Update!

So, I realize that I am far behind in my blogging and I do apologize for this.  However, give me a little bit of  a break - it has been quite the month of so.  After returning from our fabulous trip to MN where we saw so many dear friends and family members, spent much time on the beautiful north shore, was blessed by a very special baby shower and just relaxed, we soon hopped on a plane to Kauai, Hawaii!  This was another amazing trip.  It was such perfect timing for us and something we both really needed.  As you know, poor Andrew was recently suffering from an ulcer due to much stress over the past few months.  He is doing much better and back to his normal self, but the journey to Hawaii was just an extra dose of medicine for both him and I.  Hawaiians sure know how to live.  Every native (or transplanted) Hawaiian that we talked to was so laid back and relaxed and just had a positive outlook on life...even if their situation wouldn't necessarily lead you to believe they should be so positive.  But they just have it right - nothing will be resolved by worrying about - and they have learned to take life one day at a time.  It was a great get away from crazy LA for us and a chance for us to renew our batteries and get a fresh outlook on life.  We, obviously, have quite the year ahead of us and we just needed some time to step back and remember what matters.  Gods beauty was so abundant in Hawaii and it was impossible to not worship Him as we went around every corner!  His creation is just jaw-dropping and it was incredible to be apart of that.  I have posted some pictures on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wrightventures/) - it won't allow anymore :(  For you facebookers, I will also put some up there eventually.  The pictures do not do justice though to anything that we experienced!  One highlight...snorkeling with sea turtles on our last day there!

And now for baby news :)  Our child loved Hawaii as well as was evident by all the movement I was feeling and kicking that I was receiving!  It is so fun to finally be able to feel some small movements and to get a response back if I push on my tummy a bit!  Andrew has been able to feel the baby a bit, too - it just feels like little pops in my belly for now!  So amazing, though, and it really makes all of this seem more real.

Also, making this seem much more real, was our ultrasound yesterday!  To actually be able to see our child moving around and playing with it's fingers and hands was so incredible.  Everything was right on track - 4 limbs with 5 fingers or toes on each, 4 chambers of the heart beating strong (heartbeat at 154), good brain development, and, according to the ultrasound tech, nice lips, too!  Of course, the big question was all about gender and we were lucky enough to have a cooperative baby yesterday!  Most of you already know, but we are thrilled to announce that we will welcome a little GIRL into the world come January!  I must admit, I wasn't too surprised when she told us that we are having a girl...I have had several dreams about the baby being a girl and none about boys and I just had a feeling that she was a she!  It is really fun knowing that we are expecting a daughter and Andrew already has big plans for her to be a surfer and hiker and cyclist!  It will be a lot of fun.  He thinks she looks like him!  I can't wait to meet this little one!  We are almost half way there!  

So, those are the big updates for now.  Here are pictures of the 18 week mark and the ultrasound.  Tomorrow will be 19 weeks, so check back soon!