Big News!!!

So, I am the one that updates my blog about once every 6 months! So unless I have told you that I have made an update, you may not see this post until 4 months from now. I always say that I am going to get better about posting and maybe this time I actually will. The reason I think I might this time is because.....I'M PREGNANT!!! It's not that I have all kinds of extra time on my hands now or a tremendous burst of energy, but more so because I really want to document this time in our lives and also be able to better share my experience with those that are not here in Texas to experience this with me. Since they can only hear about the changes from me over the phone or from others, I want to be able to share as much as possible and keep them as involved as I can.

So, of course Brett and I are so excited and maybe a little nervous too about the impending changes in our lives. It is just incredible to us that we are going to be parents and be responsible for this new little person. We are so blessed to not only have each other, but have amazing parents and families, wonderful friends, great jobs that we love, a beautiful home and almost 2 years of marriage in which we have created some amazing memories. Now we get to add another blessing to the list! We are just ecstatic and thank God every day for what he has done in our lives and what he continues to do.

This is our little angel - we can not wait to meet him or her! We find out in about a month whether we will be welcoming a boy or a girl!

As far as my pregnancy, I have been feeling GREAT! I haven't been sick at all (sorry to all of you that did experience that - I have heard the horror stories and I know it is not fun). I have gained about 2 pounds total (as of 16 weeks) and I'm not really showing yet. Both the lack of weight gain and not showing have honestly had me a little concerned just because I feel like I should be progressing more than that at this point. I know everyone is different and my Dr. says that everything is fine, but it is still hard not to worry a little bit. As you can see from the picture above, everything looks ok in there and we have heard the heartbeat at the last 2 appointments so I know there is nothing to worry about - I just assumed there would be more physical changes by now. I haven't felt any kicks or movement yet but I have heard it is pretty typical for that to happen around 18-20 weeks so I am not worried about that. It has been a very easy pregnancy so far and I am so very thankful for that. It almost makes it seem not real at this point but I know my little one is in there and growing stronger every day. Brett and I already love this little thing so much and we are so excited for all of the changes ahead!

So, I am ready for the advice to start pouring in! For all of you moms out there, I need to know all of your must haves and words of wisdom. What can you not live without and what would you consider now to be unnecessary? I am talking everything from Diaper Champs or Genies to burp cloths to pacifiers to certain brands that you are faithful to. We are going to start registering for most things after we find out boy or girl but I want to start making a list of all the necessities. Anything you can share would be great!

I look forward to sharing this experience with all of you and asking for your thoughts and advice. Thank you to all of you for the love you have shown us. Please continue to pray for us and Baby Berend as we all prepare for the journey ahead.

More posts and updates coming soon....I promise!

Love to you all!