Thank you! in The REAL Baby Journey!

As you guys can see, we've made it Official. Called all of our grandparents, aunts, uncles, close family friends and were even able to tell my mom's entire side of the family at an impromptu grill out this afternoon. Cherry on top was that my cousin and his wife who are stationed in the South Pacific on a teeny tiny island working for the Peace Corps chose that day and right before we said anything to Skype in to us during their one time of the week they get internet/electricity. We were able to tell the whole group by greeting my cousin and his wife with "We've got some bad news...you're going to miss the birth of your first cousin, once removed!" They screamed, my aunts lost it, my cousins jumped up and down...just perfect. SO many hugs. Today has been simply marvelous.

We came home, took the photo in my previous entry and then started all the phone calls. We got such a warm, kind, wonderful response and people have been SO genuinely happy for us. My heart has been bursting with such an overwhelming amount of love. It is palpable around here you guys. Every single person we called ended the phone call with "We love you guys!" even if it was someone we've never told that to on the phone before. We've laughed so much, even cried a little and there isn't a single step of this I would do differently. I'm even happy it's 'out' now - not as potentially sad or hesitant as I thought I may be.

And with that, I wanted to say thank you to the few of you on these elite list who have held my hand along the way, been my biggest cheerleaders and truly been such a strong support as I struggled and pity partied and ultimately as I celebrated and grew this little one to this point. I want you guys to know how appreciated your friendship is, how close I consider each of you and that your enthusiasm, love and positivity have meant so, so much to me on this journey. I'm hoping I can return that much support for you and here's to years more ahead sharing in our journeys together :)

Love you ladies!