The day our little girl came into this world

We've been home for a few days since welcoming Brooklyn into the world and life has been wonderful.  I'm pretty certain that there will never be a dull moment in this house again, but we're surely loving having our 3 kids here with us.  Brooklyn has been an extremely EASY baby.  She sleeps all day and wakes up every 3 hours to eat.  Her favorite time of the day to be awake is after her "dinner" bottle and she tends to stay awake for a good 2 hours.  The only time of the day that she is fussy has been right when it's time to go to bed for the night and then she stays awake for another 2 hours when Brooks and I are ready to sleep.  Oh well, everyone is adjusting.  Gavin and Miles are loving having their baby sister around and have been doing so good with her.  Gavin is sweet and gentle while Miles is excited and over zealous when he hears her or touches her.  It's been nice having my parents here... it's almost one adult per kid-- so everyone is being tended to!!  

We spent Friday afternoon enjoying lunch at our house with my parents and our friends Micah and Steph.  We all hung out and played outside and just relaxed for the day since we knew Saturday was going to be a long and busy day.  Here's our last picture as a family of four!  

Now onto the details of the day:

3:00am- Brooks, my mom and I loaded up in the car, picked up Stephanie from her apartment, and headed to SAAD hospital.

We arrived at 4:30am and waited outside of the admissions office until 5am to be admitted for my induction.  We sat with a Saudi girl named Nuff who was also being induced.

I got into my room around 5:30am and was hooked up to monitors and my IV was started around 5:45am.  I started feeling sick and was mentioning that to everyone and started preparing myself for what was to come!  My mom went and found a bucket just incase I needed it, but the fun didn't start until my anesthesiologist came in and was talking to me about all the risks and and explaining what was going to take place when I got my epidural.  Around 6:20am I passed out during the guys talk.. I remember telling him, "wait a minute, I'll be right back"-- what can I say, that just happens to me- anytime I get an IV, have blood drawn, etc it's just what my body does.  Within seconds doctors and nurses crowded our room with major concern because Brooklyn's heart rate dropped drastically when I passed out.  As I was coming around I could hear my mom telling them this is just what I do, that I'm okay.  I tried telling them when they did the IV, but I guess enough time had passed no one thought it was going to happen.

Once things settled down, I was being prepped for my epidural.  All that meant was they put a shower cap on my head for like an hour.  Ridiculous.  My nurse for the day came in around 7am.  We then waited and waited and waited.  Around 8am my doctor came in to break my water.  I was 6cm and 80% effaced.  After my water was broken, my doctor told me I didn't have time to get an epidural.... ummm- I pretty much freaked out at that moment...  so he expedited an anesthesiologist from downstairs (a completely different guy from the one that came in earlier in the morning) to administer the epidural.  The 2nd anesthesiologist arrived at 8:15am and by 8:19am I had my epidural in place.  It was easy and I did my best to stay calm and relaxed.  I just didn't want to pass out again (which I did after Miles' epidural).  All was well and I started feeling some tingling in my legs letting me know that the epidural was working.  I was told over and over again that it would not be a 100% numbing epidural because over here, they feel it's important for you to have some understanding/feeling of what your body is doing to help get the baby out easier/faster.  I didn't mind it as much since I had an 80% epidural with Miles.. never felt pain, but knew what was happening.  They also did a "new" technique as I was told where you are only numb from mid back to your knees.  Now that was weird.  I could move my feet, bottom part of my legs, my toes- all of it.  I was still okay with an 80%, new technique epidural because I was becoming numb in the area I was suppose to be numb.

8:45am- My doctor's assistant, Evelyn, came in to put the catheter in and that's when things got interesting. I was now 7cm.  I mentioned to her that I felt what she was doing and it hurt.  She was confused since my epidural was working and I was suppose to be numb.  She continued doing her thing, but we quickly realized something wasn't right.  The anesthesiologist came back in to check on things and he seemed to think all was well-- he did unplug a tube here and there and genuinely tried checking for any blocks or kinks in the tubes.  

At 8:50am they started the pitocin drip to get my contractions going to see if my epidural was in fact working appropriately.  If I didn't feel pain then it worked.  At 9:05am my epidural machine started beeping saying it was clogged.  Once again, the anesthesiologist came back into the room, requested that my machine be replaced with a new machine.  At 9:17am the new machine is now beeping.  Another anesthesiologist (#3) comes in to take his turn to see what's going on.  He attempted to move me and see if maybe there was a blockage being caused by the position of my body.  He did a few other things for another 10 minutes.  However, I was continuing to feel contractions and a LOT of pressure.  I tried telling Brooks over and over again that this wasn't right and I didn't feel comfortable with being able to feel as much as I could.  There is a reason I want epidurals and I was quickly realizing there was a chance I might be having a close to natural delivery.

