6 months post partum

       It's been 6 months since that traumatic, glorious day when my little guy was born.  I wanted to document my journey, so I can look back one day.  My recovery was very fast after having Carter, but I'm still not back to my old self completely.  I'm the new and improved me, with an appetite like Takeru Kobayashi, the competitive hot dog eating champion.  It's all because of nursing, which doesn't explain my eating up until Carter.  I'm burning 500 calories a day, is that per feeding?, I wish!  Seriously, I think I'm always hungry, especially for sweets.  Please pray for my addiction to sweets (I'm eating cookie dough as I type).  Blair's concerned about me.   :)  That being said, I'm still 7 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.  My tummy may never look the same, but I'm ok with that.  I read that my hair would fall out more than usual and boy does it ever.  I can't believe how much hair I shed everyday.  I hope it stops soon.  Maybe due to my lack of exercise and addiction to sweets, I still struggle when walking upstairs and hills, like I did when I was pregnant.  I feel so out of shape, huffing and puffing up the stairs.  The one work out I do is picking up Carter all day, he has got to be over 20 pounds now.  He's packing on the pounds now that he's eating solids.  Also, it's a blessing in disguise that my school has 7 floors and I'm on level 6; I'm up and down those stairs all day long.  I also walk to work everyday (and taxi it home).  God helps me out by making some exercise unavoidable.  Other than that, I feel great, full of energy, and getting by just fine with work.  To be honest, I can't wait to go through the whole experience all over again.  Isn't funny how you completely forget 9 months of crazy symptoms, followed by the scariest medical event of your life, and then look forward to going through it all again?  I find that very interesting and I'm glad that you only remember the best details when you look back.   

The Story of Carter's Birth

         It was Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:45 pm, Blair and I were watching "The True Hollywood Story of 24".  As I was laying on the couch, I thought my water broke, but I wasn't positive.  I told Blair and he started freaking out.  After 30 minutes into a show about a colossal squid, I knew for sure my water was breaking.  It didn't happen all at once, but gradually over the next few hours.  I wasn't having any contractions, so we looked online to see what we should do.  Then we called the hospital and they said we should come on in.  We were so thrilled that it was actually time and we knew we'd meet our son in less than 24 hours.  We called our parents, then I took a shower and got ready, while Blair finished getting our stuff ready to go and called a taxi.  At this point, I was surprisingly calm, even though I was running around my apartment in a total daze.  At 2:45 am, we hopped in a taxi and headed to Union Hospital.  A nurse checked to make sure my water broke and told me I was 1 cm dilated.  I was a little sad to hear that, but figured things would start progressing soon.  At 3:45 am, mild contractions started, and I was feeling just fine.  About an hour later, the contractions got really painful and I was not feeling quite so fine and already thinking, how on earth am I going to handle this?  A nurse came and checked me around 6:00 am,  I was still only 1 cm.  I  felt pretty frustrated, considering I was already in a lot of pain and I had 9 cm to go.  They gave me laughing gas (like at the dentist) to make me feel better and it did help.  Around 8:00 am, Dr. Wong showed up and told me I was still 1 cm and since I was in such pain I could have an epidural now.  I said no, because I thought it would slow things down.  Dr. Wong said the epidural wouldn't slow things down, but I thought "nobody gets an epidural at 1 cm".  I was already a total MESS, I was in so much pain, and I felt so discouraged.  At 10:30 am, I gave in and got the epidural.  Getting the I.V. was the worst part, because I hate needles anyway.  I felt much better with the epidural, (and so did Blair) but still uncomfortable and exhausted.  At 12:00 pm, I was still 1 cm and very upset.  They gave me pitocin to speed things up, but that made Carter's heartbeat irregular, so they had to stop giving it to me.  When they stopped the pitocin, my contractions slowed down and stopped being regular.  Dr. Wong said that since things weren't progressing, he thought I might have to have a c-section.  I immediately broke down and started crying.  I've never had surgery before and I was in no condition to cope with the terrifying feeling that it was coming to that.  I was scared to death.  He said I could try for another hour and see if I progress.  I tried hard!!  Guess what, still 1 cm, 15 hours since my water broke and virtually no progress.  At 2:30 pm, Dr. Wong asked me if I wanted to keep trying, but I really felt like there was no way I could push, if I ever got to that point.  Since I had made no progress except to become more frustrated and exhausted, and things weren't getting better, I felt I didn't have much of a choice.  More importantly, Carter couldn't stay in there much longer without it becoming dangerous for him.

