And the gender is...

It's a BOY!!!

Dear Blueberry, 

Well, you have managed to fool us all! After months of speculation, and "gut feelings", it turns out that you...my SON, are a boy! 

At a lil over 18 weeks, we went in for your mom's mid-pregnancy ultrasound. Here the technician takes several scans and pictures to make sure you are still healthy and growing normally, which you are! More importantly (for us) , it was also an opportunity to see what gender you are. Both your mom and I were admittedly caught off guard by the news, because we BOTH had suspicions you were going to be a girl. Also, in the last ultrasound, the technician (a different one) did give her guess that it was an 80 percent chance as well.

It's finally starting to get a little more real now... Knowing that you're a boy has finally given you some identity, and with it, all our hopes and dreams for your future. Welcome to a world of sports, video games, and girls... LOL!

Love,
Dad

Mom's 29th Birthday!

Your beautiful mother turned 29 a few days ago! Right now, your mom is about 18 weeks along, and you're about the size of a sweet potato!

I imagine you don't look as ugly as this potato

I decided to spoil your mom with a trip to St Helena to visit the Napa Valley Health Spa. She got not one, but TWO massages…one of which was a special "prenatal" massage. It was well deserved of course, cause she's been carrying you for over 4 months now, and you are growing FAST. Restless nights, and aches and pains throughout the day have definitely taken a toll on your mom, so a little relief was required.

To top it off, I had the family surprise her by meeting us at one of our favorite restaurants in Napa Valley, Rutherford's Grill!

It's kind of weird with all these holidays and special events passing us by...everyday usually involves some kind of discussion about you, or planning for your arrival. And how each event seems like it will be the last of its kind, because you'll be here the next time to share it with us. Don't get me wrong, its not that I'm sad that these are the final days of just your mom and I, its that I've sold myself on the fact that you're already here, and that I can't wait to share these moments with you!

Love,
Dad

13 Weeks and Counting!

Dear Blueberry,

Look at your mother! Holy smokes!

Happy New Year!!!

We're finally near the end of your first trimester (which I hear is the most difficult for moms) and all tests so far have shown you are healthy and strong! Your mom has done a fantastic job of carrying you. From eating more, taking her vitamins, going to her doctor appointments, and to exercising...everything is looking GREAT!

2012 was a great and busy year, but ultimately the news of your arrival was the best of it all. I already know 2013 will be another awesome year because we'll finally be able to meet you! Only 188 days left and counting!

Love,
Dad

Healthy Baby!!!

Dear Blueberry,

One of those test you actually want to score negative

A few days ago, we went in for the Nuchal Translucency Screening (NT Screen), and guess what? YOU PASSED! What does that mean? Well, this test basically rules out any major risk that you may have Down Syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities, as well as any major congenital heart problems.

This test consisted of two parts: the first being a blood test your mom had to take the week before, and the second being another ultrasound. Not only did this allow the doctor to rule out major health risks, but it also got us another look at you!

12 weeks and counting!

Yeah, nothing too fancy here, but the good news is that you're looking healthy, and you've got all your arms, legs, toes, fingers, etc. While watching the image of you on the ultrasound screen, I couldn't but help think about how blessed your mom and I are. I worry everyday that a complication could arise, but at every turn, God has answered our prayers and has proven to us that we are not in control...that he has the ultimate say and God-willing, will speed you along to a healthy birthday!

Love, Dad


P.S. Doc says 80% chance you're a girl :)

Our Last Christmas

Dear Blueberry,

Our tree...all 12 feet of it!

I had an odd epiphany the other night while gazing at our Christmas tree.  It was getting late and we just spent the whole night wrapping gifts. Your mom went off to organize some pictures, and I just stood there in the silent living room, admiring our tree.

I was looking at each of our family ornaments. As you'll come to find out, your mom and I have a yearly tradition where we add an ornament to the tree that contains one of our photos from that year. 

As I passed through each of the ornaments; each one signifying a year gone by in our lives together, I realized this Christmas would be the last of its kind for our family. I couldn't but help think of the years to come, where the silent calm of this room would no longer be. Don't misinterpret what I'm saying though, what I'm trying to convey is how excited I am for the years to come! I miss that feeling of waking up on Christmas morning as a kid, and seeing all the new presents underneath the tree; the excitement as I beg my parents to start opening gifts already. I miss that because I miss being a kid, but I know that with you and possibly more brothers and/or sisters on the way, that this allows me to almost live vicariously through you. I'm excited to see you experience things for the first time, and how we'll almost be experiencing it anew as well; both as a parent, and with you.

This Christmas season will have its last silent nights for a while :)

Love,
Dad

First Gift!

Dear Blueberry,

Check out your very FIRST gift!!! That's right...a Star Trek Onesie!!! LOLOLOL! Super high fives goes out to my favorite power couple, Chris and Michelle Daggett for such a thoughtful gift!

Thank God it wasn't a red shirt!

Being an 80's kid, I grew up watching Star Trek (The Next Generation), and have probably seen every TNG episode at least 5 times each! Aside from the drama, action, and romance on the show...at its core, it's a show about human nature. It gave me hope that a better future is always out there; that if we just inspire to be more than what we are now, we too can do great things with our lives.

I'm very excited to see what type of person you'll become, because between your mom and I, you'll have every opportunity to explore what you want to do in life. And I know that whatever you choose, you'll be GREAT at it!

Boldly Go,
Dad

First Ultrasound

Dear Blueberry,

Your mom has been carrying you a little over 10 weeks now, and you are growing fast! We had our first ultrasound appointment today, and got our first look at you! So far, you seem to be healthy, got all your limbs, and you have a healthy heartbeat! You even put on a little show for us by moving your arms and legs, I still can't believe it!

I might have to change this website to "Dear Gummi Bear"

We were able to hear your heartbeat, see you move, and now have confirmation on your estimated due date... July 7, 2013!

We still don't know if you're a boy or girl, but we've got another checkup and ultrasound in the next few weeks, and we're hoping to find out then. Reality is really starting to kick in now...especially after seeing that image of you on the screen. I honestly can't praise God enough for what a wonderful gift he's given us that is you.

Love, 
Dad