Finding the Perfect Name

Once we found out that we were pregnant, we immediately began coming up with names. It seemed almost too easy to agree on the name. I think it was the first suggestion. We decided on Peyton, regardless of gender. It’s a name both Ethan and I have always liked. If you know me, you know that I love Peyton Manning, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. I even own his jersey and for the football season will proudly support him, even when playing against the Texans.
Since it could be for a boy or girl, we decided it was the perfect name. Of course, we still have to decide on a middle name, but once we know what we are having, we will decide.

Ultrasounds

We have been very lucky in the fact that we were able to have 2 ultrasounds before I was 12 weeks along.

The first was at our confirmation appointment. This was the first time we were able to see and hear the heartbeat. It was amazing. Our doctor, Dr. Richter is wonderful. She worked with Jill at St. Joseph's and immediately I was comfortable with her.

It was so amazing to be able to see the baby at 8 weeks, although it was only 1.67 cm long, we were able to see the flutter of the heartbeat.




Our second ultrasound was at the Center for Genetic Counseling at 12 weeks. We were very excited for this appointment, because this was more of a high tech ultrasound and it was possible for us to find out the sex of the baby. During the ultrasound, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong came on the radio. that is the song that I danced with my Dad at my wedding and needless to say, I was overcome by emotion. Of course, we couldn't tell the sex since the baby had it's legs crossed, but we'll still get to find out from a blood test in the next week.



It was cool to see the growth and changes already. I read constantly on all of the changes that are happening but to have pictures of the actual growth is pretty amazing.

The BIG Reveal

We had decided to wait until Mother's Day to tell our families the big news. The weekend before was Jennifer and Danny's Wedding and keeping it from everyone while there was pretty difficult. I had had morning sickness that lasted all day the week before leading up to the wedding and was concerned that being sick would give it away. While there we invited some family over to our house for a Mother's Day lunch.

So on Saturday, everyone came over and we gave Cindy a framed picture of the first ultra-sound. At first she just starred at it, and kept glancing at me and then back to the frame. After a few emotional moments, we revealed to everyone else that we were expecting! It was a great moment and the planning immediately began. Of course, since it was a surprise I didn’t get any pictures.

On Sunday we met at Jill’s, who was in on the surprise and had graciously agreed to host the event. For my family, Jill and I had worked out a plan and had pre-ordered a shirt for Avery. At first my Mom didn't get it, but other people started to catch on, her reaction was priceless.

Preparing to reveal the secret

Nana and Avery - before she read the shirt

Hugs all around

Happy Tears

Over the next week we shared the news with our friends and co-workers. We are very blessed to have so many people in our lives that care for us and are excited to share in our excitement.

And so it begins...

Ethan and I are proud to announce that we are expecting an addition to our family this December! We are a little overwhelmed, but very excited at the thought of being parents.

A little background on our relationship, Ethan and I first began dating when we were sophomores in high school. Over the years we had a couple of break ups, but always reconnected. We were married on September 8th, 2007 at our dream wedding and have been living happily ever after ever since.
We found out we were pregnant the week before Easter, but kept the secret until Mother's Day when we revealed the surprise to our families. It was very hard keeping something so big from everyone, especially when the morning sickness was 24 hours a day, but seeing everyone's reactions was priceless. Of course, I had told Jill beforehand as I have never been able to keep a secret from her. She can read me like a book and just before I had my first doctor's appointment, she called me out point blank. It was a relief to be able to talk to her about any fears and concerns and she even put in a good word with our doctor. It's very comforting to know that we have the support of both of our families as we begin our journey into parenthood.

I am going to do my best to keep this blog updated. I have been an avid blog follower and I love the idea of preserving memories and sharing them with family and friends. I am so excited to be on this journey and can't wait for the upcoming months.