A Giggle...

Our Little Audrey,

You are now 14 weeks old. Mommy took you to the doctor last week and you weighed 14 pounds 10 ounces. You are almost 24 inches long. In 14 weeks you have almost doubled your weight and you've grown 4 inches. It truly is amazing how quickly you have grown.

Speaking of growing you now have 2 teeth! Yes teeth! They are so little but oh so sharp. You sometimes bite Mommy and when she says NO you smile. It's so hard to be upset about biting when you have no idea that it hurts Mommy and then you look adorable after you do it. We know that this will eventually change once more teeth arrive. But for now we'll take the 2!

You have a new toy that you have a love/hate relationship with. You love to hold onto it and play with it. However when you go to try and bite it you struggle to actually get it into your mouth so you start yelling at it. You've even thrown it a few times. At 3 months old you now know what frustration is. We aren't sure if this is a good thing but for now we'll let you continue to work hard and figure out your new toy. Here's an adorable picture Daddy took of you.

Our favorite thing that you've learned to do is giggle. Mommy and Daddy have never heard such an amazing noise in their entire life. We both were home when you laughed for your first time. Daddy was so happy he started to cry. Mommy just couldn't believe you were laughing.

We cannot wait for you to learn more things. However we would love for you to slow down just a little!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

2 Months Too Fast

Our Dearest Audrey Marie,

Once again it has been far too long since we've written to you. We are so busy raising you that we just haven't had a lot of spare time. In fact, as we write this you are laying on your boppy on the couch next to us. We aren't sure how long this will last.

You have grown so much in the last 2 months; kicking and moving your arms as if you were doing the back stroke all the time. You love sucking on your hands as if they were a pacifier. Sometimes you even suck on both hands. You are also making “coo” and “ahh” noises all the time which means you may talk as much as your Mommy when you get older.

You love going to meet your new friends and Mommy's friends for lunch, walks and even shopping. Some of your friends are Emery, Carter, Julep and Betty. They are all so adorable and we all can't wait for you kids to grow up together. Baby Lang will be here in December and she'll be another addition to the Kid Clan! 

Grandma Chris came to visit you. She loved every minute with you and she even let Mommy and Daddy go out one day. She was very sad to go home to Washington but we promised her you'll be there soon for your very first vacation. 

Mommy went back to skating 2 weeks ago, when she goes to skating you go to Grandma & Grandpa Weber's house. You are very well behaved until about 5:30 and then you have your BIG meltdown. Note: Grandma Gerri laughs when you cry because she thinks your cry is so funny. Daddy picks you up and takes you home. Sometimes you behave for him and sometimes you don't. But when Mommy comes home you behave because you get to eat!

You've been making this sad face lately when certain people sing to you. Mommy & Grandma mostly but you have made the sad face for Daddy also. Here is a video of what we are talking about. Mommy & Grandma did this to you for about 30 minutes because we thought it was so funny. Sorry about that, we hope it won't have a major effect on you as an adult.

You're gaining weight and getting so much bigger each day! At 5 weeks you weighed 11 pounds 1 once. Which is 3 pounds bigger than when you were born. Monday, November 3rd we headed to your 2 month checkup. You weighed 12 pounds 12 ounces and were 22.75 inches.  We truly are so proud of you for being such an amazing eater and gaining so much weight. You also needed to get your 2 month shots. This made all three of us very sad and we cried very hard! 

Another big milestone for you is you've found your hands! You love sucking on them. Sometimes you put both in your mouth. It's pretty silly. You also love to smile at Mommy and Daddy. Nothing is better than a gummy grin! You love to make cooing noises and try to talk everyday. Soon you'll be saying Dada & Mama in no time!

For Halloween you were a Baby Zebra.The cutest little zebra we have ever seen!

Daddy went to New Orleans for Kevin's 40th Birthday. You are too little for New Orleans so you and Mommy stayed home. We had a girls weekend with Emery and Meaghan. It was such a great time. The two of you will be amazing friends! 

