Hi again!

Hi everyone.

Jon and I had a great visit with family yesterday, celebrating our niece's first birthday. We drove home in snow and somewhat slippery roads, but we made it back safe and sound! In the car I thought I was feeling some contractions, but I'm not exactly sure since I don't really know how they will feel. It was definitely pretty uncomfortable though and I'm almost certain that they were contractions.

Today was another doctor appointment as well as an ultrasound. Everything went well, I had the Group B Strep test and will know the results of that soon. They also did a non-stress test so they could monitor both Nathan's hearbeat and his movements. Both look very good! Nathan is head down. He is facing my left side, with his hands and feet on the left and his back on the right side. This confirms our suspicions that all the movements we've been feeling on the right side have, in fact, been him arching his back or pushing his butt out. And as of right now, Nathan weighs approximately 7 pounds! He is measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule, so it's possible that either he will arrive early, or we will have a big baby on our hands, or both. We are happy that he is continuing to grow well and is healthy!

On another note I went to Babies R Us today and got a little stuffed puppy for Nathan, and I picked out this diaper bag for me. It is not too big or too small, and has lots of great features. I like it a lot.

Another doctor visit

Hello and Happy day-after-Christmas. Hope everyone had a great holiday.

Today was another routine check-up. I didn't know this but apparently my BP went up a bit last week. 122/78 last week compared to 112/72 the week before, and 112/58 today. So at least now it is back where it should be. (Mine is normally quite low, between 110-113 for the top number.)

Nathan is still measuring right on target, so it seems that we have a perfect sized baby right now! We will know for sure after the ultrasound on Monday. The doctor almost did my Group B Strep test today but decided to wait until next week. He is going to see me for a regular appointment on Monday as well so that I won't have to go in twice next week.

Group B Strep (GBS) is a bacteria that is usually harmless in adults but can cause an infection in the newborn if the baby is delivered and the mom is carrying the bacteria. About 10-30% of pregnant women test positive for it. So it's a routine test for pregnant women and if I test positive, they'll give me antibiotics.

That's about it for now! Only 4 more weeks to go until the due date.

Happy First Birthday, Lillian!

Today our niece, Lillian, is turning one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LILLY!

Lots of Love,

Uncle Jon & Aunt Morgan

All is well

Had another appointment yesterday. Nathan is measuring right around average size, not very big or small at this point. The doctor thinks he is head down now but we aren't 100% certain. According to the doctor, he feels like he is head down, it's just not VERY obvious if he is. And there is no obvious head up high anywhere, so it's fairly certain he's head down. We'll know for sure at our next ultrasound which will be on December 31st. The next regular appointment is on December 26th. So everything is going well, just enjoying the holiday season!

"Getting Ready for Baby"

Last night Jon and I went to our first childbirth class, "Getting Ready for Baby." We ended about an hour early due to snow and slippery roads. It was a COLD night! This class continues for two more Monday nights, and a pediatrician as well as a new mom will be coming to talk to us and answer any questions. We will also be attending a Breastfeeding class this Thursday, and LaMaze classes in early January.

We enjoyed the class and also got a tour of the hospital. We covered several topics last night, mostly on what to expect after the baby is born, both in the hospital and when we take him home.

Some things we talked about:
-- Physical, emotional, emotional, and financial changes as new parents
-- Finding a doctor for your baby
-- What the hospital staff will do immediately after the baby is born, and why
-- Apgar scores
-- Baby's reflexes
-- Becoming aquainted with your baby
-- What the baby may look like as a newborn ("strange" things that are perfectly normal)
-- Our hospital's security measures
-- Jaundice
-- A newborn's hearing, eyesight, smell, touch, and taste
-- Typical infant behavior (due to immature nervous system, instinctive defense mechanisms, etc.)

A new baby is pretty amazing! :)

If you would like to check out the hospital where we will be having Nathan, you can go to http://www.uhs.net/womenshealth and then click "Maternity & Childbirth", or to see a great video about labor & delivery at the hospital, use the same link and then click "Take our Virtual Tour" and a download window will open (be sure your volume is turned up).