9:26am- after telling my nurse, Brooks, and my doctor's assistant that I was feeling more and more pressure, I was checked again and was 9cm.  They told me to relax, it'd be another 30 minutes before I'd be ready to deliver.  Within 5 minutes I was basically yelling I needed to push.  Since I kinda felt like no one was taking me seriously, I made sure to make myself heard and didn't let Evelyn leave.  She quickly ran out the door and yelled down the hall for my doctor to come in.

By 9:34am my doctor was in the room, prepped, and ready to start the delivery.  The 3rd anesthesiologist came back in the room one more time and started administering medication through the tube that was attached to my back and was by passing the epidural machine.   He really did try and was going as fast as he could, but stopped and left the room the moment I started pushing.

9:43am- After only 4 pushes (and embarrassing enough, a few screams).... Brooklyn arrived in this world!!  She weighed 7lbs 4oz and was 20 1/2 inches.

I was given the same opportunity to bring Brooklyn into the world as I did Miles, and once again, it was an amazing experience.  It's the only thing that got me through the pushing process-- knowing it was almost over when my doctor asked for my hands.  I was so relieved and ready to meet her.   

Once they whisked her away, Brooks stayed by her side.  He was one proud daddy!  

Brooklyn and Dr. Ashour.

After a half natural, half medicated delivery... I was a little out of it but was so thankful our baby girl was here.   It was really surreal having a little girl and knowing she was ours.

My mom got to be there to welcome grandbaby #7 into the world.  Brooks and I took our usual picture with him bringing our baby to me and giving me a kiss.  Brooklyn had a head full of hair... we're loving it!

  

Brooklyn has looked like a little doll ever since she arrived.  

Gavin came to the hospital to meet her and was just beside himself.  He couldn't wait to see her and started telling us he wanted her to talk and walk.  He loved giving her kisses and kept checking to see where she was the whole time.  Brooklyn got Gavin a DVD and some Spiderman cars that he absolutely loved and kept telling her thank you!

My best friend Stephanie got to experience the day with us.  Something we will both cherish for years to come, I'm sure.

Captain was there too and met his little grand daughter.

We enjoyed the rest of our day visiting with everyone and just watching Brooklyn.  We ate dinner before sending my family and Micah and Steph home.  The rest of our evening was easy and relaxing.  We sent Brooklyn to the nursery through the night so we could get some sleep and they brought her back to us for her feedings.

January 28th was a great day and one we will remember for the rest of our lives!!  

Brooklyn's Baby Shower

I was blessed the other night with a shower from our Saudi friends and am so grateful for all the women that are apart of our lives who love us and our kids and were willing to throw us a shower so our baby girl could have all the necessities she needs.

For starters, not one detailed was spared for the shower.... these women did an AMAZING job.. the moment I walked in the door I immediately got giddy and excited; realizing that we're REALLY going to have a girl!  The decorations were gorgeous.. they used my color scheme-- purple, black, and lime green (Brooks didn't want pink, which was fine with me).  They made signs, and pom poms, and all of it was for me to take home and use to decorate her room... perfect!  The diaper cake was filled with lots of goodies, the real cake was GORGEOUS, the food was fabulous, and there was a children's book used as the sign in guest book that we will get to keep for years to come.  

We have very few girl items except what we got at Christmas and some clothes I got from my friend Susie so I was excited to open presents filled with pink girly clothes, dresses, glittery shoes, bathing suits, pajama's, burp clothes, blankets, and more.  The hostesses got me a new pink diaper bag, something I've wanted but having boys never got!

 

 


I feel like I say this all the time, but we're truly grateful and blessed by the amazing friends and community that we have here in Saudi.  The baby shower was wonderful and we're even more ready and prepared to meet our baby girl next weekend (if she doesn't come before)!

The hostesses (and friends)

We're about to add a girl in this mix....

I'm so grateful for our two little boys and have loved watching them bond over the past year.  They really do love each other and have fun playing together.  Gavin can be a great big brother and is willing to help his little bubby out (for the most part).  Miles adores Gavin, always wants to be right where he's at, and is learning a lot from his bubba.  They play in the dirt together, jump on the trampoline, play in the play house together.  If one is outside- the other one wants to be right with him.  I love that our boys want to be around each other and am soaking up this time in their lives.  Brooks and I are praying that they will continue to love one another and always seek to meet one anothers needs and look out for each other.  

