IT'S A ........

Baby York is staring right at the camera.

Five toes on that foot!

Baby York with an arm and hand up by it's head.

...STUBBORN child. Yesterday we had our sonogram. We are now passed 22 weeks in the pregnancy. We had hoped it would be very clear whether our lives would be filled with pink or blue the next few months. Baby York had other ideas; putting it's legs over it's head, and refusing to reveal what we needed to see to make the determination. For over 30 minutes we poked and prodded trying to get the baby to wake up. At one point, briefly, the technician thought she saw "three lines" which indicates a girl. She gave us 75-80% chances of a girl, because with what she saw, and that boys are usually more apparent by this stage in pregnancy. So for now...we are saying we will have a beautiful daughter come January/February, but we are holding off on painting or purchasing anything. We laugh saying, we either have a very modest daughter, or a very sneaky son. Next month, on October 20th, they will do another quick ultrasound to see if she is in a better position we can have a little more confirmation.

The good news is, developmentally speaking, she looks very healthy and strong, weighing in at just over a pound. Her spine, brain, and heart looks great and we are very thankful that everything appears to be on target. We are confident that our parents may find it that justice may be served by us having our own stubborn child. Most know that Baby York will come by it honestly.

Answered Prayers

Just a quick update...

George is not home yet...but Lord willing, will be leaving Baton Rouge very early (Between 4- 4:30am) to drive to New Orleans, return his rental car, and catch his flight home Tuesday morning. Our appointment is in the afternoon, and his supervisors have been gracious enough to let him come home a few days earlier than they had originally wanted. George will be home for about 5 days, then likely to leave again, this time to Texas. We are exceedingly thankful that he will be home for the appointment and at least a portion of our weekend church meeting this weekend. In the next few days we hope to post the big "boy or girl" announcement.

Thank you so much for all of your prayer, thoughts, and kind words.

York family update...

Getting used to the unexpected...for those that know me well, know that I like to have things very planned and organized. I am very schedule oriented. After traveling for the last 3 weekends, George and I had been looking forward to a weekend at home to get a little more settled in the house. As we counted down the days until Friday we anxiously awaited the weekend. Friday at lunch I got a call from George, and I knew it could only mean one thing...he would be leaving. Where to this time? New Orleans, to assist in assessing/training at the site of Hurricane Gustav. Thankfully, we had until Sunday afternoon this time to prepare, doing laundry, getting packed, and even having a special date night of dinner and putt putt mini-golf.

So on the official "halfway" point of the pregnancy, 20 weeks, George flew south for work. Unfortunately, he came down with a horrible head cold less than 12 hours prior to leaving. So please pray for him that he will either recover quickly, or be able to locate a doctor for some antibiotics if needed.

At this point, the plane ticket was a one way ticket. When asked if he was willing to go...he replied, "sure...as long as I'm home by the 23rd"(the ultrasound date). His supervisor said, "I think we can do that", but of course, no promises were made. Hurricane Ike is heading toward the Gulf tonight, and that could have a huge impact on what's ahead for George. Please just pray for his safety, and a speedy return.

Dear Baby York...Letter #2

Dear Baby York,

You've been quite active this last week. Mommy is beginning to feel you fluttering around inside. Sometimes the feeling is so very slight, and sometimes it is stronger. Daddy hasn't been able to feel you yet, but with time, you'll get bigger and stronger, and Daddy will feel your movements too.

We had another doctor's appointment this week to check up on how you're growing. Unfortunately, Daddy couldn't make it with us this week, but he'll be able to come again next time. After a long wait in the waiting room, with mommy fighting off the afternoon nap she wanted so badly, we got to see the nurse. This month we couldn't get in to see the doctor, but Cindy checked you out instead. She was quite nice, and quite impressed with your cooperativeness. She checked mommy's blood pressure, weight, and tummy measurements, and all looked good. Then she began searching for your heartbeat with the special doppler machine. Mommy laid there, a little nervous, waiting to hear the precious sound again. Last month seemed like so long ago. Then, in just a few minutes Cindy found your heart beat on the machine. And even better...you stayed still so we could listen for a long time. Just like last time, it was right at 143...then it jumped up and down a bit from 141-146. Cindy said it's good to have variety like that though. Mommy giggled at the sound of your heart, so anxious for your arrival, and with mommy's giggle, you moved, and we couldn't hear your heart beat anymore.

Our next appointment, on September 23rd, will be a very special one. We will get to see you via an ultrasound again...and this time...if you continue to be cooperative, we will find out if we will be blessed with a son, or blessed with a daughter. For a long time, mommy was sure you were a girl, now mommy isn't sure at all. Daddy still thinks you're a boy...but of course we will both be very excited either way.

We love you very much...and feel so very blessed by your presence in our lives.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Dear Baby York....

Dear Baby York,

Today mommy and daddy went for our second doctor's visit. You have been very busy growing the last 13 weeks. Today was the first day we were scheduled to hear your precious little heart beating. The doctor started searching for your heart beat, but she could not find it. Thankfully, she had warned us not to be concerned if this was the case. Because she couldn't find your heart beat, we were able to see you for the first time AND hear your little heart beating at a healthy 143 beats per minute. You wiggled all around so we could see you, the technician said you were quite active; we saw your back, head, and even your spine. You are just 8 cm long right now, but clearly, a beautiful growing baby.

Mommy and daddy were both amazed at the handiwork of God. He has been so good to us, and he is so powerful and gracious. It was a wonderful way to start a busy week ahead. Mommy wishes she could have captured daddy's face as he watch the screen intently watching your every move. You have already have him wrapped around your finger.

Even your cousin, Hannah, was excited to see you today. She was upset when I tried to put your first picture away, saying "Baby! Baby!"

At the end of September we will get to see you again, and we're sure it will be just as amazing. Perhaps then, if you'll cooperate, we can see if we will have a son or a daughter.

We love you very much!!
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Here you are facing down with your head on the right side of the picture, and body to the left. We only received one picture, but I can't stop looking at you.