What's in a name?

The hubs and I have always known that naming our children would be important. We both have a strong sense of family ties and wanting to carry on family traditions. It might just be a southern thing, but we love to carry on and honor namesakes. So when it came time to choose a name for our little girl, we didn't hesitate. We knew what we would be naming her. Johanna Mary, or Jo for short. Johanna honors my great-grandmother on my father's side, though she spelled her name slightly different. Mary honors about six people on both my husband's and my side, including my mother-in-law. The nickname Jo honors my maternal grandfather and his father. 

I personally just love the name. It sounds good when said aloud and it just feels right in my heart.

21 Weeks and Gender Reveal!

How far along: 21 weeks 

Trimester: Second

Baby size: Carrot - 10 1/2 inches long and according to the last ultrasound weighs 14 ounces (we've got a fat baby!)

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day.

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: Baby is wriggling around like crazy! But I'm not complaining, I'm loving it!

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food!

Aversions: I still don't like chicken, but really it doesn't matter. I just want food nowadays, maybe that's why we've got a little chunk! 

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, and some slight dizziness, but nothing to complain about :)

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: Finding out the gender and sharing the news with our family! It was awesome having them all in one place when we told them our news. Now just for her to get here!

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing the nursery! Now that I know what we're having, nesting has kicked in full force. My goal is to get the crib set up today so I can work on the smaller details and the cutesy stuff.

Here's a quick photo snapped at the reveal. Everyone was so excited and I was so nervous when we opened that box. Even though I knew what was inside, I still had butterflies. But everyone is so excited. I'll have more pictures documenting the day later. One of my best friends is an amazing photographer and so she captured it all for us. I can't wait to see the pictures and share them all!

The Big Day!

Today was the big day! The hubs and I found out what we're having! But shhh...It's still a secret. Tater Tot was so unruly! First, the legs were crossed, then fetal position. And every time we tried to get a face picture, up went the hands to cover up! But it was so fun to see our little one! We even got a dvd to watch and share. It's exciting to see our little one grow bigger. We still have a little while before we actually get to meet our little one, but we're so excited!!

So the gender is still a secret until Sunday when we have our gender reveal party and we're able to share it with our family and friends! Here are the invites that I created for the party. They're nothing special, but I'm proud of them.

Yesterday we spent the day shopping and getting things ready. Because it's fall (almost), there aren't many "bee" things out there. Plenty of butterfly and ducks, but no bees. So we had to improvise. One of my best friends (an awesome photographer) is bringing her camera to capture everything, so I'll post those and everything after Sunday when the big reveal happens!

I'm so excited and so in love with this little one inside of me. I just can't wait until they're in my arms and I can snuggle. It's going to be wonderful!

Registry Items

So since we're finding out what we're having Thursday and the hubs gets off early Friday, we decided to take the day and go register for baby items. But here's the kicker, I know of a few things I want to register but I want to know what we need to register for. Like most first time moms probably do, I've been researching (thanks Pinterest for making it easier) and reading up on items.

Here are some items I've come up with that I've already put on my list:

Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper - Snugabunny

I've heard from friends that this little doo-dad is amazing and comes in really handy because it's easy to transport.

Ergobaby | Bundle of Joy - Original Black/Camel with Camel Insert

Yes please! I love the idea of carrying my little one close. The fact that this carrier is so versatile is just awesome! Plus, I've heard good things about the item.

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier

This thing wins major points on the cuteness factor. I don't know how vital it is for us to have one of these or even if they are good, I just think it's adorable!

Do you have any more items that are the "must haves" and that we won't be able to live without? I'd love all the input I can get! Otherwise, I'm going to be completely lost and I might just get registry gun happy and start clicking on everything.

20 Weeks!

How far along: 20 weeks (HALFWAY THERE!!)

Trimester: Second

Baby size: Banana - 6 1/2 inches!

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day.

Gender: We find out Thursday!!

Movement: Baby is wriggling around like crazy! But I'm not complaining, I'm loving it!

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food!

Aversions: Slowly fading away! Now I just want to eat all the time.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, and some slight dizziness, but nothing to complain about :)

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: Feeling those little flutters!

What I'm looking forward to: Ultrasound on Thursday! We get to find out if you're a little boy or girl!! And gender reveal on Sunday! I'm so excited to share the news with the family!

Apparently I'm really popping out. People are really taking notice. Even my students are noticing and asking questions. It's fun to see their eyes get big when they ask "Are you having a baby?" I just smile and say yes. One girl then went on to say "You're having a baby now?!" I just laughed and said "Not right now." Oh kids. They're adorable. This was after I was told that I had fluffy elbows. I don't know what that means exactly, but can I blame that on the pregnancy as well? I do love my kids and listening to their silly little antics. I can't wait to see what our little one comes up with. It's going to be interesting! Don't forget to vote on if you think it's a boy or a girl!

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday, Thank you for finally getting here. It's been a long week and I'm in need of a break. Now for a long night's sleep. 

I'm going to dive into bed now. I'm pregnant, and it's never too early to go to sleep when you're pregnant.

It's Wednesday

I started to title this post "Tuesday Tidbits" but then I got to thinking, it's not Tuesday, it's Wednesday! YAY! One day closer to the weekend! My week has completely been thrown off. Monday felt like I was still on summer vacation. I was running all over the place and didn't have enough time to sit down and really contemplate that it's Monday during the school year. Summer is over. At least, in the no school sense. It seems like summer is ending weather-wise too. I have to put on a sweater when I go outside in the morning! It's August! In Georgia! It's supposed to be sweltering out there and instead it's quite comfortable. Not that I'm complaining at all. In fact, I'm celebrating. Fall means we're closer to baby coming! And fall means apple festivals, leaves changing, cool weather, boots, and scarves. I love fall. No doubt about that. And this fall I'm going to be dressing a little differently. This bump gets bigger and bigger. So I'm imagining lots of leggings with boots. 

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I'm dreaming. I love all of these. Now I just the weather to officially cool off and stay cooled off. Just a few more weeks!! {{and a week until we find out what we're having!! I don't think next Wednesday night I'll be able to sleep a week!}}