Sugar

...and spice, and everything nice. That's what will fill the Finan household this July when our precious baby GIRL arrives.

We had our second ultrasound appointment this afternoon at 18weeks, 6 days (another week and we will be halfway). At first, Bonzo (Bonza? Bonsai??) didn't want to cooperate; she was all curled up in the fetal position (literally!) with her arms and legs up by her face. She was hiding almost everything. That's when I first knew she must be a girl--already modest.

We got to see her brain, her heart, pumping away, her arms and legs (those strong legs that have been kicking me so often!), and several other organs, etc that Casey and I kept nodding at and acting like we could really identify in the ultrasound. She brought her hand up to her mouth a couple of times like she was trying to figure out how to suck her thumb, but I don't think the thumb ever made it into her mouth, although once she succeeded in hitting herself in the face, which startled her into moving around some and giving us a better view. She did open her mouth once too, which was pretty stinkin' cute.

Finally, she moved her legs enough for us to see the confirmation--IT'S A GIRL. Again, not something I could have recognized, but I trust the technician. Well, sort of--she said the glimpse we got wasn't "the money shot" but that Bonzo has the typical "two lines" that they look for in girls--so we will take it.

It has been an exciting couple of weeks. Just two weeks ago today, I first felt little Bonzo's kicks. I had just eaten a chocolate donut--I think she liked it. After that, I started feeling her move multiple times a day. And all I've wanted to do ever since was sit around with my hands on my stomach waiting to feel her again. I wasn't sure at first, but some of the movements felt strong enough that, with my hand in the right place, I would be able to feel them from the outside.

We tried a few times with Casey's hand on my tummy, but of course, just like at the ultrasound, Bonzo wouldn't cooperate. Wednesday evening, just this week, she hadn't been moving much all day. Then, I climbed into bed and she started kicking, rolling, punching, all sorts of craziness.

Casey laid his head down next to me and I put his hand on my tummy; almost immediately, there was a little burst and Casey gasped. I couldn't believe he felt her. It was so unexpected, and so beautiful.

Life moments I will forever remember. And here are a few pics to cement those memories.

Trying to suck her thumb

Precious little feet

The best one of all--Perfect view of Casey's nose and my lips!