Meeting Baby Drake...again:)

Today we went to the doctor for our anatomy scan of the baby. Everything looked GREAT! The baby looks twice as large as it did two months ago! We had our ultrasound first, the tech was the same as before. The baby didn't move TOO much during the ultrasound...the tech had a hard time getting a really good picture of his face. This time, he looked more like a Halloween ghost than an alien. that's right- we said HE!!!!!! That was one thing he was not bashful about making sure we had no doubts that it was a boy. Now, some of you may be wondering why we changed out mind about finding out the sex. I will admit that I was the one who changed my mind. Jonathan wanted to know from the start but was a good sport in going along. But I could not help myself. I'm actually really glad that we found out. anyway. Back to the baby. They said that I'm two days ahead of schedule (which I love :), so technically I'm 19 weeks,1 day. The little man weighs about 9 inches, and since he was so curled up, they couldn't get a definite height, but estimate it it be about 6-7 inches. They looked for any abnormalities in the brain, spine, and extremeties, and praise the Lord, everything looked great! Mommy (I guess I should get used to calling myself that) is doing just fine. I'm healthy, feeling pretty good. My weight gain is good. The doctor we met with today, Dr. Finlond, and he seemed very happy with baby and mommy's progress!!!! There are several people at work who have been sickly so pray that neither (myself or Jonathan) get sick!

We leave tomorrow to go to the beach to see my parents- we haven't seen them in about 3 months. I can barely wait until we get there!!! We will be there until Monday afternoon. This is our time with them for Christmas. We are so excited!!!!! Jonathan is off of school all next week (to be catching up on much missed XBOX) and I have to work Tuesday all and until 3 on Christmas Eve. We will be going to Winston Salem for the night to spend the inital part of the holiday with them. Then off to Johnson City TN to see Fudge, Ali and Mark and JEFF!!!!! I haven't seen Jeff since his graduation in May and I'm beyond excited to be able to spend some time with him. The only family member I'm not going to be able to see is my Lindsey. It will not be the same without her. I am desperate to see her- as it's been almost 8 months since I've laid eyes on her and Jason. Hopefully Lindsey (maybe Jason, too) will be able to come to Charlotte in early spring for a shower. But I can barely wait until then!!!!

We wish all of you, our loyal followers:) a very wonderful Christmas. As we start to prepare for the birth of our son in a few months, please remember the birth of another little boy 2000 years ago. His life saved our souls to spend eternity with Him!!!

Here are a few photos from the session today!!!!!

there is a little white arrow pointing to the middle- DEFINITELY A BOY!!!!

Here is a shot of the little man's ear, head and arms

This may be one of my favorite shots, he crossed his ankles while we were watching!

It was so magical!

Love to you all!

Jonathan, Leslie and little man Drake

Thanskgiving

Let me start by staying that so many things have happened this year to Jon and myself we cannot name everything we are grateful for (but I'll try!!!!) First each other- we were able to live together again starting in March!!!!! We are both healthy. Jonathan is one of the top in his class preparing for an excellent career, I am fortunate enough to have a job. We welcomed a new life into the family, David Mark, who is amazing. We celebrated one year of marriage in September (that year seemed liked it almost did happen it went so fast!!!!). We found out we were expecting our first baby and EVERYTHING has been healthy with the baby so far and we are so thankful for that. Our families are still in excellent health and remain incredibly loving and supporting to us at all times. On the Drakes side, after our baby is born, two more babies will be welcomed into the world! We still have our country and freedom. I'm thankful for that and all those who fight for it. As I am becoming a parent, I'm realizing something more and more. My parents always told me that I could have no idea how much they loved me until I had a child of my own to love. They are right. And of couse, the example of how God have up his only child for my salvation has become more eye opening to me. I have a new "respect" and as I realize how much love God has for me as his child, and how much I imagine I'll love my child (and already do), I realize that I fall drastically short. God's love for me is way greater for me than I could ever feel for another human being.

On another note, I felt something weird in my belly on Monday and wasn't quite sure what it was. The doctor on Monday asked me if I've felt the baby move yet- I wasn't sure. So I described what I had felt for her and she said it was definitely the baby!!! I've been feeling it more and more. It is so amazing. Jonathan is jealous that he can't feel it yet but I'm hoping he will be able to by Christmas.