So many other things have happened over the past 10 weeks. We promise to update you more often. It's just hard sometimes because you are always growing and always changing.

We love you more and more each day. 

Love you,

Mommy & Daddy

Happy Birthday Audrey Marie!

Our Little Audrey,

Happy Birthday! September 1st, 2014.

Sorry it has taken Mommy and Daddy 13 days to write to you. Lately we've been busy taking care of you, which we absolutely LOVE to do!

Here's a little recap of when you arrived: 

Thursday August 28th, 2014 came and went. After spicy foods, long walks and even jumping jacks, you were not coming out. Mommy had to sit back and just relax (which was very hard to do since she wanted to meet you so badly).

Friday night, Mommy and Daddy went to their favorite pizza place in Minnesota: Pizzeria Lola. Mommy had a spicy pie for dinner thinking that would do the trick but still, you didn't want to come out!  

Saturday morning Mommy wanted to go to the St. Paul Farmers Market so we started our morning with that. Afterwards we hit up the grocery store and did our shopping for the week. This tired Mommy out so when she got home she decided to lay down. 

And that's when it all started...

You wanted out! Mommy's contractions started and increased to 4 minutes apart 1 minute in length for about 3 hours. To her it was GO TIME so we packed up the car and headed to the hospital. Mommy got all hooked up to the monitors and suddenly everything slowed down. You weren't quite sure about entering the world quite yet! So Mommy and Daddy were sent home for a long night.

Sunday morning Mommy was having very strong contractions-stronger than the day before. These lasted all day long but stayed about 6-8 minutes apart. A few times she pleaded for Daddy to bring her to the hospital but he stood strong and wouldn't let her go until she was really ready. She was not going to be sent home today! At 5:45 pm her water broke! She was so excited about this because now the nurses couldn't send her home. In the car they both went (a little faster than Mommy would have preferred with just a couple red lights run). When they got to the hospital Mommy even commented to the nurses that we she wasn't going home without her Daughter!

Hours and hours went by. Midnight had come and gone. 

Daddy was amazing through all of this. He rubbed Mommy's feet, back and head. He calmed her when she was in pain. He was by far the best support system she has ever had in her life. Mommy could not have gotten through this without him.  

It was now 6am and Mommy's nurse Jodi said she was ready to have you. 

Emotions were running high. We have never been so excited to meet someone in our entire lives. We were about to become a family of three and couldn't have been more thrilled to have you join our lives.

It was now Labor Day & Labor Time!

Monday September 1st. At 7:35 am Mommy started to push and at 8:35 am you finally made your entrance into the world.

Perfect! Beautiful! Stunning!

You weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce, 20 inches long. You had beautiful dark brown hair. Your eye color was dark grey. Your skin tone was a beautiful reddish/olive color and you didn't have a cone head at all. You honestly were perfect. 

You spent time laying on Mommy & Daddy's chests, getting to bond with them more and more. You even nursed within 10 minutes of being born. Something you're amazing at!

By Tuesday at 1pm you were home. 

Amazing how two happy adults can leave home and come home two days later as a family of three. 

We are so happy you are a part of this family. Our hearts are overwhelmed with love for you and one another. 

It's very suiting that we found out we were having you on Christmas Day and you arrived on Labor Day. 

We love you so much and we cannot wait to see what this new journey brings us.

Welcome to the family Audrey Marie!

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Day 279...

My Little Audrey,

As I sit at the kitchen table eating breakfast with the warm sun beating down, watching the hummingbirds fly by, I realize there is silence in our home. A silence that in time will be broken with cries, laughter and little words.

I am having a hard time lately. All I want to do is meet you, hold you in my arms, kiss your forehead good night and feed you. To soothe your cries and read you hundreds of books. You truly are running out of room inside of me and I feel you would be much more comfortable in my and Daddy's arms. 

This time with you in my belly has been the most amazing time. You and I have done so much together already and it's only just begun. More adventures are in the coming days, months and years of your life. 