Nathan's room

Nathan's room is coming together! Here are a few preview pictures. We're still waiting on the ottoman from Babies R Us, and we want to get a few things like the matching lamp, and some soft wall hangings that will go above the changing table.
Next doctor appointment is on Monday, and childbirth classes start then too. Nathan likes to make his presence known in the mornings and late at night. He has taken to pushing my stomach out more so than kicking now...it's fun to watch and feel. Jon and I are both getting very excited to meet him!

Clothes and things in the closet

Crib

Changing table/dresser combo

Clothes in drawers

Combo and glider

Close up of glider and blanket

A different angle to give you an idea of the set up

View from the doorway

Shower #2

On Monday there was a combined baby shower at our church for me and two other ladies. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed getting to know some more people. We got some more of the usual things...outfits, blankets, bibs, pacis...we also got some bottle feeding accessories (bottle brush, warmer, and drying rack), gift cards, big box of diapers (yes!), books, little toys, bath items...etc.

Nathan seems to be doing well, he's getting a bit more active lately and it's pretty amusing sometimes. Our next appointment is Dec. 3rd, and we also start childbirth classes that same evening.

We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. We'll be traveling to Jon's parents' house for the day. These holidays are going to fly by this year.

On Sunday we're having some friends visit...can't wait to see you, Wes and Ashley!!! =D

Dr. Appointment

Today's appointment went well. The results from my glucose test were great. Once again the doctor said "perfect" when he measured my uterus. Nathan's heartbeat sounded really strong today...the doctor said, "that's a happy baby!"

Next appointment is December 5th. We have a brochure on childbirth classes at the hospital, and will be starting those soon.

Baby shower, belly pics, etc.

Jon's family put on a baby shower for us on Sunday. BIG thanks to them and espeically Jon's mom for a GREAT time and MANY wonderful gifts! Thank you Tracy for making the trip up despite the craziness...we really appreciate it and loved seeing you and Jesse. :)

In addition to some new things, we were also given some of Jon's outfits and books from when he was a baby, and also a coat had been hand-made by his grandmother. Here is a list of everything we now have, including things from before the shower, and from the shower:

Clothes (mostly 0-3 month sizes)
Onesies
Blankets
Sleep sacks
Snow suits
Crib sheets
Mattress pads
Pacies and clips
Burp cloths
Sling carrier
Care kit (nail clippers, thermometer, etc.)
Bouncer
Teething toy
Spoons
Books
Formula dispenser (container)
Crib/Mattress/Bedding set
Dresser/Changer/Changing pad
Glider/ottoman
Bibs
Baby bathtub
Diaper genie
Carseat
Pack n Play

So we are doing really well! There is also a combined shower for me and 2 other ladies at the Church on Monday evening (the 19th). Jon and I are also planning to get the swing and stroller (the frame one that the carseat fits into) sometime soon. Some of the furniture (the dresser/changer, and the rocker/glider) are not here yet but have been ordered, and/or are waiting for us at the store until we can pick them up. So once we have Nathan's room all set up, I'll definitely post pictures!

Here are some recent belly pics, (complete with stretch marks, lovely!) at approx. 30 weeks. I hadn't noticed much of a change until we took these pics, but there is a noticable difference. He's definitely growing!








I'm feeling pretty good, starting to get to that uncomfortable stage though...some back aches, and pain in my Sciatica that makes changing positions at night quite painful and difficult...not much fun when I'm waking up every couple hours or so! And the heartburn is still here on a regular basis...it's probably here to stay, at least for now. I'm not getting as much sleep lately, but I don't feel like I'm "missing" any either, so that's good. Nathan is working his leg muscles and making his presence known. Only ten more weeks to go!

Talk to you all again soon.

Cuteness

Here's Nathan's Going Home outfit that we picked out today!

Good News

We have good news from Jon's work. He is now in a different department that pays 30 cents more starting next week, plus he had his yearly review and qualified as "exceeds expectations" so he will be getting a 60 cent raise for that starting in December. So 90 cents total! And this new department closes at 9 pm, 10 pm during the holidays...so no more waiting til after 11:00 many nights for him to come home. We are really happy.

