36 Weeks.

Elliott:

You're less than a month from being here!  This week you weigh around 6 pounds, and measure anywhere from 19 to 22 inches long, (still about the size of a large cantaloupe).  I think you've dropped some, because I feel like I am breathing a little easier, and everyone has commented that you look lower this week.

We went to see Dr. Chang for our weekly appointment on Monday.  I have not started dilating yet, but I have started to efface.  He says we still have time to prepare for your arrival, but that he wouldn't be surprised if you come a little early.  I can't wait to go back Monday and see if we've made any progress!

This week we got busy finishing all the last minute projects on our "to do list".  Your Daddy put together your cradle, and swing.  The swing is in the living room and the cradle is in our bedroom, where you'll sleep for the first few months.  Tonight Nathan and Natalie helped us install your car seat and we learned how to attach the car seat to your stroller.

I've also been reading up on everything I can find about labor, delivery and breastfeeding to prepare for the big day.  We put together a birth plan and reviewed it with Dr. Chang at our appointment this week, and I think we're all on the same page as far as how we would like your birthday to go.

This week I've been crazy hungry.  Watching what I eat has gone out the window at this point.  I did however sign up to run a half marathon in Nashville about 3 and half months after you're born.  I'm looking forward to seeing you and your Daddy cheering for me on the sidelines.

Next week you'll officially be "full term" and safe to arrive.  I'm so excited to meet you, but I'm trying to savor my last few weeks with you close and safe in my womb.  I know I'm gonna miss feeling your sweet little kicks, rolls, and hiccups in my belly.  

I love you sweet boy,
Momma

Elliott's Nursery.

Elliott's nursery is finally complete!  We had such a good time hand picking every piece, and I'm very pleased with how it turned out. 

The view from the doorway.

His alphabet wall.

His bed, rocker, and "Lola" artwork.

His bedding, and the quilt Laura made for him.

His penguin, Gary already has named him Tripy. 

Changing station and a closer look at the alphabet wall.

I can't keep from going and rocking in his rocking chair picturing him playing on the floor.  It's been 9 months in the works, and now it's finally complete.  The only thing missing is our sweet little boy!

35 Weeks.

Elliott:

We're only 5 weeks away from meeting you!  We went to see Dr. Chang this week and he says everything is looking good.  You're still head down, and he thinks you will weigh somewhere in the 7 pound range at birth.  Right now you could be up to 22 inches long and weigh around 5.5 pounds, the size of a large cantaloupe.  We start going for check-ups once a week from here on out, which makes your arrival feel very close. 

We went to visit your grandparents, aunt and uncle this week in Texas.  While we were there they enjoyed watching and feeling you move around, and we discussed grandparent names for your grandma and grandpa, but nothing has been decided yet.  Everyone is looking forward to meeting you.  The Millender side of the family showered us with gifts for you at Thanksgiving.  You're one lucky little boy already!

We went and picked out of Christmas tree this week, and the house is all ready for the holidays.  My last few belly shots will have to share the wall with the tree.  When I found out you were due early January, December seemed forever away.  Now it is upon us, and we're all giddy with excitement!

Keeping growing strong,

Momma

Life lately, according to my iPhone.

(1.) Operation Christmas Child.  (2.) Thanksgiving dinner.

(3.) Gary and Murphy. (4.) Grant family siblings.

(5.) Our fun tree. (6.) Peace. (7.) Big Santa.

(8.) Christmas tree shopping. (9.) Our real tree.

Thanksgiving 2011.

We spent our Thanksgiving in Fort Worth, TX with Gary's family, as is our usual tradition.  While we were there his family also had a baby shower for Elliott.  We got more nice things, and I think aside from his carseat, Elliott is set!  What a lucky little boy to have such sweet family.

While in Texas, we ate lots of good food, watched the Hogs heartbreaking game against LSU, and spent time catching up with family.

Elliott's shower in Texas.

Opening gifts for Elliott.

Gary's sister, Gina and her husband, Zach at Thanksgiving dinner.

Enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at Garys Aunt and Uncle's house in Allen, TX.

My mother and father-in law at Kincaid's Hamburgers.

We have so much to be thankful for this year! We're looking forward to cherishing our last holiday season as a family of two.  The next time we travel to Texas we'll be bringing an extra family member!

Elliott's Maternity Photos.

Recently we had our friend Grant take some maternity photos for us to show Elliott some day.  Grant normally shoots weddings and engagements, but agreed to do this for us, and I think he did a wonderful job.  Just wanted to share a few with you, you can see the rest on my facebook.

34 Weeks.

Elliott:

I can tell you've done some growing, because this week you have discovered my ribs.  I'm getting lots of little painful jabs now.  This week you weight about 4.9 pounds, measuring around 19 to 22 inches long, the size of a pineapple!

We're leaving today to go see your grandparents in Texas for Thanksgiving.  I can't help but wonder what our lives will look like next Thanksgiving as a family of 3.  By then you may be almost walking and talking.  You're not even here yet and I already want to slow down how fast (I know) you are going to grow up!

I went ahead and started pulling out our Christmas decorations, since I figure it will take me a little longer to put it all up this year.  I'm glad to have the holidays as a distraction at the end of my pregnancy.  I hope they make the next 6 weeks fly by!

So thankful for you,
Momma