I LOVE being a mommy!

"A mother holds her children's hands for a short while and their hearts forever."

I can't begin to explain how much I absolutely love being a mommy. It is the most rewarding experience....how you ask? When you are exhausted, haven't showered in two days, can't remember taking the time to brush your teeth that day, have a fussy baby all day that won't let you put them down, and you're up again at 2:30AM for a feeding, there is nothing more rewarding then making eye contact with your little one and them giving you a big grin. I think I would go to the ends of the earth and give up everything for that little smile. She is so precious...a true blessing. I hope that when life gets stressful and she grows older, that she always knows how much she is loved. Every night after we put her to bed, Ben and I just sit in front of her bouncy seat (yes...for now she loves sleeping in her bouncy seat) and just stare at her. We both put our hands on her and pray before we get in bed and our prayers always start out just thanking the Father for such a glorious gift. We can't seem to express our appreciation enough for choosing us to be her parents. I pray that the Lord give us wisdom and guidance to raise her to be the woman He has intended. Here are some pics of the little one.

She's HERE!!!!!

She is finally here! Miss Reagan Abigail was born on Tuesday, November 17th at 1:35. She weighed 6lb. 13oz and was 19 inches long. She is the most beautiful baby! We had a few complications during labor and ended up having to have an emergency c-section. I would highly not recommend this if at all possible. The recovery has been extremely rough. When they were monitoring her during contractions, her heartbeat was continuously dropping. They weren't sure if she was either just grabbing hold of the umblical chord or if it was wrapped around her. So, split decision and we had a c-section. I'll post more later, but wanted to at least get pictures posted of the big day.

Just a few more days!

Just a few more days little one! The doctor put me on bed rest last Tuesday because of high blood pressure. It's been extremely hard trying to just sit and relax at home while also working and attempting to plan and get things ready for you. We got to see you in a 3-D sonogram on Friday, and your dad and I just melted. You were smiling biting your bottom lip and looked so adorable. We're told you have lots of hair....that is definitely from your dad since I was bald until almost 3. We go back to the doctor this Friday (it's now Thursday morning) to determine if I will be induced on Tuesday. I can't believe the time is already here. We finished our nursing and birthing classes but it still seems surreal. I still feel so ill prepared although I keep hearing my instincts will kick in when you arrive. I sure hope so.
Your room is finally done. We finished it tonight!

Are we there yet?

I'm so over hearing the following sayings:

"It will all be worth it in the end."

"You'll forget all about the past 9 months as soon as they hand you that baby."

"Wow...your pregnancy has really flown by."

"This lack of sleep is just mother nature's way of preparing you for when the baby arrives." ...followed by "honey, you should really be taking the time right now to rest and get some sleep."

I thought I would take a moment then to reminisce on the things that I am looking forward to the most with your arrival:

1.) not itching all over. The PUPPS has spread across my entire body and makes me itch like crazy.

2.) the swelling to go away. My feet, hands and legs are so swollen all of the time that my skin constantly feels tight and stretched. Couple this with itching and it's pretty impossible to sit still.

3.) Peeing every hour in the night. Your dad finally asked me "Do you just sit there or does something actually come out that often?" Believe it or not...something comes out every time! Where all of this pee comes from, I have no idea.

4.) Sleep. I think I remember what this is but it's been so long it's just a faint memory. Oh how I miss you.
5.) Besides seeing constant commercials on TV, I had no real idea of what acid reflux was. I do now. Nothing like waking up every hour with a burning sensation in your chest and throat. Even better when you wake up choking on acid that is coming up. I know this is graphic but it's reality. My attitude is, if I'm having to deal with it daily, you can stand to read about it.

6.) Bending and reaching without a) falling over b) pulling a muscle c) getting stuck. I can't wait to be able to reach my feet again and put my own shoes on.

7.) Restless leg syndrome. Again...add this to acid reflux, peeing nonstop, swelling and itching and we wonder why it annoys me when someone says I should be using this time to nap and rest.

8.) Walking down the hall without being left completely breathless. People still feel the need to ask, are you okay. Why are you breathless? "BECAUSE MY KID IS PLAYING CYMBALS WITH MY LUNGS! THANK YOU!"