      The moment I said yes to the c-section, there were 5 nurses swirling around me, prepping me for surgery.  It was very alarming and nerve-racking.  They put Blair in scrubs and wheeled me down to the emergency theater.  The anesthesiologist said he would put more stuff in my epidural, but I would still feel tugging, pressure, and pulling.  I was getting nervous, and then they strapped my arms down!  I felt really nauseous and threw up.  Then they started testing to see if I could still feel stuff.  They would poke me with a scalpel in the stomach, and ask if it hurt.  I could feel it very clearly and it hurt.  I also felt intense lower back pain.  I started panicking a bit because the last thing I wanted was to feel the surgery as it happened.  The doctor asked (hopefully) if I wanted to be put completely under with a general anesthesia.  I said yes, because I was about to lose it and as having severe anxiety when they couldn't seem to get me numb enough.  Since I was being put under, they said Blair couldn't be in the room, and the next thing I know he's being rushed out of the room.  With tears in both our eyes, he tells me goodbye, and goes to wait in the hallway.  He is now scared to death, things happened so fast.  The next thing I know, I'm awake and the nurses tell me Carter's healthy and everything went well.  I was pretty out of it, but I'm looking around for my baby.  They start wheeling me to my room and then I see Blair.  The nurses tell me I'll get to see my baby tomorrow.  Bear in mind it's 3:30 pm and they want me to wait until the next day to see my baby.  I was so upset and could not believe that, after everything we had gone through, they expected me to wait overnight to see our baby.  I told them that was unacceptable, and I looked at Blair with a crazy look in my eye and told him to handle it NOW. Praise God, because Blair was able to find the head nurse and persuaded her to make a phone call  by telling her that his wife was VERY upset about not being able to hold and breastfeed her baby.  It was against their policy, but shortly after that, they wheeled my bed into a private room and let me see my son for the first time.  It was the most surreal experience.  I didn't remember anything about the surgery and then I was looking at this perfect little boy, and he's mine.  I never imagined he'd be so perfect and beautiful.  We were able to spend around  40 minutes with him.  I even got to breastfeed him.  Blair and I were so emotional.  We knew ahead of time that Carter would have to stay in a nursery, and we accepted that.  That night the head nurse would come every 4 hours and wheel my whole bed to a private room, so that I could nurse Carter.

This is the first time Blair got to see Carter.  He was in an incubator.

        Even though the labor and delivery was not how I envisioned it at all, I'm so thankful for the whole experience.  It was certainly traumatic and there were points where I swore I would never do this again (Blair said I had that look in my eyes when I said it),  but it all turned out perfectly.  My recovery has been great and I loved my stay in the hospital.  I was able to visit Carter as much as I wanted to in the nursery.  The bad part was that Blair was only allowed to see him 30 minutes a day.  Your prayers and messages throughout my labor were so encouraging.  I was able to check them through Blair's  iPhone and that really kept me going.
       

           Carter was born one day past his due date on March 23rd at 3:26 pm, he was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20.5 inches long.  We're so blessed to have such an amazing son to share our lives with.

Introducing Carter Thomas Phillips

Carter was born March 23rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm.  8 lbs, 6 oz., 20.5 inches long.

Peace, man!

