Not only are some of my skirts already beginning to burst at the seams, but Phil and I are also failing to contain the excitement inside! After December's sadness, Phil and I decided to just take it easy in the baby-making department. If it happens, it happens, but if not, we wouldn't worry about it, or feel let down. Even if we were afraid it might not be possible after my D&C procedure. But lo and behold! Our doctors were surprised that as soon as they gave the go-ahead (wink, wink!), I suddenly had another baby growing inside, right around the time of my own birthday. What a blessing, and the best gift I could've hoped for. We're expecting the little guy or gal around September 21st- my favorite time of year!
I've been enjoying the excitement after seeing our little gummy bear wiggle around on the ultrasound yesterday (yes! It was dancing inside! Cutest thing ever!), and being able to talk about babies again without feeling a little resentment or sadness. My mom has been sharing her birth stories, which is exciting- albeit a little scary- I had no idea that my mother and I had to be separated for ten days while she was quarantined for hepatitis! My poor dad was probably awfully worried. But all birthing stories aside, I think I'm mostly nervous about how much our lives will be changing this year. I hope we can handle it, and I like to think I'm ready to be flexible and allow everything in my life to change.
Well, we'll see how everything goes this time! I hope you all are ready to share in the journey with me, because I'm pretty stinking excited to celebrate each step with you!
OH MY GOSH! I already knew this but these pictures are so exciting. I'm just over the moon happy for the both of you. Sending tons of love from AZ.
xoxo
Posted by: Danielle Hampton | February 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM
I already knew (Twitter!) but whatever! So happy for you, congratulations :)
Posted by: Diana | February 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Congratulations! I am a long-time reader, and have never commented before, I am so happy for you. Best of luck <3 xx
Posted by: Kim W | February 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM
SO VERY HAPPY for you all! Parenthood is an amazing, wild adventure--- you all will be great at it :)
Posted by: Lexi Bridges | February 21, 2012 at 12:58 PM
my heart is so happy for you! congratulations and prayers.
Posted by: katie | February 21, 2012 at 01:00 PM
Congratulations!! Hope this pregnancy goes smoothly and wishing you guys all the best. <3
Posted by: Lehua | February 21, 2012 at 01:01 PM
This is such wonderful news! I'm so happy to hear this :) you'll be great. Oh, the world of baby clothes! How fun! Many congrats!~
Posted by: heather | February 21, 2012 at 01:01 PM
Like, like, like, like. God is so good. Hooray for you guys.
Posted by: Tonya | February 21, 2012 at 01:04 PM
Oh Congratulations! I did just hear about this happy news this Friday from LA. I'm so glad another hot mamma is joining this club. Enjoy your pregnancy!
Posted by: Jill - Lune | February 21, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Ohhhh! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both!
Posted by: Sarah Rooftops | February 21, 2012 at 01:08 PM
Oh! Congratulations, what a blessing! SO happy for you and Phil. God is SO good!
xo
Annalee
http://www.ramblingsofagypsynomad.com
Posted by: Annalee | February 21, 2012 at 01:08 PM
ohmygoshMandy, I'm so excited for you! *cue lots of hand flapping* I'm SO happy for you and Phil. So, SO happy!
Posted by: Orchid Grey | February 21, 2012 at 01:12 PM
i'm still so excited for you! this made me smile so big!
Posted by: kendra | February 21, 2012 at 01:16 PM
Congratulations! How exciting!
Posted by: Lindsey | February 21, 2012 at 01:18 PM
ohh, congratulations! x
Posted by: Laura | February 21, 2012 at 01:19 PM
I had already heard through twitter but I am so happy & excited for you! I've never come across someone who deserves it more and I know you are going to be an amazing Mum! Very much looking forward to your continued blogging in the months and years to come. You, Phil and your little angel are all in my thoughts & prayers x o x
Posted by: Rosanna | February 21, 2012 at 01:24 PM
SO happy for you!
Posted by: Melissa | February 21, 2012 at 01:25 PM
Congratulations! I can testify after having two miscarriages last year and just two weeks ago delivering our first baby in to the world that you will not only be able to be flexible but nothing else in the world will matter! :) It's a hard thing to describe...all I can say is be prepared to have your heart stolen forever. I thought I knew love before but having her changed my understanding and experience of love with her, my husband, myself, the world, and God...and it's only been two weeks! Blessings to you and your family!
