A Fitting Past Few Days

 First,

a giant THANK YOU to everyone! 

Steve and I can not begin to express how much your words and support have touched us along this wild journey.

Thank you for all of the wonderful wishes on my last post.

We were so excited to share our gender reveal video with everyone.  We watched it later Thursday night and cried such joyful tears again as we took in that special moment.  It is certainly one that won't be forgotten - one that we are so happy we can relive again and again - and someday show our daughter.

Our daughter.

It's really sinking in for the both of us.  The first couple days, we caught ourselves still referring to her as "the baby" and even "little guy" (as we, especially I, thought for sure it was a boy).  And then, we'd pause for a second and smile, looking at one another

 while realizing we can now say "she" and "little girl."

  I think I've cried about a million and seven times these past few days.  While in Target this weekend, shopping for a couple important little girls in our life - it hit me. 

I passed the adorable, tiny, preppy boy sweaters and plaid shirts that I had my eyes on for years -  always picturing us having a little boy.  Making my way to the girls' section, I began running my fingers along the pint-sized dresses, the baby jeans, the tops adorned with bows and tulle and glitter - and I lost it...

"Steve!!  We are having a girl!! " I screamed as he called me to come over and take a look at the cute kitten hat he just found.

It's just such a surprise.   Yes, of course, I know it's a 50/50 chance.  We would have been just as thrilled with a boy.   To get such a surprise like that, was so neat (there I go again with that word).  A big WOW - that sweet little being growing inside of me - we "saw" her on Thursday - we watched her move and dance - we watched her heart beat, blood pump through her body, her feet wiggle, her mouth open and close. 

It's all such a miracle.

One we will be forever grateful for.

(ultrasound photos and 20 week bump shots coming in the next post.)

Pictures taken right before we found out...

It was amazing and exhilarating being able to share our news with our loved ones - loud screeches (mostly from me) filled our living room...happy tears...elated screams...

It's a girl - shrieking from my lungs (just like you may have heard on the video).  A few friends had to ask me to repeat myself because of my hyena/witch cackles and cries.

Steve and I telling my mom the exciting news - she hyena shrieked right along with me.

She is going to be one awesome and incredible grandma Dee Dee (as she will be called)!

I loved watching Steve call his friends - he is already one proud daddy!

***

This past weekend couldn't have been more fitting and glorious for the news we just received.  It's like it was already planned out for us - giving us a taste of all things girl.

Kim and I went to breakfast Friday...sitting until mid-afternoon...talking about babies and children and the joys and humor of motherhood.

I got teary-eyed when she excitingly gestured to the space in between us and said, "Just think, next year there will be a little baby joining us right here!"

<3

Saturday, we headed over to Kelly and Kurt's.  Steve and I were all ready for our big sleepover.   We talked about it all week...and how fun it'd be to stay over with Addison and Chloe while their mom and dad enjoyed a night to themselves.

 Miss Chloe was the first to wake up from her nap.

Before she even finished her snack, she was begging Mimi to play hairdresser.

Addison woke up soon after and didn't bother asking for a snack - she loves playing hairdresser and couldn't wait to jump on in with her sister.

Steve and I laughed hysterically a few minutes into her styling...

She asked, "Mimi, how come whenever you come over your hair is always crazy and lumpy?  Can you help me brush it?"

Crazy and lumpy - she just described my hair perfectly - HILARIOUS!

And then the real fun came...

They love digging through Mimi's purse.  You never know what you're going to find.  There was an uneaten apple at the way bottom from probably a week ago.  And to Addison's dismay, sadly no gum was found.

Chloe busted out the hot pink gloss.  Addison discovered her favorite - my liquid eyeliner.  And then, they went to town.  Oh, but not on me.

On Steve.

And it was hysterical and heartwarming and adorable!

I giggled and smiled teary smiles as I watched him be such a good sport.

And thought about the years to come with our little girl

a flower and a person tattoo to start.

some gloss and a few more additions.

Chloe, you did a fabulous job, girlfriend!

Ravishing - I think this is a good look for Steve.

Addison found some shiny earrings in my purse.  She didn't believe me when I told her Steve had earring holes (from his old Steve-O days).  He let her put the earrings in.  She was amazed!  And completed the look with a few of her clippies.

Next, it was my turn.  They asked to "make me into a cat."

Sounds good to this crazy cat lady!

Thanks, girls!  We love our new looks.

We joked that knowing our luck, the doorbell would ring.  Could you imagine?!  Hi, we're the babysitters for the night!  We just escaped the loony bin.

After scrubbing our faces (babywipes work awesome), Addison and I decorated her princess mirror.

She loved her some glitter glue. 

It turned out fabulous!

Steve got his exercise for the next 20 minutes as Chloe and Addison screamed "Again!  Again!" 47 times!

Dancing and singing before and after dinner to Katy Perry's, "Firework"

on repeat!

 This girl has all the moves.

Precious!!

We couldn't wait to watch a movie and snuggle up.  Pinocchio, it was!

Or "Po-key-no" as Chloe says.

Addison and I wore our kitty pjs and ate a lil' Halloween treat.

Breakfast was bright and early. 

Chloe joyfully inhaled her bagel.

We read stories while giving manicures.  Addison requested I add some pink stripes to her red polish.  Chloe asked for sparkles.

And our beautiful stay with these awesome ladies ended on just the right note -

with another round of dancing (to "Firework," of course).

<3

Sunday, we celebrated Aubrey's very special birthday!

My step-sister's daughter turned one!

Who doesn't love watching a baby discover and devour their very first cupcake?!

Happy Birthday, babe!

She was in awe of the pretty red icing!

 <3

It's been a magical past few days and Steve and I can't wait to get started with all of our ideas!!

Thank you all!!  You've been such a blessing to us. <3

See ya soon.

Baby Girl Lovin',