You were truly an amazing little daughter to carry. I only got sick one time, I gained the correct amount of weight, my feet didn't get huge and I didn't retain much water. The only issue I am having at 279 days is my right hand seems to be going numb. The doctors said this is normal because you are laying on some nerve on my left side. You see little girl you love the left side of me. It's your favorite place to be. Sometimes you wedge your entire body on the left side and then panic because you get stuck. I just roll over and try to help you move your little bum back to the middle. 

Your Grandma Gerri thinks that you'll show up on your due date August 28th, 2014. She believes this because your Great Grandma Audrey was always on time. If you don't show up tomorrow it's ok. You'll learn to be on time as you grow older. 

You see Miss Audrey Marie you are named after two very important women.  

Your Great Grandma Audrey was the matriarch of her family. She had 5 wonderful children and raised them to be wonderful adults. You will see this as you grow up in this family. We all love and care for everyone. We treat all as equal and do our best in each community that we live in. She was a wonderful wife to Great Grandpa Bernie, loved him and cared for him. She was an amazing Grandma to all of us Grandchildren. She taught us to play games and sing songs. We all loved our days with Grandma & Grandpa they made each one of us seem so special to them and we always felt their love.

Your Great Great Grandma Marie was born in Austria and came to the U.S. on a ship with her parents, eventually settling down in the small town of South St. Paul. That's right, you live in South St. Paul. She raised 4 beautiful children in this town. All graduated from South St. Paul High School. Your Great Great Grandma was an amazing baker. She made the best streusal and donuts. She was 96 years old when she passed away. One of her best qualities that I can remember as a little girl was how sweet and kind she was. 

As each hummingbird flies to the window to feed I see a piece of Great Great Grandma Marie and Great Grandma Audrey. For these little birds remind me of each of them. So peaceful and calm. Able to fly in each direction so quickly bringing a smile to many faces. You will soon love the hummingbirds in our yard.

I do realize Audrey that I need to calm down, relax and take these last days of silence with just that. Silence. I know you'll be coming soon.

I love you so much! 

Thank you for being the most wonderful Daughter.

Love,

Mommy

Week 38....

Our Little Audrey,

This may have been the longest week of pregnancy that your Mommy has experienced. The days are slowly passing and we still have 2 more days until 39 weeks. As a figure skater and dancer her feet have never hurt so bad and she's been having stronger contractions for a week now so hopefully you'll be making your big appearance soon!

She just can't wait to have you in her arms rather than carrying you around in her belly. You are starting to get heavy and are still kicking her on that lower left side. She's pretty sure it's a knee or an elbow and you're little butt is up next to her belly button.

She wouldn't change anything about this pregnancy no matter how long it has been. It's an honor to be your Mother; to have cared for you over these last 38 weeks and knowing that soon you'll be here in our arms. You have been very good to your Mommy throughout this pregnancy. She only got sick once, was able to travel, teach skating and come out of this pregnancy with no stretch marks. She thanks you!

On Saturday your Daddy had the boys over for a Fantasy Football Draft Party. You'll learn lots about this when you're a little older. He was a little concerned that you'd arrive on this day so he had a firm talk to you about waiting to arrive so that he could enjoy this day with his friends. He was only kidding, as he wouldn't care when you arrived no matter the day or time.

You might even help him make important decisions with his team. Mommy was shocked to hear that he re-drafted Arian Foster after trading him last season due to him being an older, oft injured running back. Clearly your Mommy wasn't around to help him make this decision. He did however draft Colin Kaepernik. You will have a difficult decision to make when you're older as you'll be a Vikings fan like Mommy or a Niners fan like Daddy, or maybe a fan of a totally different team like...the...ugh...Packers :(. Daddy said if you're a Vikings fan you'll learn what true heartbreak is at a very young age. Mommy somewhat agrees with him.

Monday, Mommy and Daddy celebrated their 2nd Anniversary together. We did a mini celebration on Sunday and then dinner on Monday. On Sunday, Daddy took Mommy to the Basilica in Minneapolis. This is where he proposed to her. It was a very sweet of him to bring "us" back to where it all began. Your Daddy is an amazing man and we are both very lucky to have him in our lives. Don't ever settle for anyone that doesn't treat you like your Daddy.

