11.13.2008

making an effort

In an effort to be a better blogger, I have succumbed to many requests and am now posting some belly shots and prego stats. I have to admit that I'm kinda reluctant to talk much about my pregnancy because I'm worried that I'll jinx it. I remember what it's like to be pregnant one day and not the next. And I also know what it's like to want a baby so bad, but to not be able to... all of these thoughts and concerns are with me still, even though I am currently pregnant. My particular loss and accompanying trials will always be with me. But I am grateful it happened for many reasons, too. I now realize that there is a certain someone in charge and looking out for me: Heavenly Father. And I am grateful for the chance I had to grow closer to Him. Of all people, He knows me best and has prepared me through trials and blessings. What a blessing it is that things have worked out for the better. And what a blessing it is to have my eyes opened and my heart softened to those who have trials of their own. To those who have suffered in the past and those who may currently be suffering: I love you, and God loves you. Your courage, perseverance, and strength cannot be measured in this lifetime, but only in the next. Thank you for your wonderful examples to me and other silent observers. I can only pray that some day may be a happier one, if not in this life, then certainly the next.

With that said, I am now 22 weeks pregnant. Or in other words, I am five months along and more than half-way done! It really is crazy how fast it's gone. I'm worried that I haven't enjoyed or appreciated it as much as I should have, even after all I've gone through. It makes me feel like a spoiled brat... but I really am happy and thankful. Things continue to go well. According to today's weigh in, I've gained a total of 8 pounds and I'm right on schedule. We had an ultrasound a few weeks ago and everything looked great. And before anyone else asks, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE'RE HAVING. This means that Brad wants to be surprised and I am supporting him. I personally would love to know, because I'm a planner. But I'm at peace with OUR decision and am excited to meet this mystery baby. So please, no comments about how I should be sneaky and find out what we're having :)

Also, we've decided that we're allowed to stare at the ultrasound for as long as we want in an effort to guess if we're having a boy/girl -- not having the tech tell or confirm the sex. And we did just that! We stared and stared and we think we know... William was so very obvious that we knew he was a he before the tech even said a word! With this one, it was more like an empty trough (maybe three lines?). So, according to our hypothesis, we might be having a girl! But we don't know for certain, and we won't know until she/he is born. And before anyone else asks, my next ultrasound is at 32 weeks. And yes, we will be staring and guessing again ;)

Wow, this is turning into a major post... so without further ado, on to the part you've all been waiting for: belly shots! Just so you know, I have officially popped as of two days ago. Here are two pictures, within five days of each other (the one on the left was taken in a tent in Anthro with a cellphone, and the one on the right I blame on our poor bathroom lighting).

It's amazing how you can go from looking thick in the middle to obviously preggers almost overnight. Kind of disturbing, but mostly fascinating. The human body really is amazing. And I thank God for it everyday. *B

25 comments:

  1. How exciting and you look adorable. I know when you're pregnant that's the last think you want to hear (sometimes). But you do! I'm glad things are going well.

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  2. That's crazy you grew that much in 5 days! You look so cute. That's fun you're not finding out with boy or girl, but you're much more supportive than I would be I think! It's great to hear from you again. And I think Will is looking more and more like you. He is a little boy now! Crazy how time flies!

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  3. So stinking cute! I love the prego belly and it looks fantastic on you!! I am so glad that things are going well and that you are happy!! You are such a good little mama and this little one, boy or girl, is so lucky to have you!!

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  4. Beth, I love these pics of you! I'm so excited for you! And I can't believe how big Will has gotten!

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  5. Cute, cute!! I'm glad you're planning on blogging more, and I really hope this pregnancy goes wonderfully!

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  6. you look fantastic!! your prego belly is adorable! it is crazy how it pops like that in just a few days (that happened to my sisters too!) the human body is so interesting!

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  7. Anonymous6:22 AM

    I think you look extremely slender for being 22 weeks, even though you definitely look pregnant. Do you ever eat?

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  8. Oh look at the cuteness!!!! I love your belly. I kinda hope you're right and it's a girl. Then you'll have a matched set ;)

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  9. look how grown up your little guy is! he's so cute! and you look darling, of course.

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  10. Wow!!! I can't believe how that popped!! Must be a big girl!! (The baby, not you!) At least I'm hoping for one . . . but another little guy like Will could only be wonderful, too! Happy, Happy Birthday today sweetie, Friday, the 14th! Woohoo!!
    Lots of exclamation points today--lots to be excited about!

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  11. Hi!!!! You look way cute! I'm happy and excited for you and I hope everything continues to go well. Love you!

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  12. Yipee! Depending on the outfit I feel like I look either 7 months pregnant (which I am) or 11 months. And having seen both kinds of ultrasounds I'm thinking you're on the right track with this one!

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  13. Beth,
    You look great!!!! And I'm so glad everything is going so well! I think you should post the ultrasound pic and let us weigh in...I definitely know what a girl looks like since I stared at Maggie's ultrasound for hours on end in an effort to make sure the techs weren't wrong...(I'm such a dork!) :)

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  14. That's a HUGE post. With all of your free time, maybe you wouldn't mind writing mine for me. It wouldn't be that different really, just keep in mind I'm not having a baby and I'm a dude. That's basically it. Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY again to the bestest sister EVER!

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  15. You are looking so cute!

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  16. yay for the major post! It's nice to hear your thouhts again.

    Gosh, a belly is so much fun!!

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  17. Love the pics Beth. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
    Hope you have fun with Brad tonight!

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  18. Skinny pregnant lady. Sigh. I have a "baby belly" all the time.

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  19. it's good to see you again beth :) yer lookin' cuter than ever!

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  20. 5 days apart? Wow. That is CRAZY. I agree, the human body is absolutely amazing.

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  21. You look super cute! :)

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  22. Oh you are SO CUTE... too cute. Love it. We think of you guys everytime we drive by a house for sale down here. There's a few in our hood...

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  23. Yay for little baby bun! :) Heartcha! XOXO

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  24. Anonymous12:44 PM

    It is so great to read this news. I can relate to sitting on pins and needles about pregnancy! You look so great!

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You're currently in the process of making my day. So thanks for that! *B