8 months

Dear Elijah,

Hold on.  You can NOT be 8 months old already?!  Time needs to slow down!  You are such a wonderful boy and somehow, my love for you grows every. single. day.  This has been an eventful month for us.  You have mastered sitting on your own and are working on crawling.  You can army crawl and roll with the best of em, but crawling isn't quite perfected.  I bet you'll be doing it by Thanksgiving.  You pulled yourself up for the first time this month, which was so fun to see!  You were quite proud of yourself too.  You love, love, love to stand up!  It's so fun seeing you try new things.

You also got 2 more teeth this month!  You are now the proud owner of your top two, darling teeth.  I still can't believe my little baby has 4 teeth!  Your teethy smile is just so darn cute, but boy does it hurt if you get ahold of my finger.  Ow!

You are still fitting into some of your 6-9 month clothes (mostly cause I can't bear to part with them), but are also wearing 12 month clothes.  You are finishing up your last box of size 3 diapers and then we'll be onto the 4's.  I measured you today and it looks like you're rocking it at 29.5 inches.  My tall boy!  You are weighing right around 22 lbs.  Your favorite word is "mama", but unfortunately you only use it when your whining.  Go figure.

We love you so much, Elijah boy.  You are such a fun baby.  You smile and giggle all the time, and that makes us just melt.  We love being your parents so much and excited for the next month: your first Thanksgiving!!!  We'll be traveling to Kansas and know that you're going to have a blast.

All my love,
your momma

7 months

Dear Elijah James,

Happy 7 months, sweet boy!  You are so much fun these days and we can still hardly believe you're ours!  You make us smile and laugh more than we knew possible.  Sometimes when I'm feeding you or rocking you to sleep, I just stare at you in complete awe and wonder.  You are the most wonderful baby and I thank God each day for your life.

This month was a big one for you.  You got your first two teeth (the bottom two)!  They came within 24 hours of each other and seem to have brought some relief... for now!  I hear your top two teeth should be coming in soon too.  You also learned to sit independently.  Although you prefer to sit on momma's lap or lean against my legs, you can totally sit by yourself and that makes me very proud.  You are also trying very hard to talk to us.  You mumble "ba ba" a lot and sometimes I think you say "mama", but only when you are whining.  I just can't believe how big you're getting!

Do you know how much we love you?  And besides that, how many extended family members love you?  You are such a lucky boy, Elijah!  You are our pride and joy and we love watching you grow into a little boy.  We love you to the moon and back.

All my love,
Your momma

6 months

Dear Elijah,

You are 6 months old!  Half a year!  I know it is so cliche to say, but where has the time gone??  The last 6 months have been some the happiest, most joy filled months of our lives... and all because of you, little one.  We love you so much and love the newness that each day brings.  You continue to amaze us  with your smile, laughter, and the way you discover the world around you.  One of my favorite new things you've been doing is that you've learned how to get people's attention.  It is completely hilarious. You will stare at someone for as long as it takes for them to look at you, and then you reward them with huge, gummy smile.  It is so adorable!  I love that you love people so much.  I hope you always have that trait.  And you know what, people sure love you.  You get people talking about you every where we go.  Can't complain about that!

You had your 6 month appointment 2 weeks ago and you were 19 lbs and 28 inches long!  Still my big boy!  It's fun having such a tall boy.  Everyone seems to have a comment about what sport you'll play!  Daddy's family thinks basketball, while mommy's family thinks football.  I guess we'll see.  But don't worry honey, you don't have to play either if you don't want.  We will support you with whatever it is you decide to do.  We just can't wait to watch you!

You and I traveled to Texas this month and had the best time!  Everyone is head of heels for you and I sure love watching them with you.  I think one of your favorite things about the trip was Mimi saying, "I'm gonna get you" and then kissing your neck.  You just laughed and laughed!  In fact, you even laughed in anticipation, which is a new thing for you.

Elijah boy, we love you to the moon and back and are beyond thankful for your life.  Keep on growing, little man!  You make us proud.

All my love,
your momma

5 months

Dear Elijah boy,

I just can't believe you are 5 months old today.  One more month and you'll be half a year!  Woah!  You are growing and changing every.single.day.  In fact, today you started doing this thing where you spit your pacifier out AS SOON as I put it in.  It's hilarious!  Except for when I'm trying to put you down for a nap.  You're little personality is really coming out these days and it's so fun to interact with you.  You are such a blast!  You still love your jumper like nobody's business and love to stand (with help, of course!)  You are so close to sit-up by yourself.  You're still a little top heavy so fall forward as soon as we let you go.  One of your new favorite things is having us read to you.  I think you like looking at the pictures but you especially love chewing on the books.  I think you're teething, although I've thought that for a while now.  You are chewing on everything (like said books) and drooling like crazy.  You don't seem to be in too much pain though, thankfully.

