The Stockings are Hung by the Chimney with Care

I can hardly believe that today is Christmas Eve. This year has gone so quickly. Christmas is so different without my Grandmother. I know her spirit will live on, but I'm definitely missing her this year. So glad I can be with my mom though. I love that I have my whole family together. It's been nice to hang out with both brothers, and as of Sunday, all 4 brothers! Can't wait.
I've been trying to fit in all the Jaime time possible knowing our relationship is about to change (in a good way, but nevertheless-change).
Last week, he was sick and had to take a five day antibiotic to feel better, this week-I've been desperately trying to stay well. My throat has been hurting and I've been pretty congested. My attempts as rest have for the most part kept it at bay. My waking hours have been spent gargling salt water, drinking lemon/honey mixtures, blowing my nose, and lying around. I've also been taking some pretty monumental naps.
Today is Friday, I went to the doctor on Wednesday to find out that all the contractions-even though they at times have been doubling me over and stealing my breath.....have done NOTHING!!! Baby B is perfectly content high up in my womb downing all the holiday goodies. So, the plan as of now is: I get checked again on Monday, if there is still no cervical change- then I'll be admitted on Monday night and given something to "ripen" the cervix. It's called Cervidil. Then, on Tuesday morning, they will start me on Pitocin to induce labor. I've said all along that if I have to be induced, I'll probably be getting the epidural to help-so that's pretty much where we stand as of today. A big part of me, actually, all of me- would rather skip all these interventions and wait all of this out. Let him come, when he is ready. People say, "well, aren't you miserable and just ready for this to be over?" and really, I'm not miserable, nor do I feel like he should be forced out. I don't want to evict him!! haha I just feel more like-"he'll come when he is ready." I also know that with the more interventions taken, the higher the risk of a "section." I do however understand that while I'm on the bloodthinners, they can have adverse affects on my placenta and I do not want baby in harms way at all!
Anyways, nothing is set in stone, for all I know, I could go into labor between now and Monday. God is in control, not me. I just have to rely on and trust in him. For now, I appreciate all the prayers for all of us.
Here are some pics of the nursery and a couple from Christmas day:








The nursery was painted by my sweet friend Wendi with "Lucky Buckets"

34 Weeks (8.5 months)

Wow, where has the time gone?? I feel like I still have so much to do, but so little time. My bestie, Sara, had her baby today! She called me this morning and we both cried. She told me all about the first moments with her little Emma, and I am so happy for her. She and Tim have been friends for YEARS, I know they are both on Cloud 9 right now. It made me feel overwhelmed with joy and anticipation for our little one.

My friend Wendi started painting the nursery this week too, so far it is looking GREAT! Now, I'd just love to have the furniture in here-we'll see when that happens.

Over and Out for now!

29-31 weeks

Still feeling really well pregnancy wise, I did get taken out by a cold this week, but with the help of Vicks, soup, and a humidifier- I've recovered. Our boy is moving like crazy lately,it makes me laugh to sit and watch my tummy roll. Pretty incredible feeling. He is active and Jaime and I both get a "kick" out of him :o)

We went for a doctor prescribed ultrasound at 29 weeks, but it was somewhat of a bust. We did end up going back this week (31 wks) and got a couple of pics. Baby wasn't fully cooperating. He for the most part had his hands, or a foot in front of his face, but we did get a couple of pics this time. It was really cool. We got to see him yawning, and got to see that his stomach and bladder are functioning. Amazing what you can see! What an experience. We also went to the doc this week, where we learned the baby is measuring about a week ahead of where he should be size wise. He's going to be a big'un! I did have a serious talk with him the other morning about being nice to mommy. Here are his "pictures"




We are chugging along these days, Jaime is winding down yet another semester, and is also pretty involved in Crossfit training! It's pretty hardcore, and so is he! He looks great! He has painted the nursery in preparation for our friend Wendi who has offered to paint a mural in here over Thanksgiving break.
Last weekend we had another shower and it was beautiful. We feel so overwhelmed with gratitude and love. The showers have been so sweet, and have really helped us to feel prepared. We've been blessed for sure. We even had a friend, Drionne, make a gorgeous blanket to match the nursery. It is soft and will always be so special. The shower hostesses of the first shower, Tessie, Laura, and Sara gave us our co-sleeper, so we will be ready to have him right next to us-comfy and cozy.
Well, I'm TIRED!! So, I'll write more soon. Nighty night :o)

ohhhhhhh before I go....must throw in a little info about my younger brothers Brandon and Casey!
Brandon just ended his last football season before high school!! He was the star/starting quarterback this year and his team went to #1! He was also starting defense. All this while keeping his grades up and staying sweet and humble. Proud of him. Casey is also doing really well. He LOVES middle school, of course I miss seeing him at Western Hills! He is also getting straight A's and is extremely goal oriented. He gets things done. Okay, that's my "shout out" to them. Love 'em lots.

25 Weeks!!! Woohoo!!!

Loving Life!!

Wiggles, and Kicks, and Pokes, Oh my!

This child has been kicking up a storm lately! All week I had been trying to coordinate his kicking and daddy's hands. Finally, last night it happened. 9/10/10, immediately following golf. We were chatting away and I knew he was moving about. He has been so active. Jaime put his hands on my tummy, and we both felt the biggest kick! It was amazing! Our eyes got wider and so did our smiles. So, I had to record the moment in history! I was 23 weeks and 3 days. Yeah!!
My doc ordered a 4D ultrasound around 30 weeks, that should be really cool! I didn't know he was going to do that. So, that'll be the next time we "see" the little guy. I had an appointment last week and his heartbeat was coming in and out due to the acrobatics.
Tonight he loved church, he was moving the entire service! Praise God!

Halfway There ! 20 week picture

Jaime's Birthday Celebration, and we are having a Boy!!!

Our weekend started out with a surprise trip to Arizona, Tucson to be exact!

We stayed at the beautiful Loews Resort Ventana Canyon, and Jaime played 18 holes on a Tom Fazio course. It's rated top three in Arizona! He is a great golfer.












After all the fun we had swimming, hiking, golfing, and relaxing in Tucson-it was time to head home and prepare for Jaime's birthday bash! My sweet friend Traci made his birthday cake, which also contained the answer to our surprise, "is it a boy, or a girl?" She adorned the cake with Black Label Skateboarding stuff and of course threw in a Double T, for good measure! It was a very cool cake! (Delicious too)


We had a very special night with our closest friends and with my family. We are very blessed to have so many loving, caring, FUN, prayerful people in our lives. It was nice having a house full of kiddos, and a house full of love on this memorable occasion.












Ready to sing to Jaime!!!

Make a Wish!!


Such anticipation!



It's BLUE!!!!!!! We are going to have a SON!



Can't wait until he's here in our arms.



Time for more celebrating



Happiest of smiles- Eliana and James

Happy Birthday Babe! I love that you're my baby daddy! :o)