Mommy had a pretty cool gift made for Daddy for our anniversary. Here's a pic of it.

As each day passes and we get closer to 40 weeks we cannot wait to meet you. If this is our last blog before you arrive, know that it was been a blast writing to you these last 39 weeks and that we'll continue doing so as you grow.

We love you so much!!!

Mommy & Daddy

Soon to be the End of an AMAZING ride!

Hello our adorable Little Audrey,

Mommy is now almost 37 weeks along. Mommy is getting bigger and bigger. Last week you "dropped". Don't worry this just means Mommy can breath and eat again. You are now just sitting lower in her belly. You are still kicking and pushing more than ever. Still on that lower left side which seems to be your favorite spot.

Daddy is doing great! He's been busy working a lot lately but wishes he could be home with Mommy for these last few weeks. When he is home he works on your room. He's gotten all the pieces together and we now just need to bring your clothes into the room. Which you have a ton of! More than Mommy and Daddy combined. 

Over the last couple of weeks things have been pretty low key. Mommy has decided to stop skating on the ice. Not because she didn't feel safe but because it's the right thing to do. She made it to 35 weeks which is pretty amazing, and you still love going to the rink each day. Even if it's to stand next to the boards. Last Tuesday was Mommies last day of watching the Karl girls. This was very difficult for Mommy as for the past year she has grown very close to them. She plans on staying close with them though so that you will have great role models growing up. 

Daddy and Mommy went to a soccer game last Tuesday with TJ, Sandy and Stefan. It was at TCF Bank. That's where the Gopher Football team plays. It was lots and lots of fun. Especially listening to Daddy yell and scream for Olympiacos. 

Sunday was Grandma and Grandpa's 35th Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated with them, Auntie Sara and Uncle Darin at The Smack Shack. We had such a wonderful lunch laughing, talking and enjoying each others company.  Mommy ate not one, but TWO lobster rolls. You clearly were very hungry that morning. We all had a "neat" time. Ask Grandpa about that one. 

Monday we went to Foster the People. You are quite the concert goer little girl. It was very loud and Mommy thought it might hurt your ears. So she moved to the back. But you loved it! You were kicking and pushing the entire time. We clearly have a dancer! Or a ROCKSTAR!

You also attended your first National Night Out. The neighbors are thrilled to meet you once you make your grand appearance. 

The weeks are counting down and days are flying by. We know you'll be with us very soon.

We love you so much and can't wait until you're in our arms. 

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Babymoon,Maternity Pics & Audrey Showers at 34 Weeks!

Hi Audrey,

The days are passing quickly and weeks seem to come and go. We can't believe that you will be home in our arms in such a short amount of time. 

So many wonderful things have been happening since the last time we wrote to you. Last week Mommy and Daddy had some maternity pictures taken. This was a very fun event for the two of us as we got to take photos and just show how much you've grown inside Mommy. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Last week you and Mommy had your first Baby Shower. Auntie Mary was the host of this amazing party. She did such a wonderful job with decorations, food and fun party games.  Below is a photo of how Mommy put a diaper on a baby blind folded. You received so many nice gifts one being a quilt made by Kathy. Mommy has been waiting to receive a handmade quilt from Kathy for a very long time. You are one lucky little girl. Grandma Gerri bought you 3 Vikings onesies. She is bound and determined to make sure you grow up a Vikings fan and not a Niners fan. Pretty sure Daddy will push for you to be a Niners fan.   

This weekend Mommy and Daddy headed to Auntie Patti & Uncle Tom's cabin in Marine on the St. Croix.  

We called this our Babymoon. Just a weekend away with one another and lots and lots of relaxation. We did a little hiking in Taylors Falls, ate lunch at our favorite burger place in Wisconsin and we had a wonderful dinner in Stillwater. 