You are wearing 6-9 month clothes pretty much exclusively now but can still fit in some 3-6 month stuff.  We think you are weighing around 18 lbs these days, but won't know for sure until your 6 months appointment.  Also, you are still wearing size 3 diapers.  Target brand for the win!

Elijah, I love you so much!  I hope you always know my deep, unconditional love you.  I feel so thankful for you and blessed that the Lord chose me to be your momma.  Knowing that it was a hard road to have you makes you even more special, if that's even possible.  You are my joy!  I love you!

Love,
Your momma

mirror love and 4 month stats

Just a little fun at the doctor's office this morning!  Love my boy so much.  And for those interested, Elijah is weighing in at 17 lbs 4 oz (80th percentile) and 27 inches long (95th percentile)!!  Big boy :-)

4 months

Dear Elijah,

You are 4 months old today!  I can hardly believe it!  You are just the best little baby.  You are happy 90% of the time and love to smile at your momma and daddy.  You have started giggling this week which has been so fun to see.  As I write this letter you are sitting with daddy and cooing away!  You LOVE to talk to us.  You are still wearing 3-6 months clothes but it seems we'll be switching to 6-9 months soon.  You are growing so fast!  We have your 4 month appointment on Thursday and I can't wait to see what you weigh and how tall you are!

We just got back from an awesome vacation at Lake Arrowhead.  We had so much fun and loved showing you around.  We absolutely love Lake Arrowhead and have been going there for the past 5 summers.  You seemed to have a great time swimming in the pool and lounging on the sand by the lake.  The lake water was a little cold for you but you LOVED watching people splash around.

Elijah, you make us so happy!  You have brought more joy to us these last 4 months then we could ever have imagined.  We have a really fun month coming up including a visit from Mimi and Papa and a trip to Oregon where you'll get to meet a bunch of family for the first time!  Such a lucky little boy.

We love you so much Elijah!  Keep on growing, but not too fast, okay? ;-)

Love,
your momma

3 months

Dear Elijah boy,

How on earth are you 3 months old today?!  You're getting so big and growing before our very eyes!  We love you so much, but somehow our love continues to grow for you every single day.  You are such a wonderful baby and entering a really fun stage.  You are smiling ALL the time and love when we talk and sing to you.  You are starting to grab at things which has been fun to see (except when it's momma's hair).  You're sitting in your bumbo like a champ these days!  You have great neck control and are so proud of yourself.  We bought a jumper the other day and you absolutely love it.  You love to listen to the sounds and play with all the toys.  It's so amazing to me that my little boy is getting big enough to play with things.  One really big thing is that you rolled the other day!!!  You only did it twice and I have yet to get you to repeat it, but I know you're trying so hard!

You are currently wearing size 2 diapers and size 3-6 month clothes (but are quickly approaching the 6-9 clothes).  When you were weighed last, at 2 months, you were 14 lbs.  I'm guessing it's more like 15 these days.  You are still very long and pretty skinny (although you rocking quite a few rolls, which I love!!!)

We get to do something really fun to celebrate your 3 month birthday today: go to DISNEYLAND!  I'm so excited to see your reaction to things.  I know you won't really know whats going on, but I think you'll like it!  I'm hoping for a picture with the big mouse ;-)

Elijah James, I love you so so so much and we can't picture life without you.  You make me smile, laugh, cry tears of joy, and are just the best thing to have happened to me.  I feel so blessed to be your momma and am grateful that God entrusted me with your life.  You are a wonderful little boy!

I love you to the moon and back!

Love,
your momma

2 months

Dear Elijah James,

You are 2 months old today!  Um, when did that happen??  Elijah, you are such a great baby and are just so much fun to watch as you learn about the world.  You spend your days sleeping, eating, smiling, cooing, observing your surroundings, watching your fur brother, and loving on momma and daddy.  Your absolute favorite is when we "coo" at you.  Seriously, you think this is hilarious and smile without fail every time.

