The Jumping Bean

As all of you know by now, Eric and I are expecting our first baby on May 14, 2011.  That makes us officially 15 weeks and 4 days along.  Lately, within the past week, I have definitely felt the baby moving.  It is something I can't quite describe except for a quickening feeling, like a quick jumping in my stomach.  As I sit here and type this, I can feel it even now.  It is the most amazing thing in the world to realize something is actually living and thriving inside of you.  I can see why moms reminisce about this feeling after the baby is born.

We should know around December 14th what we are having.  I have said all along that I think it's a girl- and so have many of my friends and family.  I know it will be hilarious to see "boy parts" after I have talked about a girl for so many months.  The names we have decided on are Winsley Ray for our girl and Aiden Thomas for our boy.  "Winsley" is my great-great-great grandmother and mom and I just love that name.  About 2 weeks before I found out I was pregnant, I dreamed I was stitching the name on a pillow in green thread.  "Ray" of course is my beloved Grandad's first name, the man who was my Daddy for the first five years of my life.  It's also the middle name of my wonderful brother Jason, whom I adore.  As for "Aiden," I just always loved that name and have heard it means "heaven" and also "little fiery one."  Ha!  "Thomas" is Eric's first name and also his Dad's name.  I can think of no better way to honor them both.  My dear friend Stephanie has nicknamed the baby "Winnie" because of our love of the name "Winsley" and because my family calls me "Pooh Bear."  We refer to the baby as Winnie right now, so if you happen to see that on any post, you will know why. 

Winnie and I are waiting for Eric to get home so we can drive to Tennessee for Thanksgiving.  We love the holidays and any excuse to go back "home."  I know once the baby is born, holidays will take on a totally different feel.  I keep thinking about how much fun Christmas will be next year with a 7 month old around!  But for now it's fun too and this growing baby is a wonderful reason to eat lots of holiday foods!