We took naps during the day, put our feet up and just relaxed. It was so wonderful! This really helped us prepare for your arrival and catch up on sleep; which Mommy isn't doing much of these days. 

Some news about how Mommy is doing. Mommy is still doing well but has been pretty uncomfortable which she knew would happen at this point. She is 34 weeks and you weigh about 4.5 lbs which can be pretty heavy at times. You are rolling and doing back flips all the time. You love to push out on her lower left side. She's pretty sure this is an elbow or a knee. It's pretty fun to watch you do back flips. We have a feeling you'll be a very active little girl when you are bigger. 

Within 6 weeks you'll be here. A part of our family. We look forward to that day!  

With all our love,

Mommy & Daddy

31, 34,37 Lot's of 30's in this HOUSE!

Hey Little Girl,

Well another week has come and gone. 

Your Daddy has been working so hard on your room. And it truly has become just that. A beautiful bedroom.   We know that you won't really appreciate the work until you are much older. But this will be the nicest room in the house by far.  Mommy is so happy to see the transformation.  Just like she has transformed over these last 31 weeks.  Here are some pictures of what he has done. 

Audrey's Room (Better known as the catch all room):

The carpet & trim were removed:

Walls have been painted gray & white and new white trim installed: 

Daddy working hard:

New gray carpet has been installed:

Daddy just needs to put the coral "A" on the wall. And then your room is complete.

Mommy & Auntie Sara will then add all the finishing touches! Crib, bookshelf, chair and dresser. Plus all the fun little girl items! We cannot wait!

As for the "30" Numbers: 

You are now 31 weeks and growing and kicking. You are obsessed with Justin Timberlake, Pearl Jam and Katy Perry. You love hearing all their voices. You kick constantly and do back flips all the time. Your friend Betty was born on June 16th. She can't wait to meet you! 

Daddy is now 37 years old. He had a wonderful birthday and received lots of great birthday wishes from all. He is doing great and has really helped Mommy a lot during the entire time you were inside her. Even when she cries for absolutely no reason he still comforts her and takes away all her worries. He is currently out in the yard doing his favorite thing outside. Yard work. He loves being in the yard and can't wait to teach you how to kick a soccer ball and throw a football. Someday we'll show you what your yard looked like the first year Mommy and Daddy moved in. 

Mommy is now 34 years old. She also had a wonderful birthday. She received a wonderful bracelet from Jocelyn and Avery. It read All You Need Is Love. Which is very true. This will always remind her of those two little sweet girls she once nannied for. You will meet them soon. They always talk about you and ask questions about you. Mommy is doing great as far as the pregnancy goes. She has gained some weight but it's not too much. And she's pretty much all belly.  Mommy is still very active and doing lots of things. But she does enjoy her 2 hour naps on certain days of the week.   

As our countdown becomes single digits we look forward to meeting you very soon! 

We love you so much Miss Audrey Marie!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Last Week in My Twenties

Little Audrey,

This is it. Our last week in our twenties. It's been 5 years since Mommy has been able to say that.  It's hard to believe since this week Mommy also turns 34 years old. 

She thought that she would tell you the things that she has been able to do while pregnant with you. 


1. Mommy is still able to fit into her figure skates each day to coach skating. 

2. Mommy can bust a move with the best of them on the dance floor.

3. Mommy still rocks a two piece swimsuit and doesn't care what a single person thinks.

4. Mommy is able to touch her toes. This is something that your Daddy has never been able to do but tries really hard at. When you're older ask him to try it, you'll get a good belly laugh out of this. 

5. Mommy is still able to do the splits. Yes the splits at 29 weeks pregnant. She guesses that not many woman are able to do this.  And the night she did this you rolled around and around in her belly. You clearly loved it!

Uncle Kevin flew in from San Francisco this weekend.  We asked him to be your guidance parent. Both Mommy and Daddy feel that he will be able to teach you about respect and caring for others. Your Uncle Kevin is not only funny and quick witted but kind hearted and truly one of the best people that your parents know. When you are old enough you will be able to fly to San Francisco and visit him. One thing that Mommy and Daddy ask is that when you are a teenager you make an effort to keep in touch with him.  Relationships are successful when both sides are making an effort. 

