It's a ....

Baby Hourigan on the T.V. screen at the office

BOY!!!

As of June 17, 2011 I am 14 weeks pregnant and ready to learn more about this growing baby inside my belly. On Saturday June 18th, Tim and I had an appointment to find out the gender of our little bundle of joy.  We both felt we were in store for little pink ribbons and bows.  You can only imagine our surprise and shock to learn that we are having a sweet little boy!! Our dreams quickly drifted toward blue linens, sports, and dirty fingers and toes :)

Here are a few pictures from the visit.  Some are 2D and others are 3D/4D.  Enjoy :)

He's a boy!! This a view from below :)

Is that not the sweetest face?

Busy in thought!

See my spine?  I blew my belly up really big in this picture.

Here are am peeking at the goods.  See Mom and Dad, I'm a boy!

If you look carefully in this picture, it appears as a mother kissing her baby's belly (on the right) with her arm wrapped around him (on the left) ... but it's just my baby's home for the next 6 months!

Sharing the news was just as exciting!  It appears that many family and friends felt that a little girl was in our future- so it was fun to watch everyone's face change in amazement.  We feel so very blessed and are loving knowing a little bit more about this little person!

New in the past week: Baby Bud has his very own fingerprints, is making facial expressions, sucking his thumb, and beginning to grow lanugo (tiny downy hair on his body that will help keep him warm until he gets more fat on his body).

One of my favorite things is that he is moving all over the place!  At the doctor on Wednesday the OB told me that the baby was very active.  She listened to the heartbeat (170) and we were able to hear the baby's movements through the Doppler. She mentioned that the fast heartbeat might indicate a girl.  Then, on Saturday we were able to watch in awe as our little one wiggled all over my belly.  It was quite a breathtaking moment.  On Saturday the heartbeat was down to 145 (much more stereotypical of a little boy).

Here are some belly pictures at 14 weeks (finally showing):

It's growing!

Is this proof enough Laura?

Happy parents after we revealed the gender to family!

Interesting story of the week: I was stung by a bee on Monday and due to allergic reaction had to visit the urgent care.  I was given a shop of steroids and then steroid pills for 14 days.  Don't be surprised if my little boy comes out with biceps :)

Total Weight gain at 14 weeks (6/17/11): 4 lbs.

In Love

Our news is becoming more official!  I announced our blessing on facebook this week and was overwhelmed at the loving response and support.  Meanwhile, our baby ducky is growing quite rapidly. I am now 12 weeks and 3 days along and the baby is 2.5 inches long, from crown to rump. More importantly, this baby is now moving!  His or her reflexes are in full swing.  If I poke my belly, the baby will move in response (although I can't feel it yet). 

The baby's amazing brain is growing quickly and the head is now only 30% of the baby's size.  Ducky has begun to "practice" breathing by inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid... yum!  To make it even better, he or she is also peeing into the amniotic fluid :)   Ducky is also beginning to develop the senses of taste and smell. Fruit of the week, baby is being compared to a large plum! 

On a softer side, I realized the true love I have for this little embryo.  I was watching "The View" on Memorial Day, enjoying a chance to sleep in and catch up on laundry.  The story that morning was about a painter who was giving tribute to fallen heros by painting their picture for their loved ones.  There was a mother of a lost soldier on the show sharing about her son.  Through my streaming tears, I looked down at my belly, pointed with my index finger, and scolded my baby that he or she may never go into the service!  In that moment, I knew exactly how in love I was.  My heart has been stollen :)

I go to the doctor again in 2 weeks, as well as finding out the gender of our baby!! We are so ecstatic for that appointment!  Watch for a new post after June 18. 

12 week belly pictures: