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It’s A…

We waited until I was almost at the 13 week mark to tell our family we were having a baby. It was fun having this big, exciting secret between the two of us, and although we wanted to tell everyone we love right away, we were cautious. Part of this was nerves, some disbelief (the pinch me moments were plentiful!), but more than anything, we wanted to first tell our parents in person after hearing the heartbeat at our 12 week ultrasound. The timing worked out in such a way that, as soon as we left the doctor’s office that week, we drove home to Cincinnati where we’d be surprising Scott’s dad for his 65th birthday, a move coordinated by Scott’s mom months prior. In a fun twist, we suggested inviting my parents along, too, since it had been far too long since both of our families had been together. She loved the idea, and so my parents planned to drive down from Pittsburgh for the same weekend. As soon as the plan was hatched, we could hardly contain ourselves. Finally, we were a 5-hour drive away from telling both of our long distance parents our happy news!

The night we all arrived in Cincinnati (and after successfully surprising Scott’s dad), we painstakingly waited for a break in the conversation to share the news. Once our secret was out, and after the initial shock that, no, this was not a joke!, we celebrated with long conversation, late night snacks and drinks, catching up and just generally enjoying the happiness and relief that comes with sharing such joyous news.

The first morning we were in town, the six of us went to the flea market (this one for Cincinnati friends) – otherwise known as our favorite way to ease into the day. We weren’t even ten minutes into our rounds when we spotted the teeniest brass rocking horse, above. What are those odds? Three dollars later, we had our first sweet accessory for the nursery, and as Scott handed over the cash, I felt an overwhelming burst of gratitude. After months of secret keeping, our families were in on it, we were home for the weekend, I had just found a new brass thing – ha! Life felt, and still feels, really, really good.

Our next milestone was finding out baby’s gender! The weeks following our trip back home, we marked off the calendar days until our big 20 week checkup. During the ultrasound, we gave the tech a blank notecard, and we asked if she could write down the gender there, so that we could enjoy the reveal, just the two of us, later that day. (She was very much used to the request, as she was the first to say, I see your card, I’ll tell you when to look away from the screen!) That same evening, we got dressed up and went on a dinner date. We snuggled up at the bar, ordered a beer and a mocktail, and once again, we painstakingly waited until we placed our dinner order before pulling the sealed envelope from my purse.

I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest; we were both excited and giddy and so, so ready to swap the word it for he or she. Scott flipped open the card, and for a handful of seconds, I couldn’t register the words I was reading. The ultrasound technician had taped a photo inside, going so far as to draw the outline of her body. (Besides being simultaneously cute and hilarious, we’re still not sure what we’re actually looking at in this image.) Once the words sank in, I ugly cried. Scott handsome cried. Once our hearts returned to a normal pace, we deleted the boy names from a note we’d been keeping on my phone, and we narrowed down our long list of girls’ names to a top 5-ish. We talked about slumber parties and high school dances, and if I thought I felt a burst of gratitude that day at the flea market, well, this one physically ached in the best possible way.

We’re having a baby girl!

PS… Thank you all for your kind words and personally reaching out to us after we shared our story – whether it was on the blog, in an email or otherwise. We heart you.

Also, notecard is from this adorable Etsy shop.

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  • Carol9.8.17 - 6:58 AM

    CONGRATS!!! So excited for you!
    (FYI, you’re looking at the space between her legs. There’s nothing extra hanging out so she’s a she!)ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 8:59 AM

      That’s what we figured! But there were so many other things on the image – ha! We love that the tech literally outlined her body shape on the image, and still, we were holding it every which way to figure it out.ReplyCancel

      • Lu Ann Freeman9.8.17 - 9:47 AM

        I always find this type of U/S so amusing, I always imagine the baby sat on a copier ala Bart SimpsonReplyCancel

  • Katya9.8.17 - 7:03 AM

    I recently came across your delightful blog and today, I have to say, a little tear of happiness rolled down my cheek for both of you! I am so looking forward to following your story over the next months.
    KatyaReplyCancel

  • Natalie9.8.17 - 7:21 AM

    So this is kind of crazy, but I bought that EXACT same brass rocking horse at Value Village in 2015 when I was pregnant with my girl! She has recently just having turned two become very interested in it and likes to move it around the house different places. I can tell you that all of the dreams you have for that bebe become a reality so quickly. Also, you re making me realize that I really need to polish that poor horse. Yours is looking much nicer than ours. And, congratulations!ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 10:04 AM

      Small world! We haven’t polished ours up yet, but it could still use a little. ;)ReplyCancel

  • Stacy G.9.8.17 - 7:23 AM

    What a sweet way to tell the family and to find out your sweet baby’s gender. :) I’m so happy for you all.ReplyCancel

  • Jess9.8.17 - 7:31 AM

    Ahhh yay, congratulations! We are also expecting a girl and we are so excited and so terrified at the same time. I grew up with 4 brothers and all male cousins so a little girl is definitely out of my comfort zone!ReplyCancel

