Ultrasound and Baby Update

    This week was an exciting one for us!   We went and had a 3d ultrasound done to see what the baby looks like.  Joey, my mom, sister, Ashlyn and Dawson all went.  The kids were beyond excited to see the baby.  I was also dying to see the baby's precious little face.  I have been very curious to see if it will look like either Ashlyn or Dawson.  When the ultrasound first started, I couldn't tell who the baby looked like.  But, as the ultrasound progressed, I could see a lot of Joey in the baby.  The ultrasound tech was able to get some really good shots even though the baby wouldn't wake up.  We did get a moment where it stuck its little tongue out.  We also saw a yawn and a smile.  The baby had some chubby little cheeks.  The ultrasound tech said that she is just convinced the baby has dimples. I don't know about that one.  She also immediately commented that it has a lot of hair, which made me laugh since the same exact thing was said at both Ashlyn and Dawson's ultrasounds too.  When the ultrasound was over, she got a good look at Joey and said, "Wow, now that I got a good look at you, I know for a fact this baby is going to look a lot like you".  The more I look at the pictures the more I definitely see Joey and agree with her.  Seeing that sweet little face made me even more excited to finally meet this little one! 
     The tech was really good at making sure that we weren't able to see anything that would give away the sex of the baby.  She asked us if she wanted us to have her take a quick peek so if we changed our minds we could call her.  We said, "No way!"  While it has been a lot harder than I would have thought to not find out, we have made it this far and aren't about to find out now.  I keep saying the only person who knows the sex of the baby is God.  When we got home, we got out Ashlyn and Dawson's 3d ultrasound pictures.  This baby definitely looks a lot more like Ashlyn.  I know that means nothing though.  I am getting so excited for the baby's birthday and the moment it is finally announced what this little angel is.
     We are now on the home stretch of this pregnancy.  Overall, I am feeling pretty good.  When we were in Phoenix, my doctor called and said my iron levels were low so I would need to start taking an iron supplement.  It wasn't the news I wanted to hear, but it really made sense.  I had been so incredibly tired.  Like more tired than I have ever been in my life.  The iron supplements take awhile to build the iron levels back up, but I do feel that I have more energy.  It's hard to say though because fatigue is a huge symptom during the 3rd trimester. 
    I am continuing with my running the best I can.  I am nowhere near as fast as I once was, but I am still getting in some kind of run each day.  I have been getting in about 20 miles a week which I am very happy with and hope to continue as long as possible.  I am really hoping staying fit will help with labor and my recovery after.  I know its good for the baby and myself.  I figure the baby probably enjoys the rhythmic motion of my running too. 
      The big state tests at my school occur in the beginning of March.  My plan is to teach until I go into labor.  I didn't do that with Dawson, so we will see how it works out.  I'm even more thankful right now that I only work part time. I am due over spring break so I am really hoping to make it until then.  This week I experienced a lot of upper back pain after working all day.  Teaching is more demanding on my body than one would guess.  I felt bad because I basically had to come home and lay on the couch all night.  Luckily, Joey is the best husband in the world and cooked dinner, made lunches, gave the kids their baths, etc.  I don't know what I would do without him!
    We have been spending every weekend getting things ready for the new baby.  The baby's room is starting to come together. We still have a lot to do to be totally ready, but I figure it will give us something to do over the last remaining weeks.  I will definitely post pictures of the room when it's complete because I love the way it is turning out!
    Here are some of the pictures of our little angel:

This one looks so much like Joey to me.