Road to You

 Looking back at my phone pictures, I can't believe how quickly the past 33 weeks have gone. I wanted to capture the moments of my pregnancy to someday share with our little guy/girl.

We found out December 6th that we were going to be your parents. Later that week we got our Christmas tree and your first stocking. 

We told your grandparents, aunts, and uncles the news around Christmas time, when you were a tiny, eight-week-old peanut. I bought a different book for each of my siblings and parents. On the inside of each was a note from you, letting them know you are on the way! 

Our first ultrasound was at 12 weeks, and that's when we started to tell extended family and friends. I'll never forget the montage of feelings I felt during that ultrasound, when my belly was still so small and no one had any idea. It was a precious moment. I saw you do some flips, lots of moving, and saw your little heart flutter. Mine fluttered, too.

Then the planning started: 

We knew we wanted a gender-neutral nursery with a touch of retro, so we ordered mid-century modern furniture and went to second-hand stores around the city browsing for cool room accents. 

 And then the bow making obsession started, lol! 

In March, I left a job I loved for a new teaching position in a district that would be less stressful with the changes happening in our family. This is a picture from my first week at the new school. It's been a great transition and I've met many wonderful people there who, only having known me for three months, are so excited to meet you. 

We had our 20-week ultrasound appointment also in March. You gave us the peace sign and the tech and midwife said everything looks great so far. We can't wait to see more of your personality! 

I finally caved and bought a body pillow. You've made sleeping a little more difficult than it used to be. 

 And the painstaking name-choosing process really kicked in to high gear! We've settled on our final picks for you :)

In April, you got to meet the ocean for the first time in Hilton Head, SC. Can't wait to take you on more vacations!

Mother's Day is when we made the official announcement (via Facebook) that you were on your way to us in August for friends we don't see as often. 

Everyone, especially your family, is so excited to meet you! 

We've had so many things to celebrate these past several months. Just this month, your father passed his seventh licensing exam and is now a licensed architect! We celebrated with breakfast at a restaurant within walking distance that we'll take you to someday. He passed just in time for you... and house projects...

...like renovating the kitchen. 

I'm keeping busy, too, learning how to sew from grandma. Hopefully I'll be able to fulfill all your costume requests someday like she was always able to do for us. 

 And here is how you have changed over the past 33 weeks. You've changed me forever, too. 

The last one is of us today. My last day of school for the year and the first day of seven months of uninterrupted time for you. Nesting, resting, prepping for now, patiently waiting for you.