  • Karen T.9.8.17 - 7:42 AM

    So so so fun! I can feel your joy and there is nothing better than sharing it with loving grandparents-to-be and family. Congratulations and can’t wait to see the scary room’s transformation. What a lucky and loved little girl!ReplyCancel

  • Emily9.8.17 - 7:46 AM

    Congratulations! I’m so excited for you guys.
    I could never tell what was what in those ultrasound pics either!ReplyCancel

  • pat9.8.17 - 7:46 AM

    I am SO SO happy for you! I cried too! You are my blog BFF!!ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 9:01 AM

      I haven’t stopped crying since we found out! I’m just one big misty tear, haha.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah9.8.17 - 9:04 AM

    So very happy for your little family. Sending lots of good wishes!ReplyCancel

  • Paula (cousin)9.8.17 - 9:07 AM

    So happy for the two of you!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Melanie9.8.17 - 9:08 AM

    Well this is awkward. Just burst out crying at work….

    Congratulations. My heart is overwhelmed for you both.

    (might just be in the baby mood – a close girlfriend who has been dying for a 2nd and who’s husband said no just told me she is pregnant and over the moon)ReplyCancel

  • Becky9.8.17 - 9:09 AM

    Congratulations! I had my first (also a girl!) on Thanksgiving day last year, and had the same reaction when she was born and I found out her gender. Being a girl-mom is definitely something else, so special. Best wishes on a happy, healthy rest of your pregnancy!ReplyCancel

  • Whitney9.8.17 - 9:21 AM

    Congratulations! What a joy to get to surprise your family with the wonderful news!ReplyCancel

  • Samantha9.8.17 - 9:27 AM

    Congratulations!! I did a crazy ugly cry too when we found out the genders of each of our kids! We had a girl first, (and two boys since) but there’s nothing like having a little girl first. I was touched by your story because I too had trouble get pregnant with our 2nd and 3rd babies, but it happened finally. It’s great that your sharing your sweet story :)ReplyCancel

  • Ann9.8.17 - 9:28 AM

    Nana is glassy eyed reading this lovely post?.ReplyCancel

    • Robbi9.8.17 - 6:08 PM

      ditto, Ann! I’m not even related and I feel like a newly informed grandma… Like when M and Rob told me about Alyx. Its so special!!ReplyCancel

  • em9.8.17 - 9:42 AM

    Oh, KIM!!! Congratulations :) I had a big long congrats note typed on your last baby post but for some reason I never hit post and it got lost along the way…anyway, I’m so happy for you guys, you’re going to be an amazing, super fun MOM!ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 10:05 AM

      Thank you, Emily!! Hope you guys are doing awesome! XOReplyCancel

  • Sammy9.8.17 - 9:47 AM

    YAYYYY! so excited for you both!!ReplyCancel

  • Brenda Wegner9.8.17 - 9:53 AM

    So, so happy for the three of you!ReplyCancel

  • Sarah9.8.17 - 9:56 AM

    Congratulations!! Your little girl is already the luckiest to have you two as parents!ReplyCancel

  • Gloria9.8.17 - 9:58 AM

    AWWW!! So exciting! And I have that same brass rocking horse that I got with my sister to give to her whenever she’s expecting too! So excited for you guys and baby girl!ReplyCancel

  • Rachel9.8.17 - 10:25 AM

    First time commenting, although I have been following your blog FOREVER! I take a lot of inspiration from your home!
    Congratulations on your baby girl! Having been through the heartache of years of infertility myself; announcements from people that struggled in the same way make me really happy.ReplyCancel

  • Congrats! Little girls are so much fun! I wanted a girl so bad and was so excited to find out we were having a girl last year. I pictured her spunky and wild – playing in the dirt, riding her ponies, and keeping up with all her boy cousins. And she’s EXACTLY that and so much more. Enjoy the journey! It’s so hard, but so much fun.ReplyCancel

  • Jaime9.8.17 - 11:04 AM

    Many congratulations to you both! Enjoy the adventure!ReplyCancel

  • Kat9.8.17 - 11:26 AM

    A GIRL!!! ??? so exciting & fun!! I’m so happy for you two, and your comment about slumber parties & high school dances brought back so many happy memories ?ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 11:32 AM

      Some of the best moments of my whole life was with you and the girls!ReplyCancel

      • Kat9.8.17 - 2:19 PM

        I agree wholeheartedly!! ?ReplyCancel

  • katie9.8.17 - 11:29 AM

    Yay! Such an exciting time!! My little girl just turned one, but I can still remember the moment that we found out we were having a girl. It somehow makes things seem so much more “real”! Best wishes to you, and congrats again!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa9.8.17 - 11:33 AM

    I have tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing this sweet time. It’s such a refreshing picture of what is good in the world. Your daughter’s going to be so well loved.ReplyCancel

