ANNOUNCING.....

85% sure we are having a little GIRL!!!!

After 5 years, we are generously blessed with a baby. We are super excited. We were kind of hoping for a boy first, but when it really comes down to it - we're just excited to be having a baby. The ultrasound technician said four things about our little Girl!
1) She's Cute - for the entire 20 minutes baby girl was on the screen, she always had limbs on or around her face. First, her hand was tucked under her chin. Then one hand was draped across her forehead while the other played with the ambilical cord. The technician thought she had some cute mannerisms. After I thought about it for a minute, I realized that the most common placement of my hands is somewhere around my face. I don't frequently put my foot on my forehead, but maybe I should start practicing.
This picture is my favorite one of the group - I love that her foot is almost touching her forehead - maybe she'll be flexible and a gymnist. (not at all characteristic of her parents)(Bruce can almost touch his toes - if his knees are bent:))


2) She was very cooperative. The technician was able to get all of the proper measurements very easily. She didn't have to poke and prod to get the baby to move in the proper position. Hopefully her cooperation will continue for the rest of her life.

3) She is very modest! (YEAH!!) Baby girl had her ankles crossed the entire time. It was difficult to see the true gender of our baby. She would only let the technician get quick glimpses. She was pronounced a girl simply because the technician couldn't see something. When she did get quick glimpses, she saw 3 white lines which generally indicates a girl. This is why she is only 85% sure. I guess there is a chance I could still have a boy, but I probably won't have another ultrasound done simply because I don't really need one. They were able to see everything they needed to see from this one, and I'm not sure my insurance will actually cover another one. That's okay with me!! We really don't have a preference either way. Maybe we'll still be surprised.

4) She's healthy!! Everything looked normal. Heart rate was about 130 which is in the normal range, and she weighed in about 13 oz.

Other facts!! Mom is doing great. Some swelling in her legs, especially behind her knees, which causes occasional pain; other than that I am anxiously awaiting her arrival.

I'm 20 weeks and a couple of days and due around July 19th. I just barely started outgrowing most of my pants, and I bought my first pair of maternity jeans yesterday. They are much more comfortable than expected.

Hardest part now - waiting!! I guess we still need some time to decide on a name. Naming your child brings a lot of unexpected pressure. :) Any ideas???