gabe's going to be a big brother

That's right. I'm pregnant! And believe me, we are just as surprised as you are! What a blessing straight from God. We are so excited, and yet scared out of our minds at the same time. We are feeling lots of mixed emotions, but know that God is in this 100%. He knows what we can and cannot handle, and no matter what, He won't give us too much.

I went in last month for a check-up, and found out I was pregnant. I had to hold it in all day until Matt FINALLY got home from work. It was a LONG day. I gave him an "I love Daddy" bib. He said, "No way." I said, "I'm pregnant," and then I burst out crying... so it goes these days. As soon as we found out, the nurse took LOTS of blood (LOTS), and called my wonderful doctor. They started me on a low dose aspirin (to help thin my blood) and plan to keep me on this the whole pregnancy. They say it's A-okay that I'm pregnant again this soon, and that my chances of a miscarriage are not higher than anyone else's. Schwew...

We had our first ultrasound today. According to them, I'm at eight weeks and three days. My due date is March 20th, but it has already been decided that we will take this one at 37 weeks (February 27th... ish). It seems so close already! The beginning part of my pregnancy will be fairly normal, but as I progress, they will watch me closer and closer. (In the words of Dr. Reynolds, "like a hawk.") At about 34 weeks, they will begin twice a week fetal stress tests to make sure the little one's heart rate is still strong.

We know that so many of you have been in prayer for us. You were praying for our newest addition without even knowing it. Please, please, please keep baby (and insane mommy and worried daddy) in your prayers these next seven or so months. Let's storm the gates! This time we have an insider who has already been tugging at the feet of Jesus, asking IN PERSON that his little brother or sister be healthy and that he/she gets to come home with mommy and daddy this time. What an awesome thought to know that little Gabe is petitioning our Father on our behalf. When I picture that, I am one PROUD mommy.

Here is our newest bundle of joy.

This really is normal, I promise. :)

Look at that beautiful heart a-beating... the best sound I've ever heard.

It was very strong too - 173 bpms!