20 WEEKS 1/2 way point and it's going by so quick!

Haven't written in my blog lately.  I've been so tired and trying to spend time with Chris as much as I can.  Our days together are very precious to me and nothing is more satisfying than sitting on the couch together after a long days work and holding hands, and talking about our new little miracle coming soon!  I've noticed such a big change in Chris.  He walks different, he is very proud and he even holds me that much closer to him emotionally!  After 21 yrs of being together and almost 18 yrs of marriage I've never seen him so excited and full of pride.  Knowing that we both are going to have a child together after all the long runs with doctors, fertility specialists and disappointments it's so surreal to us both.  I never thought that Chris and I could share anymore love than we already have together but it amazes me how much conceiving this baby has changed us both.  

On October 31st I officially made it to my 1/2 way mark of pregnancy at 20wks.  On this day we had an ultrasound scheduled to find out the gender of the baby.  Everyone had their predictions and hopes, but I've always known that it was a girl.  Every since Chris and I were in our teenager years we've always talked about kids and having a girl.  We even named her Carissa Michelle when we were in our early twenties.  Carissa to be after Chris......Then later our niece was born, who is our pride and joy and her name is Marissa.  So how fitting to have a name that stands for Chris and Marissa all together.  And Michelle is my middle name so that way I get some recognition in there somewhere as well.    So when the Ultrasound technician told us "ITS A GIRL" I literally lost it!!  Full blown tears and Kleenex was definitely needed!  I felt like everything that Chris and I had hoped for had come together.  For the past 21 years it has literally been "Chris and Amy"... where one was the other was sure to follow.  Chris and I are more than just married, we are best friends and we don't do well when we aren't with one another!!  It was a very emotional moment for Chris and I that brought tears to both of us.  We didn't want to leave that moment, we sat in the parking lot with my Mom just calling our family and letting them know our happy news.  I didn't want the moment to end. 

Soooo now we have this miracle, our dream of being parents has come true! We are going to have a daughter.....and for the past 21 years of memories... now we have the next 21 years of memories to look forward to with our new baby girl.  All the pictures on the wall will change to add Carissa into our lives. How will we show our new daughter how much she has changed our lives, and how important her conception and life on this earth will forever change her parents??????  How will we show her how much we longed to be her parents to show her a good life and what love means???  I hope and pray that we can live up to all the expectations of being parents.  I never was a "Daddy's Girl" but I know for sure that this little girl will be so loved by her Dad and she will be so proud of him and adore him just like her mother.  This little girl will be an extension of our love and will be adored by so many.  For those of you that have known us since high school or just know our love know how special this is for us.  To have a piece of me and Chris all together in one is the best gift that GOD could ever give to us!  This is truly a blessing and I can't wait to meet Carissa in 4 short months.  When people see us with a new baby they will have no idea the struggle it took for her to get here but we will always know and we will forever be blessed everyday she is with us here on this earth!!!

We have so much to do before Carissa gets here... we haven't even put the crib up yet, but shortly after her arrival Chris will be deploying for 6 months so please keep him in your prayers because this will be extremely hard on him.  

I'll try to update more on the blog!! Thank u all for your concern and love and support.  I feel like I have a fan base for the baby!!!  :) :)  Love To All!!!