Announcing...NEW LIFE!

The flutter. That's what I needed to see. There on the screen was a little form with a head, feet bubs and a tiny flutter. The heartbeat. The proof of life growing inside me!

Praise the Lord! Nine weeks into my pregnancy, the ultrasound showed that our new baby is measuring perfectly...and has a heartbeat. It's still too early to hear it, but my doctor granted my request for an early ultrasound, which I had on Tuesday. I just wanted to be sure and to have that peace of mind that this new life is growing. How blessed I am indeed, and I do not take this gift lightly!

This of course, is not our first time at this rodeo. I am already incredibly blessed with two beautiful little girls. And this is my fourth pregnancy. It's not a surprise. None of them have been a "surprise."

We have experienced the beauty of life...and the ache of life lost. Yet still, it amazes me. This most miraculous part of God's creation...that we women get to be the carriers and safe houses for a new life and soul.

And to think...9 Weeks.

Much has happened while this life has been growing inside.

At work, we hosted a Grand Opening for a new 5,000 s.f. showcase home with a Design Studio and more than 1,000 visitors came through our doors in August and September.

At school, we sent our baby girl off to full day Kindergarten and her baby sister started pre-school a couple days a week.

At the beach, we celebrated Adria's 6th Birthday and remembered the day our first child entered the world.

At home, we have a new addition underway that will be much welcomed new space...

...and all the while life was forming.

Proof Positive

Several weeks before I saw the flutter, we had proof of the pregnancy. You know, that glorious little pee stick that either shows you a straight line or a plus sign after you try desperately to hold it in the appropriate position for just the right number of seconds. And then you sit it down and play this silly game with yourself...should I look at it and watch? Or just set it on the counter for a couple minutes and then look? These are defining minutes of your life. They are.

Whether or not that positive sign shows up is the gateway to so much more. Some women striving for months, even years to get pregnant hold their breath praying for the positive sign. While others who are not yet ready for this life change or the coming of another one, hope it's not a plus.

My first test came after my "monthly visitor" was a couple days "late". It was not positive. A few days later I tried again on a Friday morning before the family was awake. I had not even told Adrian that I had bought the pregnancy tests. When I saw the positive sign appear, I just grinned a little and wondered how I should break the news...

Take him out on a date tonight and give him a special gift with the announcement?
Maybe wrap up the pregnancy test with the plus sign and let him open it? Is that too gross?

Just then, I heard a "Mommy!" from the other room. No time to dwell on it, there were other babies that needed me. About 15 minutes later, I came back in our room and saw my husband waking up. I decided I didn't feel like waiting and I had told him the same way with our others.

I went in the bathroom, brought out the pregnancy test, and plopped onto the bed. I just showed it to him.

He looked at me with a question, "Yeah? What?"

Seriously! "We're going to have another baby!" I said. But then I looked down at the test and just saw two straight lines. The positive sign was gone. Too much time had lapsed since I took it...they do warn you of this on the package.

"Well, it was a positive sign," I said.

He laughed, "I guess you're not pregnant anymore." Silly man. He gave me a hug, and I knew he was happy. In fact, he decided we should tell family right away.

Making the Announcement

We wasted no time in getting the word out to our immediate family. That night Adrian's family was having dinner together at his mom's house. It was one of a few special meals while his sister Angie was visiting from Spain, her first time back in the U.S. in four years.

We had to tell Adria first, before anyone else, and we knew she couldn't keep it a secret.

I knew her response would be great, so I pulled out my iPhone to capture the moment....click on this link to view the video we used to make our "official" Facebook announcement :)

http://youtu.be/cAdFb45JuP4

We are Excited (and maybe slightly nervous) about adding a new little life to our clan - Boy OR Girl! 

Thank you for celebrating with us!!!