Making Progress... and Decisions!

Lots of updates!!! It's been a big week in the Gooden household!

We interviewed our first pediatrician yesterday, and we really like her. We have one more interview to go in a week or so before we make our decision. The next doctor (and practice) has a lot to live up to!

As Birble begins to grow bigger and stronger, her movements are growing stronger too. This morning, I was able to see her moving for the first time. I caught the first punch or kick out of the corner of my eye, so Barry and I stopped and watched for a few seconds. Sure enough, she let another one go, and I watched my belly jump. What a cool sensation!!!!

We also made a couple decisions in recent weeks/days. We have decided that we are going to deliver Birble at St. Mary's hospital. The staff is wonderful, and the facilities are comfortable, so we are excited about our decision!

We also decided that we would like to have Birble baptized into the Catholic Church (if we can). We are not going to be disappointed if they say no, but we are going tonight to a local parish to find-out more. Fingers crossed!

Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), we have selected a name for our baby girl!!! I will publish a separate post with the announcement once we are confident that all of our closes family and friends have been informed. Stay tuned...

24 Week Check-Up

We went to see the doctor this morning for our standard, monthly OB visit. All looks good! Mom and baby are both healthy :). I will note that I decided a trip to the gym was in order this evening after getting on the scale... but my health care providers are happy with my weight gain, so we will continue onward! Interesting factoid... as of today, my uterus measured in a 23 inches. WOW!!!

She has a Name!

Barry and I went out to dinner on Friday night to Firebird's (one of my many favorite places to eat) to celebrate! We have picked a name for our baby girl :). Right now, it's a secret... Whether or not to tell the world is to be decided, but we're very excited with our choice!

We also spent some time this weekend picking a paint color and starting to build a plan for the nursery. I decided I wanted the baby girl's name in 9" letters across the wall behind her crib, so we went ahead and made that to get us inspired. Here is a picture of one of the letters in her name against the green paint sample on the wall.Her room is going to be so girly!!!! I can't wait for it to all come together :).

Henrico Doctor's Hospital Tour

We went for our 2nd hospital tour last night at Henrico Doctor's Hospital. Now it gets tricky... They have a very nice facility too, and their policies are very similar to St. Mary's. Decisions, decisions...

In other news, Birble's bedding arrived yesterday!!! Here are a couple pictures from the real deal :).

Lots of Movement!

Birble is kicking like crazy :). She's very active and responds to the flashlight when I shine it on my belly. It's a wonderful feeling and a constant reminder that I have a cute little one growing inside me.

We are also very busy preparing for her arrival. We have narrowed down the list of names to just a handful and have ordered her bedding. She's already quite the princess...

First Dream About Delivering Birble

Wow! What a night!!! I had my first dream about delivering Birble. In my dream she was almost 13 lbs, and they made me push at only 8 cm. Tough night...

OBX or Bust!

Birble, Barry, Cody and I went to the beach last week, and we all loved it!!! Here are some pictures...