Flutters - this post is completely centered on baby. Get over it...

I've been waiting for weeks to feel baby kicks... and there have been a couple of "hmm, maybe"s when I push (gently of course) on my belly. Last night marks the first definite "hello", however! We were driving across town listening to the radio, and I got kicked (or punched, or headbutted, who knows...). On our way home it happened again! Apparently the little one liked the music or didn't like the seat-belt... It seems kind of silly to me, but somehow this little interaction really takes the reality of being pregnant up a notch. In celebration, I bought a silly book of "pregtinis", non-alcoholic cocktails for moms-to-be. Tonight maybe I'll have a "mamarita"!

This is fun timing, because MONDAY we get our second ultra-sound and we'll find out if we're having a Gavin Jr or Jenniette. Then the real baby planning and buying can begin...! Of course, medically, the ultra-sound is NOT to find out the sex of the baby, but to make sure everything is going well. So while I'm so excited, there is a significant element of nervousness, too. I'm so glad to live in the time we do - so many things that would or could have been fatal or debilitating not so long ago are no longer so. So while I'm not particularly religious, I'm praying my heart out for everything to go well Monday and keeping in mind that we'll get through whatever God gives to us. And praying for those little ones who have so many challenges ahead. And hoping that the biggest challenge Gavin and I have coming up will be agreeing on a name... (yes, I fear this will be a biggie!!)

Maybe that baby-kick last night knocked some sense into me. I went maternity clothes shopping this morning. I went to Kohls and bought a pair of pants, shorts, summery dress, and another loose shirt (that's not maternity). I want to give a few styles a shot and see what works for me before I buy more. Plus, the selection wasn't fantastic. People, I need pants with POCKETS!!! Sheesh, why is that so difficult? Yet again, there were no acceptable bathing suit options. I wonder how long my current suit will work...! I'm just going to have to order one on-line, I guess.

Gavin won't say it exactly, but I think he's convinced that we do not have enough room for a baby and still entertaining visitors. So in the coming months I'm going to need some ideas for more efficiently using our space. It shouldn't actually be hard, as the number one thing will be: get rid of all that crap in piles that you haven't used in 5 years. Of course, as usual, implementation will be the difficult part.