Aubrey's first kick -- May 17, 2008

This weekend we had a great time on our "Babymoon" in Destin, Fl. Stephanie, Ronald, Laura, and Keeley meet us down there and we eat, they drank, and we all layed out! After a big lunch on Saturday, we went back to the beach to lay out some more. I dug a hole in the sand and put my belly inside so I could lay on my stomach and not be uncomfortable. The music was playing and I was about to take a snooze when all of a sudden I felt something in my belly (no, it was not gas but I thought it was at first)!!! Aubrey started kicking for me! WOW, can I say this is cool! I feel her all the time now but she is still gentle with her kicks! She was most active on the beach so we know she will be a sun baby!
What a great way to top off a great trip. Shame on us, we did not take any pictures. We did get the nursery 90% done, now we just need to decorate (my favorite part)!!! I will take a picture soon so you can see the room and how big my belly is getting. I officially feel pregnant :)
cheers!
Sandy

Mother's Day 2008

Dearest Aubrey
You have already shown me what a joy it is going to be to have you in our lives! I had my first mother's day/weekend and I couldn't have asked for a better celebration of your arrival! Your dad and I spent the whole weekend "nesting." The guest bedroom is officially cleaned out and ready to become your nursery. The workers will come this week, the furniture will be delivered on Thursday, and by Thursday night, your room will be pretty much finished... we will just have to add decor!
Your dad was extra sweet this weekend. He is so much fun to plan with! Your friends, family, and neighbors were thinking about you too this weekend. We received cards and Melody gave you your first bunny!

I know we still have 4 months and will not rush anything, but we are all anticipating your arrival!
love, mom

It's A Girl!

We found out the news this Thursday morning that we are going to be blessed with a baby girl. As you can imagine this is going to be quite a change for me since I have a brother and no sisters (and two male dogs). Although Sandy is extremely patient with me, I still don't understand women at all. That's probably a sentiment shared by about 95% of the rest of the male population. That's okay, because I couldn't be happier about having a daughter.

Due to scanner issues, I don't have the picture ready to post and due to my computer ignorance, I don't know how to post the DVD of the ultrasound so y'all will just have to wait.

I will say this, Sandy and I got to share the most special moment in our lives in the ultrasound room. When the technician was taking measurements of the baby's head, baby Williams looked up at us and gave us the biggest smile. Sandy immediatley turned into a water fountain and I have to admit that my eyes even got a little bit moist. The bad news is that moment is not captured on the DVD. The good news is the technician was able to catch a picture of it.

That's enough for today. I should have the pictures posted on here by Monday so you can all get you first glimpse at the smile that is going to melt her father's heart for years to come.

Pregnancy: Month 4
-Steve

16 weeks and showing

Yep, Barefoot AND pregnant :)

Getting hard to believe we only have about 23 weeks left!!! My belly feels like it is growing everyday. I am starting to rub my hands over it occasionally (which is something I had never understood before I became pregnant). Steve now is saying I look pregnant instead of saying that it looked like I just ate a BURRITO!!!

14 week appointment

Today I got to hear the heartbeat... what an amazing sound! The nurses were really great so it made the experience even better! I am still loosing weight and I am not sure why except that I have stopped eating so much junk food that my body doesn't know what to think!!! They did find protein in my urine so they will be doing more tests to make sure it is nothing serious. I am going to keep an eye on my blood pressure over the next month to see if I am developing high blood pressure. So far no signs, but just being cautious!!!
The next appointment is in 4 weeks and we will definitely get to have an ultrasound and find out the gender!!! Very exciting to think about!
I am still feeling good except my allergies are killing me. Creating a few headaches and pressure around the eyes. Although it is normal to be conjested during pregnany, it is not normal for me!!!! This little one is preparing me to be tough, and I am ready for the challange!!!
much love, sandy

first trimester... DONE!!!

Yipee!!! We have officially made it through the first trimester! Although I wasn't an awful 13 weeks, I have to say I didn't feel 100%. Nausea was something that was unfamilar to me and it seems like I am over the hump! I seem to have more energy so work is a little easier :) I still cannot stay up past 10pm and Steve is wondering if this will ever change! I think I like going to bed early :)
A full nights sleep is still something I miss. I have increased my trips to bathroom to twice per night. My belly is starting to grow and I might take a picture soon! Still getting used to the idea of being excited about having a belly!!!! I am actually loving my maternity clothes and have been wearing them earlier than needed. ;) I also caved (pressure from Laura Upton) and looked online to try and figure out the gender of the baby! Based on the chinese gender calendar, we are predicted to have a boy!!!
Our next appointment is April 10th and we will just get blood work and I think check the heartbeat. Hopefully we will find out the true gender on the next appointment around week 18. I will keep you posted!!!
Sorry for the lack of updates, as you can see, our lives haven't changed too much so far! The basement is getting close to done and we are THRILLED!!! Thanks to everyone for their love and support during this time. It is great to know we have such a good friends and family to get through these uncertain times!!!

Advice for the parents

As part of this journey, both of us have solicited much needed advice from our friends and family (thanks to all of you). Please keep the comments coming, Lord knows we (or at least Steve) need all the help we can get.