Saturday he is off work and we are probably going to start working on Nathan's room. Whenever it is finished I will definitely post pictures.

New Purchases

We went shopping this morning and were able to buy quite a few things we'll need for the baby. We're mainly trying to get the "big" things (ones that he'll actually use as a newborn) purchased. So for those who have our registry, you can see what we got today. Remember to look up our name, and then you have to scroll to the bottom of the registry page to see what items have been taken off.

We are also planning to place an order online for the swing, bouncer, play gym, and Graco SnugRider carseat frame (the stroller that the carseat fits onto). We'll probably do that tonight or tomorrow.

It's great, and definitely relieving, to have been able to get some more things that we needed. :)

No pics for you! Hahaha!

Okay...so some of you are asking for more belly pics, but I can't give them to ya. I don't look any different than I did in the last ones! So, sorry but maybe I'll grow more in the third trimester...we'll see. :) I "look small" for six months though of course everyone grows differently during their pregnancy, and Nathan's right on target with his size like the doctor said. So we'll see...maybe in another month or so I'll be huge. And then you can all see how huge I am. ;)

Doctor today

Today's doctor appointment went well. He took measurements and said "perfect." Next week I go to the hospital for my 1-hour glucose test and the Rhogam shot.

We also went and got some things for Nathan so now we have a crib, mattress and car seat. :)

3D Images

We're back from the 3D ultrasound. It was a lot of fun! Nathan was in a very funny position...he had his arms and his legs up by his face. So he was basically folded in half. He wouldn't give us any straight-on face shots, but we got some good profile pictures. At one point he seemed to be scratching his forehead with his toes, and another time he had his knee in his armpit -- we didn't know anyone could be so flexible! He was moving and stretching throughout the entire ultrasound, but he seemed to prefer keeping his hands by his face. We think he'll be a cuddler.

In the regular imaging (non-3D) we were able to see his heart beating and the four chambers, and we could also see that he had the hiccups.

Just like before, click the pictures to enlarge them. Enjoy. =)

Kicks

Jon felt a couple of Nathan's kicks today! They weren't even some of the hardest I've felt either, so that was really cool. He's been either kicking or rolling onto my bladder periodically lately and of course that isn't too fun...but it is fun to feel him!

Linea Nigra

Ready for your riveting pregnancy update of the day? I am getting the pregnant line on my belly. I believe the technical name for it is "linea nigra."

Here's what it looks like:





This is not me. Please thank the donor tummy for it's time with us today and it's unmatched skills of adorable accessory-wearing.

Insert creative title here

All is well with us. Someone I know who is due around the same time as me pointed out that after Thanksgiving, which isn't too far away really, it will only be 8 weeks til Nathan should be here!

I'm reading the book "(On Becoming) Baby Wise," it's very good and Jon and I agree with a lot of the philosophies presented for parenting an infant. Nathan's kicks have become a little stronger lately. Last night I felt two of them very distinctly with my hand, so Jon came over to feel...but of course Nathan stopped kicking. I think he does that on purpose!

Pictures - 21 Weeks

The appointment went well yesterday. We heard the heartbeat, and the doctor said it sounds good! I felt Nathan kick the thing that listens to the heartbeat. It was funny. =)

Belly pics as promised!

This week

Nathan is now approximately 10-11 inches long, and I am feeling kicks every now and then...tiny little taps! We also scheduled our 3D/4D ultrasound for Friday, Oct. 19th. I'm feeling great other than some awful heartburn on a daily basis. And those belly pics WILL come soon. Hope everyone is well!

Edit: So I read something else this morning, which said he is probably about 7-8 inches long. So, I have no idea who's right! But that's okay. He's a healthy, growing baby! :)

Updated

The registry has been updated! Jon and I went back last night and added some of the last things we needed, so it should be pretty much complete except for maybe a few things we'll think of later. We were really happy to find some furniture we like, and at good prices too. Jon and I did our research on this and the other things we picked out. The crib is a lifetime crib which means it turns into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed as Nathan grows. The combo is also something that will last beyond diaper changes for many years.

This is the crib and dresser/changer combo and the bedding that we picked out. (The combo is not as "red" as the picture shows. It's a cherry colored wood like the crib.)

