You wont be hearing from me for a whole week because Ryan and I will be on vacation.

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!! I have been waiting alllllll summeryear long for this time off. OC- here we come!!

There is just something about the thought of spending a whole week with my husband at the beach, relaxing, eating, swimming, shopping, smling, crabbing, game playing… hurry up Sunday!!!!

Lucy is going to have her very first Chicken and Cheese Wrap from the Wrapper. If you have never indulged in one of these boardwalk specialties, I HIGHLY recomend it (1st Street and the Boardwalk, right next to the Polish Water Ice stand)!! I will post a pic of her experience. hehe

Also, I have planned a special date for Tuesday night with my Hubby. We have not been on a real date in… a while (real date as in going out somewhere). We have been trying to really save every penny and though we are still on a tight budget for vacation, we are going to splurge just a little for a night full of fun, laughter and romance (woo-woo). YAY!  Smiling.

Random thoughts below.

1. Fuddruckers has darn good Milkshakes.

2. I am now at 22 6/7 weeks, 2 lbs. over pre-pregnancy weight, only have had 2 cravings but I don’t think they are “real” cravings, still fitting into my regular jeans as long as they are all the way un-buttoned and un-zipped, shirts are a different story. Sleeping is uncomfortable and if I get another doggone leg cramp… I am going to scream louder than I do when they wake me up. She is getting much stronger, Ryan has been able to feel her more and more- I love it. Lucy is in the top 100 baby names of 2009, dang! Whodathunkit? She is at number 74, right next to her cousin Lila at #73 (I didn’t think this was a popular name either). I am not going to change it, though I did entertain the thought for a minute.

3. So if you didn’t know, I want to deliver naturally. I think that woman were made to deliver that way and though I am not at all against medications (at all), personally I would like to give it a whirl. I know it is going to be painful, oh so painful. I don’t even know if I will be able to handle it, but I just really have the desire to really experience it, all of it. The thought of a giant needle in my back makes me quiver more than the thought of a child coming out of my__, I don’t know, weird I guess.  

On that note, Ryan and I watched some labor movies on the computer yesterday; different drugs and delivering techniques… it was really cool, really gross and really scary all at the same time. It made me realize this: There is only one way out. Holy Moley. No matter what, she is coming, and sometime in the next few months, that is going to be me. HOLY MOLEY- OUCH! AHH! Stay in there!

3. This week (starting today) it is Restaurant Week in Baltimore. Visit this site for details: www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com. There are some pretty good deals I tell ya.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK! I know it is not going to be as good as ours (sorry), but try anyway. Kidding. Ha. ;0)

Ryan felt Lucy move for the first time on Monday evening- so exciting.

I had been feeling her going crazy in my belly all day and at dinner, she was really kicking. So, I leaned over, grabbed Ryan’s hand, placed it on my stomach and sure enough, she gave him a hard kick!! It was really cute. She is definitely getting stronger and I can feel her more and more each day. She actually really does not like it when I sit with my legs bent/crossed and slightly leaning forward while working at my desk. She has no problem kicking me until I reposition.

I felt her flip or something (it was too much movement to just be a kick) with my hand yesterday when I was laying in bed- that was pretty cool too.

Oh, AND, Mrs. Emotional has returned… hormones are crazy. It is like 10 x worse than the emotional you get when your on your…. you know. Just un-necessary.

AND… I am sure everyone knows by now but… CONGRATULATIONS to my In-Laws, Eric and Amanda on the coming of their 4th Child. We are soooooooo excited for them, however, they are making it a little more difficult for Ryan and I to catch up.  =0)

You get to hear my side of things all of the time so I thought it would be fun for you to get a little insight from the other party in this pregnancy. Just a few questions…enjoy!

When you found out I was pregnant, what was your initial thought/reaction?

-I was in disbelief but definitely excited.

What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered so far during our pregnancy?

–You. The first tri-mester was hard because I didn’t know what to say to you because you were so emotional and you being sick all of the time, I felt like there was no way to help you.

How did you feel when you found out  we were having  a girl?

-That I was nervous about, I thought for sure it was going to be a boy.

20 weeks and counting, what are your thoughts?

-I can’t wait to see her little feet sticking out of your belly and I really can’t wait to hold her.

What is your biggest fear about being a father?

-I have always dreamed about being a father and have always thought about what it would be like, I hope I can live up to that…. and dying.

What about being a father are you most excited about?

– I don’t know, teaching her/them things, like sports.

In what ways has our life changed since finding out we were pregnant?

–We have been really trying to save more money and it has gotten us to be more proactive in looking for a house.

In what ways do you think our life is going to change?

-We will probably be busier and we will have to be more careful about everything we do.

How will you handle Lucy’s first date?

-I don’t know, that is a while away. That is the whole reason I didn’t want a girl.

Half way- I can’t believe it!!!! Onone hand I feel like I have been pregnant forever, on the other hand, I can’t believe I only have 20 weeks left! Carazay!

I had a check-up yesterday and everything looks great! My Doc. says that she has a very strong heartbeat and within the next couple of weeks I will not only be able to feel her inside of my belly, but I will be able to feel her with my hand when I touch my belly. I am excited for Ryan to be able to feel her, It is kind of not fair right now because I can feel her all of the time and he is missing out on it. Oh well, soon enough.

I am now officially back up to my pre-pregnancy weight.  I am going to try really hard to only gain 1 lb. a week.  However, Lucy, like her mama has a LOVE for sweets. Love Love Sweets. So, The Lord is really really going to have to pull some miracles here to help us continue to grow in self control in this area of eating. Ha-Ha. Now, you may be thinking, if you want sweets, eat a piece of fruit. Ok, yeah that makes sense but it doesn’t work. I know that whatever you are craving your body needs and if I am craving sweets then I should eat some berries or fresh fruits but when my mouth is specifically watering for chocolate sauce, I can eat all the fruit I want but I am still going to be craving that chocolate until I get it.

