In just two weeks I will go back to the Dr. for my 24 week checkup and blood/glucose test where you drink that orange, sugary drink and then they take your blood an hour later.  Last time with Emma Grace, I flunked the first screening, so I had to go for the 4 hour one at another lab, but I passed that one.  This time I don't crave sweets, so maybe I won't have to be subject to 4 more needle pricks!!   

Things seem to be going well...I still have only gained 2 pounds in 5 months, so I hope the Dr. won't fuss at me.  I'm just now beginning to like food and smells don't bother me as much.  I guess when you start out 30 pounds overweight for your height, it is good for the baby to eat away the fat so you actually lose weight!  Hee hee!! 

I've been busy looking at the boys' clothes in stores now!  It's not near as large of a selection, and I'm coming to realize that boys don't require NEARLY the amount of things that girls do!  Bows, tights, frilly dresses, shoes for every outfit, etc.  One lady said, "You just buy boys one pair of shoes for boys and they can wear it with everything!"  She also said, "Oh, you're going to get off much cheaper with a boy this time!"  I just love the idea that Jason can rest in the comfort that hopefully, if the Lord provides, our son can carry on the Pope name and grow up a 5th generation Pope right here in our same pasture with his family.  What a blessing!!  You all take care and enjoy the long weekend for MLK!

(see picture of Emma Grace playing in her new kitchen!)

IT'S  A BOY!!!  We are just excited that the ultrasound showed a healthy baby boy today!  It sounds sooo strange to be saying "he" and all the way home Jason and I just smiled and talked about all the GI Joe's and legos that we would have to get from next door.  :)  I guess I was the MOST shocked since I just knew this one was a girl also.  I must admit that a huge relief has been sighed and I am overjoyed to know that we won't have to try a third time unless we WANT to and unless the Lord just surprises us!  Please continue to pray for us as the baby continues to fully develop and that the delivery goes well in May.  Now our task becomes choosing a fitting name for this little son of ours!  Another POPE BOY! 

In less than 1 week, we will know the burning question...boy or girl??  Then the name ideas and questions start coming!  I particularly want to see all of the body systems at work in this little life and know that everything is developing well.  I will ask particular questions and make sure that we fully look at everything.  With that in mind, I want to take this time to ask everyone to pray for a special little girl Brooke Pifer who was born on Dec. 10th.  She was born with Vater syndrome, which means she has several body organs and parts that did not fully develop and she will have multiple surgeries in her her life to correct those developmental problems.  I just feel a special desire to pray for her and her first time parents Megan and Justin Pifer.  Oh how the Lord knew what special parents she would need even before she was conceived!  I thank God for the way He is working in people's lives all over the world that Megan and Justin may not even know through this event.  If you want to read more about how He is doing this, go to their Caring Bridge website at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brookepifer

Christmas Blessings to you and yours!  Check back next Wed. as I share the answer to the BURNING QUESTION!