Baby Smith

Another reason we have decided to start a blog was to have a better way to include you in the growing of our family (yes we have a baby on the way)! Following is an email I sent out to most of you on January 15, 2009.

I'm apologize to those of you who are who are hearing the news for the first time (email is no way to go about it) but so much has happened in the last few months and lots of you have been asking for updates so I thought I would do it this way.

Ryan and I are excited to say that Baby Smith has made it to "it's" (not sure if we are going to find out the sex but if we do we may not say :) 15th week and is growing fast! The attached ultra sound picture is from 10 weeks and that was one of the most amazing moments of our lives to date. Ryan and I were stunned by the impact of seeing the little "peanut" move it's 2 arms and 2 legs and watched in awe at how fast it's little heart beat. When the Dr turned on the sound so we could hear it, the fast, very fast, beating put us both in shock. Just amazing. We get another look at the baby in the middle of February and can't wait. I am starting to feel much better and have gotten past three months of nausea. Fortunately, since I wasn't vomiting all over the place I was able to keep the secret for the first three months from my wonderfully nosy female coworkers who have been asking for the past 3 years when we would have a baby (which is a long time but doesn't beat Grandma Margaret who has been asking for 4 - we've only been married 3!). Unfortunately, I haven't had any mad cravings (thought this would be my chance to get away with eating ice cream for bfast, lunch and dinner) but I also haven't had any strong aversions either (Ryan threatened me with my life if I couldn't stand meat). Even though I'm about 3 1/2 months along now you still can't really tell I've got a baby in there. I guess I would say I have the beginnings of the "bump" but not much else. I can, however, feel my ab muscles stretching and stretching. Crazy. I promise to send pictures to those I don't get to see as often so you can see the belly growth in action.

So, that being said, if all goes well (please continue to keep us in your prayers) Baby Smith is due July 10th! (My goal is to stay healthy so I can make it to Lake Almanor at the end of June!) Thanks to all who have been so supportive, we are very lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family. I will keep you updated and hope to see you soon! Much Love, Lyndsey + 1