Life in the Very Fast Lane

Dear My Sweetest Son,

Sorry it's been so long since I've shared any news with you. Sometimes I feel like we live our life in the fast lane and the days come and go even more quickly. It doesn't help that I am also guilty of pregnancy brain and tend to forget somethings... so I apologize, but better late than never!

This whole pregnancy has been very easy, I really can't think of one thing that has been difficult. Compared to my friends Alicia and Lacy, you have been overly nice to me! I do appreciate that. Poor Alicia and Lacy have both been puking for weeks, and Alicia who is way into her second trimester is still not getting much relief from her baby love. She said that her and Charlie will probably adopt the next go-round because of how sick she's been-poor thing! The nausea during the first trimester wasn't cool, but I managed, and it was only for a few weeks. As long as I had crackers or something quick to snack on near by it pretty under control. Now, the peeing thing... sometimes I do get a little annoyed with that, but for good reason. At work, we do not have a bathroom on the floor I work on, and I have to walk down to the next floor to pee. The problem with this, is that I tend to wait till I feel like my bladder is going to explode and then take off running down the stairs. It's a bad habit, I know, but dang it's far and potentially dangerous (I'm always saying "please don't fall, please don't fall"). When we got to see you in the last sonogram, the tech said that you were using my bladder for a pillow. Don't I know this! There are sometimes I will feel so much pressure that it feels like you are playing with it making it pulsate. But if that's the worst feeling I get from being pregnant, then I'll take it!

The best feeling I get, is when I get to feel you moving. You are a pretty active guy, which is awesome! I'm beginning to think that you really like Ranger baseball! Every time we are watching a game you get really active! I did get to go to one ALDS game this year and you definitly loved that! That was the most I had felt you move! Meredith and I laughed because even though she was drinking beer throughout the whole game, I had to get up and pee more then her, like 5 to 1. At least twice an inning. Honestly, it was okay because the boys didn't play all that well that game.

I hope you do still enjoy baseball when you get older. I can't wait for your Dad and I to be able to take you to your first Ranger game! One great memory I can't wait to share with you is that the Rangers are in the World Series for only the second time in francise history. Game 6 is tomorrow, and the Rangers are leading 3 games to 2 over the Cardinals. I will be sure to put a news clip in your keepsakes when the Rangers claim their first World Series title tomorrow! This is History, Mr. Luke, and we will get to share it with you some day.

"I remember when we were 23 weeks pregnant with you and the Rangers won their first World Series." I can hear your Dad and I now!

We did have a doctor's appointment today. Of course, she said that you were perfect (duh- we already know this) and you are growing like crazy! We got to hear your heart beat, which was very strong! Keep growing little buddy, we want you strong and healthy!

Dad and I have been shopping a lot lately. We got one of our registries done, with one more to go. We have been pricing baby furniture and trying to decide on fabric for your bedding. Buying a lot of clothes- you have to look good! While we were in Tennessee visiting your Uncle Miles and Aunt Michelle and Aunt Stephanie, Michelle and I found your coming home outfit! It is adorable, and I can't wait to put you in it. Well, I can wait till February, but you know what I mean! You just stay put a few more months, then I will put you in the adorable outfit!

Well, my Baby Love, I think I have got us caught up since the last post! Time is flying by, and as much as I love being pregnant with you, I sure can't wait to hold you in February and I know your Dad is just as excited and anxious as I am. Oh- Dad finally felt you move on Sunday! We were watching the Rangers, and you were doing "the Wash" in my tummy (mimicing the Ranger Manager, Ron Washington, in the dug out when his guys are running bases. He runs in place with them and it's hilarious!)

Keep growing strong! We love you!!!

Love,

Mom

Your Surprise Was A Great One!!!

Dear Baby Love,

Or should I say, "Dear Baby Luke"? That's right!!!!! A boy!!! And your Dad and I could not be more excited to know you are a healthy baby boy!

Wednesday, the 28th was quite the day. We had a doctors appointment that included a sonogram (finally) at 1pm and a party to reveal your surprise at 6:30. Not being able to share the news with everyone right away was so hard and I'm pretty sure your grandmothers were turning more grey by the minute having to wait so long.

At the doctors appointment, we first got the good news that you are a perfectly healthy baby. They took all of your measurements and checked you out throughly. Of couse, your Dad and I already knew you were perfect! The sono tech then asked us if we wanted to find out your sex. WELL OF COURSE WE DO! As she scanned you over and got in position, I knew immeditaly when I saw 'it'. A BOY!!!! Your Dad got the biggest child like grin on his face, threw his fist in the air screaming "yes'! You will soon learn that Dad does this often when he get's excited, but I have never seen him smile that big. He is very proud to have you as his son!

Now, on to the reveal party! We had everyone meet at your Uncle Brent and Aunt Erica's house at 6:30. We didn't want everyone to have to wait any longer so we did the reveal as soon as everyone was there. We revealed to everyone by wrapping blue balloons in a huge box, and letting your cousin, Sloan, open it. She is the world's slowest present opener so it only added to the suspense! She did great!

Grandma, Dad, Justin, Meredith and Mom with the present!

Cousin Sloan getting ready to open the present of balloons.

Blue!!! A BOY!!!! Baby Luke Willson!

Your Aunt Michelle and Uncle Miles joined us via Skype from West Virgina and your Aunt Stephanie and boyfriend Brad joined us via Skype from Tennessee. Thank goodness for Skype, because it was just like them being there for the whole thing, and they got a front row seat! Pop and Grandpa both joined the party via telephone because they were both out of town on business.

Uncle Miles and Aunt Michelle
That's Dave playing with Sloan on the side.

Aunt Stephanie with her boyfriend Brad

Aunt Erica made the cutest freakin' cakes in a jar I'd ever seen, she baked pink and blue cakes in baby food jars! So festive and fun and yummy, of course!

Uncle Brent (way in the back) Aunt Tina, Grandma, Aunt Erica, Me, and Amanda
 all enjoying Erica's yummy cakes!

Our friends: The Shockley's- Charlie and Alicia (also preggers)
The Inman's- Meredith and Justin

What's a party without presents!!?!? We were excited to get 'em for you, including your first onsie from Dave Amanda and Baby Daniel.

An adorable blanket made by Aunt Tina

Reading a handmade card from Granjan and Pop that she made.

Your first onsie!

Here are some other great pictures from the night.

Your Uncle Brent and Aunt Erica with Aunt Tina

Amanda and Dave with Baby Daniel (bummed you can't see him)
but y'all will grow up being buddies!

Meredith touching the babies!
Alicia and Charlie's baby girl will be here about 5 weeks after you!

Sloan making sure everyone knew you were a boy.

What an exciting day for all of us! I have apologized over and over to your grandparents for making them wait till the end of the day to find out that you are a boy, but the memory that we created will last a lifetime!

Our hearts filled with joy when we got to see you on the sonogram. While we always pray and were praying for you to be a healthy baby, I must admit we might have thrown in a prayer or two that you were a boy. And you may only be 10 inches long, and weigh only about 11 ounces, but you have given us the most love and joy already!

Luke Willson Kogler, we will see you in February! Keep growing healthy and strong, My Baby Love!

Love,

Mom and Dad