The Belly!

24 Weeks Pregnant

(Yes Kathryn- I took this picture at your house!)

My Beautiful Growing Belly

That's right!! I just wrote my beautiful growing belly. I will admit, it is still very hard for me to watch my "imperfect" figure turn into what at the end, feels like a beached whale, but I don't know if I've just had a change of heart, or maybe I just feel better this time around, but I am loving the transition of my semi flat stomach to this beautiful round bump of joy! I am carrying very differently this time around, which in most cases, has been absolutely wonderful with the one exception... I've never peed so much in my entire life!! I am 24 weeks now!! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. I am so very excited to meet this little one growing inside me, but don't mind waiting... I am having so much fun with my Ruthie here at home and it's still so hard for me to imagine sharing my time between the kiddos.

I know you can only do so much to prepare for each child- but I think it really just struck Jon and I the other night how busy are lives are about to become (as if they weren't crazy busy already!!) Jon and I were leaving our community group the other evening and we walked out with another couple who just recently added their second child to their wonderful family... as Jon was buckling Ruthie into her carseat and I was jumping into the car (it was chilly and I haven't been one to wear a jacket in the last several weeks!) I watched as the family of four struggled to get into the car... two children, two carseats, two parents... (thank goodness for two parents!!) Man! That is going to be the Stubes in a few 16 weeks!! Here we go... right!

Ultrasound: So, this Friday, the end of October is my next scheduled doctors appointment that just so happens to also be my next Ultrasound!! I am so excited to get another glimpse of this precious little one!! I honestly, could care less about the gender, but I can't wait to see if he or she is sucking his or her thumb. If he or she will wave.. all the little things that Ruthie did during her ultrasound that I didn't expect and just absolutely loved. Of course, if this little one decides to stay still for round two... who am I to complain, but as much moving around he/she does 24/7 ... I should get a nice little show!

Moving: The Stubes are happy to announce that we are officially OFFICIALLY moving THIS DECEMBER!! Jon and I are both very excited to share that we just signed a lease to a beautiful 4 bedroom town home! I cannot wait to get inside and start unpacking. I'm thankful that it's not before December 17th- as I look at my daily planner I realized just how busy we are for the next several weeks leading up to the big move! Of course, mom and dad- we are so thankful for the opportunity you gave us to share life with you this past year (and then some) and we sure are going to miss our evenings of cards... but I cannot wait to have all my stuff again!! hehe! It's my pre-Christmas opening all the boxes and seeing all the things we've had packed away. I can't wait to re-due Ruthie's room (big girl style) and to work on the nursery for this little one... it's the small things- but I'm thrilled!!

Letter to Baby Stube:

Dear Precious Little Girl or Boy- I can't believe we are only 16 weeks away from meeting you. I cannot wait for you to become an "official" part of this family. I don't think I'll be able to tell you enough how special you are to have so pretty amazing people in your lives to call your family! Of course, I know you are going to have your moments of wondering why you were stuck with parents like us and such a crazy sister... but most days, it is my prayer that you wake up thankful to be in this family and that you always know without a doubt that you are loved!!

I sit and I wonder who you are going to look like. Will you look just like your mommy (and so also look just like Ruthie) or will you share more features with your amazing daddy? All these questions and I can't wait to see!! I am interested to see when I look at your face for the first time whether I still believe you share Ruthie's nose (as I picture you do from staring at your ultrasound pictures). Looking forward to seeing you again this Friday during the ultrasound. Love you very much my baby Stube.

Love, Mommy

24 Weeks Pregnant!

(21 Weeks)


(5 weeks)