Trains, Trucks, and Tractors!

   At least that's what I think will be in our future! We are having a BOY! I wasn't surprised, I knew it was going to be a boy, as much as I knew Grace was a girl; I suppose God gave me that inclination because I have no scientific reasoning as to why I know, I just do. I guess I have to add that we found out at our 16 week appointment, so as of now it's not 100% guaranteed, but it's close 80-90%. Daniel is keeping his excitement slightly contained because of that number, so in a month it will be even more official! I, however, cannot wait and want to tell everyone! We would have been excited for a girl too, a companion sister for Grace only two years apart would be so wonderful, but I think we both hoped for a little boy.
   We have the same dilemma with Grace as we are thinking of names. We had a set girls name this round, but can't settle on a boys. There are so many choices and Grace's name is perfect for her! I just want this little man to have the same type of name; one that is solid, has meaning, and people remember. It doesn't need to be beautiful, but I want it to have some weight. As with Grace, we're not going to tell anyone, that will be a surprise.
   It is so much fun to go into Target and look at the baby stuff again. I went over the other day and for the first time saw all the boy items that were for sale and just smiled, such a fun new experience! We have all the big stuff, we may swap a couple things, considering how little space we have to welcome this little man, however clothes will be lots of fun!

  It's amazing to think that God has given us a boy! I asked, but didn't know if that would be our path or not. I'm thankful today for God's gift, and if we're wrong and in a month he turns out to be a girl, I'll still be thankful for her.... because God is faithful, and He loves us so much, and children are one of the best ways I can think he shows His love; whether those children end up being brought to us by ourselves, other parents, petri dishes, you name it... they're all a gift.

Ciao!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.   James 1:17

Round Two

    Things have changed around our little home. In April we found out that we're expecting number two! It was a surprise, but a welcomed one, as we had planned on trying for baby number two in late summer. Of course we know how it happened, but when it happened was a little surprising for me! Daniel was teasing me  about being so sleepy and kept saying, "I bet you're pregnant!" I was adamant that I was not, I have a toddler and I'm working night shifts, that's tiring! He wouldn't stop though, so I took a test just to prove him wrong. Now, if anyone has ever pee'd on a stick before :), the least optimal time to do it is four days before your cycle, and in the middle of the day without much in there. That was what I did, and I was absolutely speechless when I went back and it showed positive! I just stood there looking at it repeating, "oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" I'm not good at keeping things from Daniel, so of course I immediately called him at school and yelled into the phone, "Daniel I"M PREGNANT!" I think he was in the library or something. He just laughed, and laughed some more and when he could speak, said, "I told you so."
   I was a bit nervous that there were two in there because the tiredness got a LOT worse, and the nausea that came at week 6 was more intense as well. At week 8 when we finally went in, we breathed a little tiny sigh of relief that there was only one, perfectly formed being in there. I was a little further along than I thought, just by a couple days, but it explained the early positive test. Things have mimicked Grace's pregnancy for the most part. I had nausea from week 6 to week 9.5, and tiredness the whole first trimester. This week is the 14th week and I feel like I'm back to my normal self. I actually got things done in the last two days! I think Daniel was on his last rope as far as patience and dealing with my laziness, so the second trimester couldn't have come fast enough! It's still hard with night shifts and a toddler, but it's more manageable.
   The irony of it all is that our surprise pregnancy has a due date of January 3, 2013... Grace was due January 1, 2011. All I could and can still think is that we are going to have the most EXPENSIVE Christmas season from here on out! It will be fun, and I will enjoy making it special for Grace and her younger sibling, but sometimes the dollar signs make both Daniel and I cringe :).

  I will write more of our June and July adventures, but for now, here are some pictures of Grace making Daddy's Father's Day present. She's getting bigger every day and has more personality and energy than we know what to do with at times!

Ciao!