Just a glimpse...

Last Thursday it finally hit us that there really was a baby growing inside of me! We went in to hear the heart beat and honestly, I was a little disappointed because it wasn't very loud and we didn't get to hear it that long. Still, it was so amazing to hear! As we were listening I told the doctor, "So it sounds like there's only one in there." She said she thought there was only one but since twins run on both sides of our family she ordered an ultrasound to make sure. We were ecstatic!!!!!

We went out front to schedule our ultrasound, and the nurse told us that the next appointment never showed! We were able to get the ultrasound done on that day! So we watched in awe as our little baby moved his/her hands and feet. It looked like he/she might have been sucking its thumb in one of the pictures:) We were astounded that God had already formed in our baby, who is only 10 weeks old, so many things: organs, fingernails, roots for teeth, etc! We were very thankful that there was only one baby in there this time!













Baby Finn! We were surprised to be able to see the brain and spinal cord!













Baby Finn says hello to the world!

We're Having a Baby!

Cody and I found out on Mother's Day 2009 that we will be having a baby! We woke up around 5am that morning because we were so excited that we might possibly be pregnant. So I took the test, but I was too nervous to watch, so I asked Cody if he would. Meanwhile, I went back to the bedroom and counted down the minutes. After time was up I saw Cody go into our guest room, and he came back holding a gift and said, Happy Mother's Day Mommy! (He made me a homemade card with my Cuddlebug too! It was adorable:) I was shocked! We had been trying for awhile, and I had just had some blood work completed for possible infertility issues, but God answered loud and clear... We are having a baby!

We were so excited and wanted to tell our parents quickly but there were two problems: My parents were in England visiting my sister, and Cody's parents were in Alabama for Cody's brother's college graduation. So we waited 2 weeks for everything to settle down and we gave my parents a picture book, and Cody's parents a mini scrapbook which contained a poem that we had written, and these pictures. They were both special moments!

I have not felt terrible through the pregnancy. I've been extremely tired with waves of nausea here and there. The worst I felt so far was when we were on vacation, but even that wasn't too bad! Cody has already been so supportive and caring. He's going to be a great dad! The baby is due January 16, 2010. Today I am 12 weeks pregnant and we are going to the doctor's at 2pm to hear the heartbeat! We are nervous (that everything is OK) and excited! Please pray that the baby is growing correctly and healthy!

Europe 2009

Cody and I had the trip of a lifetime from June 17-June 28th! We were blessed to be able to travel to Paris, France, Dublin, Ireland, and London, England while visiting my sister Melissa. Fun times were shared by all as we ate crepes, saved Melissa from a Kookaburra at the zoo, hiked various trails in Ireland, and took in "Wicked" in London. IT WAS BRILLIANT! (As they say over in England)

Cody and I flew into London on Thursday morning and headed straight to Paris. Our flight was 8 hours long, and then it took us another 3 hours to arrive in Paris. We were very tired by the time we arrived at our hotel, so we took showers and a 1 hour power nap before we ate dinner and saw the city. That evening we were able to see the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The pure size of both of these monuments was amazing! We also met a new friend while waiting in line who lives in Las Vegas. We were very thankful to meet him because we talked for hours and it made waiting in line for the Eiffel Tower pass quickly!

The next day Cody and I visited the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Cqeur, and the Louvre. The Moulin Rouge looked nothing like the movie had painted it; it was very simple and shows are still performed there today. It is also in the red light district of Paris which is also where our hotel was located- a very eye opening experience to say the least. The Sacre Cqeur and the Louvre were both interesting but we were ready to go see Melissa.

Melissa picked us up on Friday night from the train station. We got some much needed rest and went to the zoo the next morning with Mel and her roommate Devon (from New Zealand:) We saw the cutest giraffes and we thought this kookaburra was cute until it swooped at Mel's head! Sunday we went to church with Melissa and packed for Ireland.

Monday through Thursday we spent in Dublin, Ireland. We took a 1 hour plane ride from Southampton, England and arrived in Dublin. We stayed at the Fitzpatrick Castle in Ireland. It was so nice! We also rented a car, and Cody and Roger (Mel's GPS) safely navigated us around Dublin. We spent time in the city the first three days going to the Dalkey and Dublin Castles, The Guiness Storehouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol ("goal" pronounced "jail"), a viking expedition, and the last day we spent at Wicklow National Park hiking in the beautiful Irish countryside.

~On our way to dinner in Ireland

~The Dublin Castle

~Goofing off at the Viking Expedition

~Mel had to give me blood for a medical

condition. This was at the Dalkey Castle.

~Trying to get to the National Park

THE BEAUTIFUL IRISH SCENERY!

We spent our last two full days in England taking in "Wicked" in London. It was truly amazing with elaborate set designs, costumes, and songs! We also attended Melissa's summer social. It was a picnic hosted by her work for all of the blind students and the people who board and walk the dogs. (My sister is a seeing eye dog trainer). We enjoyed seeing where she works and eating English scones. I tried to recreate the scones at home, but with no luck. They weren't as good as the ones in England:(

Then on Sunday, morning Mel dropped us off at the airport! (Thanks for driving us there Mel!) We were back on US soil by Sunday afternoon. Seth, Becky, and Hannah picked us up at the airport. It was so great to see them and relax at their house for a little while before heading home. Thank you so much for picking us up Seth, Becky, and Hannah! We are so thankful for great friends and family who made this trip easier and for the opportunity to be able to travel before our family expands!