Posted by: Lindsey | February 21, 2012 at 01:25 PM
one giant (gummy) bear hug! xx
Posted by: Lisa | February 21, 2012 at 01:26 PM
yay!! congratulations again! and seriously - gummy bear is a fantastic description. :)
Posted by: elise | February 21, 2012 at 01:37 PM
Congratulations! Oh what a perfect little US picture that is! :) Love that little gummy bear stage. :)
Posted by: mandy ford | February 21, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Congratulations! This really is especially happy for you.
Posted by: Patricia | February 21, 2012 at 01:42 PM
What wonderful news!! I am so happy for you!! Thank you for sharing. :)
Posted by: Amy | February 21, 2012 at 01:42 PM
congratulations, mandi! what wonderful news!!!
Posted by: kenda | February 21, 2012 at 01:53 PM
So very happy for you!
Congratulations Mandi & Phil! :)
Posted by: Sarah Starr | February 21, 2012 at 02:00 PM
congratulations!!
Posted by: Chaucee | February 21, 2012 at 02:05 PM
I am so, so happy for you both!!!! This is such good news!
Posted by: Casey | February 21, 2012 at 02:08 PM
Congratulations! I wish you all the best! :D
Posted by: Toytulip | February 21, 2012 at 02:13 PM
congratulations!!! so exciting! :)
Posted by: Whitney Johnson | February 21, 2012 at 02:28 PM
oh wow! this is so awesome, i'm very excited and happy for you! what an adorable little gummy bear haha
♥
Krystle
Posted by: Krystle | February 21, 2012 at 02:30 PM
Wooow, so exciting! It looks so tiny and cutee. Congratulations :)
Posted by: Danique | February 21, 2012 at 02:35 PM
She/He really does look like a little gummy bear! My most sincere congratulations to you and your hubby :)
Posted by: Rochelle New | February 21, 2012 at 02:36 PM
Congratulations! So excited for your family!
Posted by: Vee | February 21, 2012 at 02:37 PM
Oh congrats! I am with you on the changes thing... I found out at 13wks (I am 33 now) that my 1 planned baby was actually 2! changed everything.
So happy for you!
Posted by: casey | February 21, 2012 at 02:58 PM
Congratulations! Also, those are about the cutest sonogram photos ever.
Posted by: Megan Anderson | February 21, 2012 at 03:07 PM
I'm so happy for you!!!
You'll see, it becomes natural, as he/she has always been here. My son is now 7 weeks old and the change is magic! Like I have two lifes, one before him and the one with him, the real life…
Congratulations! :)
Posted by: Åsa | February 21, 2012 at 03:29 PM
I am so, so happy for you guys!!!!
Posted by: Dena | February 21, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Congrats! What a lovely, lovely news!
Posted by: anka | February 21, 2012 at 03:38 PM
CONGRATS! How wonderful that you can have this joy after the sadness of earlier. I'm so happy for you both and I can't wait to see your maternity style!
Posted by: Erin | February 21, 2012 at 03:42 PM
How awesome! We're actually due four days apart :) Our first as well so I can understand the dual excitement and scariness of it all! Excited to see your journey here while sharing my own :) Felicidades!
Posted by: Briana | February 21, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Yay!! So exciting :) I have 2 close friends who each got pregnant right after a miscarriage also. They delivered beautiful healthy babies, and I wish the same for you!!
Posted by: Sunnie | February 21, 2012 at 03:46 PM
Congrats, I am bursting at the seams with excitement and love for you and your growing family.
Posted by: Ali Lynne | February 21, 2012 at 03:50 PM
I knew it! Have been waiting for a post for so long, totally worth it! Biiiiig Congrats!
Posted by: HazelLouAnna | February 21, 2012 at 04:00 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! And how exciting is that first ultrasound when you can see them? :)
Posted by: Rachel | February 21, 2012 at 04:17 PM
congratulations to you both. that is truly wonderful news. so happy for you!
Posted by: becky. | February 21, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Congrats! Am I the only one not in anticipation of the creatively cool outfits this little gummy bear will be sporting?
Posted by: carrie | February 21, 2012 at 04:19 PM
First time commenter but long time reader: I am so happy for you!!! You are an inspiration to me every day! I cried over a blog for the first time when I heard about your bad news last year. So, of course, I am overjoyed to hear this news! I wish you and Phil and mini-mandi the best. - From a far away stranger, thinking of you. :)
Posted by: V | February 21, 2012 at 04:48 PM
OMGOMGOMGOMG Congrats!!!!!!!!!! What a great blessing!