I've said this a thousand times, but you make us so so so happy!  You are the best baby and we are loving learning your every cry, laugh, squirm.  You still like your swing but seem to get bored with it easier these days.  One of your favorite things to do is sit on our laps and "talk" to us.  You also like us to help you stand.  Such a big boy already!  You love to feel big and strong.  I'm not sure what you are weighing these days but will find out in just two short days.  I have a feeling that you'll be topping the charts though.

Sometimes I just look at you and stare, thinking, "how on earth did I get so lucky?"  You are just beautiful, my son, and I am so happy to be your momma.  You make every day so sweet.  I'm so excited for the next month with you.  Some things to look forward to:
-visiting family in Texas
-celebrating lots of birthdays (Mimi's, Aunt Brooke's, and Papa's)
-breaking in our new home
-enjoying some warmer weather
-momma's first mother's day (I expect extra snuggles that day)

My heart overflows with love for you!

Love,
Your momma

Blog facelift and other life events

I decided to give the blog a little facelift today.  I'm liking it but might still change the title... just a warning.  We have a lot of "new" going on lately, you know, with having a baby and figuring out to take care of him 24/7 and all.  We are LOVING being Elijah's parents and think he is just the coolest little dude.  He's starting to smile more often and it's so fun to see his little personality start to come out.  He's hilarious, a trait I like to think he gets from both his parents.

Another "new" thing is that we're moving!  Yes, you read that right.  We have a 5 week old and have made the brilliant decision to move to a new house.  We love the new place and are only feeling slightly overwhelmed with the idea of packing.  It'll be a really good move for us and is only 5 minutes from our current house, so isn't a huge move distance wise.

If moving and caring for an infant wasn't enough, I've decided to take on 2 DIY projects.  I'm finally going to refinish our dining room table.  I talked about doing it here but that never happened.  Oops.  I'm also going to refinish and paint an old desk and use it as a buffet in our new dining area.  Pretty excited about both projects and am planning to go buy the supplies once little man wakes up.

I'll leave you with some Elijah pictures because, let's face it, he's really cute!

Elijah's birth story

I know this story is a whole month late but late is better than never, right?  For starters, let me say that our birth story was totally different than what I dreamed and prayed for.  The only thing that went as planned was that my baby boy was born into this world beautiful and healthy.  And that makes it all okay.  Bare with me, this will be a long one...

I had a routine checkup on the morning of March 1st, just 3 short days before my due date.  The appointment went as they always did: walk to back, weight check, blood pressure check, go to the room, wait for doctor, cervical check, find out there had been NO progress since last week.  Then the doctor proceeded to measure my stomach and uterus size.  This is where things start to go a little bit differently.  The doctor got a very surprised look on her face and told me that stomach was measuring two weeks ahead of where I should be.  This was a HUGE surprise for both of us since I had been measuring on check the entire pregnancy.  She decided to send me for detailed growth ultrasound where the ultrasound tech would measure the baby and give us an estimate of how much the baby would weigh.  The ultrasound was scheduled for the following Monday, March 4th, my due date!  I honestly wasn't that concerned at this point since I knew that stomach measurements were a very imperfect way of measuring the baby.  I figured he was just laying funny at the time... Nope.

Fast forward to my due date.  The day that we had waited for had finally arrived.  But no baby.  Nope, not even close.  Elijah was still way too comfortable (and as we'd soon find out, way too big) to come out.  My brother had flown into town the night before and so he escorted me to my lovely ultrasound.  It took about 30 minutes from start to finish and the tech did all kinds of measurements to get a very accurate reading on big Elijah was.  When it was all finished she told me the results had to be read by the radiologist and would be ready the next day.  Great.  I love waiting.  Luckily, my awesome mom and sister were flying in later that day to distract me.

The next morning we all decided to go to Target to get a few things.  Immediately upon walking into Target I hear my phone ring and see that the call is from Kaiser.  I answer, thinking nothing of it, only to hear my doctor on the other end.  She tells me that she received my ultrasound and the results were "surprising".  She told me, and I quote, "Stephanie, you are going to have a very big baby."  I laughed and asked just how big was she talking.  She, not laughing, told me that Elijah was measuring 11 lbs 5 oz.  I was definitely not laughing anymore.  In fact, if I'm being totally honest with you, I started crying.  11 lbs and 5 oz?  How in the world could that possible?  She explained that these ultrasounds are very accurate but could be off by a pound either way.  "So your telling me I could have a 12 pound baby?" I asked her.  She told me that she recommended a c-section be done as soon as possible but that we would discuss further at my already scheduled appointment later that day.  Once we arrived at the appointment I had allowed the news to sink in a little, although still felt extremely sick to my stomach.  My doctor explained to me that a c-section was the safest route of delivery for Elijah and that since he was so large, vaginal would either be too dangerous or simply not possible.  We decided to follow my doctor's recommendation and scheduled a c-section for March 7th at 11:00 am.