I'm getting really sentimental over the idea that it will never be JUST the two boys and us again (even though I'm so ready for Brooklyn to be here and be apart of our family) so I've tried capturing some sweet moments of Gavin and Miles together... years down the road I want them to have the chance to see life when they were attached to one another.  

Gavin feeding Miles his dinner- he even blew on the spoon to cool his food off. 

Bath time fun!  There's never a dull moment when bubbles are in the tub!

Gavin kissed my belly to tell Sissy good night.. so Miles walked over and did the same.  I guarantee you, Miles has no idea there's a baby in my belly.... he just wants to be like his big brother.  

 Again, Miles wanted to be his like his big brother... so he went and sat in time out with him. 

 Gavin telling Miles to go away, he can't talk while in time out. 

In a week... we're bringing a girl in this house.  I'm anxious to see how things will change and what the new dynamics will be.  We're also praying that these two boys will love their little sister, want to be around her, and watch out for her for years to come!  One of my favorite things in life is having two older brothers and I've cherished the memories we shared together growing up.  I want the same thing for my 3 kids!!  Watch out boys... here comes Brooklyn!   

36 weeks & slowing down

I made it to 36 weeks with this pregnancy!  Yipppeeee!!  I've only been having contractions off and on since 29 weeks- go figure!  

Being 36 weeks pregnant, Brooks gave me my last progesterone injection this week.  I was VERY happy to have that over with.  I got over my fear of needles (sort of) by thinking of Brooks' brother and what he endures for every one of his treatments-- it was kinda pathetic how worked up I was getting so that really helped keep things in perspective.  We even let Gavin "help" Brooks the last 3 injections... he held the bandaid and was so proud!  We let him watch one time during Miles pregnancy but he was young and it bothered him to see me getting poked!  Now, that he knows what getting poked is he wanted to watch!  He kept telling me, "Mommy, don't scream your head off, okay?!"  I love that he knows mommy was getting poked so that "Sissy" would stay in my belly.  He keeps asking when Captain and Kimmie are coming to Saudi because then he knows Brooklyn will be here.  Let's just hope she stays put another week and a half!  

At my 36 week doctors appointment I was hooked up to monitors to monitor my contractions.  They were showing up, but nothing that my doctor was worried about.  He said I'm cooking this baby with a candle and eventually she'll be ready to come out--um, okay. I laughed when Brooks took this picture because the nurses kept calling this my non- stress test, yet, both our kids were there and playing, running around my room-- hardly stress free I can tell you that.  I found out at my 36 week appointment I tested positive for GBS (group B strep) so I will be administered antibiotics during labor.  I was kinda shocked at the results since I was negative for both Gavin and Miles, but I've had 3 urinary tract infections and 2 other infections during Brooklyn's pregnancy, so my doctor said he was going to give me the antibiotics no matter what.  I did some research on GBS and don't think I need to be worried about it.  Both my doctor and the nurses acted like it was no big deal.  Should I think otherwise?  Anyone have any opinions or thoughts on this?  Just curious!

Something major that has happened this week is little Miss has dropped.... MAJOR!  I can now breathe easy and don't seem to be losing my breathe as quickly, yet I now feel a LOT of pressure!  This is causing me to move REAL SLOW.  I've started letting Miles climb up the stairs while I walk behind him so that I can keep from carrying him so often.  It just makes things a little easier and helps take away the pain and discomfort I'm feeling.  I physically hurt from being uncomfortable.  My feet are starting to tingle from standing up, but thankfully, they've yet to turn into marshmallows and swell up!  Woo hoo!

Brooks and I are getting very excited that we're so close to meeting Brooklyn and are anxious for her to get here.  We've made all our arrangements with transportation, have drivers on call, Brooks has made me contact list after contact list of how to get a hold of him, we've packed a few things for the hospital, took the car seat and pack n play down from the top of our closets, and are pretty much ready to welcome another child into our house!  Brooks put together her dresser this past weekend so we officially have all the baby gear ready!  

I go back to the doctor this Monday, my parents will be here the following Tuesday, then I will go to my last appointment on Wednesday and if she hasn't come on her own, we will be inducing on January 28th.  Two weeks from today, no matter what, we will be meeting our baby girl!  We're so ready!! 

A New Year, 35 weeks, Nesting, & More

Happy New Year.  We celebrated the New Year by..... well, going to bed around 9pm- woo hoo!  You know you're jealous.

