Dr. Appointment, Ultrasound and Gender Reveal Party!

Hello Lovely Readers!

So yesterday was THE BIG DAY.  I couldn't sleep.  I couldn't eat (that's a lie, I can always eat), and I couldn't wait to see our bundle and find out how things were going and if our child is healthy....and of course the gender.  I have been planning the gender reveal party for a month!

We arrived at 0745 and nervously waited until 0815 for our 0800 appointment.  She went for the butt first, and said "huh, those legs are really crossed lets do all the measurements."  We saw the cord, the heart, the kidneys, the brain, the stomach, the circulation, the head measurements, the spine measurements, a femur, an arm, but no face.....and no way to see the gender.  She finally gave up and sent us to our appointment at 0845.  Erica was so sweet to say "Come back after your appointment and I'll look again!"  She gave us this sweet picture.

                                                                 Its a sweet foot!

We waited for the doctor for about 20 minutes and had a 10 minute visit, all was well, heart rate 150 and fundal height 20 weeks.  My blood pressure was low (for me) so he told me to be careful....and I've gained 20 pounds, so I'm a bit down at this point...and nervous we won't know the gender for the party tonight.

We went back to ultrasound and were told Erica was busy and we had to wait AGAIN.  We were dying!  I knew everyone was coming over to hear the gender and didn't want to say....we don't know....or purple!

After about 10 more agonizing minutes...we went back and the baby had moved a bit.  Still no way to see its face, but it spread its legs for a minute and we saw....

                                                                          Its a girl!!!!

We left separately so Steve could get to work and both our minds were at ease....we are having a sweet baby girl!

I met Steve's sister Leigh Anne at Michaels so we could buy things for our nursery project....

She made it, I just paid for the letters and plaque.  She is so talented!  I picked out the letters and plaque and we planned the colors together! We decided was a great way to share the name with our families!

I went to clinical just so I could have something to do so I wouldn't tell my mom (She can get ANYTHING out of me)....but before that Leigh Anne and I went shopping and had lunch.  I don't have to tell you I was a very successful shopper.

Mom had bought the sweet Dr. Seuss animals and books about a month ago, and I bought out the clearance rack of dresses!  I bought mostly 6-9 month so our little girl will be styling next spring and summer!  I got over $200 in clothes for $50!

Clinical was wonderful as usual, and I raced home to plan the party after a few stops.  I went to Kinkos' and got copies of the ultrasound pictures for my mom, mother in law, and my aunt Rinda (my adopted grandmother who cared for me while my parents worked).  I also picked up the balloons I ordered a few weeks ago at Party City.  As soon as I got home I started brownies, making the jello cake, and setting up the furniture for the party.

Pink Raspberry Punch!

Pink and Blue plates and napkins and votes!

The all important cake!  I baked a white cake on Monday and bought pink and blue jello....My mom loves to make jello cakes and I thought it would be a great "cheap" way to tell!  The cake cutters on either side are from our wedding cakes and the envelopes are the pictures for our moms!  Jello cakes are easy, just make a white cake, poke holes in it with a straw, mix up jello as on the package, and instead of putting it in the refrigerator, pour it over the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Then frost with cool whip...mmmmm.  I mixed some of the pink with the coolwhip and had to cover it up with fruit...so glad I had strawberries and blueberries in the house!  It is in the pan to prevent peeking!  I read other blogs about having moms cut into cakes to tell the gender...It was a big hit!

Everyone arrived by 1915 and we were ready to cut!  Aunt Rinda is on the left, Mom is in the middle and Mary is on the right.  Leigh Anne was late because her hands were covered in pink paint!

Here we go!  I love my brother and his wife leaning over to peek!

So now everyone is so happy! I love mom's face!  And Mary is telling Sally on the phone, and I was on the phone with my sweet friend Kelly while taking pictures~!

And the name reveal!

My daddy was excited!

Enjoying some family time...

Laura, Amy and Mary!

Next, the nursery tour after a few shots of Steve and I!

Talking to Kelly.  (Love you!)

My hair was looking rough!  I love how happy Steve looks!

Had to get a belly shot!  No one believes me when I say I am pregnant!

Rinda, Me, Chris and Rachael in Avery's room in front of her closet.

The Anderson/Swaty/Shuler bunch!  I know I look like my mom!

Gifts!  I didn't expect anything!  Chris and Rachael got me a sweet maternity shirt, mom and dad got us a "i love grandma" bib and white booties, and Mary and Terry and Laura got us a Tennessee onesie, bib, and pacifier with clip! 
Mom and Dad also got us a "boy gift" and gave it to us anyway...it was a set of bibs and a toy car.

So to close, we had wonderful day announcing Avery Grace Shuler....we are so in love with her already and are so blessed!

Avery's Blessing Ring.  It has all the cards we have received since we found out we were pregnant.  It's just a sweet reminder of how blessed we all are!

Love,
Jen

P.S.  Do you want to see the video?