I was devastated.  I had dreamed of delivering my baby the old fashioned way and couldn't believe that wasn't going to happen.  I wanted to do it medication free.  I had my birthing ball all ready to go.  We had practiced breathing techniques.  We were totally prepared.  Except we weren't at all.  Not for this.  Jason was amazing at letting me grieve the birth experience I had planned for.  I took the next two days to be sad but also start to accept my new reality.  My family was great at helping me see "the bright side."  "Elijah won't have a pointy head," they would tell me.  It didn't make the sadness go away, but it definitely made me laugh!

March 7th was a cold, rainy day, which was exactly the type of weather I had hoped he'd be born in.  We got to the hospital at 9 am and they started all the preparations for surgery.  I was extremely calm at this point, much to Jason's surprise.  I was cracking jokes left and right and chatting it up with all the nurses.  It wasn't until 10:30 am, 30 minutes for the surgery, that my nerves kicked in.  All of the sudden I realized how hungry and THIRSTY I was and knew that it would be hours until I could eat or drink something.  This thought, for some reason, made me panic.  Then I realized that I was about to have major surgery.  Why this thought didn't enter my mind until 30 minutes before surgery I have no idea.  They took me to the operating room at about 11:15 am (my doctor was late, of course).  I was shaking from be so nervous but luckily, it didn't affect the spinal.  I started getting numb immediately and before I knew it, couldn't feel anything my chest down.  For some, very dumb, reason I decided to try to move my knee, just because.  Of course, I was not able to move my knee and I started to panic.  Seriously.  Straight up panic.  My blood pressure sky rocketed and I started to dry heave.  My anesthesiologist gave me something in my IV to help and thankfully, it did.  I calmed down and soon after, Jason was allowed in the room.  Jason helped keep me calm through the rest of the surgery by showing me old pictures on his phone and telling me about them.  Finally, at 11:45am, my doctor told me, "Okay Stephanie, your going to feel a lot of pressure".  And then, all of the sudden, we heard the most amazing sound in the world.  Elijah sweet cry.  He was here.  And perfect!  All the nurses were shouting "congratulations!" and "he's definitely a boy!".  And then, one nurse finally told us, "10 pounds, 5 oz and 24.5 inches long!"  All I could think was, "I have a son."

Jason was able to see him being pulled out and didn't leave his side for a second (except to show me a quick picture).  It was about 10 minutes until he was able to bring him to me so I could kiss his head.  That was one of the best moments of my entire life.  Meeting my son.  We went to recovery about 30 minutes after Elijah was born and I was able to do skin to skin and breastfeed.  It was so beautiful and a moment I will never, ever forget.

Although my birth experience was different than I had hoped, it was totally and completely perfect.

Anxiously awaiting Elijah James!

About to meet our son

10 pounds, 5 oz of perfect baby boy! 

First family picture

1 Month Old

Dear Elijah,

Today you are 1 month old!  I can't believe how fast the time is flying!  I was getting a little lot impatient towards the end of the pregnancy and it seemed to just drag by, but now that you're here I wish the time would go a little slower!

You are the most wonderful baby!  You are content most of the time (other than when you're hungry, sleepy, or gassy, of course) and you are a GREAT sleeper!  You are already sleeping in 4-5 hour stretches at night, which makes mama and daddy very happy!  You're constantly making us laugh at all your silly faces, and boy do you have a lot of them.  You just love to stare at our faces and figure us out.  You are such a joy!

At your 3 week appointment you weighed 10 lbs 7 oz and were as healthy as can be.  You were in the 85th percentile for weight and 100th percentile for height- our BIG boy!  You're eating every 3-4 hours and loving every minute of it.  You sure enjoy your milk!

Here are some of your favorite things:
-Sleeping on daddy's chest
-Being in your swing
-Listening to mama's voice
-Riding in the car
-Looking at the curtains in our living room
-Talking to your animal friends (above your swing and your play mat)
-Being held, kissed, and snuggled
-Breaking out of your swaddle
-Sleeping
-EATING!

