The Russo's

The doctor's appointment went well. My doctor said I am growing well and Hudson is too. We had an ultrasound done and he measures about 1 week ahead. He weighs 1 lb and 11 ounces. We saw him blink his eyes ,yawn and he was holding a foot in one hand. His heart beat was 159. He was not in the best position for pictures, but here are the ones we have: his spine, a confirmation that it's a boy and some face shots.

We have been so busy since Christmas Eve. I'm still recovering from the long days, but it's worth it when you are with family. Jen & Todd came in town Friday and left yesterday. It was so good to see them, but the time just went by too fast. Before we opened gifts with my family, my brother in law suggested reflecting on the year. Everyone shared a highlight from 2008 and what they were thankful for. It may be a new tradition that we start- it was a special time together. There is nothing like having a good family and I am so grateful for that. Our highlight was, of course, finding out that we are adding to the family with Hudson. On that note, I have a check up this afternoon to find out how he and I are doing.

We had a great Christmas, lots of presents, food and time with family. This is our last Christmas before children, but we are looking forward to starting some traditions of our own. Hudson received his own share of gifts too. He has some really cute outfits to wear when he gets here. Jen and Todd are in town, so we are still celebrating Christmas with them.

Hudson's kicks are getting stronger. The last two nights he has been active around 9:30 p.m. Josh was able to feel him and see my stomach move. I have been trying to get Josh to feel him for a while, but every time he would put his hand on my stomach Hudson would stop. I'm excited that Josh can share those moments with me.

We don't get many of these in south Louisiana. It is so beautiful seeing everything covered in a white blanket of snow. Josh was like a kid seeing snow for the first time. He woke me at 5:30 a.m. to go outside. We received about 2-4 inches.

We didn't go to a Christmas tree farm, but Josh was hands on in the process. We went to Home Depot on Thursday night. I picked out the first tree I saw because we were ready to get out the cold. No one was around to assist, so Josh trimmed the tree, bagged it and tied it to the yukon. I didn't have the camera with me to take a picture of that, but it was funny. new belly shot

I am over half way through my pregnancy... yay ! I went to the doctor yesterday. She said everything looked good. His heartbeat was 160 bpm . It is getting louder each time they check it. I can feel him kicking at different times throughout the day, but it's not strong enough for Josh to feel yet. Jennifer will be home for Christmas! Well, the day after Christmas. I'm so excited! That definitely puts me in the Christmas mood.

It has been hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit this year. I think it's because I don't have the energy I usually do. I have not experienced a burst of energy like I hear some women do in the second trimester. Today, we made ornaments at work to put on the tree in the lobby. It helped me get excited about Christmas decorating.

I felt Hudson kick for the first time on Thursday night. I was laying on the couch watching tv about 9:00 p.m. I felt two distinct kicks and another a while after that. I have felt some more kicks since then when I'm lying down or sitting still. It's very exciting and I can't wait until others can feel him move.

Josh found a truck! It's used, but new to us. It has 4 doors...perfect for a carseat. We are glad that the search is over.

Hudson is getting gifts already! Jamie gave the outfit, a co-worker gave a pacifier holder and Cadie gave us a parents-to-be ornament. Thank you! Josh's parents gave this bib on a cruise in August.

I had my ultrasound this afternoon and it's a boy! Introducing for the first time everywhere...Hudson James Russo. His growth is on track and the due date remains April 16th. Everything is looking good. He is about 9 inches long and weighs 11 ounces. He was very cooperative and showed himself to us. He was moving his legs and fingers. It looks like he has long legs and feet. I have not felt any movement yet (19 weeks), but I was reassured that he is doing fine. We can't wait to meet him! It's a boy picture. We had a few people come along...Hudson will know he is loved!

Tomorrow, Baby Russo's gender will be revealed. We are anxiously waiting and getting excited! God has known from the beginning and we will be super happy with what He has given us. We are so thankful for a healthy baby and a good pregnancy so far. I'll post the news tomorrow afternoon after the appointment.

