Well, it seems that our sweet Evelyn is a little camera shy. Today Marci went in for a 4D Ultrasound where the Sonographer found that she is still breech. This meant that there were hands, feet, and umbilical cord blocking us from getting a real high resolution view of her sweet face. We managed to get a glimpse of her but, we are going to try again during an appointment next week.
For more pics, CLICK HERE!
Aunt Donna and Aunt Patti hosted a beautiful baby shower last weekend. There were about 30 friends and family that attended. It is a humbling and beautiful experience to be surrounded by people who are excited and anxious to meet Evelyn. The advice, stories, and presents were amazing!
Donna and Patti decorated with a Southern belle theme, lots of pink and pearls! Donna made delicious cupcakes with pink icing, Karen made pearl necklaces that were actually gum balls, and we had a delicious Amaretto punch – complete with Mason jars for each guest. We ate chicken salad on croissants, and Patti even dyed goose eggs as decorations! There were many cousins at the shower, Reagan and Lola played alongside Avery and Bella, it was a great afternoon of families and excitement for another girl in the family!
Some of the highlights included Puff the Magic Dragon – Chad’s mom kept Puff from his infancy, it was originally a present from Grandma Sue. Karen re-stuffed Puff and gave me a beautiful picture with Chad and Puff together. Puff is currently happily nested in Evelyn’s crib waiting to meet her.
Grandma Sue gave Evelyn a doll that was Karen’s – the sweet doll actually made it through all the Rodrigues kids and grandkids – she is now also waiting in Evelyn’s crib, right along with Puff!
We received a lot of the essential items, including the stroller, the car seat and multiple bases, the Baby Bjorn, and bouncy seat. Other fun items included a ton of great books (I LOVE books and cannot wait to read to Evelyn!), handmade burp cloths, monogrammed silver cup, Â taggies, hooded towels, diapers, and many adorable outfits!
Baby Evelyn was showered with love! Chad and I are so blessed to have this amazing family.
We love you all and cannot wait for each of you to hold her!!
Well today is the day…
It’s a GIRL!!!
Oh and by the way…
Evelyn says “PEACE”
The thread above is from the text message we sent out to our family following the ultrasound today where we found out that we are having a little girl… and what her name is. We decided on Eveyln Jane… Evelyn after Marci’s grandmother, and Jane because it’s Marci’s mom’s middle name.  My mom and dad were with us today and we were so glad to share this amazing experience with them. It took the Sonographer a few extra minutes to find the “important bits” today because the baby kept crossing its legs. That is when I think all of us in the room knew it was a girl! LOL. We feel so blessed today to have such wonderful loving support from our friends and family and we can’t wait to introduce our little Evelyn to everyone!
Signing off,
Proud Daddy
Today we went in for Marci’s second ultrasound and got to see our little baby again. This time it really looks like a little baby! During this ultrasound they are checking for neck thickness, a bridge of the nose, etc to rule out Down’s. Everything looks good and we will get the results of Marci’s bloodwork for several other tests in 6 weeks.
We also got to hear our baby’s heartbeat today. How wonderful!!!
We got to see our baby for the first time today! Marci had her first ultrasound today. If you look closely and squint your eyes slightly, you can make out the image of our little “peanut.” The baby is actually about the size of a peanut at 6 weeks but you can still make out the beginnings of a head, paddles, and even a little tail if you look closely. It was an amazing experience and one that Marci and I will never forget.
September 30, 2012
The morning I tested and the glorious little blue stick was positive, I had a great feeling in my heart this was it – I was going to be pregnant. The night before, I spent the night in Leesburg with Mike and Mindy. They attended a wedding and needed me to take care of Riley, Avery and Bella. I left early Sunday morning to drive back to Winter Springs and felt like something was different – I just felt like maybe, after almost a year of trying to get pregnant, this maybe  the time! As I drove home, I thought about my life with Chad and how much this would mean to us. I also thought a lot about my father and how important his legacy of love would be in my child’s life – even though my son/daughter would never meet him, I remember thinking how important it was to me to that I incorporate his story into my child’s life. I cranked up the country music (a la Willie Nelson channel on Pandora) and prayed in my heart this was it. I wanted to be pregnant, I wanted to grow a family with my wonderful husband, I was clearly aware that having a baby for Chad and me was exactly what we were ready to do – my conviction about it was crystal clear. This child would enter life with a safe home, a loving family, and unconditional support – what a life to start!
I got home, dropped my bags, and said hello to Chad. He was cleaning the bathrooms (of all things) when I got home. I stole away to the guest bathroom and a few moments later, the wonderful little words appeared on the stick, “PREGNANT!” Relief, excitement, joy, overwhelming “oh my goodness!” came over me! I raced out of the guest bathroom and found Chad (of all things!) cleaning the master bathroom! I said, “I’m pregnant!” He was so excited and I think a little caught off guard. We both walked into the kitchen and stared at each other – both just overwhelmed with excitement. We hugged and kissed – a beautiful moment for us – we are officially going to be PARENTS!