House, we didn’t get it. =0(

Someone else put in a cash offer and the bank took it. Stinkers. BUT, that is ok. This just means that there is something better out there for us! I trust that God is faithful and wants to bless us and I guess he just has a better blessing than that house. Sounds good to me! Can’t say I wasn’t a little disappointed and tempted to question God’s sovereignty but after reminding myself of His truths and promises, I feel much better. Wherever we end up, it is for a good reason. Hopefully it will be in a new home where we can grow our family and practice hospitality but if not, it is what it is. Please feel free to join in praying for us as we continue to pursue this option.

I am just in love with this child growing inside of me. Gosh. I can’t explain it but I have this incredible feeling of joy and excitement. I didn’t think I ever would until we actually met for the first time but I was wrong. I can not wait!!! Although, I can wait for the giving birth part. eeek. Good thing we are a few weeks away from that…

She is kicking me right now. I guess that means get off the computer and go take a walk. I think she is right. YES! She has the gift of wisdom!

It is confirmed, Lucy is still a Lucy.

So 19 weeks is where we are today. I can’t believe that I am almost half way to the day when we get to meet Lucy!! Ahhh. Scary! Exciting!

The last two weeks I developed a strange intolerance to dairy and red meat. Man, that was not pretty! And, what the heck else do you eat for breakfast if you can’t eat cereal? Now I know that is a silly question but it is not really convenient to make scrambled eggs or pancakes while at work. I could have eaten bagels everyday but then I would have gained a hundred pounds. Now, good news… today I ate some cereal because I am sick of eating apple sauce and I did not feel sick! Amen! So, back to life again. Unfortunately, I am not brave enough to try any red meat at this time, the sickness associated was way worse so I rather steer clear. And, it is probably better that I don’t eat it anyway.

I normally do NOT like Cinnamon gum (it is too hot for me) but recently, I have  been infatuated with the stuff. Weird.

Sleeping is starting to get a little more uncomfortable. I realize that I am not that big yet but there is still pressure in unpleasant areas that are annoying while laying down. I wake up every time I have to roll over because the muscles that I use to roll over hurt. I have gotten cramps in my calfs almost every night and Ryan seriously grinds his teeth. I know that is un-related but man is it annoying. I am going to have to invest in a body pillow this week… I hear that they should help.

I have another Sonogram this week because the Tech could not get the measurements of Lucy’s spine and the were also unable to check for Spinal Biff (sp?)… because of the way she was laying. I am a bit nervous that when they are in there  they might see a little something else besides a “Lucy” if you know what I mean… I would be mortified I think. I know it has only been a week but it is amazing how different it is when you actually know what is inside of you. We have been bonding. I am looking and preparing for a girl and talking to her and day dreaming about her and praying for her and well… I will still be happy that it is a healthy child but it will be different. I don’t know, I can’t explain it. I doubt that it might happen because the woman seemed so sure, but you know anything is possible.

Ryan and I registered at Babies-R-Us on Saturday, it was so much fun. Actually it was pretty overwhelming because I was reminded that I have no idea what I am doing but it was fun. It was especially cute seeing Ryan looking at little girl things and trying out strollers and picking out toys… my heart was melting. aww.

Speaking of registering, I have gained such an appreciation for the Internet lately. I have been able to look up all sorts of things and read customer reviews and I tell you, that is just so darn helpful! I could have easily made stupid choices on lots of items because I thought they were “pretty” or “cheap” or whatever, but reading peoples comments and thoughts on different products has really helped me make better decisions regarding items and I have even learned a lot about things that are or aren’t important that I would have figured out until I was stuck with whatever item I bought. Highly highly recommend reading reviews before you buy anything.  It is so smart!

Ryan and I put in an offer on a house yesterday. Scary! I will let you know how it goes- we should know in a day or two. If we do get this house, I will be in need of people who either 1- really like to clean (because it needs to be cleaned and I will need help) or 2- like to be in the yard. I am extremely intimidated by the amount of yard work/landscaping that will be needed in fixing up this yard and I will really need the assitance of people who enjoy doing it. I hate plants (that need attention), and gardening, and pollen and…. you get it. So, pray that if this is the house that the Lord wants for us, that our offer will go through. If it is not, that our offer will not go through. Either way, I know God has our best interest in mind.

Girls clothes are so cute!

Did you get that?

IT’S A GIRL!!!

In case you are confused by the title: we saw da baby itza (it’s a) girl.

Yes, we are excited. My initial reaction was as follows: “Holy Crap!” followed by a lot of tears. Tears of joy and tears of nervousness… but mostly joy. I know she is going to be so stinkin’ cute! And, I can’t help thinking about how cute Ryan is going to be with a little girl… he is so cute with Keely (our niece) I can’t imagine what he will be like with his own little girl… awww.

So… the name? Lucy Elizabeth Price 

You may or may not like it but we love it. I especially love the meaning. It means “Light”. I think it is perfect. I hope and pray that she will be a light to the world and to our family and that she would have a radiant personality that just lights up any room she walks into.

Oh, and at our apt. today the Tech got a frontal view of our little girl and, she waved to us!! It was the cutest thing ever! I wish we had gotten a snap-shop of it.

I DO have a Sono that I plan to post but I am still working on getting it into the computer. Our work scanner is strange, that is why it is so difficult.

I have to get ready for bed but I wanted to post something since some of you may be waiting in suspence… I will be back later, with the Sono hopefully.