Registry

Jon and I started the baby registry yesterday, so if you'd like the info on where we registered, etc., just get in touch with one of us and we'll let you know. Some things are not on there because either we already have them, or we still need to do some research before we decide. So we will be adding some things from time to time.

We reached the half-way point (20 weeks) on Thursday! The weekend was really busy so I haven't had time to post any belly pics, but I'll try to sometime this week.

Visit to NH, and some gifts for Nathan!

Jon and I had a good time visiting my family in NH this weekend, although he is sick with some sort of bad cold/infection. We hope he is feeling better very soon!
We went shopping with my mom and she bought some things for Nathan. She also went to Build-a-Bear before our visit and made him a bear! Here are all the new things.

Diaper Genie


Lots of cute onesies


Outfit I picked on left, outfit Jon picked on right


Detail... "Little Monster"


Lots of goodies. The bib says "Grandma Loves Me."


Nathan's bear...very soft and cute!

Baby boys are so much fun

The news of this baby being a boy is sinking in more and more each day, and it really is a lot of fun knowing! I admire those who can hold out until the birth, but I was going crazy for the last month wondering what he was! Thanks to some good friends, Nathan now has a closet that is 3/4 full of warm baby clothes for the winter when he will be born, plus some short-sleeved shirts that we will box up but keep close at hand, just in case. We still have a lot to do in his room but just getting things hung in his closet is exciting! It will be fun once we register (probably soon after we visit my family in NH next week), and then when his room starts coming together. This is definitely the fun part of pregnancy!

Ultrasound Results!

Well, we had a great visit at the doctor's today. The ultrasound went really well although we didn't get very good pics. The baby is very healthy and growing well. The arms and legs were moving all around, it was great. We also saw the heart beating, ten fingers and ten toes. AND...

IT'S A BOY!

Yup, we're having a boy!!! Just as I had guessed. :) The picture that is supposed to show that he's a boy is not very clear, I wouldn't have been able to tell by looking at it. But the sonographer did seem certain. He also said it was a lot more clear on the screen. So for now, we are telling everyone that he is a boy, but save any gift receipts just in case! We will definitely get a confirmation at the 3D ultrasound, in about two months.

Pictures!! Click on them to enlarge and see labels.

The circle in this one supposedly shows some of his little boy parts:

His name is Nathan Alexander Whippo. :)

Quick update

Just want to give a brief update. Everything is going well with us! Jon is off work tomorrow and Monday so we will both be going to the ultrasound Monday afternoon. We have been looking forward to it for a month now, and it has been a long, hard wait! We are excited to see how the baby is growing, and hopefully to learn if it is a boy or a girl. Any guesses??? :)

As for me, I've just been having some round ligament pain, very typical of pregnancy. They are these sharp pains in your stomach that come and go, and indicate that the ligaments are being pulled and stretched and the uterus is growing. Other than that, which is really just a now-and-then annoyance, I feel great!

For some more exciting news...my mom has very nicely offered to pay for us to get a 3D/4D ultrasound session, which we will probably do in late October/early November. (Thanks, Mom!) We would get pictures and a DVD of the baby. This is the place where we would go: http://www.innervision3d.com/

Belly pic #2

Well, I didn't think I would take a new pic this soon...but I have grown quite a bit in the past 2.5 weeks. So, here you go! Please ignore my messy hall...I only took this pic to show a couple people at first and I really didn't feel like getting out the camera again after moving all that stuff.

Nothing new

No this is not my baby! It's a picture of one at 16 weeks.

I don't have much to write about, so I haven't been posting. But...tomorrow I'll be at 16 weeks, which means just one more week plus a few days, and then the ultrasound!!! I can hardly believe the time is going by this quickly, too. Hope everyone is well!

All is well

So, I really like my doctor. He is great about listening to you, letting you know your options and not making you feel foolish for whichever decision you make. Basically it seems that no matter how slowly I stand up, for some reason I'm having a bit of orthostatic hypotension -- the drop in blood pressure from standing up that causes you to feel dizzy. He checked my heart and lungs, I asked if iron might be my problem and he said he looked over the results from my bloodwork and they couldn't ask for better levels...so that's good. He told me options for tests we could do, but since a lot of times they just tell you the same thing you already know...I opted to wait and see if the dizziness improves, and in the meantime I'll continue to eat/drink well. He also felt my back where it hurts (not too bad) and that's fine.