On Friday morning we all headed up to Webster, Wisconsin for Sandy's 30th birthday.  Many friends from around the U.S. traveled to the cabin. We had so much fun swimming, playing yard games and just catching up with great friends!  It's always very tough to say goodbye to them. 

Mommy and Daddy are ready to take on these last 10 weeks. You are growing stronger and stronger and your kicks are much harder than a few weeks ago.  We are getting so excited to meet you! 

We Love You,

Mommy & Daddy

A Mother's Love For Her Little Girl

My Dearest Daughter Audrey,

As I have carried you around for these last 28 weeks my love for you grows stronger and stronger. Your movements inside me bring tears of happiness to my eyes. Your fluttery kicks make me laugh and even wake me up at night. Last week during birth class you kicked so hard even your Daddy jumped. 

As I grow larger and larger it makes me so proud. Because these changes just mean that I am going to be a mother. Your mother. With each pound I gain I embrace. Although at times it may be hard to cope with. I understand that it's for you. With each pain I deal. Because I know these pains are for you. All of this is worth it to be your Mom. 

I promise you that I will always be here for you. I promise that when you need a shoulder to cry on I will have two.  I promise that we will have laughing fits that will bring us to tears. I promise to love you each day to the fullest. Each hour to the max, and each minute forever. 

I cannot wait to meet you. I cannot wait to see just how much hair you'll have on your head. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms. And give you lots and lots of kisses.

You are my light! 

I love Miss Audrey Marie!

Love,

Mommy

Memorial Day BBQ's, Sun, Yard Work, Painting

Hi Audrey,

Lot's has been going on these past couple of weeks. You've mainly been on the move and growing bigger and stronger. 

Mommy and Daddy have been taking birthing classes, Daddy has learned that Mommy's stomach will move all the way up past her ribs when you are full term. That scares Mommy just a bit, but she knows you're worth it! 

Mommy has been learning that stretching is very important for you to enter into this big world. So she's been doing lots and lots of stretches. In fact your Mommy can still touch her toes at almost 27 weeks pregnant. 

A few weekends ago was Memorial Day. Lot's of BBQ's with family and friends. Friday night we went to Grandma Gerri and Grandpa Frank's house for salmon. You'll spend lots of time at their house when you're born. When you're older Mommy and Daddy will even let you ride your bike to their house. (It's only 4 blocks away!)  

Saturday during the day Mommy had to work. Daddy went to work in our yard. You see he's been perfecting it over the past couple of summers and it's starting to look beautiful! He puts so much time and effort into making sure you have a great yard to play in. I know he can't wait to play catch with you or teach you the proper way to throw a football back there.  All things your Daddy will be excellent at teaching you. Mommy will teach you to skate and kick a soccer ball. Oh and show you some mad dance moves.

Saturday night we went to Uncle Kevin & Auntie Sarah Lang's house for a delicious smoked pork shoulder. Audrey it was amazing! You loved every single bite of it. You even went back for 3rd's! You got to hangout with Sonny, we've decided that if arrange marriages were still around you two would be married. He's adorable and great around the ladies! You'd be one lucky little girl!

Sunday morning Mommy woke up nice and early and made Daddy some pancakes!
 She wanted to perfect her pancake making skills for you.  She hasn't quite mastered the skill of animal shapes. But by the time you eat them she will. 

 Mommy also planted her flower beds. Next year you can help her dig holes and plant different colored flowers in your garden. Mommy and Daddy also went to Gerten's Nursery and bought lots of new plants for the back yard. We also went to the paint shop and bought your nursery room paint. The colors will be perfect! We hope you enjoy them for a few years. 

Later that afternoon we went to Uncle Darin and Auntie Sara's house for another BBQ! Yep we love BBQ's! You had 4 helpings of food at this party. It was yet another fun evening with friends.  Daddy and Uncle Darin were in a bean bag tournament. They didn't do so well, but sometimes it's not about winning or losing. It's about how much fun you had and I know they had fun.  

