And her name will be...

Ella Kate. Unless she grows an appendage...and then we'll go with Hudson. Bradley's great-grandmother was named Kate. He thought a lot of Granny and I've heard some stories about Granny that are great. We both just like the name Ella. If you're reading this and you're due before me and take my name, I might hunt you down.

School is OUT and I am so glad. Days like today make me think if we don't get out of here soon, I could do something illegal. Too much to get done and 146.5 stories for me to listen to. I do love them. I'll love them all the more in August. My plan for this summer is to float, get bigger, and tan.

Although this was a happy day for the most of us, there are many teachers who received bad news on the last day of school. My brother was one of them. I am so upset for him. Not so much as a "thank you for what you've done here" or a "we're sorry to have to do this". It's a shame. I know the time he put into that school. And they lost a great teacher and coach. But we know that God has better plans. We've known this was a possibility for quite some time. And our prayer has been that God would place Jim where He wanted him. Please pray for him as he begins to search for a new job.

I'll end this post on a happier note. My "begin summer right" plan is this: I'm out to eat tonight with friends, swimming afterwards because I CAN, and possibly to Opp tomorrow morning to see the parents and share in a delicious Hardee's biscuit. I use the term share loosely. I will definitely have my very own biscuit, and possibly 2.

(Sidenote: I am currently watching Bradley chase Molly trying to trim her nails. It's very entertaining.)

Happy Summertime!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a Girl!

At least we're 95% sure it's a girl or so we were told. I'm only 16 weeks and didn't have a scheduled ultrasound, but Brittany, who I used to beat in basketball all the time ; ) , was working when we went for a checkup yesterday and I asked her to let us peek. First she told me a girl. Then she told me she wasn't positive. Then she told me she was 90% sure, but she wanted the other tech to look. She also told me to "leave the tags on anything pink." The other tech came in to check, and Baby Bowers has decided to sit up on her knees. (You'd think I could feel this, but I don't.) They bounced the probe on my stomach a little, and she finally adjusted so they could see. They told me they were 95% sure it was girl. She said she'd be shocked if it wasn't. I'd post pictures, but I can't figure out how to work our scanner, so when B gets home, I'll let him scan them in and I'll add them.

We're thrilled that it's a girl! I was a little surprised, but Bradley thought all along it was a girl. I think a girl will be fun. Bradley is thinking more expensive than fun. You know I can do some shopping. B is concerned she'll like to shop as much as me. I already have purchased 3 swimsuits for this summer. He just shakes his head, but I plan on exercising/floating (more floating than exercising) a lot this summer. And every girl needs a swimsuit rotation. What does he expect me to do??? Wear the same one every day?

Hope everyone's weekend is very relaxing during this busy time of year...if you need me I'll be trying out 1 of my 3 new suits and "taking a tan" as my friend calls it.

Weekdays are good. Weekends are better.

It's 9:30 on Saturday morning. Molly is asleep on her bed by my chair. Bradley is still asleep, we're going over to the in-laws in a bit to "take a tan", AND our house is clean, clean, clean...that makes for a good morning. We've had a busy week. Bradley finished up spring football last night. I have cheerleader camp in less than a month. So we're both putting in our time at school right now. All that and I still cooked a few times this week and cleaned. I know, I know...you're impressed. :)

I have a few random things to share. First of all, we hope to find out if we're having a boy or girl on Thursday. We are so excited. Also, we now have a doppler at our house. (Thank you, mother-in-law.) It is THE BEST. I listen to that heartbeat at least 3 times a day. It makes it all seem a little more real. I can't feel the baby yet, but I can hear it moving with the doppler. I'm hoping to be able to feel it soon.

Last night after the spring game, we had a late mexican dinner with the Bartons and the Manesses. I know the people there were wondering when we'd all go home. It was so much fun...lots of laughs and a few stories made my eyes get really BIG. I also enjoyed seeing 3 men sitting in a row with matching shirts on. It doesn't take much to entertain me.

And one last thing: I teach first grade and my kids always say the funniest things. This week has been no exception. I got a little sick in class Thursday morning. While this was happening I heard a student say to another student, "she's ok. That baby's just kicking her and making her sick." Yesterday we were making aquariums to go along with our study of the ocean. We used paper plates and plastic wrap. I was helping them put them together and A said, "Mrs. Bowers, how'd you get so good at this?" I laughed and told him I didn't know...maybe a lot of practice. He responded, "You just got skills, don't you?" HILARIOUS. His mom reads our blog and I know she'll enjoy that. He has provided my entertainment many days this year.

Wishing you an extra good weekend...

Very Brief Update

1. Still nauseous
2. Still eating, therefore
3. Still growing
4. BUT...only 15 school days left...can't wait! I love teaching, but I love summer too.

14 Weeks

My sweet husband told me last week that I'm "putting on a little weight". But he "meant it in a cute way" or so he said. I am 14 weeks today. I've reached that point where my pants won't button, but the maternity clothes are too big. I have decided I really do like an elastic waste though...I may stick with those after pregnancy. I also really like this contraption called a "bella band" that goes over my pants that will no longer button and holds them up.

I ran into a college friend at WalMart Saturday. It was really good to see her. (Hi Mandi) She told me I didn't make pregnancy seem very glamorous. It struck me as funny, but I've thought about that since I talked with her. I don't mean to make it sound that way. We are VERY THANKFUL for this pregnancy. But if I told you it's all been fun and enjoyable, I'd be lying. Physically, it's the hardest thing I've experienced and I haven't been through labor yet. But I'm sure not all pregnancies are like this. And even though it's been tough, I have no doubt it will all be worth it. We do feel blessed and are thankful.

In other news:
1. We have a crib. There's no turning back now.
2. Our dog did not sleep with us last night. Yeah!
3. There are 19 school days left.
4. I just ate a whole frozen pizza by myself.
5. I'm going to start running in about 6 months...someone remind me of of that closer to time.

Here's hoping your week is extra good and little things happen that make you smile.