28 weeks late.

Whoops. I am totally going to kick myself for not blogging as often as I did with Camden. Poor Ella, I'm not going to remember anything about her pregnancy except how sore my right set of ribs are ;)
Seriously though, we are in the home stretch (third trimester) and I haven't blogged about a single pregnancy update.
We found out around Thanksgiving (and super early.. 4weeks) that we were expecting baby #2. While this was "semi-planned" as we like to call it, we were still very shocked. We weren't planning on telling our families so soon, but with as sick as I was, we didn't want everyone questioning why I wasn't stuffing my face during the holidays (I also have a hard time at keeping exciting news to myself). We decided to let Camden announce our news to our families. We dressed him up in a sweet big brother t-shirt and made rounds for surprise visits that day! Everyone had similar reactions to what we had when we found out, but excitement set in quickly! Naturally, everyone began taking bets on the gender of the child, as there are WERE, no girl grandchildren. Obviously that streak has been broken, and sweet Ella Cathryn will have six big boy cousins to toughen her up and protect her! We are so excited!
It took us awhile to decide on a name for our baby girl. We both decided that we wanted to use "Ella", because it holds a special meaning to both of our families. Ella was Matthew's great grandmother's name, as well as my great grandmother's name. We chose Cathryn for her middle name mainly because of its meaning. Cathryn means pure or innocent. Ella means "completely". We both agreed that completely innocent/pure was the perfect name for our baby girl.
We are working with Camden on introducing the thought of a new baby being in the house. We let Camden play in "sister's room" and talk to him about baby. He loves to watch sonograms and point out his "baby." He also thinks everyone has a baby in their belly. We love that little boy. Still trying to fathom loving another child like we love him, but we know it will happen.
There isn't much left for me to post about since I'm not nearly as prepared this time around.. I guess everything will get done in the next twelve weeks :)

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 18 pounds

Maternity clothes?: yes

Stretch marks? none yet

Sleep: not so great ;)

Miss anything?: being able to breath

Movement: yes! she has the exact same movement patterns that Camden did!

Food cravings: fruit and slushes from Sonic

Anything making you queasy or sick?: lying flat on my back

Gender: girl

Name: Ella Cathryn Gates

Labor Signs: None, but multiple BH contractions daily (since 21 weeks)

Belly Button: way past outie stage

Wedding Rings: On

Symptoms: back pain, shortness of breath, cancels

Happy or Moody most of the time?: Moody

Looking forward to: Our sonogram monday!

Nursery Theme & Colors: Shabby chic.. pink, cream, and white