Now having said all of that there is so much that I am actually going to really miss about being pregnant.

1.) Feeling you wiggle around. I love when you stick your little bottom out and it juts my tummy out. I lightly pat it until you put it back down.

2.) Having you with me all day. I love that I get to take you with me where ever I go to do whatever I do. I love never being apart from you.

3.) I love having you to myself. I know that sounds selfish, and I try to let Daddy feel as many wiggles, kicks and moves as possible. It's so fun though to just put my hand lightly on my belly and feel you move in response. It's like we can already communicate with each other. You tend to not perform for anyone else. That's my girl!

4.) Right now you are perfect. You are safe, healthy, happy and knowing nothing other than this environment.

Just a little over a month left love! We are rapidly trying to get ready for your arrival. Your dad is so anxious to see you and hold you. He thinks that he is actually more ready for you to be here than I am. He obviously hasn't read my listed mentioned above. :)

Keep baking little one. You have four more weeks to pack the pounds on and get those lungs working.

We love you so very very much!

Uncle Tommy

You are a lucky girl. You will grow up with an extra compassionate heart because of your Uncle Tommy. Not every little girl or boy is as lucky to have such a cool uncle. While he can get a little moody at times and doesn't always like to share his toys, you will always have a playmate with him regardless of how old you grow. He will always be there to fix your toys, take them apart and hopefully put them back together again. I hope these are your memories of Uncle Tom. I hope that you grow to tolerate his mood swings (we all have them) and may you always think he's saying "Fire You!" instead of what he is actually trying to convey. :) May you grow to tolerate his hugs even if he squeezes just a little too tight. I hope that you're okay being called "Baby" your entire life because you more than likely will not have another name as far as he is concerned. Will is in 2nd grade now, and we're still trying to convince Tommy to call him Will instead of Baby. We've had no such luck as of yet. I hope you always remember that no matter the outburst or behavior that Tommy occasionally displays, that you always think of him as a jolly giant. That's what he is. Tommy is going through a transitional phase right now, and we aren't quite sure were this journey will end, but I hope that you always hold compassion for him. I hope that you stand up for him if ever your friends don't understand him. I pray that you hold love in your heart for others like Tommy and for others that are different than you. Sometimes different is good. In fact, sometimes different is better. I pray that you always remember these things and think of him in this light.

Less than 6 weeks left little girl. I can't wait to hold and kiss you. Your presence is going to help heal several aching hearts right now. In a year full of turmoil in the Murray family, you are every one's ray of sunshine. Love you butterbean.

The fun continues...

So, I can't decide if you're already mad at me or if you are so eager to meet me that you are trying everything possible to arrive early. You aren't even here yet, and I'm already sensitive to you being mad at me..ugh..the power of a daughter.
This may be a bit gross, but I wanted to document anyway. Mamaw keeps saying that I'll forget about all of my "fun" pregnancy experiences once you're here, and I'll want another one. So, I'm documenting just in case I do forget...I'll still have this handy reminder.
Earlier this week I woke up with a rash on my lower belly. Now keep in mind I couldn't see it because I can't see anything below my giant belly, but it was there nonetheless. I figured it would go away, but a few days later and the wonderful thing has spread across my entire stomach (quite a large turf to cover) and spreading upward. So much fun! We went to the doctor yesterday, and I have what is call PUPPS. Yep..not the kind of cute little cuddly furry friends that we all love...nope...this is a large, itchy rash that will stay put (actually it could possibly spread) until your arrival. Again..super fun. We are half way through our birthing classes. I can't honestly say I've learned that much. We have our nursing class on the 1st. We'll see how it goes. To sum up my attitude...I love you very very much but am COMPLETELY ready for you to arrive and be done with the pregnancy part. Your room is coming along wonderfully. I think it may be the cutest nursery I've ever seen...several others agree with me too! :)
Love you little one!

Making progress....

We're working hard to get ready for you! You have an awesome mamaw who has been so helpful in painting and hanging wall paper in your room. I think it's looking pretty cute! Hope you like pink! Your dad and I put together your bed the other night. I mean Emmy and I sat and watched as your dad did everything. I think I did hand him a tool or two. :) He's quite the handy man. I love your bed and can't help but walking in there at least once a day and day dream of what it's going to look like when you're actually here and sleeping in it. I can't wait. Here are a few pictures of your room in progress.

