Pregnancy Update

Apologies for not being consistent with updating the blog lately!

I went to the doctor yesterday for a routine visit. I'm nearly 18 weeks into the pregnancy, so we're starting to be asked to make decisions about how we're going to finance the birth, what types of birth we want, etc. Honestly, I expected these questions to come later! My doctor's office doesn't waste any time apparently! I spent a few minutes with the OB Coordinator to sign paperwork and discuss what insurance does and does not cover. Thankfully, my insurance covers more than I anticipated, and our out of pocket expense will not be nearly as large as we had anticipated. Oh, its still a large expense ... but I guess it could be a lot worse!

The baby's heart rate was at 155 bpm, which the doctor said was great. She had trouble finding the heartbeat at first (little panic there) but it was because the baby was moving around so much. I'm glad to know that there is movement in there, because I haven't felt anything as of yet. I'll look back at this in a few more months and wince as I'm being kicked in the ribs.

Unfortunately, my blood pressure was elevated yesterday. They had me lay on my side for a while and it did go down, but I go back in two weeks for another check. I feel pretty certain that my blood pressure was up due to the stress of this time of year. Thanks to these lovely pregnancy hormones, I'm a little more emotional about things that I normally would be. And next Wednesday the 26th marks two years since Mom's passing. This year is feeling a lot more difficult to swallow than last year, maybe because it forces me to reflect on my relationship with Mom and how much I hope that my children look up to me like my brothers and I did to her.

The appointment ended with the scheduling of the all-important ultrasound. The big one. On December 17th, if the baby cooperates, the gender will be revealed. Before all my loyal readers get their hopes up, I will say that we will not be told the gender right then and there. Wade would prefer to not find out at all. I, on the other hand, am a planner. I MUST know. We have agreed to delay the revelation a few more days and will have the gender put in an envelope which we will open at Christmas. Some of you will have to wait just a little longer.

So what's your vote? Do you think its a boy or a girl? We've added a vote counter on the right hand side here. Vote as many times as you like!

After Christmas, I will update the blog with the ultrasound pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

Watch HGTV's "Designed to Sell" on Wednesday, November 12th!

Mark it on your calendars, set your DVR and plan to camp out on the couch ...

The Gilbert house will FINALLY be featured

on HGTV's "Designed to Sell" on

Wednesday, November 12th @ 8:00pm EST!

The episode will focus on my brother Grant, and his wife, Brooke, as they renovate our childhood home. After 30+ years of abuse from the three Gilbert kids, it needed a boost! I can assure everyone that the results are absolutely phenomenal (Dad couldn't believe it). Mom would be so proud of what they've done to help us get the old house in Stone Mountain ready for the market! We are so thankful for the help of the "Designed to Sell" team and HGTV!

I hope that you all will tune in (or DVR) the episode next Wednesday. Please feel free to spread the word to anyone you feel may be interested!

If any of this information changes, we will be sure to let you know.

Check HGTV's programming schedule for more information.

Thanks everyone!