40 Weeks Update

40 Weeks

     Hooray!  I've reached the end of my pregnancy.  I can't tell you how exciting that is.  I have a ticker on my blog that tells me how many days are left and it's very weird to see it say "0".  The first 6 months, I would say I loved being pregnant.  Starting around the 7th month, it became much harder due to a stabbing pain in my ribs, which is still going on.  That, more than anything, is what I'm looking forward to get rid of.  Well and the big belly, of course.  I'm full of excitement.  Everything is ready for Carter.  I'm certainly getting nervous about labor and delivery.  It's so unknown.  Everyone knows I'm probably the biggest medical wimp ever. I hate all things medical, even Grey's Anatomy.  I'm so scared of blood.  No turning back now!  I'm confident God won't give me more pain than I can handle (with an epidural).  What kind of faith is that?  I trust you God, but only with an epidural?!  I'm nervous that the epidural won't work or for some reason they won't be able to give me one.  I'm nervous about the recovery, too.  I'm also conflicted about when to agree to be induced, because I desperately want to go into labor naturally.  I've even resorted to walking on the treadmill to try and speed things up.  I think Asia knows something is up, because she has been particularly snuggly lately.  She's playing the part of my substitute baby. 
    With all of that said, it's all worth it, because I would do anything to meet Carter.  He's so present and active in my belly, but I have no idea what he looks like.  Blair and I are so curious.....  What color hair does he have?  Whose nose will he get? Will he be a big baby?  How on earth will we be as parents?  I know God has the perfect day and time picked out for Carter to join us, so I wait with anticipation.

To my sweetie

Blair,
   Tomorrow is our first child's due date and before he arrives I want to tell you how much I love you.  I met you when I was just 15 years old and we've been together for 10 of those years.  It's hard to believe that it won't be just the two of us anymore.  We'll be mommy and daddy from now on.  When we dated in high school, there was no way I could see this far into the future and know what God had planned.  I'm so glad he brought us back together and decided to make you my husband.  You've been so sweet throughout these 9 months.  I know I was quite needy and emotional.  Thank you for the nightly leg massages, yummy cooking, listening to my crazy symptoms and complaints, coming to all the doctor appointments, cleaning, walking the dog, helping me sleep, and just being so supportive and sweet!  You made these 9 months manageable and of course, fun.  You always make me laugh and feel better.  Carter is a very lucky boy, because his daddy is the funniest man I know.  I can't wait to move into this stage of our lives together.  I'm thrilled to share this experience with you.  I'm so thankful God gave me a husband that accepts me just the way I am.  You've known me over half my life and it's an amazing feeling to be understood so completely by someone.  You make me feel totally accepted, no matter what I say or do, you love me unconditionally.  Blair, thank you for always being there for me.  Ready or not!  It's time now to become parents.  These will be the most challenging and rewarding years of our lives.  We're ready, with God's grace and direction, we'll learn how to be Godly parents.  I love you sweetie and I can't wait for you to be a daddy! 
Love,
Heather

36 Weeks Update- Whoa Mama!

   I'm 36 weeks and a few days, it's so weird that many women have their babies at this time.  It's a great feeling to know it could be anytime now.  I was anxious to talk with my doctor and get some clues as to how close I am.  Our appointment was yesterday and he did just an ultrasound.  He won't check how dilated I am, until later or when I start having some labor signs.  Too bad.  He did tell me that there are 5 stages of engagement in the birth canal and Carter is at the 2 1/2 level.  He's also in the correct position for labor.  That made me happy to know.  The biggest shocker came when I weighed in.  Usually I gain about 1-2 lbs. every 2 weeks, well in the past 2 weeks I've gained 6 lbs!  The only explanation is the baby is growing rapidly, because I certainly haven't been eating more.   As you can see from the belly shot, I'm much bumpier than before.  Now the total weight gain is 28 lbs.  Dr.Wong estimated that Carter is just over 6 lbs. and if he goes full term will be around 7 lbs.  I doubt that, my sister and I were both over 8 lbs.  For the 3rd time, Dr. Wong said our baby has a fat face.  I think in China that means "healthy face", either way, he's messing with the wrong lady.  Admittedly, his face does look rather round.
   I've started packing my hospital bag and our camera is charged.  I have one more week left at work and have to finish report cards in that time.  I've worked the past 3 weekends in a row, in order to earn more personal days, so I'm pretty worn out.  I'm enjoying waddling to and from work everyday, 30 min. each way, which I hope will speed things along.  I'm so excited because my school is throwing a shower for us next week.  My colleagues have been so kind and supportive this year and I feel beyond blessed to work with such sweet, Christian people.
  I'll keep you more updated now that I will be seeing the doctor every week.  Thanks for reading!

