See Ya Soon!

After patiently waiting for what seems like for-ev-er, we will finally get to meet our baby girl tomorrow! I'm officially 10 days past my due date, and Elle is still partying it up in my belly. Even though she seems quite comfy, this momma is not! These past two weeks have been pretty rough. I can't get comfortable anymore, walking short distances just from the couch to the bathroom is a challenge, and sleep has not been an option. Todd doesn't sleep anymore either. I kind of developed a snoring problem.. Oops. So I guess we're both pretty over this pregnancy thing. I know I can't really complain because up until this point it hasn't been too bad (But I do miss wine).

We are going to the hospital tonight at midnight to start the induction process. Our doctor gets back in town today from a week long vacay- just in time to deliver our baby. I like his style.. and Elle's. Apparently she thought it was important to wait for him. As much as I would have preferred to go into labor on my own, I can't wait it out any longer! 

I know I will miss having my baby so close to me. There is nothing I love more than feeling her roll and tumble around in my belly. It is the most incredible feeling (sometimes not so much- her favorite move is to lodge her lil butt in my rib cage). However, there will be nothing more incredible than finally getting to see her sweet face!

Dear Elle~

Your daddy and I are so excited this day is finally here! Ever since hearing your heart beat for the first time 36 weeks ago, we have dreamed about meeting you. We've wondered who you will look like- if you will be blonde and green eyed like me or dark like your daddy. Will you be easy going and sweet like him as a baby, or sassy and feisty like I was. Either way, we are so ready to meet you. We can't wait to count 10 toes and 10 fingers, and have the doctor tell us you are healthy as can be! 

My pregnancy with you these past 9 (let's be real- 10) months has been fairly easy! From the beginning, you've been an active baby. Every appointment it takes Dr Milek a little bit to find your heartbeat because you are such a wiggle worm! You always seemed to be enjoying yourself and maybe it's because of all the yummy treats you've been getting thanks to my cravings for Mr. Ronnie's, Chick fil A, Scarlet Scoop, and every other dessert you can imagine. I've definitely enjoyed myself too, but now it's time to move on to the next step and start our lives together as a family! 

We love you! See ya soon baby girl!

Still waiting on Elle...

(By Nanny Kel)

Sweet baby Elle, the boys are super excited about meeting you! Here's what's been going on in thier minds these past few months...

1.  Ryker and Hudson love to watch you move and tumble in your mommy's belly. They aren't sure how got in there or how you are getting out, but it looks like you are having fun! 

2.  Ryker and Hudson have been spending a lot time in your mommy's backseat since she has been picking them up from school.  At first, there was some concern over how your car seat might fit! But don't worry, Ryker's got the seat assignments all figured out. You're good!  He's volunteered to ride in the back back. 

3.  Ryker thinks you are going to have blonde hair like Olivia. Hudson agrees. (Even though Hudson doesn't know who Olivia is) 

4.  Ryker is worried you won't have many toys to play with when you come to our house because we don't have any girl toys. But Hudson says it's cool, his mommy has plenty shoes, makeup and tons of spray cans in her bathroom drawers, which are way better than toys anyway. 

5.  Hudson is really looking forward to taking you for a spin on his 4-wheeler.  But it's likely Ryker will advise against that. 

6.  Ryker reminds us that we can only call you baby Elle for so long before we will have to drop the baby and just call you Elle.  Noted. 

7.  Hudson has really been getting to know all your "pals". (Not dolls, "pals"). In fact, your mommy even let him take one home and he named it Baby Elle. And...For Easter, your mommy and daddy got Baby Elle a friend who we call George. We can't wait for you to meet them!  

8.  Mickey Mouse and his clubhouse are the coolest characters ever. Ever. No question. We'll do the hotdog dance together.  (Oh and you have to see Frozen. You'll love Elsa)

Ryker's A Graduate!

Last week was Ryker's PreK Graduation at First Methodist. I knew I would be extra emotional thanks to my crazy hormones, but was not prepared for all the tears that would come. Seeing our little Ryker man in his precious cap and gown was just too much!!

He's all growns up now - not sure when this happened. After this summer, he's off to St. Francis & kindergarten. Don't think I'm quite ready to picture him in a uniform... we'll have to deal with that later.

Could not be more proud of him!!

Meet Daddy

A few things to learn about your daddy...

1. He's a comedian - he makes everyone around him laugh, especially your mommy

2. His favorite movie as a kid was the Jungle Book - he's waiting to watch the sequel with you 

3. He's supportive - he's been to every doctor's appointment since finding out you were on the way

4. He's your biggest fan - he loves you so much already

5. He loves to cook... breakfast - he makes the best fried egg

6. He loves music - he always has a great playlist to liven up the party

7. He's a Rocky fanatic - he can recite every movie

8. He's obsessed with cars - anything that's fast 

9. He lived in Italy for two months - he travelled the country with a friend and has plenty of stories to tell

10.  He has great taste - he bought your first fur vest and helped design our first home

11. He's creative - his mind is always racing with new ideas 

12. He's protective - he'll always take care of you and everyone he loves

13. He's loyal - he's the best brother and friend 

14. He's determined - when he gets something in his head, he will always follow it through

15. He's dependable - you can count on him, always

16. He loves his family above all else - he would do anything for them

He's the best daddy to you already and can't wait to meet you!

Waiting on Elle

This is my first of many blog posts! Thanks to my incredibly thoughtful sisters for starting me off with this blog- such a sweet and special Mother's Day gift. As much as I wanted to, I could never get myself to start one. What would I do without my sisters?! I can't wait to capture all of our family's special moments.

I'm 39 weeks pregnant, due May 22 and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby girl, Elle! This pregnancy has flown by up until now. The waiting is the hardest part! Kelly made a good point- we already know it's a girl, and her name, so not knowing when she's coming is kind of the fun part! I guess so, but it's still killing me!! 

We're slowly but surely renovating our first home. Todd and I have temporarily moved in with my mom (Yaya). Thank goodness for her! As great as it would be to bring Elle home from the hospital to our new house, I know we'll be very grateful to have my mom's help for a little while.Todd's hopeful our house will be done by July. He's been working tirelessly to make sure everything is ready for us, and good thing because I have had a one track mind and it's been all about preparing for the baby! 

We've had so much help from our family and friends throughout this experience. We truly are lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support! Fingers crossed that Elle makes her debut soon. Hurry up Elle - let's do this!

Showered with love

Friends and family came together to throw your mom the most special baby shower in anticipation of your arrival.  Yaya's home was decorated with your fabulous clothes, books, stuffed animals and everything was finished with a touch of pink, mint and gold hearts, bows and glitter! Your mommy was glowing!