I had the best 24th birthday present ever! I felt the baby move for the first time on my birthday, June 26th, 2008. It was just an amazing feeling! As soon as I realized what was happening I immediatly started to cry. It was the most amazing gift ever! I have felt him/her move every day since. Today, I have already felt Baby B about 3 different times. We went to our 16 week checkup, which all turned out good. It was hard to keep the doppler on the heartbeat because the baby was moving around so much she said. We go back on the 18th of July, the day we find out if Baby B is a little boy or a little girl!

Love, Ashley

Last week we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. It was so cute, and so fast. It was going about 160 beats per minute. I have heard rumors that the faster the heartbeat means it is a girl. I don't really believe all those little tales people tell though. I did have a dream that we had the ultrasound with Dr. Somer-shely and she told us it was a girl. I am not sure if that means anything though either. We have our ultrasound set up for 20 weeks, July 15th. We are going to find out for sure. I want to find out just because I want to be prepared. I want to have the pink or blue clothes, I don't want all yellow, orange and green. I want to have the baby's nursery just so and the names for surley picked out. I just would feel unprepared if we didn't find out. I know everyone says "oh it won't be a surprise then," but actually it will. It will be just as big of a surprise during the ultrasound as it would be after birth. Anyways, that is my thinking on that, otherwise not much has changed. Just getting bigger as we speak!!  Hope all is well!

Love, Ashley

Well, it's been awhile since I wrote last. Since then, I have gained about a total of 5 lbs, been sick 3 times, have grown a full cup size , and have had our first doctor's appointment. At the appointment we drew some blood, had urine sample, and did a physical exam. She pretty much said "Yup! You're deffinatly pregnant." It was good to hear it confirmed true! She said that everything looks good and everything that I am experiencing is normal. I have found out through experience that I can't eat Chinese food or cottage cheese. It just makes me sick! I am lovin' the fruit! All different kinds, strawberries, apples, peaches, pears, watermelon, grapes, kiwi, bananas, etc. Pretty much any fruit (but don't worry I have some bad cravings too, like Dairy Queen!) 

At this point, the baby is as big as a large lime. I can't believe how big Baby B is growing! He/she now has fingernails & downy hair developing. He/she can now yawn, suck, and swallow!! It's vital organs are formed and beginning to operate. We get to go back to the doctor's in 3 weeks to hear the heartbeat, which JR and I are so excited for! We can't wait to learn more and keep you updated on it. Until then, take care! Love, JR and Ashley

        At 6 weeks, we don't really know a whole lot. One thing is for sure, and that is that JR and I are expecting our first baby. I don't think either one of us has been more anxious! So far I haven't really felt any different. I have noticed by clothes getting a little snugger and I have gained about 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. I have been nauseated here and there, but only a few times. No throwing up.....yet! I almost wish I felt a little more, just because I really physically don't feel pregnant. The only thing that has really changed is what I put into my body and what I do to it. Everyday it feels like its one more thing that I can't have or can't do. But for obvious reasons, it is all worth it!

      I have been doing a lot of reading and learning more and more everyday. The 6th week is a rapid growth period for the baby. Baby B now has a brain, and his/her heart is beating on its own. It's weird to think that all of this is going on inside of me and if it wasn't for 3 pregnancy tests, I wouldn't even know it. It's just so amazing. Baby B is now about the size of a BB pelet or 0.16 to 0.2 inches! How tiny!!

      My first doctor's appointment is May 2 with Dr. Tiffany Somer-Shily. She doesn't want to see me until 10 weeks. I plan to give birth at Methodist Hospital here in Omaha.

      Well, that is about all I have for now. We hope all is well with all of you, take care. Love you.  Love, Jr and Ashley