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