Seeing Our Baby at 20 Weeks

Today was really special because we got to see "Quatro" (our nickname for this baby) moving around and revealing his/her sweet personality.

The kids are SO EXCITED to have a new brother or sister...

although they both seem to think it's going to be a sister.

We've done several ultrasounds over the past five years, 

but this was probably my favorite ever.

Phil's parents (Buddy and Grandma) arrived in Florida last night, so they were able to join us for the sonogram.  Even though this is grand baby #10 for them, they had never been in on a sonogram.  Clare and Isaac also joined us, 

and this was the first time they "saw" the baby. 

A profile shot...not the best quality because the sonographer had to quickly turn the angle so that we wouldn't see the gender.

The spinal column...healthy and strong!

Two feet and ten toes!

Our snuggly little peanut.  The 3-D and 4-D images are amazing, and they gave us a special glimpse of the little life that is miraculously growing.  It was at this point that Clare said, "The baby has a really big nose."    

The kids were more fascinated by the "glue" that was being spread all over my belly,

 ...and the little nook in the corner of the room.

Can't wait to see another one sitting alongside them.

Growing Family

Here are a few pictures of the kids having fun while I wrapped things up inside.

A couple of funny faces!

Ring Around the Rosie...

We all fall DOWN!

 Everything was GREAT this morning.  The baby is measuring right on track (exactly within one day of our estimated due date), is weighing a whopping 11 oz., has a strong and steady heart beat (153 BPM), and made this Mama smile from ear to ear.  :)

Improvising

Rather than build a bonfire, 

we just took advantage of our hot coals from an old-fashioned grill-out.

 Roasted marshmallows over a charcoal grill...BRILLIANT!

 Daddy's helpers!

 Tasty!

Indonesia - Part 9: Wrapping Up

This was, without a doubt, the trip of a lifetime.

 It wouldn't have been possible without my sister (who did a bulk of the planning and hostessing) or my parents (who helped with the funding and the childcare). 
THANK YOU!

Since it has taken me about 6 weeks to blog about our trip, it is almost the end of my sister's school year.  That means she will be in Florida before we know it, and the adventures can continue.

Indonesia - Part 8: Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park was awesome.  It provided a perfect glimpse of the region: animals, waterfalls, wildlife, and pure natural beauty.

 We attempted, several times, to use the camera's timer for a fun jumping picture.

 This, although a bit blurry, was the best we could capture
before going into cardiac arrest.

These are termite mounds...structures literally created by termites.

Phil about ready to eat an ant.

This is what happens when you spy on the tour group just ahead of you.

They both reported the ants to taste like lemon, and I took their word for it.

ENORMOUS termite mound

Litchfield Park was full of waterfalls and babbling brooks.

The waterfall pictured in the background had a swimming hole right in front it.

 This is the swimming hole...
although the photographer neglected to capture the raging falls right behind us.

 Once we swam closer to the falls, the current was incredibly strong.  Too bad you can't see how close we were to those breathtaking falls.  Ahem...photographer???

Another beautiful lookout point.

These falls were too big for swimming.

This was when I was having a pregnancy weak point.  I just couldn't get out of the car another time, so I sat in the AC and ate licorice while Phil and Ann explored.

It was really special that I was able to experience this trip with my sister and my husband...two of the most special people in my life.

Even though we only saw a tiny sliver of Australia, 

we thought it was pretty neat place.