You at 20 weeks...

Your beautiful profile. Now who do you look like?

You had your mouth open talking to me. I think you were probably already sassing me.

Your feet! They look huge!

You were waving at me!

These are a few weeks old but this is the day we found out you are our little GIRL!

What a weekend.....

Oh what a weekend. Saturday I went shopping with Amy for Jamie's wedding, and we shopped all day in the pouring rain. Bought you a cute little pink sweatsuit and some wall decorations for your room. Aunt Jen called and said that she had been given a bag of super cute littel girl clothes from a coworker. I was too excited to wait, so your dad and I went over there that night for dinner and to see all of the goodies. While the jury is still out on whether your Aunt Jen poisoned me or not...kidding.....I got home and started having some stomach pain. It got worse and worse until about an hour later when your dad decided that we were going to the emergency room. We went to Harris in Fort Worth and they wheeled me straight to the maternity ward. I tell you this story not because it was a glorious moment that I ever want to relive but it was this moment where I realized I would sacrifice all for you. Everything. Your dad and I just held hands and prayed the whole way to the hospital hoping that you would be okay. That God would keep his protective hand over you and keep you healthy. I couldn't feel you move, and I've never felt such fear. They hooked me up to the monitor and found your sweet heartbeat. There's never been a better sound. I think I just started crying knowing that you were okay. You can never doubt my love for you. So after contractions stopped (which I am convinced were at the hand of God), the doctor became concerned about my blood pressure. He decided to keep us until we could get it down to a healthy number. Again, by the power of God it slowly came down and 5 hours later we were able to head home. I've been told to rest and take things much easier. I am so sorry if I brought this on myself by not taking things easier and thinking that I could still act as if I wasn't carrying you. I feel such guilt that I put you at risk. I love you little butterbean and I promise to do everything I can to protect you and keep you healthy. Around 12 more weeks until I get to finally hold you!

We're in the double digits!

Holy cow sis! We are officially in the double digits! Reality set in the other day for your dad and I when we were putting groceries away and realized that some of our food expires AFTER you are here! That means it's getting close! I am totally scared! Frightened! Terrified! ...can you tell I'm a wee bit nervous about you? I'm still trying to wrap my brain around us being parents. Are we responsible enough? Are we ready? Are we even old enough? It's crazy to think that your mamaw and papaw had two kids by the time they were our age and your grandma and papaw had 3 kids by this time. Apparently we're old enough but still oh so scared. Will I know how to console you? Will I know how to decipher your cries? Will your dad remember to change your diaper on his day off? Will you love Emmy as much as we do? Will Emmy love you? What will you love? What will you hate? Who will you look like? I can't wait to see you and hold you. I think that will help pacify some of my anxieties. When I see a cute baby in a catalog or out somewhere I get lost thinking of you and who you are going to look like and what type of personality will you have. Will you have dark eyes like daddy and a shy personality like his too or will you be fair complected and outgoing like me? I can't wait for the day when we can talk and play Barbies together.
A brief update. You have found my bladder and you apparently enjoy hitting it like a punching bag. You are a very active little girl and your kicks, punches and elbows are getting more powerful. Sometimes it's hard not to bust out laughing when I'm in a meeting and I glance down at my belly and can see you doing Tae Bo in there. All of the books and updates say that you can hear my voice. I wonder if you know yet that I'm your mommy. Do you hear Daddy talk too? While I'm not quite sure that Emmy knows yet what is going on, she does enjoy laying on top of my belly. I'm sure you'll be used to hearing Emmy huffing and puffing since she's been laying on you almost daily.
We got your bed this weekend courtesy of Mamaw and Papaw and we bought the fabric for your bedding for Grandma to make. You have the best grandparents ever! AND the best great grandparents who are also already spoiling you. Although your dad said no pink walls, I've decided to paint your room pink. :) It's going to be super cute and I'm sure he'll love it. Mamaw, Aunt Jen, Amy and I all went to Canton last weekend and bought tons of amazing bows and sweet outfits. Aunt Jen is already asking when I will be letting you stay overnight with her. If anyone is going to spoil you rotten..it's going to be her. I may have a hard time prying you out of her arms.
We are all so anxious to meet you. We love you so much little one!

