Heat!

It's getting hot in here!!!

It is amazing how even though it's summer....somehow it seems even hotter! I realize that the mid to high 90s is pretty hot for the typical person, and for some crazy reason I think it feels even more hot to me. I practically want to strip the moment I walk outside. Let's be honest, even when I'm not outside I feel like my skin is too much clothing! I really think I'm a walking sauna. I think I'm a glutton for punishment because we're heading to SUNNY Orlando for a week of Disney Madness. Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly looking forward to a week of fun with my whole family, but I don't think I'm going to leave our room if the sun is out. I'm going to become a pregnant vampire. I won't live on blood but I'll survive on A/C preferably set at "arctic blast". I have heard mention of pool hopping during the day, and I'm hoping they put ice cubes in the pool. I'm envisioning floating on a cold lazy river sipping some sort of virgin pina colada. That will be Disney Magic.

Speaking of magic, I'm done with school!!!!! Praise the Lord the year is over. I couldn't be any more thrilled. It has been a very interesting year filled with many new learning experiences. January brought two very tiresome things in and of themselves, the pregnancy and the play. Doing both might not have been the best idea, but I feel very accomplished by it all. It is very uncommon for middle schoolers to even give end of the year gifts, but I did get a few very sweet things, all relating to little Connor. I got a sweet little outfit, a photo album, and even a little teething toy. The most surprising gift was from a sweet group of girls in the form of a gift card. Thanks to their thoughtfulness I will be purchasing the stroller I have picked out. What an amazing end to the year. Mom pointed out that last year I got Home Depot gift cards and this year it was Babies R Us! Life is moving fast and I'm jumping right on board!

A Strong and Loving God

This is what girlfriends are for:

One thing God has spoken,Two things I have heard:That you, O God, are STRONGAnd that you, O Lord are LOVING.Psalm 62:11

Let me tell you a little story. Our news this past Thursday wasn't completely and only good news. While they were doing the sonogram to find out the gender they found a cyst that had formed in Connor's brain. I can say we felt a rollercoaster of emotions that day filled with highs and lows. The midwife we saw said it could be absolutely nothing, or it could indicate something wrong with Connor's development. They of course referred me to have a Level II Ultrasound of which I had yesterday. I had done a really good job staying off of the internet and looking up all of the syndromes that were associated with a choroid plexus cyst, but I had a moment of weakness the day before my appointment and did some digging. BAD IDEA. Let me suggest you never do that, it's not worth the hours of worry and sinking feeling that it brings with it. When you see Down's Syndrome, Edward's Syndrome, and Spina Bifida roll across your screen, your heart breaks for the little baby growing inside of you. I let some people in on our hours of crisis and I can honestly say that this episode was well prayed over. Going into my appointment yesterday I felt such a peace at what the Lord had in store. The doctor's office was very nice (praise the Lord) and we had a very indepth appointment. The skilled technician took many incredible pictures, of which Connor wanted to cover his face and hide, and the Doctor went over each picture slide by slide. I must say they did very thorough measurements of EVERYTHING and they completely ruled out Down's (by measuring his brain), Edward's (by his incredible growth, he was at 20wks 5days yesterday), and Spina Bifida (with a beautiful picture of his perfect spine). We could even see his little lips and they ruled out cleft pallet. The doctor said he looks like a perfectly formed little boy, and as a bonus we have beautiful sonogram pictures to prove it. We even looked at all 4 chambers of the heart and his little stomach, and the way his blood flows in and out of his umbilical chord. The doctor says that sometimes babies have cysts, just little pockets of fluid that get trapped, and eventually they will dissolve and go away. I can remember looking over at Tim and my mom sitting in the room with me and I started to tear up. My little baby boy is ok. Oh Lord thank you for listening to our prayers, thank you for hearing the cry of my heart. So I must say thank you one more time to my prayer warriors, I am ever so grateful for you.

Now onto some pictures.....here is 20 weeks!! I officially have a bump!! Little Connor is 13 ounces already!

Here you can see him covering his face with his hand....poor thing didn't want to be bothered!

His cute little profile! His chin is hiding!

It's his wittle foot!

To leave you with a cute little story I have to mention that Tim likes to play Major League Baseball 2005 on his PS2. He doesn't play very often, but he usually does if I'm out of the house for whatever reason. Months ago, when he found out I was pregnant he decided to create another character to play for his Red Sox team, and named him Connor Petersen....I think he was already hoping then. I don't know why, but I think it's so endearing! Connor's already playing for the Red Sox. Oh Boy!

