19 weeks

Finally we were able to see you at our ultrasound appointment! I can't believe how much you have grown. You are a little baby now and we were able to make out your face, hands, and feet. We were so overwhelmed with joy to see you. Our technician took many images to check all of your developmental progress including your spine, brain, heart, and kidneys. Then we spent lots of time looking at your profile and your kicking feet. You must not have liked the technician pushing on my tummy to look at you because you kept moving like crazy! We will blame Aunt Morgan and the part of a cookie she gave me before our appointment too. Once you actually completely flipped over and I really felt that. It seems you are a bit shy since you kept hiding your face. At one point in the appointment the technician and Aunt Morgan tried to get you into a position to determine whether you are a baby boy or a baby girl. You kept trying to kick them away. It was suspenseful not knowing right then and they gave Aunt Morgan the image with the final result. To finish our ultrasound appointment we got to see your sweet face and profile again. Daddy was so excited to see that you like trying to suck on your fingers and hands. My favorite part was just as we were finishing, you must have been exhausted from all the pushing because we saw you yawn a couple of times! It was the perfect way to end the day.

Now all we had to try and do was sleep so that we could find out if we were expecting a boy or girl. Both daddy and I had dreams, mine that you are a little boy and daddy dreamt of a little girl. The gender reveal party couldn't come soon enough! Aunt Morgan planned everything and it was darling! Lots of pink and blue everywhere. Cute little man or little miss banners. Mustaches and tutus. We had family and friends that came to celebrate with us and we all snacked on some yummy brunch items including donuts, fruit, and hot chocolate. We played one game where mommy and daddy had to use candy bars to complete some sentences. Finally we couldn't wait any longer..... We had a wrapped box with homes in the sides. We had to place our hands in there and find the stuffed animal and a little outfit that we then needed to dress. It was harder than it seemed but we actually were able to do it. (and it was on correctly too) Only after we had the animal dressed could we bring it out. It was a cute stuffed kitty wth a pink and black baby girl outfit on!!! Baby Stokes is a GIRL! Daddy was right and mommy was so surprised. We are all excited! We love you baby girl! -Mommy and Daddy