Bella

Although I am awfully fond of the name Baby Clark I'm trying to get used to calling our little peanut by her real name: Isabella Rose Clark. 'Isabella' means consecrated/devoted to God. And 'Rose' is my mothers middle name and my great grandmother's first name.

I had my 20 week anatomy ultrasound this morning and Bella looks nice and healthy. She weighs one pound which the tech said is perfect...I was worried because I haven't gained any weight in the last 2 weeks. We got to look at all her organs and REconfirm she is definitely a she! I wish I could post ultrasound pictures but I don't have a scanner.

The nurse also told me today that since David and I are both medical professionals that if we decide to do cord blood banking we could get a HUGE ($750!) discount....such a blessing!! It is something we both feel strongly about and so the discount makes it so much more feasible. Also, since I am no longer working funds have definitely been tight-but God always provides-I randomly received a $95 check in the mail yesterday for some credit on some account...funny thing is I can't even figure out what account it is but it just made me smile at God's amazing provision!

Halfway there!

I am so excited to be 20 weeks pregnant, and halfway done! It seems like it has taken forever to get here but I am so grateful that things have been getting easier. I never got that talked about energy boost and still feel exhausted all the time, but am so grateful that most days I can eat whatever I want and don't feel too nauseated. I get my anatomy scan ultrasound next week so I am excited to get to see my peanut again...I feel really blessed to have gotten so many chances to see her on ultrasound! David has been getting to feel her move a whole lot. I like the kicks but when she rolls I'm not sure I like that feeling very much! I think I am finally ready to start thinking about the nursery...at least the crib!

August heat

Disney is coming out with an animated version of the movie, A Christmas Carol, this December. To promote the film Disney is going on a train tour around the nation. The train was in Houston so I went with a Becca, a girlfriend from bible study, and her 2 year old daughter. The line to get into the train was very long and even though it was mid morning I apparently got overheated and nearly fainted in line. I told Becca I didn't feel good, my vision was going black, and I remember just slumping into her. Luckily people came to help quickly and carried me into the air conditioned train station....how embarrassing!! Someone was saying call 911 which I am glad they didn't do; I just needed to get into the cool and off my feet. Anyways, Becca graciously waited in the rest of the line and called me when it was our turn to get on the train.

In line there was an area that would produce snow every few minutes. All the kids got a huge kick out of it.

Once inside the train there were some Charles Dickens museum artifacts, concept art and models, and demonstrations of the making of the film. Here is a model of Scrooge's Office.

They also demonstrated how they used motion sensors on the actors which they then translated into animation.

In the final car of the the train, it was set up like a living room/dining room with a fireplace, a Christmas dinner, and the smell of gingerbread!

Unfortunately the tour was only a few minutes especially after waiting in line so long. It was a good experience. I just need to remember I am extra sensitive to the heat while pregnant!

For real, it's a girl!

I just got back from my OB appointment and baby Clark was much more cooperative this time. It is much more definitive we are having a girl!!! I am thrilled! David also got to feel her kick two nights ago which I think he was pretty blown away by. Yeah, now I can shop!!

Shootin' Skeet

This weekend David and I got together with some friends (Leah and Jason) to shoot skeet; well, they shot skeet and I sat in the air conditioned car....it was so unbelievably hot! I have shot David's shotgun before and almost dislocated my shoulder so I thought it would be wise to pass while preggers! They all did really well and the boys even got fancy and would shoot up to 3 clays in one shot. I think David appreciated the "man" time since there is so much talk of baby lately. I just know when baby Clark is old enough she will be out there with her daddy in overalls and pigtails and her own little shotgun-Lord, help us all!