Peanut's First (Unofficial) Christmas

Little peanut isn't even here, but it had a great first Christmas!! Much to Mom and Dad's surprise, it got some gifts!! From Grandma and Grandpa Frerking, it got its first bear. It's sooo cute! Mom loved bears growing up so we think peanut will, too! And, it matches the colors that Mom wants for the baby's room. Grandma didn't even know!! And, Mom got her first maternity shirt. Thank goodness it's black!! :) Not quite ready to wear it, but sure do feel like it some days!! From Grandma and Grandpa Ausmus, peanut got a set of 6 bibs and a little toy that is going to make some noise! They are both adorable!!! It will be great to have lots of bibs on hand!! I think getting these gifts were a reality check -- "Hey, Mom and Dad -- I'm really coming, you better get ready!!!" :) Mom and Dad have started talking more and more about the nursery and other plans for peanut! Seems so crazy, but so exciting!! Merry Christmas, Peanut! We love you!!

Boy or Girl???

You can guess, but we won't be finding out!! If you know either of us very well, you know we're both competitive and stubborn. Well, when we found out we were expecting, I wanted to know as soon as I possibly could! After all, I am a planner!! Originally, if I could have the sex, name, date, time, etc. picked out, I would!! But, Brad didn't want to find out and felt very strongly about it. I really didn't want to give in to him, but I have! So, I have lost to him once again. In case you are wondering why...I have really changed the way I think about things since being pregnant. I cannot believe how different love feels. Everytime I hear the heartbeat or see the ultrasound, I realize that it makes absolutely no difference to me if it's a boy or girl, when it comes, or whether or not everything is perfect and in place before the arrival. My only hope is for a happy, healthy baby!! And, I'm never good with surprises, but this is one that I think will make both of us happy and that much more excited about! To have a little fun with this, I have created a poll on our blog so you can vote for what you think it is -- a boy or girl!?

On a side note, I feel very strongly that I know what it is anyway! :)

Thank you for the prayers!
Love,
Kari

December 17, 2009 Appt.

So excited!! We had a doctor's appointment today - another ultrasound. Little peanut is growing like crazy!! I don't think either of us could believe how much it had grown. No wonder I haven't been feeling well! We also got to see the little peanut kicking up a storm! I personally think "it" was running a marathon. :) The little heartrate was 173, which seemed high to me, but the doctor said it was fine. I guess my heartrate would be high if I was running a marathon, too! :) Actually, I'm feeling kind of guilty because I have a feeling I stressed the baby out with all the Bearcat football games. So glad the season is over and that we got a National Championship out of it! At least the stress was worth it. Plus, we all know little peanut will be a Bearcat fan from day 1! I was also secretly excited because I measured 9 weeks / 3 days. According to the previous appointment, I was supposed to be exactly 9 weeks today. So, I still think I'm due closer to the 7/10 date!! Call it a mother's intuition, but I think I'm right on this one!! Otherwise, I still have partial placenta previa. So, they will continue to monitor that closely. Our next appointment is January 14th. Until then, thanks for all the prayers!! Keep them coming!

Merry Christmas to all of you!! I can't believe how quickly each year goes by. I hope you each get to spend it with loved ones. Enjoy!!

Love, Kari

New Due Date

We went to our first doctor's appointment today and got to hear the heartbeat!! It was 145 so we were very relieved to hear that and know it's healthy!! Not only that, it made it all seem so real! We have pictures of our little peanut!! I was a little shocked by the due date. Apparently, I measured smaller than originally calculated. I was originally scheduled for 7/10/10, but today, we were told 7/22/10. That was a little bit of a shock for me, but everyone has said not to worry about it! So, I will attempt to stop worrying!! :) Next appointment: 12/17/09. Please continue to say prayers for little peanut!

Love you all,
Kari

Announcement

Brad and I are happy to announce that we are expecting our first baby! It has been so much fun sharing our joy with all of our family and friends. Everyone has been so supportive and happy for us. We definitely realize once again just how important you all are to us. It is sometimes hard to be in Iowa, hours away from most of you. But, through tools such as this, we hope we can keep you up-to-date on our journey of meeting Baby Woodard. Thank goodness for technology! We hope you enjoy keeping up with us. Thank you in advance for all the love and support over the past years and years to come!!

So...what's the story up to this point? Well here you go...

On November 5th, I left work at 2:00 because I was absolutely exhausted! Just thought it was the weather or even the flu. On Friday, November 6th, I had a funny feeling that maybe I should take a test. So, I did...ok, maybe I took 6! And, believe it or not, 5 out of the 6 tests said I was pregnant. I think I was in shock. But, on November 7th, I was sure of it considering how I was feeling. We were set to spend a fun weekend in Des Moines, but it wasn't so fun. I felt horrible most of the day on Saturday. On Monday, November 9th, I confirmed that I was pregnant with my family doctor. And, on Wednesday, November 11th, I saw my OBGYN for the first time for blood work. Three weeks later, we are waiting for our first ultrasound appointment...to hopefully hear the heartbeat. The last three weeks have been so hard...keeping our bundle of joy secret from family and friends. It was so hard hiding it from my Mom. She could tell something was up, but I don't think she expected it to be a baby!! Brad felt very strongly that we should wait to tell them in person over Thanksgiving! I found a skinny wood sign that read, "Grandchildren complete the circle of life." I showed it to Mom and Dad within 10 minutes of them getting here. They were very happy!! I did have to tell my friend Angie November 11th. She is also pregnant and I had to talk to someone about how I was feeling!! She is due 6/10/10 so that will be so much fun sharing the experience with her. I also found out my friend Kim is also expecting 6/10/10. So, again, I just feel so blessed that I have such a support system!!

What's next? We go to the doctor on Monday, November 30th at 8:30 am. I don't plan on sending out this blog until after then so hopefully we will have another post updating you on how our little one is doing!! We certainly appreciate any and all prayers that we have a happy, healthy baby!!

Love you all...
Kari