We did wake up around midnight to loud, cracking sounds that were coming from outside our window.  I honestly thought our compound was under attack.  It took me a few seconds to realize it was midnight on New Years Eve/Day and maybe people actually celebrated this day with fireworks.  I eventually calmed down and Brooks looked out the window just to check things out and he saw some residents on our compound popping fireworks out near the beach.  Whew.  Nothing to be worried about.  5 minutes later, Brooks and I were both sleeping.

I had my 35 week doctors appointment New Years Day and Brooks and I laughed at the irony that this time last year we were across the way in the hospital and had just had Miles.  Hmmm..  Other then waiting 3 hours to see my doctor, we enjoyed our day trip to Khobar on New Years and brought the boys with us to have some family time.  3 hours in a doctor's office- not fun for everyone, but we were together so whatever.  Brooks and I met a princess- her appointment was right before mine and sadly, she had to wait just as long to see the doctor as we did.  Random- would have thought she'd have gotten the royal treatment or something.  She was very polite and sweet and complemented our kids and how beautiful and well behaved they were.  Thanks!

Brooklyn is doing good.  She's growing and looks JUST LIKE MILES in the ultrasound pictures.  I was surprised to learn that I've only gained 5 pounds in the last 9 weeks.  Even with our time in the states.. that was a shock!

We had two small incidents this past week where we thought I was going into labor.  On Wednesday I was having contractions every 20 minutes apart for about 5 hours and we were just waiting for them to get closer together before heading to the hospital.  I laid down, took a nap and they were gone.  Then on Thursday, I started having contractions every 15 minutes apart, but we weren't ready to go to the hospital just yet-- I felt like even though they were painful, they weren't stopping me from doing things (other then talking and walking) so again, we decided to wait it out.  4 hours later.. they stopped.  Ugh- I can't trust my body.  The contractions are getting annoying and it's really obnoxious to think okay, it's time and then it's not.  I'm trusting and praying that Brooklyn comes when she's suppose to and that I will have that mother's instinct or just a strong gut feeling when it really is time to go to the hospital so I'm not stranded, having a baby in a car, or have to have her at our local hospital.  God worked everything out last year, I'm confident all will work out this year, too.

I've been extremely busy around the house getting things organized, put together, moved around, and in  it's place.  Ever since we came back from the states, brought in 8 suitcases, shipped 6 LARGE boxes of toys and gifts, brought back baby girl clothes- I've been on a mission for everything to have it's place in this house.  I've moved furniture from Gavin's room down to the playroom and got rid of all the little baskets that were everywhere and put all the boys' toys in one location.  We've gone through every piece of clothing that is the boys and washed, folded, organized, and grouped it all together based on size then put them into space saver bags-- I was determined to not have any piece of clothing 9 months and below out since we didn't need it anymore and put away clothes of Gavin's that he hasn't worn since right after we moved here (2T and 3T clothes- the kid is in 4T and just turned 3 a few months ago).  We bought a dresser for Brooklyn's clothes to go into, but it's still sitting in the box needing to be put together.  I've washed and organized all the clothes we have for her by size and put into separate bins so that when we need a certain size, I'll know where it is and what we have for her in that size.  I've purged a ton of toys to donate, threw away every single broken or unused toy that was in bad shape  We just don't have room to keep all these things so I had to get over any sentimental value to toys that I had and realize our kids aren't going without  and we can bless some other little boy or girl somewhere with our stuff.

  

 I moved the toy organization furniture pieces from different rooms to maximize space and let everything have it's place.  Plus, we're going to put Miles and his crib into Gavin's room while my parents are here and the crib would not have fit with that big piece still upstairs.  

  

 

Brooks and I went through our clothes and made donation piles, too.  We just need room and it was time to get things reorganized.  I've semi been psychotic with my nesting and still feel like there are a million more things to do.  I've made Brooks his own list, but because of his work schedule, I'm debating on tackling his list, too.  The only problem is, some of the tasks I left him require heavy lifting or building things and that might be pushing it for me.  I just have such a strong desire to get everything done.

Delia started back this week.  Hallelujiah!  She is wonderful and takes such a load off of me.  It's nice too since I'm really slowing down and my body is just uncomfortable and hurts so with her here I'm physically getting a break.

