5 Weeks

I cannot believe five weeks have come and gone. Life has been great! If it is possible, I find myself loving Eli more and more every day! Eli has been such a great baby, he has started to smile, coo and recognize Brad and I's voices which makes our time together all the more fun. Three times last week he slept for six hours without waking. This was great for all of us, especially daddy and mommy!

We have been getting out a little more, last weekend the weather here in Knoxville was beautiful! We got out for dinner Saturday night and we were able to take Eli to Market Square for brunch on Sunday followed by a walk in World's Fair Park. He loved the sunshine.

Attached is a picture from our newborn photos. He was so very good that day. Granted he pooed in Brad's hand, but we are the ones who had him naked for the shots. He may of just been a little nervous:)

Well, off to another fun filled day. Tomorrow we check out his new daycare, it will be tough for mommy, but know it will be the best for both of us.

Sending much love!

3 Weeks

It is hard to believe that Eli is already 3 weeks old. Time is going by too fast. Today, Eli got to see snow for the first time ever. We admired the snow covered trees from the window, he loved it.

Our days have been plenty busy. We are trying to work out a schedule, but challenging this early. He has been a great baby though. He fusses a little, but only when he is dirty or hungry. He loves hanging out with daddy, I can tell that they are already going to be good buds.

Brad and I had our first date last week. Grandma and Grandpa McCarter came over to watch Eli before they went to the UT basketball game, it was nice to have alone time, but we missed him so very much. We came home to a happy baby and caught Grandpa Jim already talking to Eli about setting up a "Tee Time". I have a funny feeling Eli is going to have a golf club in his hand once he can start walking.

Well, diaper duty calls....until next time:)

Welcome Eli James

He's here!!!! The long wait is over and now looking back, I would do it all over again. Eli is such a blessing to Brad and I's life. He was born December 29th at 8:25pm. He weighed 8 lbs and was 20 inches long. I was in labor for a total of 11 hours, but with the happy drugs, I was able to nap most of the day. Brad and I were admitted at 6 am and they broke my water at 9:30...and then the fun began. I worked through the contractions until I was dilated 3cm, I had enough and called on the epidural. And then I was happy again. The day was long, but we had plenty of visitors to keep our time occupied. When it turned 7 pm, I knew I was getting close, Brad kicked everybody out of the room and the fun began. I started feeling more and more, and when the doctor came to visit us at 8 pm, she said it was time. Our room turned into a circus. We had five different professionals setting up, getting ready for the party. After my first cycle of pushing, Eli crowned. Grandma Shirley was very excited, she saw the full head of black hair. After two more cycles of pushing, I was told to stop and wait for the doctor, Eli was eager to meet us. After the doctor arrived, one push and Eli was here, it was truly the most amazing moment in my life. I looked at Brad and could tell that it was for him too.

The past week has been filled with visitors excited to meet Eli, and everybody has been so generous and kind...we has food for the next month and I also got about 20 babysitter offers.

All in all, our experience was wonderful, I couldn't have asked for anything more, the best part about it, is that we have this sweet little man who we love so much.

Stay Tuned..

So here I am, 36 weeks, where has the time gone? I am now seeing my doctor on a weekly basis until Eli arrives. She is so happy with the progress, as am I. I have been so fortunate to have such a smooth pregnancy. So far, there have been no problems or concerns and I feel very blessed! Brad is as ready as I am. We are both so excited and ready for this incredible change in ours lives.
Chances are that I will not post another blog until Eli gets here, but Brad has promised to update the blog while all the excitement is going on. So stay tuned....

Baby Showers

We definitely had a eventful weekend, filled with great friends and family. We are so lucky to be able to raise Eli around such great people. Friday afternoon, my place of work threw me a baby shower. The shower had a jungle theme and was too cute! I attached a picture of the diaper cake that a friend of mine made for me...she made it herself and I was amazed. On Saturday I recovered from the eventful day and got up and going again on Sunday. Brad and I traveled to Chattanooga for another shower thrown by two of my other mothers who totally outdid themselves. The day was great! I was surrounded by wonderful family, great food and friends. With all the support and wonderful gifts from both showers, Brad and I are confident that we are ready for Eli to get here. I can't believe that he will be here a little over a month....where has time gone?

The Nursery

This weekend we finally completed the nursery for Eli. The room is so cozy that Brad feel asleep in the chair while reading a book yesterday. We are so very excited to use it even more once the little guy gets here. We spent the weekend catching up with friends and also attended our first basketball game of the season...GO VOLS!!!!
We only have about seven more weeks to go and we are wondering where time has gone. We met with the doctor again on Friday and everything is still going great. When Brad asked how big he is right now, she estimated that he is close to four pounds....good golly!!!! My belly is growing about an inch a week, just when I feel like I cannot get any bigger. Emotions have been a hot topic the past week, but the great weekend helped me chill out again. So, as you can tell, things are going great. No complaints here:)

Birthing Classes

Last night we had our second birthing class and oh the things I realized. First, Brad is a great breather! We did this exercise on different breathing techniques and he was so focused and did great. I tried to focus as much as he did, but I couldn't stop giggling. He is going to be such a great help when I am in labor. Secondly, I want drugs as soon as contractions begin. We watched a video on labor all the way to the birth, and golly those ladies go through alot of pain. It is finally getting through my head that Eli has to come out of me somehow too and the way that is, doesn't look pleasant.
The countdown has begun, and Brad and I are getting closer and closer to becoming parents. The nursery is ready, we almost have everything we need, and now we just sit back and wait. I am 31 weeks along, meaning Eli can arrive anytime between 38 and 40 week...that is not far away!
Until then, Brad and I are going to try and stay busy. Basketball season has begun, and thanks to my father-in-law...we have great seats, perfect for a pregnant woman to get to. No more 32 steps to climb...yeah us! We also have the holidays fast approaching. I have been realizing how much work it is to shop, so gifts cards are the way to go this year:)
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