William James Merrell

Today's the day! We find out the gender of our first born today! Chad and I woke up nice and early to get ready, we stopped by Walmart and picked out two onesies, I chose a girl one and Chad chose a boy one, blue and pink, so that as soon as we saw it, we would now what we're having. As we drove up to the Womens clinic I asked Chad "SO, are you ready for this?!" he responded "Kayla, I'm nervous" Chad is never nervous so I asked him why and he said he was worried, he just wanted the baby to be healthy. We haven't seen the baby since it was 8 weeks so he was concerned about its health and development. I too was anxious to see it's heartbeat and movement but neither of us cared at all about the gender! It made me so happy to know that we are on the same page, no matter what this baby is...it's loved so so much! We are just excited to see it! We get checked in and wait for what seems like forever(30 minutes). Once we got in though it was a blast, we got to see the little one squirm around! It was so active, moving its hands all around and opening and closing its fists. There were even a few kicks! I can't wait til I can feel it! We told the tech that we didn't want to find out the gender until we had our family around us so we asked her to find the gender and pick the appropriate onesie and put it in a cute baby gift bag for us to open with our family and friends! She was so excited for us and was even more excited to be apart of it. She came back with the bag wrapped and handed it to us. Chad and I could hardly hold the bag, we were so excited to rip it open!

We got home and got our skype/facetime/phones set up to include the whole family! Sam, Preston and Aaron came over and my Mesa boys family was in town so they came over too. (Shout out to Sam for snapping some awesome shots) 

Once we were all ready, I gave the bag to Chad and let him do the honors. He pulled out that darling blue onesie and everyone cheered! We were elated! 

 Everyone was shouting so we made sure those on the phones heard the great news! (that's me leaning into the laptop to hear my crazy family and Chad reannouncing the third grandson to his mama)

 The poll I conducted on facebook indicated that according to our family and friends, 80% predicted (wanted) us to have a girl, most of them being on the Guttery side (I think the Merrells knew better). But I have to be honest, Chad and I have always said, no matter what it is ... we win! We knew we might dissappoint some family but give em 5 seconds, they'll be as happy as we are! We get to start our family! And this little boy is already so loved. I shed a few tears (surprise surprise) of joy and gratitude of the gift of a precious son of God that will be coming to my home next year. Chad and I can not wait to meet him. We've decided to name him William James Merrell. William, after my amazing father, whom I hope he will look up to and learn from, James after his father (Chads middle name) Who will be the man that teaches, loves and guides him through his whole life no matter what. This baby is such a blessing already! And he's already so loved, I can't believe how much I love him and how much closer he has already brought Chad and I. He has blessed our marriage and will bring so much happiness to our family!

We love you William