Cat and Mouse!

Today we got back from our crazy busy weekend in Omaha, to find a new little toy in the mailbox. We received a fetal doppler that we couldn't wait to test out. Our last appointment was at 12 weeks, on Thursday I am 16 weeks, and our next appointment isn't until next Tuesday. Needless to say, little miss patience was having a hard time waiting to hear from Peanut. After quickly unpacking our things, we broke out the doppler. Tim was operating the wand while I stared at the ceiling waiting to hear the sound of Peanut's heartbeat. After about 15 minutes, he decided to let me have a try. We were successful in finding the sound of my blood flow, which I guess is always a good sound. Finally after 25 minutes, Tim was able to find Peanut. That was the beginning of the game. For the next 10 minutes, Tim chased Peanut with the wand. We were able to hear the heartbeat for a few seconds and then it would fade and move somewhere else. So then Tim would move toward the sound and we could listen for a little while before Peanut moved again. We weren't able to get a consistent number, but the heartbeat was usually in the 140s. Finally a little peace of mind until a week from Tuesday.

This weekend we were incredibly blessed with the love from our families. Peanut received several gifts from relatives that were very much appreciated. Thank you so much family for loving our new, little family so much, and showing your love with adorable gifts.

Secret's Out!

Tears were shed, hugs were had, and advice was given! We are so excited to have shared the news of Peanut with family and friends. Now we no longer have to hide our elation, and we have many ears willing to listen to our excitements and fears. Although we are still reveling in the excitement, this is thus far the worst part of the pregnancy. I am happy to report that many of the annoying symptoms of pregnancy that were present in the first trimester have now dissipated. On the other hand, we are impatiently waiting for some movement from Peanut. This in between stage is the most difficult because I don't "feel" pregnant, but I also know I will long for these days in just a few weeks. We are counting down the days until our 16 week appointment so we can hear Peanut's heartbeat again. In the meantime, we watch as our Lemon grows into a Naval Orange, and each week we read what Peanut did last week and what the activities will be for the next week. Tim sends text messages asking how Peanut and me are doing, so we are already feeling like a family. Peanut, mommy and daddy love you so much and can't wait for you to feel the love of our family; Baxter and Ginger want to give you kisses too!

Keeping the secret

The last seven days have been pretty rough for us, we lost our beloved grandma. Needless to say peanut was put on the back burner for a little while to focus on the rest of our mourning family. Peanut was not on the back burner for long, since each day we were in Omaha there was a family gathering at my aunt and uncle's house. With all the food and beverages it was hard to keep the secret since Emily does like to have the occasional glass of wine. Emily and I had our hands full trying to keep the focus on the family and not on the fact that Emily was not having any wine. Hanging with the family would have been a great time to spill the beans but we had planned to let the secret out this coming weekend, so we needed to keep quiet. It was really tough too since we heard Peanut's heartbeat last week, a steady 155 bpm!

I wish we could have told my grandma before she passed but it quickly came to our attention that grandpa could not keep the secret any longer. He must have wanted to tell her so bad that he persuaded her to come and hang out with him in heaven. Well the good thing is that they are together and they can watch over the whole family no matter where we are.

There were many stories shared and many discussions on grandma and grandpa's love for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Uncle Kenny did remind me that another chapter has come to a close, and that we will have to make sure the book stays open. My dad also told Emily's mom that it was weird how God takes one loved one and gives you another one. How did he know peanut was on the way? A sneaky suspicion? Little did he know. Well, only one day left and we can't wait to tell everyone this weekend.