Almost to the half way point!

We are are just in the beginning of the 19th week. This pregnancy is flying by! I feel like it was just a month ago that we announced the big news to everyone. This little baby will be here in no time. We still haven't picked any names. I think once we have the sonogram on Friday, we will start thinking more seriously about it. Joe can't wait to find out. I tried my best to talk him into waiting but he just can't seem to do it. Most of my friends and family thinks it will be another boy. For Joseph, that would be wonderful. Its hard to picture him as a big brother though. I don't mind either way. We have at least one of each, so I will feel blessed with whatever we get.

Here is some interesting facts about the baby at 19 weeks:

By pregnancy week 19, your baby may be as big as 6 inches long and may weigh up to 8.5 ounces! About the size of a Mango. The nerves cells for each of the senses: hearing, smelling, tasting, seeing and touching are developing in their very own parts of the brain now. Your baby's bones are beginning to harden and the muscles are becoming stronger.

We are getting very excited to meet our new little one, but a little more nervous about having 4 kids. I think most of the nerves come from what it will be like having Joseph and a new baby. He is still developmentally at about a 6-7 mo baby. So, for a while I guess it will be like having twins. People do that all the time though, so we can too, Right?

Anyway, my next post will probably be after our appointment this Friday. Here is a quick look at what the baby looks like at 19 weeks! (the sono at the bottom is not of my baby, just a random picture from google)

Sweet 16!

We are now at the 16 week point and my ever growing belly is HUGE! I cant believe how big I am for only 4 months. I suppose my body knows exactly what to do and is wasting no time doing it. Here are some interesting facts about the baby's development...

How your baby's growing:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

It makes me excited to know the baby is growing rapidly. Even with this being my 4th pregnancy, the miracle never ceases to amaze me. Every once in a while Joe will ask me to get something for him and sometimes I cant help but respond with "But I'm making a baby right now. It's taking all of my extra energy so I cant do that for you. Sorry!" Naturally he doesn't seem amused by it but will humor me anyway. :) I have an appointment next Wednesday which will just be the routine visit. The next appointment however is the one Joe has been waiting for. We will have a sonogram to see the growth of the baby and possibly determine the sex. I'm still trying to convince Joe to wait it out since its our last one, but he just can't seem to do it. Sooooooo...we might just have to make everyone else wait instead!!!

"The Devine gift of Gratitude"

So the past 2 days we have had the pleasure of enjoying General Conference. It is something to be excited about considering it only comes twice a year. We are sooooo blessed to have church leaders who care enough to set aside this time to speak to us. The topics are always spot on to the things we need and want to hear. I always enjoy the talks, but look forward to the prophets words.

I was able to listen to President Monson speak about gratitude today. The tenderness in his voice was so comforting and peaceful. He described it so perfectly several times throughout his talk. Honestly, whether you are a member or not, you can benefit from this.

"Let us not wait, until it's to late to express that gratitude"

"Often we feel grateful, and intend to express our thanks, but forget to do so or just don't get around to it.  Someone has said that feeling gratitude is not expressing...its like wrapping a present and not giving it"

Just some of the many quotes from his talk, but a couple of my favorites. You can see the majority of his talk here.

I tried to have my girls sit with my downstairs as I watched the first Sunday session. Naturally it could not keep their attention so they began to color. Hailey decided to draw each speaker and write their name below it. I wanted them to at least see the Prophet and hear his voice. It was good for them to see something other than just a picture.

I have replayed has talk several times today just to hear bits and pieces. I hope to live his words and not just enjoy them. I hope to teach them to my children. Not just in lessons, but by example. Gratitude is such a big part of life. We each have so much to be thankful for. As the fall season sets in, and the holidays approach us, I hope we all remember to express our gratitude.