Baby Updates and Edisto Vacation

We went back to the doctor for a follow-up on July 7th (11 wks, 4 days) and heard the little one's heartbeat again -- this time it was up to 160. Even though we weren't able to see him or her, it was exciting to hear!

We went to Edisto for the annual Carlisle beach trip from July 10th-17th. I didnt' remember my camera to upload any pics - oops! But I'm sure I don't need pics to prove we had the most incredible, relaxing time! There are several pics on Catherine and Rachael's blogs if you follow them :)

August 4th --- back to the doctor we went (15 wks, 4 days). Baby's heartbeat was still 160 and strong. We left the office smiling, knowing that our next visit would be to find out the gender and we'd be able to see him or her again (FINALLY!)

I'm not the best at taking belly pics but here is one at 16 weeks.

The belly is finally requiring maternity clothes (I was secretly really excited about that!), so Mom and I went shopping!
The next week was a busy one -- my 28th birthday and our one year wedding anniversary! We did a lot of eating and relaxing to celebrate :) Patrick had some beautiful flowers sent to work for an early anniversary gift. I wasn't expecting them, so with the incredibly sweet note combined with my hormones... I immediately started blubbering like a pregnant chick :)

 Here is a belly shot at 18 weeks. I have finally started feeling little pokes and fluttering that I'm 95% sure is baby. I was feeling SOME fluttering a couple weeks ago, but it was so light that I wasn't sure. I keeping hearing "Oh, don't you worry! You'll start to feel the baby doing gymnastics in there soon enough!" I can't wait :)

Oh, Baby!!

On May 24, 2011 -- Patrick and I got the biggest surprise of our lives. We found out we were expecting!! (I told you our lives have moved fast!) We took that surprise as a sign that, although not expected so soon, is a blessing of what is meant to be for us. After taking four at-home pregnancy tests, I called my doctor the next morning to schedule an appointment. The appointment scheduler asked me "So you've taken a pregnancy test and it was positive?" I said "mmm hmm.... I took FOUR!" We met with the doctor for the first time on June 6 and found out I was 7 weeks and 1 day along. We were able to see our little boogar and hear its heartbeat -- 120 at the time. What an emotional moment!

We told our parents, Patrick's siblings, and a couple close friends our big news that night. Everyone seemed to share our same enthusiasm and we just know this sweet baby will be oh-so-loved! This baby will be the first grandchild for my parents!! And as you will see below, he or she will be Patrick's parents' FIFTH!

Back to the siblings --- I failed to mention in the Wedding Day post that I also gained 6 siblings the day we said "I do!" I grew up an only child, so adding Patrick's two sisters and brother plus their spouses was a really fun bonus to marrying Patrick! Since I'm so late in starting this blog, I must also mention that I became an aunt on our wedding day to Luke (who is now almost 3!). Tyler was due to be born less than a month after our wedding day (he's now turning 1!). Since then, Henry has entered the world and is now over 2 months old! Rachael is expecting the first little girl and we can't wait to meet Adaline Grace around November 9th! Our family has been VERY busy :) Here is a pic of Luke, Tyler, and Henry. And a sneak peak of Adaline!

Our first home (and first MAJOR purchase!)

In March of 2011, we made the leap and decided we were ready to be in debt for many years -- so we purchased our first home! We were very lucky to find a builder that was affordable in a great location and we have loved making it our own (although we're NOWHERE near done!). It's a great size and we knew we'd definitely be able to grow into it once we start a family. Patrick really enjoys working in the yard -- he can have all the credit for how great he keeps it manicured :) Here is a pic of the outside when we first moved in.

 This is the crepe myrtle that Patrick's parents bought us for our housewarming gift!

The first day of the rest of our lives!

Patrick and I were married in our hometown of Aiken, SC on August 21, 2010. The day went by so fast, but we both enjoyed every second spending it with our friends and family. Here are a few pictures of our wedding day.

Our wedding party!

 Our amazing parents!