He also checked the baby's heartbeat, which sounds wonderful, and was a nice treat for us to hear that again! A couple times we heard a different sound and he said it was the baby moving. The child is already quite active it seems!

Seeing doctor today

I'm going into the doctor's this afternoon, provided I can get a ride (Jon is at work) because of some dizziness and a fall. I don't know if I posted this already, but I've been quite dizzy during this pregnancy, which I mentioned to the nurse at my last appointment but she didn't seem too concerned. It just won't go away though no matter what I do -- eating well/often, standing up slowly, etc. and I have headaches and blurred vision with it so I'm going back to talk to the doctor.

Also I slipped and fell on my back last night, no big deal really and it only hurt briefly (and again this morning, after sleeping all night), but I also want to be sure that didn't cause any problem. Better to be safe than sorry, and not gamble with a pregnancy.

So, I am sure that everything is just fine...and if you think of it you can pray for me!

First Belly Pic

Alright, here you go...! This is at exactly 14 weeks. See the bump?? :D

Showing???

Hmm...so, I think I might be starting to show! Jon agrees, too. There is definitely a bulge under my bellybutton that I can't suck in, plus it feels firmer than usual. I just noticed it for the first time today, and Jon mentioned that he had noticed all on his own, too. :) Exciting!!

Doctor Appointment #2

Well, it was a nice quick, painless visit today! We showed up a little early and were out by 9:10. We heard the heartbeat which was very cool, and the doctor said it was about "150-160" BPM...kind of a wide range, but I think he was counting in his head so it was just an estimate. Anyway, the baby sounds very healthy! On 8/20 I'll have my second ultrasound at 17 weeks. Hopefully we will learn the gender!?!

Next Appointment Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my second doctor appointment and we're expecting to maybe hear the heartbeat! Jon originally had to work from 8-5 (the appointment is at 9) but he was able to switch his schedule around so he can go with me. So we are happy about that.

On another note...I am seriously craving a meatball sub from Subway right now, and have no way of getting one!!!! Oh my...

First Anniversary

Jon and I had a great time celebrating our 1-year anniversary yesterday! We made the drive to Howe Caverns and enjoyed touring the caves. It was cool seeing all the different formations that had been made over many, many years completely by water and mineral deposits. As we were leaving we bought a pretty geode and some fudge. We came home for a bit and then went to Uno's for dinner. I had top sirloin, a salad and one of those yummy mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese and sour cream...so good! Jon had a deep dish Chicago classic pizza at my recommendation. :) We finished watching the third of the 3 Die Hard movies last night. Such good movies! We decided to have fun with tradition and go with paper gifts for this anniversary, so we got each other some books. All in all, it was a great day!

12 Weeks!

Today I hit the 12 week mark! That means the baby is now fully formed for the most part, and my chances of having a miscarriage now go down drastically. I am so relieved and thankful to have hit this point. Now he or she will just keep getting bigger and stronger. :) It seems that everyone counts the second trimester differently, starting anywhere between 12-14 weeks. I am going to say mine starts next week, at 13. Next Friday I believe we will get to hear the heartbeat as well!

Changes and Strange Dreams...

Yay - Hi everyone who left comments! It's good to know you're all reading this.

Well, I'm not really visibly showing yet but my clothes are definitely starting to fit differently! I'm at 11 weeks now with no throwing up yet, but I'm not holding my breath. My senses are stronger now and sometimes it just takes one awful smell, or something that looks gross, and I'm gagging. So there might just be that one time when I have an empty stomach, already feeling nauseous and then something is disgusting and...! But, so far so good!

I had a dream two nights ago that, I guess I was in labor, and they must have put me to sleep the whole time because next thing I knew I had my clothed baby in my arms and we were getting ready to go home. But they didn't take any measurements or do any blood tests...so I didn't know his weight, length, or head circumference, didn't know the time he was born, or anything. I had to look at my cell phone to see the date. I don't even know if he was circumcised - NOTHING. Just gave birth and took him home! And then at home I didn't know how to nurse him. But in spite of all this he was a very happy baby. Hahahaha. :) Weeeeirrdd!!

Comments

I have no way to know who reads this unless you leave comments. Anyone can leave them, you do not have to have an account. You can just leave it anonymously, and then just type your name in the actual comment box before you post it so I know who you are. So please do, especially family, but anyone really.

And feel free to go back and comment on old entries too...it's nice to actually know what people think when they read this!

Thank you.

Car Seat Safety: Rear-Facing

All moms or moms-to-be out there should read this and consider it. I plan to keep our child rear-facing for as long as possible. Just because they can be front-facing, doesn't mean they need to or should! Rear-facing is much safer. Here is a quote from this site:

"While most parents are aware that they must keep their children rear-facing "until they are AT LEAST 1 year old AND 20 lbs", very few are told that there are significant safety benefits when a child remains rear-facing as long as the seat allows. For most children, rear-facing can and should continue well into the second year of life."

Please take a look at these links. The second one is a video showing crash test results:
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/StayRearFacing.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8

Of course, proper size and installation into the car are JUST as important as the direction the seat faces!

First check-up & Ultrasound pics!

Well, things went really well at the doctor's today. I was about a week behind in my estimating, so I'm at about 9 weeks right now. Due January 24, 2008! I also learned that I have a tipped uterus (which really isn't a problem).

Here's the ultrasound pics. The first one is reading the heartbeat. The 2nd one gives you the best idea of what the baby looks like right now. Actually it looks like a little cashew. The 3rd and 4th pics I think are from the back of the head to the butt, so you're viewing the baby's back. It was to measure the length.

We got to watch the heart fluttering on the screen too, it was pretty awesome. :) Click on the pictures to see them bigger.

After that we went over to the hospital for some routine blood work. And I saw the most well-behaved, not-even-2-years-old-yet triplets, 2 boys and a girl...they were adorable, and SO good. Although I'm glad to just have one baby growing in me!

The baby's stats this week:

• Arms, legs, and fingers are longer
• Head is straighter, neck is more developed
• Eyelids almost cover eyes
• The baby moves its body and limbs

If you want to get a better idea of what the baby looks like, do a search in Google Images for ultrasounds at 9 weeks. You will find some 3D and 4D images that can give you a much better view.

Just Look, Don't Touch

Well, Jon and I were at a wedding yesterday. It was pretty fun. We saw a lot of old friends we haven't seen since long before becoming pregnant. And, nobody tried yesterday, but I had this realization that people are probably going to try touching my stomach when I start showing. And I will do everything in my power to keep from smacking them. It's like, "you did not have permission to touch me there BEFORE, nor do you have the license to do it NOW." LOL...I am being funny but seriously, I think it would drive me crazy. I mean at least ask me first! And maybe if I like ya, I'll let ya. Just wait til a stranger tries it. HA!!

In other news...
For a week or so I had a strong feeling that this baby would be a boy. Now I'm not so sure anymore.
My uncle swears it's a boy...my grandmother thinks it's twins(!) ... so what do you think??

Well, Finally

We tried to call the doctor that we had planned on going to today but apparently he is not taking new patients (which is new information to me). BUT, Jon and I started looking online for different physicians in the area and we think we've found a really good one! We called and spoke to a very nice receptionist, and sure enough, he is taking new patients, and he does take my insurance! Woohoo!!!

Here is Dr. Leuci's website: http://www.leuci-obgyn.com/index.html

My appointment is next Friday, 6/22 at 9:00 am.

Oh...and the baby is the size of a blueberry this week. =)

Rethinking our names

We have decided on Nathan Alexander for a boy and Linnea Rose for a girl. =)

I love fresh air

I was just outside, and fresh air does a world of good when you are pregnant and just feeling lousy. All it takes is just an hour or so outside and it makes a huge difference. I feel like I need it now more than ever.