You make us SO happy, my son.  I can hardly believe your ours!  We feel beyond lucky to be your parents.  We love you so, so, so much!  Happy 1 month birthday, Elijah James!

Love,
Your mama


Dear Elijah,

Happy 1 month birthday, buddy! I absolutely cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. It has been one of the most amazing months ever! You are just so much fun to hang out with. As I'm sitting here typing this, Mom is singing songs to you and you are enjoying it--singing songs with you has become one of our favorite things to do!

Everybody always says how cute you are, how impressed they are with your bigness (they also are impressed with Mommy on that note, as well!), and how they wish they could hold you all the time! And it's not surprising because, Elijah boy, you are already such a cool dude! We love you so much and we can't wait to see what the next months and years bring. We are so excited to be here as you get bigger. You are awesome!

Love,
Daddy

Dear Baby: 40 Weeks

Dear Elijah James,

Well, here we are at the day your daddy and I have been dreaming of for 9 long months... March 4th, your due date!  I can't believe the day is finally here and also can't believe you're not here yet.  I thought for sure you'd be an early baby, but it just goes to show, there is NO predicting when a baby will be born.  We are trying to be patient, son, but to tell you the truth, we are really, REALLY ready to meet you!  We are just so in love with you already and know that that love is going to grow exponentially once we hold you in our arms, smell your sweet smell, and kiss your adorable cheeks.

Your Uncle Wes got into town last night and your MiMi and Aunt Brooke get in this afternoon.  They're all here to meet you, my son!  You are so loved by so many.  I'm so excited that they are here and know that there will lots of walking and eating spicy foods in my future- did I mention that they're ready for you to be here too??

Although everyone is anxious for your big debut you come when you're ready, my little man!  We want you to be as healthy as can be and if that means taking some extra time to cook, se be it.  Daddy keeps telling me that my belly is just too comfortable of a home for you... I hope that's true.  I hope you've been comfortable, but just so you know, it's gonna be way better out here.  Just think of all the snuggles waiting for you!

I love you so incredibly much, my son!  Can't wait for your birthday!

Love,
Your Mama

Dear Baby: 39 Weeks

Dear sweet baby boy,

ONE MORE WEEK!  That is all that's standing between us and our due date.  7 short days.  Crazy, huh?  But if you want to make it shorter and come out before then, no one would complain!  We are finding ourselves getting impatient over here but know that you are totally and completely worth the wait, so come out whenever you're ready, little guy!

You must be getting really cramped in there!  I can tell that you're getting bigger (and chunkier) by the day based on how big your movements are!  It's so funny to watch you squirm around in there, it looks like you're trying to find a way out.  Just remember, there is plenty of room to stretch out once you make your big debut.

I'm still finding myself feeling pretty good considering how very pregnant I am!  Now that the pain in my stomach is gone for the most part I'm able to do so much more.  I'm trying to keep very busy and that has been wonderful.  I've been going for daily walks with your buddy Charlie and making lunch dates with friends, it's been great!  I'm definitely thankful for these weeks off work to relax and get ready for YOU!

Daddy's office threw us a beautiful shower today and we had such a blast!  We got to eat delicious lasagna and cupcakes for dessert, play a fun game, and open presents.  It was so much fun to celebrate with daddy's wonderful coworkers who love and pray for you already!  The shower was Dr. Seuss themed and part of the decorations were several Dr. Seuss books, which they generously gave to us to add to your book collection.  We can't wait to read them to you!  Will you like books as much as your Daddy does?  I bet so!

I love you so much, my son, and am literally counting the days till you're in my arms!

Love,
Your mama

Dear Baby: 38 Weeks

Dear Elijah James,

As I sit here typing this letter you are rolling around in my tummy and making me laugh!  All I can do is be amazed at you and wonder what in the world you're doing in there.  I know it's getting snug in there, buddy, but you only have a couple more weeks (give or take) and then you can really stretch out!  I know I sound like a broken record here but we can't wait to meet you!  Daddy and I start every day by saying "you think today will be the day?".  Elijah, do you think it'll be today??

You have so many people who are anxiously awaiting your arrival.  You are just such a loved little boy!  Mama got to have breakfast with some dear friends this morning and they were all asking about you and can't wait to give you lots of snuggles.  See what you have to look forward?  It's gonna be really great out here, I promise!

