It's a Boy...or a Girl!

We're halfway there! My belly has surpassed the "baby bump" stage as Baby Shirley wants the world to know he/she is growing quickly! Jesse's been experiencing sympathy pregnancy. He requires more sleep than I do! However, he's still fixing most of our meals and making sure we're happy, healthy, and comfortable. Since the baby's ears have developed, Jesse has been reading to the baby and me almost every night. Our favorite book so far is Oh Baby, The Places You'll Go!, an in utero introduction to the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss. The baby flutters around when hearing Daddy's voice, and the rhythm of the story puts me into a sound sleep.

After we both survived the flu, we finally got to meet our little one again during our delayed 20-week checkup. At 21 weeks, 3 days, the baby's measurements are right on track. Baby Shirley is 15 ounces with 150 heartbeats per minute. In the spirit of preserving one of life's greatest surprises, we chose not to find out the sex.

Maxin' and Relaxin'

Here's Looking at You

Kickin' It

(Hello Goodbye) I Say Hello

Although we watched as the baby threw some punches and kicks, Jesse thinks the baby luckily has his temperment as he/she was mostly calm, even when the ultrasound technician gave extra pokes attempting to get better pics. Here's to hoping the baby gets the best from both of us!

***Editor's Note: In the last post, we introduced Liam Shirley. Liam is our nephew (Jesse's brother's son). Our baby, Baby Shirley, will arrive around February 27, 2010.  

One Shirley Stronger...

The past few weeks have been exceptionally eventful!

On August 29, William (Liam) Harper Shirley was born. As proud papa Casey says, "The world is one Shirley stronger." Be patient, Liam; your first cousin will be here soon!

Adorable Liam

On September 9, Jesse and I celebrated our third year wedding anniversary (and our seventh year first date anniversary). We vacationed in Orlando and went to Universal Studios, waded in the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale, and took our first cruise to the Bahamas. Good times, but we have a feeling this will be the last vacation we take for a long time!

Departing from the Bahamas

Then, pop! I've got a baby bump! We are 16 weeks, 3 days; Baby Shirley's heart rate is in the 150 range. We can't wait for the 20-week checkup because we get another ultrasound to see Baby Shirley! We will not find out the sex of the baby or reveal any names, so stay tuned for surprises due around February 27, 2010!

It's Official...

We've made it past the first trimester...and still so excited!!!

Our last appointment was yesterday; no pictures to share this time. Baby Shirley is doing great with a heart rate of 153 beats per minute.

So far, I've gained three pounds. Most clothing still fits (with the exception of a couple pairs of jeans that must be worn unbuttoned). The queasiness and exhaustion have subsided for now, and my appetite is growing. Most days I don't "feel" pregnant, but every now and again, I have the strangest sensations in my abdomen area. It's sort of like a stretching feeling or mild cramps, as if I can literally feel the area growing. Don't worry; the doctor said this is normal!

Jesse says he can tell my belly button has changed. How observant! I'm guessing this is a sign that I'll "pop" any day now!

Bust a Move...

Jesse continues to feed us good, healthy food (and I'm trying to sneak in ice cream whenever I can). Although the queasiness seems to have passed, I'm still learning that I need more rest than ever. I'm feeling better every day and cherishing every moment!

Baby Shirley received his/her first gift—a sock monkey named Jojo from Grandpa Rusty and Grandma Cindy Lou! We know the baby will love his/her new friend.

Baby's First Present

Thanks Grandpa Rusty and Grandma Cindy Lou!

Baby Shirley is right on track. He/she is 10 weeks, 4 days old. His/her heartbeat rate is 174 beats per minute. We can't believe how much he/she has grown in only two weeks!

Likes to Groove
Ultrasound August 5, 2009

Then, we sat in awe as we watched our baby bust a move! It was amazing! One second he/she had his/her head on one side, and then he/she completely flipped to the other side. He/she wiggled around so much—maybe he/she inherited Jesse's comedic performance or my dancing skills!?

Bust a Move

Ultrasound August 5, 2009

Our Little Gummi Bear...

What an experience! I've been nauseous, lost my appetite, and more tired than I ever thought possible—but I'm loving every minute of it! Jesse's been so supportive. He makes "us" (baby and me) breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day to ensure we're eating healthy. He does the grocery shopping, cleans our home, and even personally delivers flowers to me at work—all to keep us stress-free, happy, and rested.

Today, we had our second ultrasound. Again, we were counting down the days until we could see our baby. In the full body ultrasound, Baby Shirley's head is near the yolk sac with little arm buds sprouting below. As Jesse says, Baby Shirley has a Cabbage Patch doll's head with a gummi bear's body.

Full Body Ultrasound July 22, 2009

From head to hiney, Baby Shirley measures 1.94 cm.

Measurements Ultrasound July 22, 2009

Then, the most amazing thing happened. We could hear the heartbeat! Words cannot describe the overwhelming emotions and the instant unconditional love that comes from hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time.

Heartbeat Ultrasound July 22, 2009

Just the Beginning...

Friday, June 19th started the beginning of this beautiful journey. Jesse awoke to a pee stick waving in his sleepy face as I was jumping up and down with excitement. As soon as he saw the positive result, he got a glass of water and waited patiently for me to take another test. (We are part of the less than 1% that has experienced the false positive test.) With a second positive test and a confirmed blood test, we discovered we are pregnant!!!

A little over two weeks later...and we finally got to meet our baby and see the heartbeat! Baby Shirley is 6 weeks and 2 days old and due around February 27, 2010. As Jesse says, we're high on life and know it's only going to get better from here.

First Ultrasound July 8, 2009