I've spent the past week weening Miles off his bottles and formula.  I REFUSE to have two little ones in formula and bottles.  Miles is NOT interested in milk, same as when Gavin was this age, so we tried soy milk and he loves it.  I'm going to try very hard to get him onto regular milk quickly and have been adding a little more full fat milk to each sippy cup of soy milk to help make the transition easier.  He was willing to give up his bottle- thank you Jesus, so that wasn't even a fight.  I actually woke up one morning and decided okay, no more bottles (after spending a week with half formula/ half milk in his bottles).  I'm usually more of the quit cold turkey type and decided I'd tackle this with that idea and it worked!  So, as of today, I put up all Miles bottles and got down all the 4 oz bottles.  Now I just need to get those washed for Miss Brooklyn.  

30 Weeks, a Middle Name, & More Baby "Stuff"

I turned 30 weeks, 2 weeks ago, and am feeling really good.  I have definitely started slowing down a little and am uncomfortable, but for the most part, it's fine!  We went and had an appointment with my Lake Charles doctor and Brooklyn looked good.  Her ultrasound showed she has HAIR!  Too cute!  We asked the doctor about Brooklyn's size, since my Saudi doctor has been concerned from the beginning of her being a big baby.  They seemed to semi- disagree and based on projections we're looking at a 7-8 lb baby.  I'll take that over a 10lb baby, which was mentioned a time or too in Saudi.

I've already started having contractions.  Go figure, huh?!?!  I'm not too worried about it though.  Both my doctors have said this is just what my body does.  My last 2 pregnancies I started contractions early but was induced so as long as they never become consistent... I'm good!  The progesterone injections have obviously been working and truly help ease our minds.  As long as I can make it back to Saudi next Tuesday without any issues or without having a baby on a transatlantic 16 hour flight... I'll be happy!

We've ben extremely busy getting ready for Brooklyn, as best as we can.  We ordered her bedding, a new stroller, been picking up girl clothes (that's a really weird feeling- I actually forget to go to the girls side of a baby store sometimes), odds & ends of baby supplies we can't find or get in Saudi, and we picked out her middle name.

You may have seen it on Facebook or read it on our Christmas card, but we chose the name Brooklyn Kay.  My mom's oldest sister's middle name was Kay (that's what we called her) and she passed away 11 years ago.  She was very special to all of us.  Her son, Stefan, who was 9 at the time, lived with us for a while when my aunt was sick and battling breast cancer and he and I got very close during that time.  He's always held a special place in my heart (so has she) so I always knew if I had a girl I wanted to remember my Aunt Kay in someway with her.  Choosing the middle name Kay for Brooklyn just fit and Brooks and I are so glad we can honor my aunt.

I'm now 32 weeks and it's really hitting us that we're going to be having a baby girl in a matter of 2 months.  WHOA.  Life as we know is going to change drastically-- not just having a girl, but with 3 kids.  We're excited for this new adventure and are ready to meet our sweet girl.

To see her bedding click here.

We ordered a new stroller in order to accommodate Miles and Brooklyn, since our sit n stand won't work at least the first year of Brooklyn's life (Miles is too young to stand on it and not yet able to sit unsupported).  We went with the City Mini Double Stroller because of great reviews, major recommendations from lots of people, and overall would be beneficial to us on the compound, around town, and traveling. Check it out here. We picked the green/gray color combo to make it gender universal and because our car seat carrier is a green/gray color so we wanted it to be as close to each other as possible.

It's so true what they say...

I'm on my third pregnancy and I always swore I would never be "that person" who doesn't put the same amount of effort into their later babies then they did with the first one.  WELLLLLL-- I may be eating my words on that one.  

It's not that I'm meaning to and in no way, shape, or form do I emotionally or mentally feel less into this baby as my previous kids, but geeezz... life comes at you and you're busy and before you know it... time has passed.

With Gavin and even Miles I stayed up to date with all the weekly pregnancy emails that were sent to my email, I'd look up websites for information, I'd read the book My Pregnancy Week By Week literally on the day that my weeks changed,  I'd NEVER miss taking my prenatal vitamins, I'd take a tummy picture every 4 weeks, I'd work on my child's baby book, etc, etc.  

With this pregnancy....  well...  hmm.  I don't think I'm doing as well as before.  I'm trying not to feel too guilty and realize that this isn't my first rodeo, but there's something inside my heart that makes me wonder how much this is going to continue into effect years down the road with little missy here.  I was the third child and sure, my baby book doesn't look like my brothers (I think SOME of the pages were written on) and I'm still okay with my life!  Haha.

