And the verdict is in....

As some of you know, I am now 22 weeks into this pregnancy (almost 6 months) and this pregnancy has been QUITE different than when I was prego with Emma. She made it a walk in the park... most days I forgot I was pregnant! However, this time around, I haven't been so lucky haha but it's all worth it in the end when I get to hold our beautiful, healthy baby in my arms and let them know I forgive you for all of the pain over the past nine months because your perfection outweighs it all!! From migraines twice or more a week, to sciatic problems, to back aches and hip pain, etc... every day it's a new ailment. One thing I don't have this time around is any aversions to food... and really no cravings of any sort. I just want SWEETS all of the time! So, in an effort to control my diet, that becomes difficult. But, fruit more times than not soothes the sweet tooth so that's good :) I do want cottage cheese and pineapple almost daily so I guess I can consider that a craving.

Considering the extreme difference in this pregnancy I was CONVINCED we were having a boy. So much so that whenever I talked to Emma about her sibling in my belly, I would tell her "your little brother...".  We picked out baby boy names and prepared to buy all the boy baby gear and clothes. This isn't because we preferred a little boy over another little girl (well I guess I may be speaking for myself there and not Matt) or anything remotely of the sort, I was just highly convinced, not to mention I had dreams that we had a baby boy so I ran with my intuition. In fact, before we got pregnant this time around, I had told Matt that I wanted Emma to have a sister. I grew up with 2 sisters, both older than me by 6 and 7 years (they're 11 months apart) and I can't imagine not having them in my life growing up. We are best friends and at the end of the day, a sister is the closest, best friend you will ever find. Through anything, you can count on them to support you, to be there for you, to make you laugh, at times to make you cry, and know that no matter what, their love is unconditional. I am lucky to have friends who I consider sisters just the same, but it was always nice to know that when worse came to worse, and if all else failed, I ALWAYS had my sisters. This can be said for brothers too. I also have 3 brothers, one who is older, a twin and a younger brother. So either way, boy or girl, it was a win win situation and I was going to be ecstatic with the results :)

So on April 19th, 2012, we found out the sex of our Baby Powell # 2...and I couldn't be happier!!!

I already have plans of turning their playroom into an area for dress up, barbies, dolls, house, and all the other imaginary girly activities they'll want to play!! Emma is already in big sister mode, having always had an independent spirit, and now wanting to help all the time. From cleaning to buckling herself in to her own car seat (although she hasn't successfully buckled in, she tries!), and when around other babies, trying to buckle them into their car seats (picture below of her buckling Charlee in who is 2 months old), touching them gently and so attentive if they start to cry. Recently she has noticed my growing belly and has begun kissing it! So cute... although when we are in public and she wants to try to pull my shirt up to kiss the belly it can make for some awkwardness ;) 

I cannot wait for Emma to meet her little sister and vice versa! And to see their relationship grow over the years. I am so happy for both of them. Matt, well he is adjusting to the idea of a house full of ladies... I just tell him he's a lucky man!!