36 weeks

                                                       For comparison, here is 1 month ago..

32 weeks

33 Weeks Update- So this is what they call "nesting"

       I kept hearing pregnant people say they were going through a nesting phase and I was thinking, "that won't happen to me." Nesting means you start cleaning, organizing, and preparing your home for the baby. It's actually strange how it just hit me. For the past week, I've gone to sleep and woken up thinking about what area of my apartment I will organize today. Then I'll try to go back to sleep, but the thoughts and urge to organize is so strong, I have to get up and do it right then. I organized the office, dining area, bedroom, and all of Carter's stuff. Who knew, how much fun it could be! Yesterday, Blair caught the nesting bug and spent hours on a mission to find, where does our dust originate from?? He searched high and low and determined the filter on the dehumidifier was the source. He spent an hour cleaning it with a toothbrush. I told him I didn't think a dehumidifier produces dust, so he kept searching. Finally, as much as we claimed, our dog doesn't shed, Blair thinks she's a large contributor to the dust and fuzz problem. Asia is getting a nice haircut on Monday!
     Also, I've been obsessed over finding the perfect stroller. I think we've decided on the Maclaren Quest, in grey. It's really light-weight and has a strong frame. We've had a few heated discussions in the baby store to reach this agreement. Blair was driving me crazy because he kept saying, "I'm sure there are more stores in Hong Kong to look at, we'll just keep looking." I'm thinking, "My feet and back can't handle anymore looking around, just make a friggin' decision!" I even couldn't sleep one night because I was thinking about a stroller, I only slept 3 hours that night. Who am I??
     This must be the most exciting post I've ever written, sorry. It's more for documenting the phases of my pregnancy.

33 weeks

Blair and baby stuff

We were at this baby store last night looking at strollers and Blair cracked me up. Here is the conversation............

Blair: (he comes back from looking around the store) "Do we need one of those basket things for the baby?"
Heather: (I'm thinking he means a Moses basket) "What do you mean, what basket thing?"
Blair: "It's like a basket with a handle to carry it."
Heather: "Can you bring it here and show me what you're talking about?"
Blair: (Brings over a car seat)
Heather: "That is a car seat!"
Blair: "Oh"

Ummmm, I think he had a brain fart. Surely he knows what a car seat is. Boys are so funny!

32 Weeks Update

    We saw the doc today and everything is going smoothly.  Carter is measuring right at 32 weeks.  He's just over 4 pounds and about 16 inches long.  We got to see him opening and closing his mouth, which was so cool!  He had his hands up near his mouth.  My doctor said, he's got a chubby face.  I'm sure he does compared to a Chinese baby, you better watch it Dr. Wong!  I'm at 21 pounds of weight gain.  I've had stabbing pain under my right rib, turns out that is Carter's booty pressing into me, not his feet.  His feet are kicking my left ribs and his head is down.  So there is nothing to worry about, but no signs of the pain getting better.
    With my trouble sleeping, it's hard to go to work and be focused.  I've been really tired and uncomfortable, especially after eating.  Fortunately, I only have 4 more weeks of teaching left and next week we're off for Chinese New Year.  I'm so happy that I get a week off to be a total slug.  Thanks for all your prayers and advice from my last post!

Questions for all the mommies out there???

What does it feel like right after you have the baby and you're no longer pregnant?

When in your pregnancy did you start really feeling miserable?

How can you get the baby to move down and stop kicking your ribs?

What are the best purchases for a newborn baby?

