18 weeks along!

Only 9 more days until we find out baby's gender!!!! We are absolutely DYING to know!! Thank goodness we have been so busy the past couple weeks, or else I really think I would have gone crazy by this point. The family reunion in Virginia and the week following in Myrtle Beach was so much fun. It was great to be able to spend time with family that we don't get to see very often. We drove straight through on Sunday from South Carolina (yuck! 16 and a half our car ride) and arrived home early Monday morning. On Tuesday, Linley and our niece Ryley flew in from Arizona and it's been so much fun being able to spend so much time with them. Ryley, now 3 months old, is an absolute doll. (I'll post some pictures sometime early next week). I was suppose to go out to Arizona in May after she was born to meet her, but my crazy morning sickness prevented me from making the trip. It's been so great hanging out with them this week and getting a sneak peak as to what life will be like in less than 5 months :) We will be busy this coming week celebrating our 2 year anniversary! It's so hard to believe that it's really been 2 years. We have been blessed beyond belief and are so excited to start a new chapter of life together. Kevin has exceeded my expectations as a boyfriend, fiance, and husband, and I truly can't wait to see him take on a new role as daddy.

I have exciting news to share... I can now feel baby's movements! At 16 weeks 1 day I started feeling "flutters" and then got three little kicks at 16 weeks 5 days. I wasn't able to feel anything again until this past Thursday (18 weeks 1 day). I was on my way home from visiting with Linley and Ryley, and felt movement for a full 25+ minutes. It is absolutely amazing. I can't wait until they become more constant and when you are able to feel them from the outside. I think both baby and I have had a big growth spirt the past couple weeks. I am now not only officially feeling pregnant, but looking pregnant... finally!

16 week appointment

We had another Doctor's appointment yesterday. Everything is still going great and baby and I are right where we should be. We were able to hear baby's heartbeat again, this time pounding away at 166 beats per minute. I was getting a little nervous because the nurse was having a hard time finding the heartbeat at first, but it turns out that she/he was just trying to hide from the doppler. Baby is definitely on the go. I haven't felt any movements or "flutters" yet, but they should be coming soon. We officially have the BIG ultrasound scheduled!! August 3rd at 9am we will FINALLY find out if we are going to be welcoming a little boy or girl. We cannot wait! I'm ready to do some major shopping and get started on the nursery. It's hard to believe that I will be at the halfway point by then!

We are leaving for vacation tomorrow and won't be back until the 20th. We are both ready for some much needed relaxation and quality time with family. We are going to be in VA from tomorrow-Sunday for a family reunion and then are going to Myrtle Beach SC for a full week of sand, sun, ocean, and fun! I'll post some pictures when we get back.