First sonogram and doctor visit

Hi sweet little baby,
We got to see you today!!! You're perfectly healthy, with a strong heartbeat of 159. We're also a little farther along than I thought we were, at 8 weeks and 2 days. The sonographer put your due date at March 27, 2016.

There you are! You're so tiny right now, just the size of a raspberry. I'll admit, I started crying when I saw your heart beating on the screen. I was so scared that something was wrong because I haven't been sick at all, and then to see you healthy and safe...my mommy heart swelled and I lost control. Daddy held my hand and we both just thanked our lucky stars for another healthy, perfect little baby. We are SO excited to be your parents, and already can't wait to meet you.

Dr. Shipman also told us about a new blood test that just came on the market within the last year. It's called Verifi, and will replace the 13 week nuchal translucency scan because it tests our blood for any potential problems. And, an added bonus...we get to find out gender super early, too! We should know by September 15th if you're a little girl or a little boy!!!! Have I told you yet how excited we are that you're on your way??

With so much love,

The best surprise!

Hi sweet little baby,
This week Daddy and I found out you're on your way! I will admit, to say we were both a little shocked is *quite* the understatement. More than shock, though, we are so excited!!

On July 20, I was feeding your big sis dinner and just felt really, really drained, but when I looked at the clock it was only 6:30pm. I found myself thinking, "The last time I felt like this was when I was pregnant with Pemberley..." so I finished feeding her, set her on the living room floor, and went upstairs to take a test. (Actually, I took two tests. You never know.) Within seconds, BAM! Big, fat positives!

I took them downstairs and asked Daddy to turn off the TV because we had to talk. Then I kind of just threw them at him. He was as speechless as I was! But once the surprise settled in, we started talking about how great it is that you're on your way. You'll be really close in age to Pem, only 18 months apart, and that guarantees an instant best friend and someone to play with. If you're a little girl, your frugal Daddy says you can share clothes with her (but your practical mommy says only if you want to), and if you're a little boy, we get to learn what it's like to change a newborn diaper all over again (pee-pee teepees???)! I'm also in love with the idea that neither you nor Pemberley will remember a time without your sibling. I know it's going to be a TON of work and a HUGE adjustment for our family, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way!

We love you so much, sweet little baby! We can't wait to welcome you into our family next Spring. I go in for our first ultrasound on August 18, when we'll get an official due date. I have no idea how far along we are, but all of my betas have come back really encouraging (515 on the 21st, 1473 on the 23rd, and 8072 on the 28th). So far, this pregnancy with you is a breeze...no morning sickness, no cramps, just a little fatigue in the evenings. I'm so excited to see what it's like as a family of FOUR!

I love you soooo much,