday Weekend

It's that special time of year that only lasts for a month and a half---my hubby and I are the same age. It doesn't last for very long but makes me feel a little younger and less cougarish at least for a bit.

'The Hubs' is thirty! I was heavily encouraged not to do anything special or out of the ordinary for this birthday. No surprises, no vacations, etc. I followed the rules. Only because I am growing more pregnant by the day and have no desire to plan stuff or to be scolded by someone the same age as me.


On Friday, I took 'The Hubs' out for dinner. I told him it was his choice which, of course, was sushi until he remembered that I can't eat that right now. So we went to the Yard House. It was such a nice night and we sat out on the patio drinking beer.

'The Hubs' ordered the six-pack.

Mmmmm. That looks refreshing.


Checking out the descriptions of the beer.

My (much less) desirable version.

After dinner, we considered going to see Avatar but, it didn't start until 10 and, being that he just turned old, we decided that was way too late to attempt viewing a three hour long flick.

On Sunday, we had a little family dinner which is hardly little for us. I was so busy chatting with Janelle and Jennifer that I forgot to take pictures of the family. I did remember to capture cake time.

Happy 30th!

Yummy "cholocalate"

'The Boy' helped Daddy open his gifts.

My gift to my love.

Happy Birthday, baby. This year I followed the rules as per your request. I cannot promise that I will be so kind next year ;).