First Post

Hello! Our big news - we're pregnant! I was talking to Brent about starting a journal, just to record our thoughts and feelings during this special time. He showed me how to make a blog and I'm hooked. I hope everyone enjoys reading once in a while - it's a good way for me to keep in touch with all my long distance family and friends!

We are just thrilled about having a baby. We have been trying for about three months - third time's a charm! Brent and I have been talking about a baby for some time. We're lucky and blessed that we were able to get pregnant so quickly.

STATS: Found out I was pregnant 2/1/08. ~ Second postitive test 2/2/08 and we told Mom & Dad R and Mom & Dad H. ~ 2/3/08, told Angie and Scott and then all of the rest of the family (we were on the phone the whole day it seemed!) ~ 2/4/08, Laura told co-workers and continued calling friends. ~ We think the due date will be around October 25th - we'll see if the doctor agrees!

One of the best parts of this whole thing is that our family and friends are so excited and happy for us! It's been so nice to get all the support and good wishes already. Oh, what a baby does!

Best lines from the family:
"This reminds me of when me and your Dad told my Mom and Dad about Scott." ~ Mom R
"I'll remember this day forever - 2/2/08." ~ Dad R
".....SCREAM...." ~ Mom and Dad H
"What fun this will be!" ~ Scott
"The house across the street from me is for sale, ya know." ~ Angie
"Move home immediately and I'll baby sit often!" ~ Jenna
"Call me anytime, I love to talk about this stuff." ~ Jessie
"My prayers are starting now." ~ Joan
"It's like I have a second daughter." ~ Phil
"Hell yeah!" ~ Charlie
"I've been waiting for this day!" ~ Carol
"Maybe since you're hungry, you won't get sick." ~ Kasey (Oh, I hope so!!)
(Me: "Can you believe you're going to be a Great Grandma?") "No!" ~ Grandma Richmond
"Fantastic!" ~ Grandpa Richmond
"There were still days open in August!" ~ Denton
"Now Alexia will have a cousin her age." ~ Ryan
"What wonderful news! We're going to be Grandparents again!" ~ Grandma & Grandpa Hartsell
"You know we'll all want to see you more when the baby is born." ~ Rob & Jas
"Wonderful news." ~ Great Grandma Kuemmerle. She will be a Great Great Grandma!
"I'm so happy for you, keep me posted!" ~ Judy

I am feeling good so far - waiting for the morning sickness to start. I have been hungry (starving at moments), which I guess was one of my first signs. I am making a huge effort at eating good and getting all my fruits and veggies. My mom said "lots of protein", so I bought extra chicken at the grocery store to take in my lunches.

I called the doctor today and have an appointment 2/12/08 for my check-up with the "OB coordinator". It's about a half hour appointment just to get me started and answer any questions. I thought this was really cool, so I'll be there with bells on! Then after that, they'll schedule the next appointment for the doctor visit and first ultrasound (oh my gosh). I think that will be at 8-10 weeks along. Brent will take the day off work for that appointment. I just can't believe all this!

Well, that's enough for now. Keep Baby Hartsell in your prayers. A strong and healthy baby, that has been my priority and first thought ever since 2/1/08. Thank you, Lord Jesus for this gift.