Here are a few songs that are rockin' my world right now.

Men vs. Women

Lesson to be learned Reagan: Men are COMPLETELY different than woman. You will learn this soon enough. When both your Aunt Jen and I were born, our dad picked out the outfit to bring each of us home in. It was something special that we kept all these years and may be the one time he got a say in what we wore. :) I thought it would be fun to continue the tradition down into our family. I gave your dad the option, and let's just say we had different ideas on what we were looking for. Here's what I was expecting:

...and then here's what your dad found for you:

I've already started thinking how I can doll this outfit up more..perhaps sequins, tulle, lots of ribbons and bows. We'll make it work.

I sure hope you come out loving baseball and are a Red Sox fanatic! He has such high hopes of watching every game with you. Maybe we can compromise and have manicure and pedicure time while we watch the game with him. :)

Love you little bug!

Oh! I saw you move for the first time yesterday. What a strange feeling! You were kicking like crazy (Mamaw thinks you're following in my footsteps and are going to be a gymnast), and I looked down and saw my stomach jutting out with every kick and flip. I feel like I'm a giant bounce house for you.

The Lord is so faithful..He sent us a Mary Poppins!

We are so lucky to live right down the street from our very best friends. Seriously, can it get any better than that? Nothing is more fun than deciding we'll all do dinner together at the last minute or the girls will go for a nice long walk while the boys play Nintendo. It's the best. The excitement of finding out that we were having a baby was contagious and the Culvers are now expecting their second child. Again, how awesome is this? I get to be pregnant with my best friend and go through all of the fun (you may hint a bit of sarcasm here) pregnancy moments together. While we are super excited for Reagan's future playmate and/or husband to arrive, this put a kink in some pretty big plans. Amy was to always be our nanny, even when Reagan was only a hypothetical baby. So, now...what to to...what to do?

Plan B! I absolutely adore Ben's sister Sarah. She's an amazing mom and actually likes watching other people's children. Problem solved! Oh wait...one small glitch..you lives in Georgia. Well, with the recent passing of both of Ben's grandparents it looked like she may have been able to move back to TX with her family. Done! Plan B is a go! Hold on...not so fast. While I still have everything that is crossable crossed on my body that they'll hurry and move back, I don't know that it will be in time for Reagan's arrival. Okay..on to plan C.

Hmm...I have no plan C. Oh no! I have no plan C!!!! This realization came to me last week. As the beads of perspiration started breaking out on my forehead during dinner one night while Ben and I were eating, my horrific Type A personality started to rear its ugly head. Never fear though, this is why I married Ben. He had a great suggestion. Let's pray about it. Hmm...simple enough. I think I can do this. So, we prayed about it over dinner and then we continued praying about it individually all week. A certain name kept popping into my head during my prayer, so I finally decided to email her. I simply asked if she knew of anyone who might be interested...not her in particular. If she could pass on my contact information, it would be most helpful. Here's where I just want to give the biggest shout out to Jesus...He never fails. Little did I know that over in the Welnack household they had been fasting during the week and praying over some big decisions. Kathleen felt that she needed to be doing more but that that more should still be taking place in her home following what was already a part of her daily life....like perhaps watching someone's baby!!!! She went out for a walk to think and came back and low and behold...she received my email. Yes, He does work that easy. He is always so faithful and kind. So, while the Murray household was praying for the perfect person and the Welnack family was praying for an opportunity, the Lord was sitting back smiling finishing the final pieces of the puzzle. How awesome is He!?! Have I mentioned that I love Kathleen by the way? She and Matt have the sweetest little girl, Jackie that will soon become Reagan's little playmate. Oh..and have I also mentioned that Kathleen was my first boss out of college? It makes you wonder if the Lord didn't place me in that particular job just to meet her. Oh...and one last question. Did I also mention that Kathleen and Matt live a whoppin' 2 minutes from us? They just 'happened' to move to this neck of the woods a few months ago.
The Lord never fails to amaze me with his faithfulness and love. It reminds me of my current favorite song:
You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say Lord blessed be Your Name.