    • Katie9.8.17 - 12:20 PM

      Well said, Lisa. Ditto! Hearty congratulations and best wishes.ReplyCancel

  • AmandaKB9.8.17 - 12:38 PM

    Awe, how sweet! Congratulations :) Such a blessing to be able to tell your families in person and share that special moment with everyone together. I also love how you guys had enough patience to wait and open the card at a special dinner for two instead of ripping it open as soon as you got to the car after the appointment. I don’t know if I would have that much restraint. He,he.ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 12:57 PM

      We both immediately had to go back to work after the appt, so we left the card in the car where neither of us would be tempted to touch it!ReplyCancel

  • Emma9.8.17 - 4:59 PM

    Happy Happy Joy Joy!! How wonderful. And what a lucky little girl she will be :)ReplyCancel

  • Nikki9.8.17 - 5:03 PM

    Congratulations! Your story is very similar to ours! I understand all the emotions! Our families thought we were joking too! We just brought home our little girl. She is awesome!?ReplyCancel

  • Shasta Lewis9.8.17 - 5:51 PM

    I’ve been reading your blog for years now (I remember and loved that BRIGHT green in your condo! And then the chalkboard wall! And the custom built in shelves in the teeny office!) so I’ve been a huge but quiet fan for awhile. I just wanted to say “Congratulations!” loud and clear right here on your upcoming baby girl! We also had unexplained infertility for a few years until I got pregnant last summer after months of treatments. We welcomed our daughter this last April, so I am OVER THE MOON that you’re also going to welcome a girl here in a few short months! Thank you for sharing your life and your home(s) with us, and congrats again! I am hoping for an easy pregnancy and a smooth delivery!ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.8.17 - 5:53 PM

      Thank you so much for following along all these years, Shasta! We love hearing from longtime readers – wow, that bright green wall brought back all the memories! Congrats to you as well :DReplyCancel

  • Mollie9.9.17 - 9:22 AM

    Congratulations!! I’m so excited for you and Scott and your growing family!ReplyCancel

  • Colleen9.10.17 - 9:52 AM

    YAYYYYYYYY!!!!! Congratulations!ReplyCancel

  • Alexis9.10.17 - 12:27 PM

    Congratulations! She’s going to be the luckiest girl with the sweetest family and the most adorable room :)ReplyCancel

  • Emily Wenzel9.10.17 - 11:32 PM

    We didn’t find out what we were having…it’s not for everyone, and I’ll be honest that I wanted to find out at least a dozen times, but my husband really wanted to wait. I went along with it because I was 90% sure we were having a boy. I was READY to be a boy mom. There are only boys on his dad’s side of the family, and very few girls in mine. So imagine how surprised we were when we had a GIRL! In fact, we had a solid boy’s name chosen for months, but were still debating girls names while I was in labor. :D

    Congrats!!ReplyCancel

  • Liz9.11.17 - 1:00 PM

    Congrats!! Teared up as I was reading! I’m 14 weeks with my first and can’t wait to find out the sex. Love seeing maternity posts! Would be interested in seeing any baby must haves (or what you guys pick for strollers, car seats, etc) if you are willing to share!ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.11.17 - 3:19 PM

      We’ll definitely keep it in mind! We have a steep learning curve ourselves!ReplyCancel

  • Trude9.13.17 - 5:20 PM

    That is so amazing, congratulations!!! What a way of telling everyone, love that story! I’m at 18 weeks now and can’t WAIT to know for sure. <3ReplyCancel

  • Ayanh9.14.17 - 12:22 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! So happy for you!!!
    Been following you since I found your home tour video in youtube and following your ig immediately. Loving your story & loving your amazing home!ReplyCancel

  • Meg9.16.17 - 3:58 PM

    Congratulations! I’m a long time reader who so appreciates your thoughtful, down-to-earth writing and I’m so happy that this part of your lives is working out so well! Excited to see what you do with the baby’s room, too. I’m very newly pregnant myself for the first time (hooray!), and already I’m thinking about protecting the baby from potentially hazardous stuff while doing house projects. Not sure if you’re interested in answering this question, but what kinds of precautions have you taken while you’re working on your house? I’d love to hear how you’re handling that if you feel like sharing (I’ve definitely done some Googling, but it would be nice to hear a first-hand experience from a responsible person!).ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.18.17 - 8:48 AM

      Thank you for the kind comment, Meg! Glad to hear from you. As for precautions, luckily, we haven’t tackled too many hazardous type renovation projects since I’ve been pregnant. When we paint, we’re using low or no VOC paints (like in the garden unit), and when things are ultra dusty or we’re using chemicals to clean things (again, like in the garden unit), I wear a mask and goggles almost to a fault! I use this mask, which I love for it’s smaller size, and it’s way heavier duty than the disposable ones you normally see. We have some larger renovation coming up later this year, and I’ll be sitting those projects out, but I will be documenting them!ReplyCancel

      • Meg9.30.17 - 11:57 AM

        Thanks for your response! I appreciate the tips.ReplyCancel

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