25 weeks

I am now officially in my 25th week of pregnancy. There are days I think the time is flying by and there are days that are long and every little cramp or contraction MUST be a sign of something going wrong. I guess all the fear and concern is just going to be a part of me until the end.  

It's funny to look at this photo because I really don't feel as big as I look. Though, I've felt a significant amount of growth over the past 2 weeks for sure! I thought I was having a boy from the start and as you can see, my cheeks are starting to prove it! For some reason my face was the first thing to get bigger in my pregnancy with Micah and for this pregnancy it is no different.

Both Micah and Livia are anxious to meet the boy. They talk to my belly, give it kisses and rub it all day long. I'm pretty sure baby boy can hear them now because he usually jumps around at the sound of their voices. I don't think he'll have any problems keeping up with these two - seems like he's moving constantly - which has been reassuring for my nerves! 

15 weeks to go! 

the gift of new life

I've caught myself feeling anxious and cynical a lot lately. I really don't want to think about what could go wrong, but there are days I just can't stop myself. I go there and it's not pretty; I panic and the fear sets in and I imagine the worst. 

The other day I went for a nice long walk around the river by myself to think and pray and be silent.

After a few minutes it hit me:  this baby is special. This baby wouldn't be here if it weren't for Mia. Though this baby will never replace her or fill the void she left behind, it is comforting to think about God's sovereignty in it all. Had Mia been with us today, this life would most likely not exist.

Things would have been very different and I continue to grieve that loss. But I'm thankful for what I've gained.
And, did I mention the baby is a boy?
We love him already.

This just got interesting...

Ok, here's the deal. We would like to start a little contest. It's called "Guess the weight and birthday of baby Stroup." We can tell you that his last weigh-in was 5lbs 4oz on 9 February and average is about 4lbs. The "official" due date is 4 April.

Post your guess of the official weight and due date as a comment and the closest to actual weight and date will win a super cool prize (TBA). Good luck and only one guess per person.

Seven Weeks

It is now only seven weeks until Amy's official due date. We have finally had our first visit at the our new doctor's office (It went great.), we have a car seat that will fit in our car (If the passanger seat is all the way up, and Amy and the baby sit in the back.), the nursery is almost ready (We'll try to get some pictures up soon, but for the last few nights I've been on the futon so Amy can have the whole bed to herself. All that to say, the baby's room is a mess thanks to me.), and our birthing class is on the calendar (I can't wait!).

It seems like it has been so long since we found out Amy was pregnant, but we are both realizing that the next seven weeks will move quickly. We'll keep you updated.

The Naked Belly

Well, I have been getting requests for more baby belly pictures. I thought this picture was fun, with a new little twist. :) Even looking at it now it's hard to believe that that is my belly.
I am now almost 30 weeks pregnant. I could have this baby in 8 weeks! I can't believe how fast it has gone. Chris and I are working hard on creating a space for the baby. I think we have different ideas of what the space should have/look like, etc. But, it is coming right along.
We now have about 2 or 3 names we are choosing between, but we will be keeping it a surprise!
Our little guy is pretty active in the womb. I feel him kicking around all day long. His kicks are starting to get stronger and sometimes it kind of hurts! But, I'm willing to take the pain because I love him so much already! :)