Baby Kisses

We're a little over the half way mark and have about 4 months until I get to meet you little one! Looking at all of my friend's with their new babies, makes me so anxious and excited to snatch you up and give you a million kisses! I simply can't wait! I'll have to remind myself to share you with Daddy, Emmy and the rest of the people that will be lined up down the block waiting to hold and squeeze you. You are already so loved...and have I mentioned spoiled. You are an active little girl, and your sweet little flutter kicks have now turned in to more forceful thumps. I LOVE IT! I think it's your way of reminding me that you're in there and still doing wonderfully. So, keep kicking along. I love to feel every single thump! You tend to be the most active during the middle of the day and sleep at night and in the mornings. Hopefully you keep this schedule when you arrive. You weigh around a pound right now, but it's safe to say I haven't gained just one little pound. Your daddy was so kind as to remind me the other night that he could barely get his arm around me. We love him a lot but he still has oh so much to learn. When I look at my closet full of shoes that I can no longer wear, I just have to remember how much I love you. My shoe wardrobe has quickly dimenished to house shoes, crocs and flip flops. If the shoes buckle, I have to sit on the bed while your daddy fastens them for me. Again...have I mentioned that I love you so much!?! Plans for decorating your room are in full swing. Let the fun begin! Mamaw and Aunt Jen Jen and I are all going to Canton to begin the shopping process. Daddy has said no pink walls but we'll see about that. 4 more months little sissy! I love you so very very much!

Reagan Abigail Murray

It's a girl! We found out Tuesday at 3:30 that we will be having a Reagan Abigail, and we could not be more excited!!!! Immediately following the appointment (after we called all grandparents, aunts and great grandparents and heard shouts of happiness across the country) Jennifer and my mom and I all went to Babies R Us to register. I am SO thankful that I had them both there to help. Jen was so helpful in letting me know what was useful to her with her boys and what was a complete waste of time. Hopefully her advice will hold for Reagan as well. We all three left with bags full of little girl goodies. With this being the first granddaugther, I kept having to tell my mom that this is why I am registering and that you don't have to buy everything today. I think the opportunity to buy pink and lace just overcame her. If my mom and Mimi have their way this poor girl is going to be so covered in lace and bows and ribbons that she won't be able to move..poor thing....poor spoiled rotten thing. I've already started on ideas for the nursery and can't wait to begin shopping. The theme is a shabby chic tea room. I'll post pictures of the room along the way.

Hooray for little girls!

Grandpa Murray (Gerald Lee Murray)

My sweet baby,

This week was a tough week for your dad, and a week that I was hoping wouldn't come until after you were here. Your great grandpa Murray passed away Friday, July 3rd. While we knew he was sick, we were so hoping that he could hold on long enough to meet you. His time came though and he went to be with his Savior and his Ruby. Although it was extremely difficult for him, your dad did an excellent job speaking at the funeral. I'm so proud of him. I wanted to pass on your dad's favorite memories of his grandpa, so that you can get a small glimpse of what an amazing man he was and how important he was to your dad.

He hardly ever missed one of your dad's baseball games, high school or college, though your dad at the time might have hoped he would. It would embarrass your dad so much because your great grandpa would constantly yell at the referees no matter the call. He was a bit competitive, also very athletic. Your dad, grandpa, great uncle Tim and great grandpa all played softball together. Your dad also loved going to Oklahoma with Aunt Sarah and Aunt Na to spend summers with his grandparents. I've been told that he would always leave one sock behind to guarantee another visit, though your dad will deny this to the end. He also enjoyed going camping with his grandpa in Colorado. It's probably still one of his favorite vacations to date. This is where his grandpa taught him about getting "ill". You better not learn about this ever! His grandpa set a great example for your grandpa and Uncle Tim that trickled down to your dad. He taught them the value of hard work, the integrity of a man, the joy of being a family man and the honor of serving the Living God. We all loved him so much, and he loved you too. At your great grandma's funeral, he was patting my stomach and telling your dad to be sure and take care of us. He was so happy to find out about you, but knew that his time had come to return home. His service was lovely complete with three marines and the sound of Taps playing in the background to recognize his service to the country. I'm pretty sure you could hear the music playing because I felt you moving around. It was a beautiful service to commemorate a beautiful life.