Bouncing Baby Boy

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. ~ Psalm 127:3 from NIV

We had our "Big Appointment" this past Thursday. I couldn't sit still in my classes knowing what the afternoon was going to have in store. I was so antsy. I left school as quickly as possible and I was able to make it home and even change clothes before my 3:45pm appointment. Mom picked me up and everyone met at the doctor's office. To say that feet were tapping and fingers were twiddling while we waited is a gross understatement. I can't even tell you what we talked about. I was finally called in by the sonogram technician and she very quickly told me "Husband only." I remember looking back at the rest of my family sitting in the waiting room thinking I wanted everyone there for the unveiling. When I got into the sonogram room I explained that to the woman, and she said she would do some measurements first and then we could call in the rest of them. According to the measurements the baby was measuring 3 days bigger than what it was scheduled, which I find pretty interesting. Then she told Tim to go and get everyone else. When everyone was situated inside the room she brought up a very clear picture on the screen and announced that I was carrying a little boy. Mom wanted to know how accurate that was, and the technician told us she had never seen a little girl with what was on the screen. To say the least it was a very very very clear picture, of which I won't share on here. Tim was immediately thrilled and announced how excited he was to coach little league. I was a little more quiet trying to wrap my head around what to do with a little boy. I think I'm a little nervous about it. Boys are still a mystery to me. I hear they are easier, but I don't see how that's possible. I know girls, and bows, and clothes, and pink. I understand make-up, and hair, and mood swings. I'm going to have a lot to learn. At least I like sports! It's a little intimidating to say the least but I'm up for the task. I'm more than happy to help raise a young man in the ways of the Lord who is a true gentleman. He can be a man's man and still treat a woman like gold. We need more men like that. My prayer is that we raise him to honor God, to trust Him no matter what and to treat others with gentility, grace, and respect. I can't believe I'm having a boy! Let me introduce you to him.....

This is Connor Jacob Petersen:

Everyone sitting in the waiting room ready to be called:

After getting the big news:

Clearly everyone is thrilled!

With the soon to be grandma!:

First "boy" purchase sent by my amazing Aunt Carol. I am truly blessed, this couldn't be any more perfect or special.

Twitches/Flutters/Bubbles/Fish

I'm feeling things....weird alien things. The feelings started about 3 days ago. It happens at about 10:00pm once I have gone into my room to lay down. I prop myself up against my pillows and then it starts to happen.....not just once or twice, but a consistant little bit of movement that takes up my belly. It's still not very strong but there is no mistaking it.... I'M STARTING TO FEEL THE BABY!!! I get really quiet and I move my hands over the movement and I can feel it in my fingertips. Don't worry, I don't keep it to myself, I always whisper over to Tim and his hand will come to rest firmly on my belly, and he too has been able to experience it. It is such a precious moment that we can share together. No words need to be spoken our eyes and faces say it all. I can't believe this is only the beginning.

As I feel more movement it only makes me anticipate our next doctor's appointment even more. One week from today we will find out if we will be planning for "ruffles and lace or footballs and jeans" to take a sweet saying from Aunt Carol. I can't believe we're at that point. I can't believe I'm 18 weeks. I can't believe I'm starting my 5th month. I can't believe the size of my belly! haha! I really do look forward to finally being able to plan some things out. I've been so patient in purchasing items, and "nesting" in the nursery. I would LOVE to be able to start putting the nursery together, but I know I can't until one little thing is answered. I know mom is feeling the same way. She's already started shopping for items to keep at her house. It shouldn't be surprising to know she already has a pack and play complete with bassinet. I think it's adorable. It's a great feeling to have people excited for you. The encouragement does wonders for the ego.

Only a few more weeks left of school and I couldn't be any more thrilled. The end of the year brings our spring show (Aristocats), finals, major grading, and tweenage behavior struggles. The kids are just as ready to leave as I am. This week I have spent everyday after school until 5:00pm or later working on the sets for Aristocats of which I am directing. Thankfully I have my family there helping me with each step. Casey is helping big time with the painting and Mom is running my sound. This past weekend Mom and I drew up the plans, and the guys literally built the set pieces from wood we had picked up from Home Depot. The set consists of 8x8 flats we put together with plywood and 2x4s. My life is consumed with this play and I think I'm running out of steam. To say I'm tired is a drastic understatement. The kids are working really hard but I'm still nervous/stressed because the sound system is practically non-existent. The kids look nice.....you just can't hear them and they are already practically yelling. I know it will turn out wonderfully, but the stress is still there because we've been working on this twice a week since January, and I want their hard work to show. They really are good kids and I really appreciate their effort.

I'm ready for the coming week. Big Baby News and the show are all on the horizon. I think I need to take a day off to recoup!