On Saturday, Josh and I went to a baby expo at Woman's Hospital. We took a tour of the delivery room and got a lot of information. Josh is nervous about the birth part and seeing the hospital did not help. Oh, well...I tried. It was nice to be around a lot of other pregnant women. It made me feel better to know I am not the only one going through it. After Baby Grand, we went to some dealerships to look at trucks. He didn't find anything, so the search continues. Shout out to Tina Shavers, thanks for reading!

Josh was in an accident last night, but he is fine. He was on his way home from his parent's house and another truck ran a red light in Port Allen. Josh tried to avoid a crash and flipped over the median. He was alone, I stayed home because I was tired. We are so thankful that God protected him!!! Josh is upset about his truck, aka "the Z". He loves it so much, but we may have to say goodbye to it. "the Z" being towed away. This is the other driver's truck.

My brother in law, Luke, competed in the Ironman triatholon on the 1st. We went to Panama City Beach, Florida to support him. My sister had matching shirts made to surprise him. Some beach time... you have to put your toes in the sand. The race started early. We were at the beach at 6 a.m. in 45 degree weather. The finish line. He placed 306 of out 2200 participants. Team Skywalker - he is a big Star Wars fan. Josh and I with Leilynn.

Charles Seguin, a vietnam vet from church. We salute you! Josh and I at the parade on Sunday in Port Allen.

17 weeks and growing.

We went to the doctor yesterday for my monthly check up. I say we because Josh comes to every appointment. It's always interesting with him tagging along. He brought CC's coffee to the nurses as he promised at our last appointment. Either it was a slow day or the coffee got us in faster. Everything is going well and she said things looked fine. The baby's heartbeat was 162. We go back in 2 weeks to find out if it's a girl or boy!

I think this is a cute cartoon. Potato chips have been on my list of cravings lately. I am enjoying food now that my sickness is gone. It's been a couple weeks since I was sick. Now, the heartburn has started.

The weekend was full of beautiful weather. We sat around the fire pit with family and enjoyed cold weather food like soup and chili. We also saw the movie Fireproof. I would recommend it to everyone because it has a powerful message about relationships. My next check up with the doctor is on November 4th. I have been feeling good, except for a few sniffles that comes with the changing weather.

My niece Emerie, 4 months. My sisters, mom and niece Leilynn Jennifer was in town this past weekend. We had a busy weekend filled with late night beignets at coffee call, hair cuts and a baby shower. It's always fun when all the girls are together. I just can't keep up like I usually can. Now, I'm catching up on sleep.

Over the weekend, I went with Leilynn to the aquarium in New Orleans. We had a good time and she really enjoyed it. I was glad to get out. I have been a home body the last few months since I wasn't feeling good.

We went to the doctor on Friday morning. The results of my blood work were fine. I was not scheduled for an ultrasound, but Josh sweet talked the tech into doing it. Everyone in the office will know us well by the time the baby comes. I turned the picture sideways so it is easier to see the baby. It was good to see the growth from the first ultrasound. She said things are still looking good and healthy. I'm starting to feel better. I believe the morning sickness is just about gone, still feeling a little tired. I'm looking forward to the second trimester.

The first trimester has just flown by. It seems like we just announced that we are pregnant. My next doctor's appointment is this Friday. Here is my first picture with the pregnant pose at 12 weeks.

I am nearing the end of my first trimester. The last few days have been a lot better as far as sickness. I don't want to speak too soon, but I'm hoping this is a trend. My brother created a graphic for us and I wanted to show off his work. Thanks uncle Dill!

Josh sent me flowers at work today...so sweet! Along with a message that he hopes I feel better. Flowers have a way of making you smile. They sure did brighten my day. As for feeling better...I wish flowers could fix it.

I'm 10 weeks now and I have been sick since about 5 weeks. It has been rough at times, but I know it is all worth it. Josh has been very understanding and helpful. He even has thanked me for what I am going through. =) HOPEFULLY, I only have a few weeks left until it subsides.

We have a little one on the way! We refer to him or her as baby Russo until we find out gender. I went to the doctor on the 8th and Josh came with me. He said he was nervous, but he seemed fine to me. The due date is April 16, 2009. They said everything looked good. We had an ultrasound and heard the heart beat. It was awesome to experience that. We are excited about our new addition and looking forward to the journey ahead!