Please give any help, don't feel the need to answer all the questions. Any other advice is welcome!

Thanks!
Heather

30 Weeks Update

    Yesterday I had my glucose tolerance test, because they recommend all pregnant people to take it.  I had to fast 8 hours before the appointment, which is just crazy, because pregnant people need to eat constantly.  I was feeling dizzy from not eating and scared because I had to get blood drawn twice.  I get there at 11 am and they take blood.  In my opinion, I was much better than usual.  I barely even whimpered!  Then they gave me two cups of thick, sugary water to drink.  If anyone can drink sugar, it's me, so that wasn't so bad.  Then I asked the nurse if I could eat something and she said not until 2 hours later when I take my 2nd blood test.  I was dying!  My doctor appt. was at 12:30, so I waited in the waiting room, trying to distract myself from eating.  After 1 hour, I started feeling very weird, so I looked for a nurse, but no time for that, so I ran to the bathroom.  To put it nicely, the sugary water ended up in the garbage!  Afterwards, I felt much better, but I didn't know what to do.  I went back to where they took my blood and told them.  I was hoping I didn't have to start the test over on another day.  The nurse called my doctor, Dr. Wong said I could just go have lunch and come back 2 hours later to do the 2nd blood test.  I was like "having a normal lunch is equivalent to drinking sugar water and fasting?? why didn't you tell me this in the beginning?"  I left, ate, and came back at 3:30.  I was hoping the same nurse would be there to take my blood, but she wasn't, so I told the new nurse that I was scared and she told me I could scream if I needed to.  Phew!  After just a little shriek, I was done!!  I really did face my fear and I think I'm getting braver.  Bring on the epidural!  They said they would call with the results in 1-2 days.  They called tonight and thank God that this sugar addict is gestational diabetes free!  I'm so relieved.

     Also, at my appointment the ultrasound showed that Carter is measuring just right and his head isn't so big anymore!  He's perfect and healthy.  I got to see his face from the front and I can tell he's filling out.  My next appt. is Jan. 26th!

We have decided on a name!

  Our little guy shall be called.......

Carter Thomas Phillips

 I first heard the name when I taught at Homewood Middle School.  I had a hilarious student named Carter.  I've loved it ever since then.  There were other names, that I've loved forever, but Blair classified them as "too girly" and quickly dismissed them.  It's so hard to agree on a name.  Blair liked Carter from the beginning, but wanted to exhaust all options before we decided officially.  We went through every name list on the Internet, but found nothing that even came close.  Last week, we were getting on the train and Blair said, "I think I'm ready to make his name official."  I was shocked that he was ready to end the search.  For the last few days we've been testing his name out in daily conversation and we love it.  His middle name is special because Blair's first name is Thomas. Also, both of Blair's grandfathers were named Thomas.  It's kinda funny, our son will have 3 last names!  I'm glad we can refer to him by name now.

28 Weeks Update- 3rd Trimester

  Good ole Dr. Wong said little Phillips is doing great!  It finally feels like it's getting closer to our due date.  For a little while it was dragging on a bit.  The ultrasound showed him very crowded and not moving much.  He waited until after our appointment to start kicking me in the ribs.  That's his favorite new trick, swift kicks to my ribs.  He's moving all the time now.  I feel good, but sleep has become tough.  I've got to get up at least 5 times a night to use the bathroom and it's hard to get comfortable.  After eating, I usually feel heartburn and there's not much room for food in my belly.  I sure did enjoy eating like a king during the 2nd trimester, too bad it's over.  I'm up to 19 pounds of total weight gain.  My appointments will be every 2 weeks now. I'm going back January 10 for the glucose tolerance test.  I'm so nervous because they have to draw blood twice, UGH.  I hope the test will show I don't have gestational diabetes.  Blair is convinced that our kid will be addicted to sugar, because of me.  Dr. Wong says we don't need to worry about that. 

