Isabelle bump at 29 weeks!

28 weeks and counting....

We had our check up for February, and everything is looking very good. They ran blood tests and glucose tests, and everything is appearing normal. My low iron was the only thing of concern, which in the grand scheme of things is really not a big deal. Nothing a few extra vitamins (and a big steak:) won't take care of. We have slowly, but surely, been putting together our nursery. It's been fun rearranging and setting up furniture in just the right spot (for that moment). Until the next day when it seems maybe a different arrangement would work better. Maybe it's just the fact that it is hard for a pregnant women to make up her mind:) Good thing Joe is a patience person. We now will start going to appointments every three weeks, since the time is getting closer. Hard to believe only 2 1/2 more months and our world will be blessed with such a special addition. It sure seems to have gone by fast.

Isabelle is a mover and shaker the last few weeks. She moves constantly. Sometimes I wonder if I will have anything left inside when she is all done with. She likes when daddy talks to her and seems to react everytime Joe touches my "belly". It's AMAZING the things the react to, even when they are in the womb. She also likes to roll around, and I think snuggle with my diaphragm because WOW is it hard to breathe at times. It's been fun getting to know and recognize her movements, as well as the frequent hiccups she gets. It's fun to be the mom already I can't imagine what it is going to be like having her here. We really can't wait!! Hope all is well with everyone. Take care until next time...

Love,

Joe, Jess, and Isabelle

"Isabelle" bump at 28 weeks!

Baby bump at 27 weeks!

Baby Bump at 23rd week!

Hi to you all! We hope your holidays were safe and blessed as you spent and enjoyed time with your families. We were able to spend the holidays with our South Dakota family, as well as our Minnesota family. I did realize how uncomfortable 9 hours in the car is when you are 5 months pregnant! But how blessed we are to be surrounded by such loving friends and family.

Over our Christmas holiday we (Joe) was able to get our nursery painted. All of babies gifts are now on shelves. Her clothes are all hung up in her closet, and WOW does she have a wardrobe. We are going to have to change the babies clothes 3 times a day to make sure every outfit is worn at least once. She is going to be a baby fashion statement.:)

We had our 23rd week appointment today and the doctor said everything looks really great. The baby is very healthy. She moves constantly! She especially likes to kick when I quit moving:) What an amazing experience feeling all that movement!

We hope that you all are doing well, and are staying warm during this cold winter. We will keep you posted on what is to come with baby Isabel. Take care and God Bless, and thank you so much for your prayers.

Our appointment today went good. We were able to spend about an hour watching baby. We also found out that it is a baby GIRL! She looks really healthy and has all 10 fingers and toes! Hope you all enjoy the pictures. We have also (at this point) decided on the name Isabel Elise. The meaning of the name Isabel is "devoted to God". The meaning for the name Elise is "consecrated to God". What perfect meanings for such a beautiful bundle of JOY!!! It is amazing how God works and the miracles he blesses us with. Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and the rest of your holiday season relaxing! Take care and keep checking for more updates.

So...baby girl is a little skinny, but she will grow!

Baby girls cute lips blowing kisses:)

Here is my little ear that I am starting to hear sounds with.

This is baby girl's face in 3-D. The umbilical cord is in front of her face.

Here are my 10 little cute fingers:)

Here are my 10 little cute toes!

Here's the profile of baby GIRL!!! It looks a lot like my daddy!

So we were slacking on week 17 and 18, but here is my baby bump at 19 weeks!

My baby bump at 16 weeks!!

Hi to all our family and friends! Hope you all got through Halloween last week. Now you can start the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season! Crazy isn't it...how fast time goes! We had another doctor's appointment today. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do another ultrasound like we had hoped. So we have no pictures (but my belly:) for you to look at. We did get to listen to the heart beat of the baby. That was amazing! The baby is definitely "a mover and a shaker". You could hear in the heart beat how much the baby was moving, and on the last ultrasound the baby was moving so much it was hard to get a picture. The doctor felt that we have a very healthy baby so far. Our next appointment is on Dec.3, which is my grandmother's birthday! She would have been 71. It's amazing how God works isn't it. What an appropriate date to see a beautiful new life! That is the appointment where we will find out the sex of the baby. We are so looking forward to that! It will settle a lot of discussions we have!! :) Thank you again for all of your prayers and advice. We miss you all and hope life is good where ever you are!!