A Very Sweet Announcement

Yep - we are having a sweet baby boy in September (9/3 is my due date) (praying that I make it full term this time!). And as you an tell, this sweet baby was not shy about showing off his little parts:He also refused to give a profile shot, choosing instead to lie on his tummy and bury his face:
Here's the story: I've been praying for this little one for a long time - I knew pretty much after having Juliet that it didn't feel "complete". It took a bit for Colin to join me in this, but once he did, I started praying for a healthy baby girl for Juliet. Truly, I didn't really ever doubt that God would grant my prayer - why wouldn't he want to give her a sister? I even have prayer journal entries to prove it. It was a selfless prayer, because I feel that every girl deserves a sister.

After a few months (and on Christmas Day, no less) I got a positive pregnancy test. We both really wanted to keep this one on the down low for awhile since I knew there were people that would have less than excited reactions. They would think I was 1) crazy; or 2) Mormon. And perhaps I am a bit crazy, but I know that God has put it on my heart to have a bigger family, and I know I can't go wrong with that.

Keeping this one a secret was hard since I have been sicker than with any other pregnancy - battling motion sickness even when watching TV (what?!) and barely able to function to take care of the kiddos. I was advised by Kaiser at 9 weeks that I am high risk (since I delivered Juliet early) and would be closely monitored. Also, they wanted me to come in for further testing for Downs Syndrome. I declined the testing and have been waiting for my 20 week ultrasound to check for any markers of Downs.

Today was my ultrasound appointment at the Perinatology clinic up at St. Vincent's and I could hardly eat breakfast, knowing that I may find a baby with heart issues, Downs, cleft palate and any other deformity or disease you could imagine. My blood pressure was pretty high and my nerves were shot. As the tech scanned the baby (a more detailed scan than normal, since I am high risk) she kept saying that everything looked good. She also found the gender of the baby immediately and I sat in shock that this is not a girl. Not a girl?! What is Juliet going to do now?? =) It only took a few moments to remember my prayer and know that this was the baby God wanted for our family, boy or girl and I now find myself elated that he is healthy and will be joining a family that adores him. I don't take a healthy baby for granted any more (not after practically living at the NICU for weeks).

Also - I have been getting weekly shots of progesterone which gives me a 30% better chance of carrying to term. They will end at 36 weeks.

The Lord has a funny sense of humor, yet I still find myself in awe of the blessings he bestows.