New York Shower

So, I had my New York shower this week! Let me tell you, it was GREAT!

I had no idea what to expect, as Natasha kept everything top secret from me! But, what I got was a fabulous and laid back evening with my New York friends! It was the perfect way to begin celebrating Matt and Sophie's rapidly approaching arrival AND a wonderful way to say goodbye to the amazing women that I have met during my time in New York!

I would love to share some pictures with all of you. However, I'm still working through the shock of how HUGE I've gotten and I'm not quite prepared to share documentation of my girth!

But, if I can get my hands on some "mommy-to-be free" pics, I'll definitely share them! Especially the extremely strange but oh-so-adorable diaper cake from Chrissy (no it's not edible!) and the gorgeous homemade miniature stroller cakes created by Ashley (totally edible!).

I have to admit that not only was I struck by how blessed I've been to make such great friends here, but I was also a little stunned by all of the baby stuff we now own! Everything is so cute and tiny and precious . . . and ours! In less than 4 months, Frank and I are going to be holding two extremely cute and tiny and precious little babies! I still can't wrap my head around that!

Next up . . . The Cortez Family Returns to Chicago!

See You Soon!

20 Weeks!

Hi Everyone!

This week we had our last appointments in NYC!

It started with our last OB appointment on Tuesday evening. It was actually quite poetic as I actually met with the doctor who diagnosed our miscarriage back in January. At first she didn't recognize me, but once she did, she was SO excited! She kept repeating over and over just how happy I look! Guess I just can't hide it! Hahaha . . .

The appointment itself was quick and easy. She checked on Matt and Sophie's heartbeats, measured my big ole belly and reassured me that all the aches and pains that I've been feeling are perfectly normal.

This morning Frank and I went for our 20 week anatomy scan/ultrasound and it was overwhelming! You get to see absolutely everything! Kidneys, stomachs, spines, hearts, brains, etc.

Matt was a total ham! Every time the tech thought she was about to get a good shot, he would jump around or put his hand up to block her! I couldn't help but laugh! There I go, already encouraging bad behavior! Ooops!

Sophie on the other hand was very shy, or maybe she was just playing coy, she refused to change positions and cooperate with the tech. She just sat there and basically said, "If you want it, you're gonna have to come and get it! I'm gonna make you work!" That's my girl!

Ultimately, the tech was able to see enough to determine that they both look great! Everything they hoped to see was right where they hoped to see it! Unfortunately, only my son the ham would allow his photo to be taken (see above)! Little Sophie decided today was simply not a good day for a closeup. Hopefully she'll be less of a diva next time.

The funniest (or saddest) part was watching Matt be a total bully to his poor sister! He just kicked and poked and punched her space over and over again! And all poor Sophie could do was take it! Good thing there's a thin membrane and a ton of fluid protecting her! I can already tell that managing their relationship is gonna be quite a task!

Now on to the stats:

• Matt is weighing in at 13 oz. with a heartrate of 150 bpm.
  
• Sophie is weighing in at 10 oz. with a heartrate of 170 bpm.

All and all, everything is looking beautiful! We just can't say enough just how thankful we are! We fully realize just how blessed we are!