SURPRISE!! We're expecting our first itty bitty Jitney in April 2016 and could not be more thrilled!! Due to our travel schedule, we weren't able to get our photos taken until recently so we apologize for not announcing this sooner! ;) However, it was WELL worth the wait!!! We could NOT stop flipping out about how amazing these photos turned out. Our friend, Erin Lindsey, is an INCREDIBLE photographer and captured everything perfectly - even better than what we had imagined. The photo shoot was so fun and perfect and delightful... but I'll be posting more about that later!! For now, more about the BABY!!!
image by erin lindsey images
FAQs:
How far along are you currently? 18 weeks / 4 days
When is the due date? April 11, 2016!
How have you been feeling? The first trimester was tough but could've been way worse. Exhaustion and nausea were the main issues. Smells were killer. I couldn't cook any meats and just sat on the porch until the hotel / house aired out when JD cooked his meals. I only had a few vomiting spells and a couple of headaches / migraines. We were in Hawaii for the worst part of the first trimester so I basically laid in bed or took warm baths the whole time. I took full advantage of resting since most Jitney stuff had been taken care of and I'm expecting that I won't be able to rest a whole lot once the little one arrives. JD and I went on one short hike in Kauai and basically decided to not do that again until after the first trimester had finished out. I'm currently in the second trimester and feeling fantastic!! My energy levels have gotten back to normal and I haven't been deterred by any foods. Victory!
image by erin lindsey images
Yeah, but how have you been feeling? Okay, so that's a loaded question with a loaded answer. Thrilled, excited, anxious, nervous, terrified, exhilarated, overwhelmed (in both good and bad ways), and humbled. I, more so than JD, have realized my lack of faith and trust in Jesus. I've found that I pray with room for doubt rather than a solid boldness that God is who He says He is: a good and loving Father who takes care of His children; the shield and Protector of His children; and the One who makes everything good in its time (Eccl. 3:11). If you're thinking, "Parenthood is the ultimate time where God reveals your sin," you're not alone. We hear it pretty often and we're finding it to be true already.
Most of you know JD and I both had a lot of fear when it came to infants. We're one of those couples that will feel more comfortable when it's our own kiddo. Thanks to a few friends and family members, that fear has started to subside. Seriously, thank you, friends and family for helping us to get past that fear.
When do you find out the gender? We actually find out today but won't be announcing it until another week or two. YAY!!
Do you have any names picked out? Yes, but you'll just have to wait on that too. We don't want to ruin any surprises. We've been calling the baby Appleseed, Little Pineapple (we've been in Hawaii for half of the pregnancy), Lil' Jit (thanks to friends, Emily & Caroline, for bringing that name to the table), Little Waikiki (thanks to Shaw and Barbara G.) and Tiny Todd (the most recently given nickname thanks to Zach T.).
image by erin lindsey images
How did you tell people? In all honesty, we were just so excited that we didn't have a creative way to tell friends and family. We basically just roped it into the conversation nonchalantly like, "Oh, we've been playing video games instead of hiking because it's super hot and humid here... oh, and because I'm (or Whit's) pregnant." We couldn't have kept it as much of a secret if we had been in Huntsville the whole time. We basically told everyone in Hawaii because, well, who are they going to tell?
Have you already started designing the nursery? I've definitely been brainstorming. You know I've gotta make the kid a few unique art pieces to hang in the nursery! Surprisingly, as of now, my plan is to go earthy and crisp (grays, whites and greens - you know, organic). No burlap, not much kitschy, limited barnwood. Just crisp, clean, serene. If it's a girl, I'm thinking more of a floral, greenery theme. For a boy, more of a forest style, but not necessarily woodland. It all makes sense in my head but it will probably all change when we find out the gender. Haha!
Have you bought any clothes for the baby yet? Ummm yes. We've been buying clothes for our future kiddos since we started traveling. We knew there would be several locations that we may never visit again so we've collected a few outfits and toys along the way. I don't think we've actually purchased any clothes in the continental U.S. though. Oh, except for a Yoda costume we found at Unclaimed Baggage last year. It was so cute and inexpensive. I couldn't resist when JD picked it up and said, "How about we all dress up in a Star Wars theme one year for Halloween?" Yes. A resounding yes. You're going to be the best dad ever, JD Todd.
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One last photo session sneak peek:
We were so excited to have our parents join us for the photo shoot. Unfortunately, JD's parents, Mr. Jim and Ms. Josie, weren't able to stay for the shoot but we were thrilled my parents were able to still sneak into a few photos. (I am particularly fond of this picture of them in the corner sneaking sweet glances at each other - aren't they the cutest?!)
Both of our parents have set fantastic examples for us and we are forever grateful to all four of them. We hope to both follow in your footsteps and also tread new paths of adventures in the ways that y'all did for us as we grew up. Thank you for loving each other well and loving us well. We couldn't be more excited about y'all being grandparents to this little one!
image by erin lindsey images
