Away We GROW!

Baby girl and I are now at 25 weeks.  Oh, how times flies.  I realized it has been awhile since I took some pictures, so here are two for you (Belly Shots #5 to the right).  For fun, I included a shot from above - so you see what I see...NO FEET!  I am starting to feel like I'm getting a little bigger every day.  I actually had to do an old "heave ho" move the other morning to get out of bed.  Ha!  It's incredibly hard to believe that we only have around 15 weeks left.  Holy cow!  More to come, soon.  

I'm Nesting!

We've all heard that mothers-to-be go through a "nesting" phase when they want to clean, organize, make things - generally prepare for the baby.  Well, I believe I'm there.  I'm going to admit something here that might be hard for some of you to believe (and not so hard for others), but I can tend to be somewhat of a procrastinator - especially on the weekends.  Chores, blah.  Laundry, blah.  Yard work, double blah.  

Well, in two days time I have gotten more done than I ever thought possible.  I've cooked some treats, cleaned the entire downstairs, done the laundry (from start to finish!), scrapbooked five pages for the baby's book, AND (drum roll, please)...have hand sewn two burp cloths.  I completely expect some of you to doubt the truth behind this claim, so I have proof.  Check out the picture of the burp cloths to the right.  Cute, right?!  I might even try a matching bib.  

I've got a whole list of other baby crafts and goodies I'd like to tackle.  With the weather as hot as it's been I need lots of indoor projects to keep me occupied.  A side note - it was 100 degrees today in Greensboro.  Ugh.  Some of the crafts on my list include custom-shape cut out bath time sponges, mini lamp shade night light, thank you cards, felt children's book, decorated wooden letters (baby's name) for wall of nursery.... to name a few.  I'll post photos as I make my way through the list. 

Let's just hope this nesting phase continues long enough to get some of this stuff done!

Quick Update

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday for a quick check-up.  And when I say quick, I mean 20 minutes in and out of the door!  Usually we wait longer than that just in the waiting room, so it was a nice surprise!  Blood pressure was back down around normal (yeah!) and have gained just a few more pounds - still right where the doc would like me to be so I'm pleased.  Other than that, he measured my belly for the height of the uterus - which now reaches well past my belly button.  WOW, huh?!  Baby girl's heartbeat was nice and strong.  She's been kicking up near my belly button now, which is cool because it's starting to get easier to feel from the outside. 

That's about all to report for now.  Just cruisin' right along.  We go back to the doctor July 2, then two weeks after that for the glucose screening.  Oh - and some of you have been asking.  We've registered at both Target and Baby's-R-Us.  Love to you all! 

She's Got the Moves!

Sweet little "Baby T" is getting the reputation of being a mover and a shaker!  The past several days have brought a HUGE increase in kicks and twists and tiny little punches.  No mistaking she's on the move.  And, to Eric's great excitement, he was able to feel her little acrobatics on Saturday morning.  She is usually moving around when I first wake up in the morning, so I've been urging Eric to try and feel her.  As he feels around, I kept saying, "Did you feel that?...How about that one?"  Finally on Saturday, he could feel the faintest little nudge.  Since then he's felt her a few more times.  The kicks are getting strong enough that sometimes they will stop me in my tracks.  Yesterday in the mall, one kick made it all the way to my belly button and almost tickled!  

Many of you have told us this, but we agree that there is nothing better than this feeling.  No doubt it - she's got moves!

Halfway There!

It's hard to believe, but we've made it halfway there - 20 weeks!  Wow, time sure is flying by.  I've posted a picture so you can keep up with the growing process,  but I don't see much difference.  I do, however, feel more and more pregnant each day.  I went to an arts festival over the weekend with Cyndi and a friend...walking around all day is getting harder.  And the funnel cake tasted better than ever. :)  If the scales at home are correct, I don't think I've gained any more weight, but we'll see at next appointment on June 3.

The biggest change lately is how much she is moving around.  It still feels like a gold fish swimming around, but more noticeable.  She likes to move mostly at night when I'm sitting around and relaxing.  Every once and a while she gives me a pretty decent "Hey Mom, I'm down here!" bump.  It's such an indescribably awesome feeling.  Eric can't wait to feel the kicks, too.

So, at the halfway point, all is well.  Feeling great and loving being pregnant.  Thanks for all the prayers and support.  Love you all!  

Strengthening Our Family

For those of you who don't know, I work at a large church here in Greensboro.  Every Monday we do devotions at the beginning of our staff meeting.  The scripture for this morning was Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.  Verse 12b reads, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."  This made me think about the "third strand" we're getting ready to add to our family.  Eric and I have been blessed with a marriage where were can rely on each other as life partners, friends, encouragers, someone to hold us up when we fall.  I am a stronger person with Eric at my side; and I hope he'd say the same for me.  And as we await our precious little girl my thoughts have been focused on ways she will need us, for food, protection, guidance, wisdom, education, love, acceptance, and so on.  

Through this verse from Ecclesiastes, God reminded me this morning that this little person will become part of what makes our family so strong.  She will not only need things from us, but we will need things from her.  She will provide us with strength that neither Eric or I can bring to the family.  Her spiritual gifts will enrich us and make us stronger.  And throughout the years, I am sure she will have the chance to hold us up in times of trial and need.  What a powerful realization - and a blessing beyond compare.  Thank you, God, for these tiny reminders each day of your faithfulness and love!!

BIG NEWS - It's a...

Well, we had our 18 week ultrasound today and found out that we're expecting baby GIRL Tysinger!!!  The pictures were pretty clear and don't leave much room for doubt.  I cried and Eric cheered....both happy emotions, of course.  She was moving all around.  It was so neat to watch her move hands, fingers, feet all around.  I'll post some pictures soon, but there were two that are just priceless.  We caught her with her foot completely above her head - a future gymnast, maybe?  Then, at one point she gave us the hang-ten sign (or for some of you, the TX Longhorn symbol).  So funny.  

Anyway, all measurements check out and all the parts are right where they should be and accounted for.  We've been thinking our due date was October 1 because of the measurements at our 12 week ultrasound, but today she measured right on track with the first prediction of October 8.  SO...we're just going with early October.

My health checked out right on track, too.  Finally gained just a few pounds and my blood pressure is down a bit from where it was at the last check-up.  Hopefully it's starting a downward trend.  The maternity clothes my mom bought me when we visited them recently are serving their purpose!  Thanks, Mom.

I started my water exercise class last Thursday - which was awesome!  It's me and a few "grandmas" but I love it.  It's relaxing and, based on the increased fluttering afterward, the baby seemed to love it.  I go every Tuesday/Thursday at the local YMCA.

We've not bought anything for the baby quite yet because we wanted to know first what "flavor" we were having.  So, after today's appointment we went straight to Babys-R-Us and registered for the first batch of things.  Man, it's overwhelming!  And, Eric is upstairs as I type getting ready to paint the nursery a pretty green.  Speaking of which, I'd better go and at least offer to help. :)  

Remember to check back soon for the most recent shots of our sweet baby girl.