My baby brother, Conner, got his mission call on Wednesday and is going to Hiroshima, Japan. He had to wait until after midnight to open it because he wanted the whole family to be there. I can't believe he's this old. I'm gonna miss the little tike. He doesn't leave until March 25th, which I'm kind of glad about (it occurred to me when he put in his papers that he could be in the MTC for Christmas because his birthday is just a few days after, and I didn't want that) but I'm sure is kind of frustrating for him. I could see that. I mean, after waiting for the call and then finding out you have to wait 4 months until you can go...hmmmm. Anyway, it's also kind of neat because he could possibly be around to meet his newest niece, and probably will meet one of his nephews that's on the way (both my sister-in-law and my oldest sister are due two weeks before and two weeks after me, respectively, and they're both having boys). Of course, I could also be in labor when he goes into the MTC (I'm due March 29th, I don't know if I've mentioned that). I'm proud of you, Conner! You're the best lil brudder ever!
We're having a girl!! Mike and I are definitely thrilled (which we would have been if it was a boy, too). I'm just glad that everything they measured in the ultrasound was normal and looking good. She's actually measuring a week ahead- I think it's because she's as anxious to get here as we are to see her. As you will see in the pictures below, she is obviously the cutest thing in the world. There she is. The profile pictures are both me and Mike's favorite, but I also thought her little legs were so cute. She was stretched out a lot of the time, though on the DVD you can see her reach up and grab her toes and give me a couple good kicks. When we first saw her, I made a comment about how she usually is punching me, and right then, as though on cue, her little arms started pumping. The bottom picture is another of my favorites because she's all stretched out, ankles crossed, relaxing. Although she was being very modest, the ultrasound technician was very skilled and managed to get some pictures proving she is very much a lady. Getting the ultrasound was very fun. Neither Mike nor I had any trouble figuring out what the pictures were of (the technician commented that we seemed more able than some to follow what was going on, which I am a little bit proud of), and most of all, it was just wonderful to see her and know that everything was looking good. Mike and my mom apparently coordinated forces to make Monday extra awesome. Not only did I get to find out that I was having a little girl, but when Mike and I got home from school, I found a bag my mom had left for me that had a little bib and a onesie in it. The onesie is green with pink and purple flowers (so cute) and is still sitting on our piano bench and every time I see it it just makes me grin. And not to brag about how great my husband is for two posts in a row, or anything, but I have to say, he is the best. He went out on Monday night (the day we had the ultrasound) to run an errand or something, and when he came back... TA-DA! Two dozen pale yellow roses with pink edges! And the Willow figurine of the pregnant woman, "Cherish." It was so sweet. No wonder I love this guy.
Here's why Mike is great: - He is the best husband in the world - Makes me laugh all the time - It's easy to see how important his family and friends are to him - He takes care of me - He works so hard to be a good provider for our family (and succeeds) - Puts up with me when I am being ridiculous - Does such a good job of being the priesthood leader in our home - He is genuinely kind - So so handsome (seriously, such a babe) - Supports and encourages me when I struggle - Gives the best back rubs ever (this has been increasingly important since I've been pregnant) - Is wonderfully affectionate - Likes Pride & Prejudice (although he's probably only ever seriously admitted that to me) - Always willing to compromise - He's going to be a wonderful daddy (and I'm comparing him to a very high standard- my dad and his dad) - I have so much fun with him, whatever it is we're doing - He's so thoughtful - Great friend - Computer whiz (which is especially great, because I am not) - Always takes out the garbage - Listens to me even when it's stuff that I know he doesn't care about that much (i.e. home decorating) - So loving
My handsome husband turned 25 on Saturday. He got to camp out with the scouts for the night before his birthday and then came home Saturday and got to relax for awhile before we went to Tucanos for dinner and then to the new James Bond movie. The next day we celebrated with my family (combined with Kaid's birthday) and then with his family. I'm so glad that I get to celebrate all the rest of his birthdays with him.
This song was on my friend Emily's blog and it really touched me. I thought of all the friends I have that want so badly to have a child and either can't or haven't been able to yet. I can't imagine the heartache that so many couples experience as they see other couples around them, their friends and family, become pregnant and expand their families without the aid of doctors and nurses and adoption agencies, while they struggle with these procedures. There are so many wonderful women that would be such wonderful mothers, but are denied or delayed in being given the gift of children. I guess I don't realize often enough how lucky and blessed Mike and I are to have this opportunity to be parents. I am so grateful.
