16 week dr. appointment - September 29, 2008

We had our 16 week appointment today....Everything went very well! Got to listen to the heartbeat again - my favorite part! The dr. did my first fundal height measurement. The fundal height is the distance from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone and allows understanding for how much the uterus has grown. This number often coordinates with the number of weeks in pregnancy. I measured 16cm, which matches up since we're 16 weeks pregnant!

Our next appointment is in one month - October 28th. This will also be our next ultrasound and the opportunity to find out if Poppy is a boy or a girl! However, we thought it would be more fun to keep the suspense going and not find out until "it" arrives in March! -Monica

15 weeks pregnant - September 22, 2008

Continuing to feel the growth! Put on my first two pairs of pants last week that wouldn't button. Don't think maternity clothes are too far away! Still feeling great....My appetite has decreased some, not taking too many naps, getting out with Bailey for about 15-20 miles/week and trying to get Joe to give me more back rubs! -Monica

12 week dr. appointment - September 11, 2008

Even though we're more than half way through our 13th week, we had our 12 week dr. appointment today! Still feeling great and so glad to know the first trimester is over. We were able to hear Poppy's heartbeat today...such a miraculous (and relieving) sound! The dr. told us that after hearing the heartbeat today, we have a less than 1% chance of miscarriage. He also said everything looked good- my weight gain, urine test, blood test, etc. We are continuously thankful for this amazing blessing! -Monica

12 weeks pregnant - September 2, 2008

Yeah- 12 weeks! I've been feeling good- Starting to feel like I'm getting more energy and definitely beginning to feel the tummy growth! I registered for the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day and am really looking forward to it! My parents will be in town for the holiday so we've decided to all do it! Half-Marathon training and Bailey will keep me outside and active throughout the fall! Praying for continued healthiness for myself and Poppy! -Monica

9 weeks pregnant - August 11, 2008

This is the start of the "belly pictures!" Since we now know how far along we are, we thought it would be fun to document the growth that is going to occur over the next 7 months!

We're more than half way through the first trimester and hoping I continue to feel well! At this point, I think my biggest "symptom" is feeling tired (I mean really tired!) by the end of the day. I've never been much of a napper, but I must say, I am enjoying the little naps I can sneak in here and there! -Monica

First picture of Poppy! - August 4, 2008

We had our first ultrasound on August 4th. What an absolutely amazing experience! Based on Monica's LMP and the crown-rump length, Poppy is due on March 15, 2009! We got to hear the heartbeat for the first time - a sound that can instantly bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face!
Wonder if it's a boy or a girl????? We'll all find out in March! -Monica

We're gonna be parents! - July 3, 2008

On July 3, 2008, we found out we're going to be parents! We feel extremely blessed and can't wait to meet the little one!

Until that incredible time comes in March, we've decided we're going to call it Poppy since it was the size of a poppy seed when we learned about it!

"Let's go fishing, Daddy!"

This picture (that will hang in Poppy's nursery) is how Joe
found out he is going to be a daddy!

-Monica