Posted by: Robin | February 21, 2012 at 04:56 PM
AWE!!! Congratulations!!
He's already so so cute :)
Posted by: Virginie | February 21, 2012 at 05:50 PM
You broke my heart when I read your sad post about the heartbreak...I literally felt my heartbeat in my ears when I saw the pictures!!!! I clasped my hands and raised my face and prayed after I read the sad heartbreaking post earlier...I feel like my prayers for you were totally answered. I'm so very thankful that you will be a mommy. I believe that this child will be the most special and lovely one ever, and I truly am thankful that amazingly good things happen to amazingly good people. I'm so very happy for your good news. You gave this news to the world on my birthday...just want you to know...I consider it a present. :) Hearts, Janna Lynn
Posted by: Janna Lynn | February 21, 2012 at 05:55 PM
You KNOW how excited I am for you, my dear...with our September babies! But I just wanted to tell you again how over the moon I am for you two. You will be such wonderful parents. I can understand being nervous about the big changes coming this year, but you will both take it in stride. It will be a glorious journey!
xo!
Posted by: Busy Bee Lauren | February 21, 2012 at 06:18 PM
Congratulations! I've been reading your blog for a while now and I remember almost crying in my room with your sad news last year... but this is wonderful! I'm am so happy for you and your husband. May you have a safe and blessed pregnancy!
Posted by: Sofia | February 21, 2012 at 07:55 PM
Awww! That is so exciting :) Congrats!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | February 21, 2012 at 08:39 PM
~ * ♥ * ~
Eee! I am so excited for you and Phil! Congratulations! :D And welcome to the little one - all my best wishes for your family.
xox,
bonita of Depict This!
~ * ♥ * ~
Posted by: bonita | February 21, 2012 at 08:53 PM
And it's such a fabulous journey, so glad that you are making the most of it.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
Posted by: Marie | February 21, 2012 at 09:07 PM
Congratulations to you both!! What a wonderful surprise for you birthday :]
Posted by: Allison | February 21, 2012 at 09:38 PM
Waaaaah! Congratulations! I am a longtime reader here too and this makes me so happy! xx
Posted by: Hannah | February 21, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Oh man, that is pretty cute gummy bear you guys have there! I'm so happy for you and I wish you all the very best of the best with the pregnancy.
Congratulations! Yay for babies!
xo
Posted by: Sam | February 21, 2012 at 11:24 PM
Congratulations! I am very excited for you. :)
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 21, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Beautiful news for a great couple!
Posted by: kris | February 22, 2012 at 01:20 AM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. A happy birthday indeed!
Posted by: Kathy | February 22, 2012 at 02:58 AM
Congratulations!
I never commented here before, but I felt genuinely sad for you after the December events.
I feel equally happy for you now!
Posted by: Lieke | February 22, 2012 at 03:06 AM
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Wenzdai | February 22, 2012 at 03:10 AM
WOW congrats to you both! <3
Posted by: Alex | February 22, 2012 at 03:19 AM
Wwooooooooooooooooooo! Many, many congratulations!
Posted by: KimS | February 22, 2012 at 04:44 AM
SO happy for you and yours!
Posted by: dee | February 22, 2012 at 09:00 AM
i'm so happy for you and phil. i can't even begin to describe what an awesome experience you will go through.
congrats!!
Posted by: liz | February 22, 2012 at 09:02 AM
This is wonderful news..Congrats to the both of you! September 21st is my birthday and I've always enjoyed it so much because the weather is just beautiful! :)
Posted by: Alison | February 22, 2012 at 09:17 AM
wow!! What a blessing!I am so very excited for you! Praise the Lord! I can not wait to see the fun and fabulous maternity looks you are gona come up with!! CHEERS!!!
Posted by: Rachel | February 22, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Over the moon for you!!!
Posted by: Amy tan | February 22, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Wow!!! Congrats! What a blessing!
Posted by: Jenny | February 22, 2012 at 10:15 AM
Congratulations!!!!