I'm still feeling pretty good and am actually surprising myself that I'm as patient as I am.  The pain in my belly is getting better and I think that's because you are getting lower every day.  Last week we found out that I am 50% effaced but not dilated at all.  Don't worry if you don't know what that means, I don't really either.  All I know is that 50% is progress and that makes me happy.  We have another appointment on Thursday- maybe that will bring good news?

I love you so much, my son!  I am counting down the days till I can hold you in my arms.  You are my pride and joy!

Love,
Your Mama

Dear Baby: 37 Weeks

Dear sweet boy,

37 weeks!  Can you believe it?  We've made it to full-term status!!!  At this point it is safe for you to come at anytime.  We can't believe we are answering "any day now" when people ask when you're coming but we are so happy to be doing so.  You bring us so much joy and we can't wait to meet you and hold you and snuggle you and kiss you!  I think you're getting ready to meet us to... there's not much room left in there!  Did you know that the doctor guessed that you are already 7 lbs??  Are you gonna be a  big baby?  We'll find out soon!  Daddy and I are still guessing that you'll weigh right around 8 lbs 4 oz.

Mama's been having some very sharp pains in her tummy this week caused by the ever stretching belly and someone's little booty pushing out.  It hurts really bad but I just keep reminding myself that it means you are getting bigger and stronger and are one day closer to greeting the world.  Because of that realization I can endure any pain that comes my way (and I believe I have A LOT coming my way very soon.) :-)

I am very pleased to tell you that we are pretty much completely ready for you over here!  Your room is done, clothes washed and out away, closet organized, crib made, car seat installed... now all we need is YOU!  You take as much time as you need to come out, we want you to be healthy, but we'd love it if you came sooner rather than later.  Here's a little peek into your room:

We love you so much, Elijah!  Stay warm in there cause it's sure cold out here!  And don't worry, if you decide come when it's cold, I'll keep you nice and warm.  I LOVE to snuggle!

Love,
Your mama

Dear Baby: 36 Weeks

Dear Elijah,

Here we are at 36 weeks!  Only 28 days until our due date- wow!!!  I can't believe how short of a time we have left but am beyond ready to meet you!  I am officially on maternity leave starting today and am already loving the restful time off.  Now that I'm off work I will definitely have my hands full with getting your room in order cause it's a little bit of a mess right now.  I'm excited to wash all of your tiny clothes and organize your toys!

Some wonderful friends threw us the most beautiful baby shower this weekend.  Your daddy and I feel beyond grateful and blessed by the wonderful gifts we received for you.  You are one very lucky boy!  Here are some pictures from the shower:

The gifts!

Yummy dessert and drinks table

The most beautiful grandmas in the world!

Cousins!

Me with the awesome hostesses- and yes, I know, you're getting big in there!

We played a game at the baby shower where the hostesses asked me several questions and matched my answers with what daddy had said earlier.  One question was when I thought you would be born and when I WANTED you to be born.  For the record, I think you'll be born around 39 weeks but WANT you to be born at 37 weeks.  37 weeks is full-term right?  Works for me!  Patience has never come easy to me :-)

I love you so much, my sweet son.  You are such a joy to so many already!

Love,
Your mama

Dear Baby: 35 Weeks

Dear baby boy,

35 weeks!  5 weeks until your due date, 2 weeks until your considered full term, and 1 week until I'm on maternity leave!  Wow, time really is flying now.  Although I already feel like I know you like the back of my hand, it's almost time to really meet you and I can't wait!!

Our church threw us a beautiful baby shower today and I had so much fun.  I think you did too because you were moving around the whole time.  We had such a good time eating yummy desserts, playing games, opening wonderful presents, and of course, talking about you, my sweet boy!  Pastor Judy even spoke about your name-Elijah- and what it means to have such a strong, powerful name to live up to.  It was a wonderful devotion and I feel so blessed to be part of such a loving, generous church that cares so much about us- all 3 of us!

I'm feeling pretty good out here for the most part but my sleep is definitely getting worse.  I fall asleep within seconds but usually can only stay asleep for about an hour and then it's all downhill from there.  Tonight we tried a nice, long walk and I'm hoping that will tire out my body and help me stay asleep tonight.  All in all, I think my body is definitely getting adjusted to having less sleep.

Apparently you're tipping the scales at 5 1/4 lbs this week and measuring about 18 inches long.  I can't believe how big you are!  You're almost to size you'll be when your born, just gotta put on a little more baby chub!  I can't wait to kiss those cute little cheeks!  You're daddy and I are continually amazed that the Lord chose us to be your parents.  We feel so lucky!   We love you so, so much Elijah and can't wait till the day we get to finally meet you.