28 weeks

  The most exciting thing that happened this month is we got our crib!  IKEA is basically the only place to shop for baby bedding here, so I found the closest thing I could to what I had in mind.  As Blair and I put together the crib and decorated it, everything felt so much more real.  I can't wait to reach down and get my little cutie out of the crib everyday!  We live in a 2 bedroom flat, so the crib is at the foot of our bed.  We'll see how that works. 

It's reversible!

Also, we're 99% sure of what the baby's name will be, so I will reveal that on my next post!

24 Weeks Update

     We had our 24 week ultrasound and check-up on Wednesday.  Baby Phillips is healthy and growing.  He's a pound and half, just over a foot long.  The measurements show that he has a big ole head.  I guess to accommodate his huge brain.  He was sleeping, so we couldn't see him move at all.  Also, it's hard to see his whole body because he's so squished in there.  I'm feeling great!  I get off balance easily and have shortness of breath.  Altogether I've gained 16 pounds so far.  Favorite comment of the week, "Wow, you've suddenly gotten big, haven't you!"  Ha ha ha, sure have, thanks for noticing!  Here is the newest belly picture.

22 Weeks Update- Fetal Scan

       Yesterday we had our fetal scan appointment with a different doctor than our regular one.  The purpose of the scan is to take an in depth look at every part of the baby's body and determine if there are any abnormalities.  When I woke up, I was so excited to see the baby, but at the same time Blair and I knew there was potential to hear news that could change our lives forever.  I prayed for a healthy baby and to hear good news at the appointment.
        The doctor first looked at the heart and told us exactly what we were seeing, the different chambers, valves, arteries, etc.  It was incredible seeing the heart pumping blood in and out.  Then he showed us the lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, and so on... After looking closely at each area he would report the baby was "normal".  We held our breath and watched in awe as we witnessed God's creation and design.  It was unbelievable and I couldn't help but cry.  The highlights were seeing the baby's face much better than we have before and getting a good look at the hands and feet.  Again, we were able to see the little man parts.  I felt a little embarrassed for our lil' guy, as we waited for him to spread his legs.  Sure enough, he cooperated and we got a clear picture of the area.  Blair thinks that picture is too personal to post on our blog, so I can email it to you, if you'd like to see :)  I know you're just dying to see my kid's parts!  All in all, it took about 25 minutes and the doctor declared there were no abnormalities found!!  Praise God!  Also, according to his measurements, my due date could be a week earlier.  My original date was March 21st, but he says it could be around March 15th.  I would love for him to come earlier, so I can spend more time with him before I go back to work in August.  My next appointment is Dec. 1st.

Sweet profile of our boy.

The nose and lips

Tiny, little foot

The hand

20 Weeks Update- The Big Reveal

     Our 20 week appointment was awesome, minus waiting 3 hours due to an emergency C-section.  We had dinner and came back to the hospital, so it was ok.  Anyways, on the ultrasound we could see the baby kicking and the heart beating.  We even saw more than we bargained for.  As you know, we wanted to wait and not find out the gender.  That didn't stop us from looking very intently.  As the doc, scrolled past the "area", clear as day, there IT was.  Blair yells out, "I saw it!!  I know what it is!"  For some reason, I still wasn't convinced, so I asked the doctor not to confirm what Blair was 99% sure of.  When we got home I decided we should open the envelope, containing the baby's gender, because it wasn't fair for Blair to know for sure and for me to still be doubting.  We cue the video camera and open the envelope.  On the paper, written in Chinese is the answer, but on the back the doctor wrote in English, "male."
   Our baby boy was ready to reveal himself and I'm thrilled to know.  I certainly know nothing about boys, but God has planned this all out.  Everyone keeps telling me how much boys love their mommas!  Not to mention, I won't have to pay for his wedding in 20-30 years.  Although, I guess I might have to change my stance on football, no more doing my nails and reading magazines during the game.  Blair is beside himself, he keeps talking about teaching him guitar, fishing, and all you ever wanted to know about the Crimson Tide Football Team. We haven't decided on a name yet.  I'll keep you posted.  Without out further ado here's the belly in progress.