Posted by: Lisa Fillion | February 22, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Congratulations! Maybe your baby will be born in my birthday - September 20th! Quite a lovely birthday to have, if I do say so myself. ;)
Posted by: Kristy | February 22, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Yea! I started following your blog right around sad time - so this is so awesome to hear! how exciting! I can't wait to keep up with you on your blog! :)
-Gillian
www.oystervintage.com
Posted by: Gillian Striker | February 22, 2012 at 12:33 PM
congratulations!! that is the cutest sonogram I've seen to date! It truely does look like a little gummy bear : )
Posted by: Khristi | February 22, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Congratulations! :)
Posted by: Renee T | February 22, 2012 at 01:42 PM
many many congrats. my sister in law just had a baby and its been a big adjustment for her but she is so happy. I am sure you two will be great parents to your little dance machine.
Posted by: Amber | February 22, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Congrats! So happy for you, especially after what happened in December. What an amazing blessing, indeed!
Posted by: Courteney | February 22, 2012 at 03:12 PM
Congratulations!!! That is such exciting news. I am so happy for you.
Posted by: Kat | February 22, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Congratulations to you both! I'm looking forward to reading about your pregnancy.
Posted by: Kamaile | February 22, 2012 at 05:11 PM
Wow! So happy for you! That is exactly what happened to me with my first daughter. Congrats!
Posted by: jan | February 22, 2012 at 06:52 PM
CONGRATS! how exciting! oh gosh, I'm so so happy for you! you to must be over the moon!
Posted by: Devin | February 22, 2012 at 07:50 PM
So happy for you! Sending you tons of love and positivity. (that is one cute gummie bear)
Posted by: Betsy | February 22, 2012 at 09:23 PM
Congratulations! Bet you'll be a great mum!
Posted by: Kate | February 22, 2012 at 09:44 PM
Congratulations! I'm absolutely overjoyed for you!
Posted by: Maddie Flanigan | February 22, 2012 at 10:02 PM
you're having a little girl.
Posted by: Sarah | February 22, 2012 at 10:20 PM
As soon as I saw the pictures I had tears of joy! lol I'm a really emotional person. I'm so happy for you two. Congratulations! Praying for a healhty momma bear and her cub through the next months :)
Posted by: Kat | February 22, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Congrats Mandi!! I'm so excited for you!!
Posted by: kaylah | February 23, 2012 at 06:40 AM
congratulations Mandi I am so happy for you both
take care Nic xoxo
Posted by: Nicolette Lafonseca-Hargreaves | February 23, 2012 at 06:59 AM
Congratulations. Best wishes for a smooth pregnancy and an easy as pie birth.
Posted by: Samantha | February 23, 2012 at 09:36 AM
Wow!!!
Your news moved me to tears... I'm so happy :-DDDDDD
Congratulations!!!!!
Evviva, evviva!!!
Ciao,
C.
Posted by: Cristiana Stradella | February 23, 2012 at 09:40 AM
Oh wow, congratulations, darling! I knew your friend had died last year but somehow I missed the post about your baby - I am so, so sorry but now so, so happy for you both! What a flippin' rollercoaster you've been on!
So, when will you start decorating the nursery? ;)
Posted by: Eleni Drinks Tea | February 23, 2012 at 10:06 AM
I already knew about this from twitter but seeing the sonograph pictures makes it so much more real! Congratulations Mandi and Phil! This is such a wonderful, exciting time in your lives. You'll make wonderful parents!
Katie x
Posted by: Katie | February 23, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Such happy news! Congratulations to you and Phil. Some of my mom's birthing stories make me never want to have kids, but I know that in the end it'll be worth it... even if it is a few years off for me yet.
Posted by: Merry Alana | February 23, 2012 at 11:06 AM
My goodness! Congratulations to both of you and to the future most fashionable kid around! Very excited for you! Nine months goes way faster than you'd think, enjoy it and have fun!
Posted by: Amy G | February 23, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Amy Dusek | February 23, 2012 at 03:59 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: cindy b | February 23, 2012 at 06:46 PM
Congratulations that is just awesome:))))
Posted by: patty | February 23, 2012 at 10:06 PM
hooray! I was going to email you today and ask how you were feeling. Looking pretty good there sista!
Posted by: Danielle | February 23, 2012 at 10:27 PM
OMG - Mandi - this is fabulous - you are going to be the best and coolest mom ever! congrats! i can't believe it's been so long!!
Posted by: Shell Gautreaux | February 24, 2012 at 11:38 AM