We hope all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family or friends, wherever you are!!!

Much Love!!!

November appointment and Mark's first Charlotte trip

Baby and I went to the doctor today for a "mommy" check up. All went well. I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat through doppler; it was mid to upper 150s. They were very happy about that. I met with Dr. Fox today (for only about 2 minutes) but I really liked her. I have a feeling that all will be better than the first one. Our next appointment is December 18th when we'll have the baby's anatomy scan and check out the kidneys and brain, etc. Dr. Fox said told me today that since we're not finding out the baby's gender, that they won't know either, which assures for no slip ups!!!! I have been sick this 2nd trimester, but it is still nothing compared to some of my friends so I have nothing to complain out.

This weekend, we had our first visitors in our new apartment! Ali, David and their angel Mark came!!!! We had a blast!!! Ali had to go photograph a wedding in Arizona, so I got to hoard Mark to myself :) It was precious!!!!! I bonded with him so much. They brought him by my office today and everyone there just loved him!!!

For thanksgiving, we are going up to Richmond on Thursday, staying at the Drakes. We're going to try to see as much family while we're in VA as we can!!!!

Please continue to pray for our health this cold and flu season. Below are some pictures of Mark's trip to Charlotte!!!

Love to you all.

Back in Mom's arms


Our big man in his new fleece outift



Teething, anyone?




Head of the table





What a handsome little man!!!

Our first ultrasound

Our appointment today was amazing. We were in and out in less than 45 minutes. The ultrasound tech was great! We saw so many different views of the baby.The images we have are in 3D and they are so cool. It was amazing to be able to see the spine clearly, and little toes, unfortunately we don't have any pictures of that. She turned the sound on and we could hear the baby's heartbeat- 176 beats per minute!!!! Then we met with the doctor- Dr. Campbell. He was awesome! We liked him as soon as he walked in. Very pleasant and nice- much different from the last doctor we saw. He said that he loved that the baby was so healthy! He said he was in no way concerned for the baby!! The baby is still small, 4.4 cm, which is less than 2 inches. The due date has not changed, and is still May 15th. Our next appointment is set up for November 24th to get information about birthing classes, etc. It will be a full workup. After that, we will have a "full body" ultrasound of the baby, where they'll look at all organs and limbs to check their status. In case any one has not heard, we are not going to find out if it's a boy or a girl- we want to be surprised. Thanks so much for praying for us and and thinking about us. Enjoy the attached photos of the little munchkin!!! Notice the size of the head- it is definitely a Drake :)



Love to you all :)



Jonathan, Leslie and Baby Drake

Baby's first picture!


These pictures are amazing!!!



this is a side picture, you can slightly see it's spine

This one is to show it's feet

Our new place

We decided that since we are growing, that we needed a larger apartment. So we investigated and we are officially moving November 1 into a larger, first floor apartment. It is in the same apartment complex, so the move will be somewhat easy. We will post pictures soon after we move in.

We are going for our first ultrasound on Monday the 27th at 3:30. Jonathan is able to go with me, which is so exciting. I'll get pictures of that up that night!!!!!! Please continue praying for the three of us. I'm starting my 11the week today. This first trimester has flown by. I have noticed a big progression in my energy, but I still have my moments.

We will keep you posted!

Jonathan, Leslie, and baby Drake :)

Our First Doctor's Appointment

October 9, 2008

I had my first appointment today! I met with Dr. Parks who was not my favorite, so I'm glad I had him early. He said that most likely I won't get any morning sickness, since I've been fortunate so far. He said everything looked great! My due date is officially May 15th. Since we're not having any genetic testing done, he requested that we come back in 2-3 weeks for our first ultrasound!!! We are very excited.

I have been feeling overall very well, just always tired and pretty much always hungry. This morning on the way to work, I dozed for a few seconds at a stop light. Some days I walk around in a daze. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for the three of us.

We will keep you posted as the news comes!!!

Jonathan, Leslie, and Baby Drake