12 weeks

16 weeks

20 weeks

The doctor didn't take any good photos because he was in such a hurry, so I will post more ultrasound pics later.  I have another appointment for my fetal scan in a week.

18 Weeks Update- I felt the baby move!

     For awhile, I was so unsure whether I could really feel the baby moving.  I just assumed it was gas digestion.  Around a week ago, the feeling became more consistent.  Every night around 8 or 9 pm I would start to feel alot of activity in my tummy.  After 4 days I started to believe it was actually the baby.  Even Blair could feel it.  He was so excited and amazed.  At first it felt like very subtle movement, but now I can tell the difference between the baby kicking or rolling over.  I notice it whenever I lay down.  It's the most reassuring feeling.  I hear it gets way more pronounced.  I think I may really freak out when I can see the outline of a foot in my stomach.  God is so incredible to give Blair and I this experience.  I feel very blessed to have an active little baby inside me.
     In November, we have two dates to see our little one.  We have our Week 20 appt. on Nov. 3rd and then the fetal scan is Nov. 13th.  They will do an ultrasound for both, but during the fetal scan they will take a really close look at the baby's brain, heart, hands, feet, and all the other body parts.  Blair thinks we might catch a glimpse of the gender, if the doctor lingers too long in that vicinity.
    Belly update:  it's very frustrating getting dressed for work.  Maternity clothes are too big and my old clothes are too small.  Everyday someone tells me "You're getting bigger!"  I don't know how to reply "Ummm, thanks?!"   I just don't think that's easy to hear, even if you're pregnant. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I have no idea what to wear.  It sure does make for some creative outfits with lots of rigging your pants to fit.  I'll post pics next week.  
Your prayers mean the world to me!!

16 Weeks Update

     We had a another date with our baby yesterday.  There is nothing more exciting than seeing the ultrasound each month.  The image of our baby popped up right away.  Baby Phillips has doubled in size since last month and seems to be measuring a bit big, so either I'm more than 16 weeks or I need to lay off the sweets!  We saw the baby kicking and moving all around.  Just as we zoomed in on the face, the baby waved at us.  Seriously, it raised it's little hand and moved it side to side.  Then we looked at the leg area, and for the second time the doctor said he could tell the gender.  He's dying to tell us, but we're holding out.  Brooke gave us a great idea, to get the doctor to seal his or her gender in an envelope and wait until the baby is born to open it.  Our doctor wrote the result in Chinese, that way if we have a moment of weakness, we still won't know the answer.  Later on, we'll put it in the baby book. 
      The belly has definitely emerged and can't be sucked in anymore.  My pants are becoming a little less comfy.  I have gained a total of 7 pounds.  In an eating contest, I would beat Blair hands down.

the baby's back

hands and feet

in a ball

Bumpalicious

Step 1 to Becoming a Mommy

Learn How to Cook

Actually Blair and I have really changed our ways. We cook a lot more now. Last year we ate out every meal. It's fun to stay at home and cook together. Blair is the master chef and I'm the sous chef. I take care of chopping, making the side dishes, and talking to him while he cooks the main dish. Our specialties are spaghetti, anything mexican, lemon butter fish with capers, stir fry with suki-yaki beef, and anything with garlic and butter. I wanted to learn how to make spring rolls. After burning the first few, the rest turned out to be super yummy.

oops the grease was too hot!

12 Weeks Update- We're having a BABY!!

Blair and I are going to have a baby! We found out July 12th, while we were visiting our families in the U.S.. What a gift to be able to tell them face to face. I just had a healthy 12 week appointment, so now I'm ready to tell the world! My official due date is March 21st. We've decided to wait to find out the gender, although the doctor says he already knows. I hope he doesn't spill the beans.

Our 8 week ultrasound of the little kidney bean

3 Month Bump Alert

When we come home next summer we'll have a family of three! That's so weird. We could use your prayers for a healthy, growing baby. Praise God for what he's already done!

Love,

Blair and Heather