Anxiously Waiting

So I went in on Thursday to my much anticipated doctor's appointment....sadly they said we will be waiting another 2 weeks until we do the sonogram to find out the gender. TWO WHOLE WEEKS! That seems forever away. I'm ready to find out right now...like this very second. My students are too, which I think is very endearing. They initially told me 3 more weeks, and I pulled the teacher card and wanting to tell them before school is over, and they conceded. While I'm on the subject of my doctor I must say, the office isn't my favorite in the entire world. I like Dr. Davila fine enough, but the office itself is not very nice, and the people working there seem a little jaded. Instead of being warm and welcoming to each person who walks in, they tend to be a cold and unfriendly. I'm sure I was totally spoiled by having first gone to Dr. Gellman's office (my specialist) where everyone there feels like family, but there's something in me that says it should be a little more special than it has been. I switched to the OBGYN when I was about 8 weeks, because the OBGYN I had seen forever didn't offer afternoon appointments. I asked around and Dr. Davila came highly recommended. Like I said before, I like her, but the office drives me up the wall, and everytime I go I promise myself I won't go back. I've got to figure out a better situation. I might just switch and go to her other office out in Pembroke Pines, it must be better than the Hollywood office.

I am officially in the last week of my fourth month....next week starts my fifth month. WOW! I can definitely feel where my uterus is now up to my bellybutton. Pretty soon I think I will really be showing. As I sit here I am still in normal clothes, but I have started investing in some maternity pants so that I'm not floundering for something to wear when it does finally happen. I wore maternity jeans last night just to see what it was like....and I think it was too soon because they didn't really want to stay up. I pratically needed a belt! Tim says that defeats the purpose. HA! It is fun to shop for new clothes though. Tops are easy, because you don't even need "maternity" to find cute things that will fit. Pants are a little harder, but still possible. I went into the store Motherhood the other day...and I think it overwhelmed me a bit by the tent like outfits they offered. I might stick with other stores, and let me just say...who doesn't love Target? I'm including a few recent pictures.

This one is at 16 weeks.


This one is 17 weeks.

I'm a'changin'!!!

So, Uncle Casey (aka my brother) got home this evening!! I'm so excited that he's home for summer. Tim, Casey, and I form a trio to be reckoned with and I'm so glad that it's complete for the next few months. I'm thankful to be so close to my family, what a wonderful support system they are!

Mother's Day

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward."
Psalm 127:3 New King James Version

Little by little as my belly expands, the reality of bearing this child is becoming more real. Today in particular has really been a day to reflect and praise the Lord for what He has done, and for what is to come. It has been so wonderful to be thought of today by my family and friends. The sweet cards I received in the mail, and the kinds of phone calls and texts have really made me feel special.

In a way I am already "mothering" this child inside of me. I am constantly aware of what I am putting into my body, because I know that every little detail is important, and affects the baby. Giving the baby enough nourishment and vitamins is my number one priority right now. I am also a prayer warrior for this little being. Praying for the now, praying for it's future, and praying for everything in between. Is it possible to already start worrying about all of the decisions they will make, and the scenerios they will encounter? I just pray right through it.

A milestone from this week was bringing home the gorgeous nursery furniture I found (on craigslist of all things). Seeing it set up in the room that will be the nursery really made it feel real in our home. In a few months there will be a baby resting peacefully (hopefully) in the crib. I enjoy going in that room just for a few moments to have some quiet, reflective time. I took a few pictures of the set, first is the high chest of drawers, and the second is the changing dresser. The crib is not set up yet, but I will add that picture when it is.

I have a doctor's appointment this Thursday. I think this may be the "big appointment" where we find out the baby's gender. No longer an "it" but a her or him. It makes me a little nervous to think about. The planning will go into full swing once that has been answered. I will surely post about it once we know.....right now I'm just enjoying today...I might go peek at that set again...

Day Dream Believer

I had a dream last night, the baby had arrived. The dream was vivid. It was real. So real, that I actually felt myself being depressed when I woke up this morning and reality sank in. I can honestly say that I am getting more and more excited by the day to get to meet this amazing life form that is growing inside my beautiful wife’s belly. The interesting thing about this dream, though, is that despite it being real, and despite the vivid memory of holding the little one, we never gave it a name, nor do I remember even finding out if it was a boy or a girl. This intrigues me. Although, I must say that I am not surprised because that seems to be the question of the century.

Now that the word is out that Kristin and I are expecting, everyone keeps asking me the same 2 questions…1) Do you know if it is a boy or a girl? and 2) Do you have a preference? Well, the answer is always the same. 1) No, and 2) Yes! I won’t give the cliché answer of “I just want a healthy baby” (does anyone ever really want a non-healthy baby?). I have thought about this long and hard and although my opinion changed often prior to Kristin getting pregnant, since the moment we found out I have longed for a baby girl. Don’t get me wrong, I do want a boy eventually, but if I could pick this first one, I would pick a girl. I am not sure why that is. I don’t have any sisters and really know nothing about taking care of a little girl, but I find myself letting my mind wonder to what it is going to be like to look into my little girls eyes and be totally captivated. To be able to set the example of what she should look for in a husband and to protect her until she finds that man (and yes, he is going to have to be one heck of a guy to take my little girl away from me.)

So, in all actuality, I don’t really care because no matter what we have, that baby is going to be loved. I look forward to the day I get to hold him or her in my arms and I know without a doubt that it will be infinitely better that any dream I can possibly have!