With rain the Lord always provides a rainbow. During this sad time, we've been so happy to have your Aunt Sarah and Isaiah and Alex stay with us. Aunt Sarah keeps telling us this will be great practice for when you come along. I have a feeling you're going to wear me out, although I know I'll love every minute of it. I already love you so much. Only 12 days till I find out if you are my sweet Reagan or my sweet yet to be named boy! (Your dad and I are having a bit of a difficult time deciding on a boy's name.)

Pickles and Ice Cream

I thought it would be fun to begin keeping track of all of the odd foods that I've started craving. Here goes:
1.) milk (might not seem strange, but I'm despised milk for the last 10 years or so. I had to stop at a gas station on the way to work one morning because I absolutely had to have it.)
2.) hamburgers/hotdogs (also might not seem strange, but I haven't ate beef since I was around 7, but one Sunday after church Ben and I went to Kincaid's and I had to have the biggest hamburger. It was so good)
3.) peanut butter on waffles...so good! I've been told that I should add syrup to the peanut butter..we'll see.

The Murrays are an amazing bunch

I think Ben and I could sleep for the next two weeks and still be exhausted from this past week and weekend. We've laughed, we've cried and we've played with our now 6 nephews! Throw Tommy in the mix and we're officially wiped.

Ben's oldest sis, Na (Naomi) and her amazingly awesome now husband Chad left to go to Antigua on Friday to get married. We love Chad and are so happy for the two of them. High school sweethearts reunited let's just say a few years down the road... On the heels of our anticipation for Na and Chad, we learned that Ben's grandma, Ruby Murray, had passed away. While it is devastating to lose anyone that you love, Ben was not only close to his grandparents but he had been so blessed to have never lost a friend or family member before. Mourning and processing these sorrowful feelings were unchartered territory. We had a lovely memorial service for her last Tuesday which turned in to a great celebration knowing that our sweet Ruby was without doubt dancing with her Savior. It was great hearing stories about both Grandma and Grandpa Murray outside of their 'grandparent realm' and hear fun stories from friends about when they were young. We were able to get great practice in for the baby and have two of our nephews stay with us along with Ben's sister Sarah who was visiting from Georgia. While they are the most well-behaved boys...boys will be boys...and boys will make Uncle Ben and Aunt Jojo exhausted. I think when they see Uncle Ben they just see one giant punching bag and tickle monster. It was so much fun watching Ben play with the boys and see what a great father he's going to make. The week ended with some very exciting news...I felt the baby for the first time! I was swimming with Amy and I had just jumped in the pool and felt something on my right side. I put my hand on it and gently pushed back and kept feeling a little flutter against my right side. Either the baby loves swimming or hated the cold water and was trying to tell me to get out. What an amazing feeling though. Thank you Lord for the life that Ruby led and the example that she set, and thank you for this new life that you are forming right now.

Fun Pregnacy Survey

Mother Name: Joanna
Age: 25

Birthday: 3/26

Birth Place: Arlington, TX

Father: Ben

Age: 29

Birthday: 1/13

Birth Place: Tyler, TX

FIRSTS: Is this your first pregnancy?: Yes

How did you find out you were pregnant?: pregnancy test

What kind of pregnancy test did you take?: 3 different kinds (I kept thinking it was positive because of the brand and I needed to take another kind)

How many?: 3

What were your first symptoms?: nausea (I thought I had the flu)

Who did you tell first?: Amy. I called her screaming and crying and totally hysterical

Who was with you when you found out?: I took the first test alone, freaked out, called Amy and then took the other two at her hosue

Was baby planned?: it was a bit of a surprise to be so soon

How far were you when you found out?: 4 weeks


My BABY:

Due date: December 13th

Do you want to know the sex?: yes

Do you know the sex?: not yet…a few more weeks

If so, boy or girl?: we’ll find out soon

Any names?: we’ll let you know when we find out the sex

Any ultrasounds?: Yes! It was the best Mother’s Day gift ever to get to see our little blob!

Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes…I think I melted right off of the table

Who do you think baby will look like?: I don’t know..this is a constant source of conversation for Ben and I

Will baby have any siblings?: hopefully a few in the future

Have you and dad felt baby move?: not yet…it’s just a little lima bean right now


MISCELLANEOUS: Did you have morning sickness?: morning, all day and night

Did you have any cravings?: not really…food hasn’t been my friend for most of the pregnancy

Did you have any mood swings?: I thought my coworkers were going to kill me the first couple of weeks…major hormones partnered with no sleep = very moody Joanna (I’m much better now!)

