Almost HALF WAY!!!!!

Alright, alright...blah,blah,blah...I've been super busy...now onto the good stuff! :)

We had our complete ultrasound yesterday and YES they were able to see the gender of our precious little Clumpy baby. Kyle and I are very excited to announce that on or around July 30, 2009 we will be bringing home an amazing little baby named....Jolee Rhea Porter. We chose the name because it uses my Mimi's middle name (Jo), Mom's middle name (Jo), Darcy's middle name (Jo), Shelby's middle name (Lee), and my middle name (Rhea). It's just perfect! She will be beautiful and is already completely spoiled by both sets of grandparents, as well as her aunts and uncles. It is amazingly exciting!!!

She (I just LOVE that I can call her something other than it) is almost 19 weeks along in her growing process. She now has ears that work and are in the correct position on her head. Her eyes are in place and even though they are sealed, she is able to detect light if we were to shine a flashlight at my stomach. We haven't done this yet, but I am sure it will happen eventually. Jolee Rhea has been kicking a little bit lately, but only when I am sitting at my desk at work. It is such a strange feeling knowing there is a tiny little 9 oz. baby growing in there. Just completely surreal.

Now for some babycenter.com updates...

"Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid."

First of all, I am sure you are wondering, what the heck is a "large heirloom tomato?" Well here is a picture....

Yeah, she is getting pretty big, and this is for 19 weeks, which we will hit on Friday! At the Dr.'s appointment, they said our little Baby JoJo weighs 9 oz. She is right on schedule...cooking just like a baby should!

Really all I have left to say is that I cannot wait to meet this little booger. She is quite the little stinker already, so I can't even imagine how fun she will be when she is out here in the real world. At the Dr. yesterday I had to get up and jump around just so she would cooperate with the ultrasound tech. She just wanted to curl up and move her little hands all over the place. Her little legs were almost completely curled underneath her. The last time we went she wouldn't stop standing on her head. It was a crazy picture. If I can remember, I will bring it to work and scan it to put it on here. It's pretty hilarious! Our little JoJo is already a little clown with a spunky, stubborn personality. I'm just so ready to meet her! Just pray that the rest of this pregnancy goes as easily as the first of it. Love you all!

Karly and Jolee