I write all that to say that I'm going to start working on at least remembering I'm pregnant (it dawns on me when I go to get a soda out of the fridge or when I bend over and realize pee wants to come out (sorry, too personal, but it's happening and very early in the game I might add).  Yet, with all that being said, I do find myself wondering about my sweet Brooklyn and what she'll be like and who she'll become one day.  I'm already praying over the teenage years and our relationship and her relationship with Brooks and for her brothers to love her and protect her.  WOW-- it's kinda different with a girl and I never thought I'd say that.  

Things are going well with this pregnancy!  I'm 25 weeks today! WOO HOO and NO problems thus far! Praise Jesus!  I found myself at 21 weeks bracing myself incase something was to happen, guess it's all a mental thing, but things moved right along as smooth as can be.  I did the same thing with Miles pregnancy-- a little bit of worry and fear crept in at that same time, but all worked out.. Remember.  We've had several doctor's appointments in the past 2 months and Brooklyn is doing well.  She's measuring slightly big at this point and my doctor questioned the whole gestational diabetes thing (again)... UGH so I start that testing next week.  I feel great.  I move a little slowly, but it's not bad.  I'm actually not near as tired as I was and the Saudi heat doesn't and hasn't affected me at all.  I will say that my feet have already started swelling at times, which is new this early in my pregnancy, but whatever.  It's a part of my growing belly.  I'm taking progesterone injections again to help keep Brooklyn in my tummy longer so that's always fun on Sunday nights!  All I can think about when I'm crying like a baby because it hurts is Brooks' brother, Bran, and my one injection is NOTHING compared to what he faces every week.  So, I'm trying really hard to get over it!  

Gavin is excited about his baby sister.  When we talk about leaving the house to go somewhere and I tell him whether or not Miles is going to come with us (which always depends on if Delia is here) he wants to make sure baby Brooklyn is coming too!  Pretty stinkin cute if you ask me!  I'm grateful he cares about her already.  Gavin loves reminding me that my belly is big everyday, but also tells me I'm beautiful everyday!  I love that little guy!  

Brooks and I still haven't decided on a middle name for Brooklyn.  To be honest, I think we've talked about it twice and that's it.  See, just another thing to add to the list of baby #3's pregnancy not seeming like a big deal.  We will have to get on that name choosing thing pretty soon though!

21 Weeks

G.I.R.L. GIRL

I'm incredibly late on officially announcing our news on the blog, but we're having a girl!!  Can you believe it?  Brooks and I can't!  I think we both thought ultrasounds didn't read "It's a Girl", but they do, and we are so excited and can't wait to meet our baby girl in February.  

I realize this isn't the most gracious first picture of our sweet little girl, but I just thought it was hilarious.  This is the picture that showed us the sex of our baby.   

                                 

I had an ultrasound the week before I flew back to Saudi and asked the ultrasound technician to tell me if he could determine the baby's gender.  He said yes.  I was 15 weeks at the time.  I quickly told him I didn't want to know, but asked if he'd put the picture in a sealed envelope so that Brooks and I could open it the moment we were together from my summer trip in the USA.  

So, the night we flew into the Kingdom, after having some family time, Brooks and I went up to our room and unpacked the picture from suitcase and made the reveal.  Brooks was shocked and literally said nothing.  I was surprised... I think deep down I was expecting (and prepared myself for) another boy.  It took Brooks about a week for it to sink in.. no, he wasn't mad about the news.  I really don't think his mind grasped the concept of a girl right off the bat.  It's been 5 weeks since we found out we're having a little girl and we are both just besides ourselves.  Brooks told me last night he has a feeling this little girl is going to steal his heart away.  

I've told (and asked) both my sister in laws to help me with the clothes situation.  I like the more casual style on boys-- shorts and t-shirts, but literally have no idea how to dress a girl!  I've been asked a lot lately about my color scheme for her room, the nursery theme, etc and it literally scares me to death.  I feel a lot of pressure for some reason, but know that it will be fun getting things ready.  We're definitly going to have to work on the room situation for her in our house, but that will come in time, once we're reading to move Miles into the same room as Gavin.

We're thinking, planning, and 90% certain her name will be Brooklyn (for Brooks and Lindsey put together), but we've yet to decide on a middle name.   We've had the name Brooklyn picked out for a little girl since before Gavin was here and both my previous pregnancies, had one of our boys been a girl, her name would have been Brooklyn so it only seems natural that we'd stick to what we've always liked and wanted!  

We can't wait to meet her some day and are excited to think about the new dynamic that is going to come into our home when she's here!  I have a doctors appointment next week so we'll get some updated ultrasound pictures of her soon!