Are you a high risk pregnancy?: no, thank goodness

Any complications?: no sleep but nothing serious

Formula or breastfeeding?: to be determined

Have you bought anything for baby yet?: not yet but my sister gave me a sweet gift of fun baby items

When did you start to show?: last week..bring on the elastic pants!

How long could you wear your regular clothes?: week 9 I my pants became a little tight and this week I have officially brought out the lovely maternity pants

Are you excited?: Thrilled!!!!

Who will help with baby after they’re born?: my mom, my sis and Amy

What is your favorite thing about being pregnant?: Knowing that I have a little one growing and developing

What is the worst thing about being pregnant?: fatigue, smelling things, nausea

What one thing do you miss doing since being pregnant?: being self-sufficient and just having to be cautious all the time (Ben freaks out if I lift anything heavy or try to move anything)

Any days you wish you weren't pregnant?: absolutely not! :)

Are you ready for baby?: yes but it’s got 6 more months to go!

Do you have insurance?: Yes

How many kids do you want?: I think I want to have 2 and then maybe adopt 1 or 2

Do you talk to your baby?: Yes but I mainly talk about baby

Do you still feel attractive?: yes…if giant elastic pants isn’t sexy..what is?

Have you had your baby shower yet?: I think it’s a bit early for that

Do you like kids?: I would hope so
How far along are you now?: 10 weeks 1 day!

Friday was a huge day in the Murray household. We had our first sonogram at 8:00, closed on our house at 2:00 and started painting and moving shortly after. Needless to say we are both exhausted and were looking forward to coming back to work on Monday to get a mini break. The ultrasound was so amazing. While you know you know you're having a baby, there's just something of such magnitude that it's difficult to even describe when you finally get to see the little baby move and here the sweet rhythm of the heartbeat. I pretty much melted right off the table when I heard the first beat. Our baby is only a blob the size of a Lima bean but is already so loved and treasured. I have officially turned in to a mush pot and could go on and on about my sweet little blob...but for your sake, I'll stop...for now. :) On to moving. Moving sucks. I apologize for the blunt statement but there really is no other way to describe it. We are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends that helped paint and haul all weekend. Thank you everyone! If anyone needs any movers or painters I would highly recommend all of them, and you only have to pay them in pizza! They may not appreciate me offering their services. Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

First Post

I wanted to begin recording my journey with our first baby but knew that taking the time each day to write my thoughts in a journal were slim to none. I also really enjoy reading all of my friend's blogs and thought it only fair that I give you the chance to stalk my blog like I stalk yours. Kidding....So, here we are. I am going to try to join the virtual world and become a regular blogger. We'll see how it goes.

So, big news in the Murray household...we're having a baby! Holy cow! (I think I said that around 500 times mixed with Oh my gosh when the test showed positive.) We are so excited to meet our baby, though we have a ways to go. I'm around 9-10 weeks along right now. We go to the doctor on Friday for our first sonogram. While all of the millions of books that everyone has given me (I appreciate all of them!) have shown me that the baby looks like a cross between a blob, an alien and a creepy puppy, I still can't wait to hear the heartbeat and stare at my little blob. It's been a trying month with constant sickness, but I was reminded today by a good friend that I am so lucky to feel so crappy. So true. As long as I'm feeling in the dumps, I know that my baby is healthy and growing and for that, it makes no sleep and throwing up all day worthwhile.

Other big news for us, our house is finally done (can I get an AMEN!?!), and we are moving in this Friday. Yep...we have our first sonogram Friday, close on our house later on Friday and then start painting and moving Friday night. I know, I know.....I packed a lot of life events into a short time. I think God is continuously working to break my independence and create my dependence on Him. That's a blog all of its own..more on that later.

(Here's a picture of how I told Ben about our sweet baby. We were meeting at our house because they had just finished painting. I decorated the guest room (now nursery) with baby items and made a poster to hang on the window. Please excuse the messiness of the poster, I had like 20 minutes to decorate everything.)