3 plus 1 equals 4

Today, Jamie and I heard one of the most precious sounds... the heartbeat of our new baby! Yep, I'm pregnant and due November 2, so that puts me at 7 1/2 weeks. We are beyond ecstatic! It was so different today, seeing our little 'grain of rice' on that ultrasound screen and hearing his/her heartbeat (which was 146). The first time, with Noah, it seemed surreal. I knew there was a baby in my belly but I guess I just didn't realize how that little person would change my life. Almost like, you don't really believe that there's a baby in there, until you see and hold him or her. However today, it was so amazing to me, like WOW... that's really our tiny little baby! It brings me to tears when I think of just how immeasurable my love for Noah is and the fact that I get to experience that immense feeling again for another little person. I feel so incredibly blessed!

Noah and this little baby will be right at 3 1/2 years apart so I think that's a pretty good age difference. I keep telling Noah that now he has a deadline for when he has to start walking... that boy's gotta be walking by November or I might have to get my mom to move in with us! :) I'm sure some of ya'll might think I'm a little crazy however, Jamie and I had initially planned on our kids being 3 years apart. Plus in talking with other parents of special needs kids, they've told me that the BEST thing is to have another because it helps you to refocus some of your thoughts/energy. Instead of being 110% consumed with Noah, I'll have something else to help occupy my time and attention. I honestly think having a sibling will be a very good thing for Noah. Plus, I feel very confident that he'll begin walking by the end of the summer (I really really want him to be able to walk down the aisle as Lindsay's ringbearer). And yes, I will be very pregnant for Lindsay's end of the summer/beginning of fall wedding. HA! Now, that's going to be a HOOT!

So far, I've had very little nausea. In fact, it's happened only twice this week and it's been really brief. With Noah, I had some nausea but I only got sick once, however, I don't remember exactly during which week it started. Dr. Keith told me today that it's a good sign that I haven't had any because by this point, if it hasn't started, then it probably won't. Hallelejuah! I've been exhausted and early on I had some major headaches... but I'm thinking that was because I was trying to cut back on the caffeine. But other than that, I'm feeling good. I feel pretty grateful that I'm feeling good, because several of my pregnant friends dealt with a lot of nausea and my poor mom threw up from week 6 to week 20 every day ALL day... Lindsay should be thankful that she's even here! :) So I definitely have NOTHING to complain about! I would be oh-so grateful if you guys would just keep us in your prayers, for a healthy baby, a drama-free pregnancy/delivery and for my little man to get to walking ASAP! We've got alot going on in 2010 and our family has truly been blessed... come Christmas, we'll have 2 new members in the Powell household, Derrick and baby Brink!