IT'S A ......

Dear Steve,

After a month of fighting with the insurance and a ton of stress I was finally able to get my 20 week ultrasound. ( at 25 weeks) My appointment was at 1 and I couldn't think of anything else all morning. Over the past 5 weeks my excitement for finding out the gender had been slowly replaced with worry that everything would be in proper working order. I drank a little pop an hour before the appointment. (they tell you to drink 8 fluid oz) Deirdre recommended pop, so the baby would be more active during the ultrasound. I was worried that I still needed to drink more, so I drank a few cups of water. I knew as soon as I got to the hospital I would need to pee, but it seemed worth the risk. The baby was moving around in the waiting room and when I laid on the table to begin the ultrasound, the movement subsided. Only after the ultrasound was over did I feel movement again. They checked the heart first and everything looked great! The baby was the size and weight they would expect and all the parts were in the right place. A few times the Ultrasound tech tried to poke the baby, urging it to move. The baby wasn't having it. Stubborn, just like you.( ok... and me) I am sure by now you are dying to know what the gender is.. well I guess I can finally tell you. We are having a little baby GIRL!!! Good thing, because my mom couldn't stop buying dresses and pink cloths for the baby. I'm sure that our little girl will have you wrapped around her finger from birth. You are such a softy for little girls. ( remember our primary class and how you gave Rachael all the stickers you had, even though you were just supposed to give her 1) I know you are going to be an amazing father, and our little girl's hero. As soon as I can I will send you the ultrasound pictures. There is one where she put her arm over her head, like she was ready for the photo shoot to be over. ( I guess she will love taking pictures as much as you) I wish you were here for all of the different stages and to feel your baby girl kick, but I hope you know how proud I am of you. Stay focused on what you are doing. Baby and I are doing great and miss you every day, but you don't need to be worried. ( that's my job)

Love,
Megs

Packages!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

First, I would like to thank everyone for the support they have shown Steve. For those who haven't had a chance to hear from him yet I will give you a run down of how he is doing. After a month of training in Wisconsin he flew out of the country and to his post.( If you need the address just email me and I will send it to you) For the most part he is having a good time and is excited to learn about the people and culture. His favorite part seems to be the children. Every time they leave the base kids flock to the soldiers. The kids always ask Steve for his watch or sunglasses. His face lights up every time he talks about the children. ( especially how excited they get when the boys give them treats) Over all the morale seems to be high and nothing too scary has happened yet. ( at least that Steve will tell me about) Steve and I get to talk almost everyday and that is due in large part to Skype. If you don't already have it I would urge you to download it today. http://www.skype.com/ If you video call another computer from your own there is no charge.( it does cost to call a cell phone) I am sure Steve would love to get calls from all of you and it would be a fun surprise. He is usually able to talk at night, so that would be in the morning over here in the U.S. of A. Ohh, if you are worried about him eating well.. don't.. they have Baskin Robins ice cream.. so we all know Steve is set. If you want to send Steve a little something it is easier and more economical then you would think. The US Postal Service will send you all the packing material you will need to send any soldier a package for free. Just call this number (1-800-610-8734) Ask for the military pack. They send you a total of 10 flat rate boxes, packing tape, mailing labels, and customs forms. You will get a reorder number and can get more if needed. It only cost me $12.50 to send the largest box. ( he recieved it in less than a week.. but they say it can take about 2 weeks to arrive) If you are interested in sending something this is the cheapest way I have found. I know that any thing you do will be greatly appreciated.. so don't hesitate to write a short email to say hello. Thanks again for all of your support!!!

Love,

Megs