Monday night Uncle Stefan came over. He and Dad played catch in the backyard and Mommy went shopping. She had no summer clothes that fit her.  Here's a fun picture of Stefan and Mommy. You'll know which one Mommy is!

Well Miss Audrey Marie! This has gotten to be quite long! Just know that we will always have lots of fun with family and friends. And we'll have plenty of BBQ's when your born!

We love you so much!

Mommy & Daddy

Baby He or Baby She What Will Baby Fredricks Be?

To our Daughter,

What an amazing week it was; filled with so much excitement and anticipation! Since Christmas morning we’ve been waiting to find out if you were a boy or a girl and that wait is now over. 

A few weeks ago we had the ultrasound to tell us how you were doing in Mama’s belly and Dr. Chang said that you’re a perfect baby and healthy as can be. We were given the sealed results of your gender in an envelope and once we had it in our hands we quickly gave them to “Auntie Em” for safe keeping – knowing she wouldn’t tell a soul.
The plan was to have a party and invite family and friends over to reveal your gender to everyone at the same time – including us! Emily took the results to Build-A-Bear and made a boy bear or a girl bear based on the results. Once we had everyone together, we would open the box and that would tell us what you are!

Not since the days leading up to when we got married had we been bursting with such thrilling energy. For the first time you looked like a human in Mama’s belly as opposed to a squirmy little alien and the thought of you arriving in August was more real to us than ever. Below is a photo of what you looked like when you were only 21 weeks old!

The 48 hours after the ultrasound was very challenging for us as we really wanted to know what you were so it was a good thing we had a party to get ready for to keep our minds off what that envelope held!

In addition to the surprise we were about to get, we had an unexpected one take place the morning of the party. You were clearly just as excited as us for the day to start because we felt you kick for the first time while we were lying in bed. What an unforgettable feeling! 

We got so much help with the party it was incredible and are so thankful to everyone’s generosity to make it such a special day for us. Emily Gill did an amazing job ensuring that no one found out the contents of the box and had it in hand all day ensuring that no one snuck a peek. 

Aunt Sara had been helping for weeks prior to the party making crafts to decorate our home with and they were perfect. Sarah Lang came over Friday afternoon and began cooking the food for the party and even stayed the night so that she could wake up early to ensure everything was fresh and delicious – and it was! We got help from Stefan Tomm and Kevin Lang who were on “poof patrol”; hanging blue and pink poofs around the house and Grandpa Frank was there too helping out where we needed him . Here are some photos of the crafts, food and poofs:

Once all of our family and friends arrived, we Skyped in Grandma Chris, Uncle Jason, Aunt Chanin and their families so they could join in on the celebration. It was absolute chaos! So many people around us bristling with anticipation!

The time had finally come. We were given the box with the boy bear or girl bear. Here’s the look on our faces when we opened it:

And there it was: a beautiful ballerina teddy bear. You are a GIRL!!!!

The final surprise of the day came when we told everyone your name: Audrey Marie Fredricks!

As we reflect on all the events that have taken place since we found out we were having you, there wasn’t much doubt you were going to be a girl. It was destined the moment we woke up Christmas morning and knew that you’d be named after your Great Grandma Audrey who’s Birthday happened to be that same day. Imagine the smile on her and Great Grandpa Bernie’s faces as they looked down on us as we celebrated with our loved ones.

So now, you’re 24 weeks old and growing rapidly; although your kicking has calmed down a bit (which worries your Mother, so if you can somehow muster up the energy to let her know you’re okay once in a while that would help her a lot). We’re getting ready to start painting your bedroom and we’ve begun getting things to put in it. We have our first baby class tomorrow morning and get to take a tour of the birthing center next week. Things are beginning to move fast – in less than 16 weeks you will be in our arms and we can’t wait!
We love you Audrey and pray that you continue growing strong and healthy and are filled with happiness inside Mama’s belly!

Love,
Your Mother and Father