Love,
Your Mama

Dear Baby: 34 Weeks

Dear Elijah James,

We got to do something really fun this weekend!  Our awesome, dear friend Kaylyn took some maternity photos of us.  I've only seen two so far but I LOVE them both.  You were the star of the shoot, my little one.  Did you know that your mama climbed a fence AND a big hill just so that we could get to this awesome spot?  Ain't nothing stopping this pregnant lady from getting a good shot.  It was so worth it, although I'm pretty sure me straddling a fence looked absolutely ridiculous!

34 weeks, bud!  We are getting so close.  The doctor is taking me out of work at 36 weeks which means I only two full weeks of work left.  Crazy!  What will I spend my days doing, you ask?  Oh, the possibilities are endless!  Take a nap, wash all your clothes, nap, pack the hospital bags, nap, have lunch with girlfriends, nap.  I can't wait for a little downtown before the big day!  Did you know that you're allowed to come anytime after 37 weeks?  Seriously, if you're ready, I'd be totally fine if you came around then!  I'm just so ready to meet you, my son.

We're still busy getting ready for you.  Last night we bought a very comfy chair pad for the rocking chair in your room so our butts don't go numb rocking you.  I imagine we'll spend a lot of time there together.  Your daddy and I sat in your room for awhile last night dreaming about rocking you and changing you and playing with you... we can't wait!  We love you so much!  Stay safe in there, we've almost made it!

Love,
Your mama


Here's a little sneak pic of our maternity pictures:

Dear Baby: 33 Weeks

Dear sweet baby,

How are you doing in there, Mr. soccer star?  We always knew you were kicker but this weekend we learned just how STRONG you are.  I woke up at 3am on Saturday morning to excruciating pain in my ribs and didn't know what was wrong.  The pain was so bad for the whole day that I couldn't move or sit up without daddy's help.  We finally decided to go visit the doctor on Sunday afternoon since the pain still hadn't gone away.  There were some really scary things that the very nice doctor was able to rule out and finally determined that the pain I was feeling was most likely caused by a VERY strong little boy who likes to kick and snuggle up against his mama's ribs.  We must have heard 10 times how "active" you are and what a good baby you are (which we already knew, of course).  We were so proud to hear that!  We love you so much and can't wait to see if you'll be that active once your born.  We're gonna have our hands full, huh?  That sounds perfectly fine to me!

Everything else is great out here!  We are very busy with work, church, and preparing for your arrival.  My to-do list items for the next couple of weeks are to start packing my hospital bag and start washing some of your clothes.  I can't believe that it's time for that already but it is!  I wasn't planning on packing my hospital bag just yet but after being monitored at the hospital and seeing several contractions (false labor) on the screen I figured it's probably better just to be prepared.

Can you believe we only 7 more weeks until your due date?  And only 4 until we're full term!!!!!  We can't wait, Elijah!  We love you more than you'll ever know.

Love,
Your Mama

Dear Baby: 32 Weeks

Dear Elijah,

This weeks pictures come to you straight from your nursery!  Do you like what you see so far?  I sure hope so, cause I love it!  I'll take more pictures of the room soon, I promise.

I can't believe we're 32 weeks this week!  This pregnancy is flying by and soon, you'll be in my arms!  Oh how I can't wait for that day.  I only have 5 more weeks of work until maternity leave starts which is making everything feel so real.  We're ready for you, sweetie!

I decided to do a fun little questionnaire this week to help me organize thoughts.  Here we go:

How big is baby? somewhere around 4 lbs and measuring between 17 and 19 inches long!

Sleep? Not so hot.  I've been experiencing a lot of pregnancy induced insomnia and it's definitely no fun.  I'm waking up somewhere around 3 times a night to either pee or because I'm uncomfortable and then I can't fall back asleep!  Very unlike me.

Symptoms? Frequent urination, fatigue, insomnia, lots of braxton hicks contractions, and feeling generally uncomfortable

Food Cravings? Nothing this week.

Gender? a sweet baby boy!  Elijah James :-)

Belly Button? It's becoming an innie/outie

What I'm looking forward to? Maternity leave in 5 weeks and most of all, meeting my little boy!!!!


We love you so, so much Elijah and we hope the next 8 weeks fly by as fast as the last 32 have!

Love,
Your Mama