...almost half way there!

I had my 3rd doctor's visit yesterday at 17 weeks. We got to hear the little choo choo train heart beat again... love it! For the past 2 weeks I have been on a strict exercise plan and have been eating only healthy foods. I can really tell a difference.... I feel great! Not to worry...my doctor has signed off on my trainers program (created especially for pregers!) And I don't feel deprived, I have been eating every 2-3 hours! I must admit though, it is not easy to pass up ice cream and chocolate, especially when the cravings hit!

We have 3 more weeks to wait until we find out if we will be having a little boy or a little girl! So far everyone thinks it's going to be a girl, but I think that is just because I wear a lot of pink! :) Marty and I will be happy either way, just as long as we have a healthy baby! I know, I know...very P.C., but true ;)

At this stage in the pregnancy the baby is about 5 inches long and weighs approx. 4 ounces. (They say the size of a large onion). His skeleton is starting to harden from rubbery cartilage to bone.

In this week, hair starts to grow on head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The lungs start to exhale the amniotic fluid. The heart starts to pump about 25 quarts a day. The circulatory system and urinary system are beginning to work.

The baby's reflexes are now entirely functional as the baby starts to suck, swallow, and blinks. The movements become stronger and more frequent.

I am starting to feel the little flutters and my tummy is growing... I will post a pic of it soon! ;)

Love to all!
Ash & Marty

We're Growing!

Well... since my last post the baby has grown from the size of a bean to the size of my fist, which has caused my belly to start stretching... I am definitely showing by now (as you can see in the picture on the left). All of the changes that occur during pregnancy are truly amazing! I am cherishing each moment.

At 14 weeks, as fetal development continues, the baby has the coordination, strength, and smarts to wiggle his or her fingers and toes and even suck a thumb (how cute is that?).
I should start feeling the little one move around very soon.

We had our 2nd doctor's visit yesterday and got to hear the heart beat again which was incredible! We also heard a "swishing" noise that the doctor said was the baby moving around in there.

Although the baby's sex can already be determined by an ultrasound, our doctor suggested that we wait until week 20 for a more accurate reading (as the parts will be larger and more visible by then). So stay tuned for the big news sometime around mid-October.

Marty has been so amazing! He makes me dinner when I don't feel like cooking and he even spent a few hours shopping with me (for larger clothes). What a guy! I know he is going to be such a great daddy!

We continue to covet your prayers during this special time- that I would have a healthy pregnancy and that God would grant us the wisdom to be great parents.

Thanks friends!
Ashley, Marty and Baby Collins

There's a Baby in My Belly!!! :)

On June 26th, 2008 we discovered that we are going to be parents! This came as a big surprise, as we were planning on waiting another few years to start our family, but God's timing is not our timing....and He always knows best!!!

So... terrified from the positive test, I called Marty home from the gym, and in tears told him the news. He just laughed at me and smiled. Now that it has sunk in, we are so excited and thank God for this precious gift he is entrusting us with.

On July 28, our 2 year anniversary, we had our first doctors appointment. Marty came and sat by my side as we watched our little bean move around inside my belly. We even got to hear the heart beat... it was AMAZING! Dr. says everything looks great and the baby is healthy. Our estimated delivery date is March 4th.

I have been battling morning sickness, which unfortunately doesn't just happen in the morning, and certain foods and smells make me nauseous. Saltine Crackers have become my best friend! I have been noticing all kinds of changes in my body already.

I have been reading "What to Expect, When You Are Expecting," which tells you pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about pregnancy.

Please pray for us as we embark on the journey of pregnancy & parenthood!