I learned that apparently I actually AM having morning sickness, and that I don't have to be throwing up...even just being nauseous is still morning sickness. So that means that my morning sickness started pretty early in my pregnancy. A week or so before we even guessed I was pregnant, I felt sick off and on every day. They say when you are pregnant that you should eat small amounts every 3 hours, and let me tell you, I feel like I need to! It helps a great deal with the sick feelings. I've just been feeling pretty lousy, and I hope it gets a little better, at least for a while.

Jon and I found out that the doctor we want to see does not actually work with Lourdes Hospital, and therefore he doesn't take the Lourdes finanacial assitance program. So Monday we are going to apply for Medicaid and then make the appointment with him. If we go with him then we will go through Wilson Hospital, which is fine. Both are within 3 miles of our apartment. I am going to talk to the person who recommended this doctor, and see what exactly it is that she likes about him.

Ugh...Food!

I feel as though all I want to eat is FRUIT FRUIT and more FRUIT. Also fruity snacks like Italian Ice. Honestly I think it has a lot to do with the humid weather. The only other thing that sounds half as good is a bowl of white rice, and fish. I have a sudden aversion to bread...at least this week.

Thankfully I am going food shopping today. Even when I am hungry, nothing we have looks good. I forced down a PBJ, which tasted better than I thought it would. The morning sickness has not started yet either...so I'm just enjoying the lack of it while I can!

Names!

Good morning everyone,

Even before we were pregnant, we had talked about names from time to time. After some final consideration last night, I think we have our names!

If it's a boy, he will be Nathan Cale Whippo. We chose this name simply because we like it. Nathan means "He (God) has given," and is a part of the name "Jonathan," a nice added bonus. :)

If it's a girl, we decided quite a while ago that her name would be Linnea (lin-AY-uh). This is Jon's favorite name for a girl (and I like it too, of course.) So if we have a daughter, she can say she was named by Daddy! We have yet to find a middle name, so any suggestions are welcome! Currently we are considering Linnea Charlotte and Linnea Rose.

Disclaimer: Don't hold us to these, they could change at any time -- I'm only a month pregnant here! Though there is a good chance we will stick with these. :)

Please leave any comments, especially suggestions for Linnea's middle name. You do not have to be a member of Blogger to comment.

Love,
Morgan

The Details

Many of you have already heard the details or at least read them through email, etc., but I want to post them on here in case anyone missed it.

This pregnancy was not planned, but we couldn't be happier! Over the weekend Jon was in a wedding, so we were away. I was late, but I didn't think much of it as we kept pretty busy the whole time. By the time Sunday came, and still nothing, the thought of being pregnant crossed our minds. I was also feeling slightly queasy and just "under the weather." Monday I took one pregnancy test which came back positive -- it was a faint, but definite line! I took the second test Tuesday morning and got the same result. Wanting to be absolutely sure, we went to the Walk-in on Tuesday and had a blood test done. I got a phone call Wednesday morning saying that I am "definitely" pregnant, and at least 3-4 weeks along!

No one can tell you what it is like to "feel" pregnant. It is something you can't understand until you experience it for yourself. Now I know!

Love,
Morgan

Hi everyone, and a Walmart announcement!

This blog will be a place where our friends and family are able to read updates on the pregnancy, etc. So thank you to those who come and read it!

Today I am feeling okay. I was really drained of energy and my stomach was hurting, but I took a walk to the Post Office and that seemed to help. I also have the fan on now which is wonderful!! Jon and I are going to fill out some paperwork for the financial assitance program through our hospital, which will give us 50% or 100% off all costs if we qualify. Once that is taken care of we will make our first appointment with the OB/GYN! We have one highly recommended to us; his name is Dr. Michael Farrell. The hopsital is Lourdes Hospital - http://www.lourdes.com .

Jon also told me a funny story! Yesterday when he was working at Walmart, two of our friends came to visit him and congratulated him. A manager came by and wondered what was going on, so Jon told him. He asked if it was a secret and Jon said no, anybody can know... so the manager got on the intercom of Walmart and announced, "Attention everyone, if you see Jon from electronics, be sure to congratulate him, he just found out today that he's going to be a father."

And speaking of Walmart, I made two purchases yesterday...prenatal vitamins and a book: What to Expect When You're Expecting !

Love,
Morgan