Chase Is 6 Months Old!

Udate from Jill

Hi everyone, I thought some of you might want an update on how things are going. Ben and I travelled to Phoenix in August to visit Chase and attend an Arbonne training. It was SO fun to spend time with Chase. He is such a precious, perfect boy! He loves to sleep, eat and smile. Everytime he needed to eat, or be changed, or put to bed I said, "I'll do it!" It was wonderful. The Whittemore's are in heaven with their little guy, and they are adjusting to live with a third child very well.
I didn't have any sadness at all when it was time to go home. I only look forward to every picture Jodi sends, and all the updates I get on his progress. All I can say is that God is amazing for bringing us all through this so well, and keeping us all healthy and happy.

Love, Jill

Almost 3 Months!

Update

Jill writes-

Hello everyone, I apologize for not keeping up on the updates like I should! I have been receiving many emails asking for them, so I thought I'd post this adorable picture Jodi sent me! Isn't he precious?? I have been feeling really great. I can't thank you enough for all your thoughts and prayers. They have been so important to me. It really blows my mind that there are people out there still concerned for my well being. THANK YOU ALL!!

I was planning a trip for a quick visit down to Phoenix yesterday. Oh, the joys of flying stand-by.... I spent the early morning at the airport with Ben & Lindsey (left our house at 5:45am) and didn't get on the flight. Needless to say we were all disappointed, but I will be planning another trip down really soon. We have really filled summers planned, so I am a little anxious about picking a time to go visit!

Love, Jill

Update from Jill

Jill writes-

It was so incredible to finally meet in person this precious baby that has been growing inside me for nine months. My kids enjoyed meeting him, too. Ben & Ethan visited us in the hospital and here they are holding Chase.

Lindsey was absolutely tickled to death when she got to meet baby Chase. She giggled with delight as she saw him. I wish I had a video camera ready. It was the cutest thing ever.

I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have been so positive and supportive to me through this experience. I am doing well. I don't even know where to begin! I am sure over the next couple weeks it will all come together and I will be able to get my thoughts down easier. Ryan has been incredible in taking care of me, as well as my dear friends. There have been many tears, both out of happiness and sadness since the delivery. I feel so blessed to have had the few days with Chase and his family, but the time had come for him to go home. That was difficult for both Jodi and me. I have had a few good cries since then. :) It was so wonderful being "co-mommies" in the hospital and afterwards. I know my focus now is to get recovered and focus my time and energy back onto my husband and kids! They have been so wonderful.

Love, Jill

Chase Update

Jill bought this take home outfit just hours before she checked in the hospital. The knit cap has the cutest little tiger on top.

Jodi Writes-

Wow. The last few days have been so surreal. I can't even describe my emotions. I am probably one of the few women that get to see their own child born; it was truly a miracle! Jill is my hero. I watched her labor in pain and breathe through debilitating contractions, which was extrememly hard to see. When the anesthesioligist came, I think I was almost as happy as she was. Once her epidural kicked in, we had a pleasant time with Ryan and Tim and Jen Landes (Jen is Jill's best friend and has been with her during her three other deliveries) just waiting and visiting. From the time the Doctor said she was complete, I think Chase was born within 5 minutes! There was so much joy in that room, I felt I was standing in Heaven.

Tim, Ryan and Jen left at about 5:30 and Jill and I were checked into our room at around 6 a.m. on Friday morning. We slept for about an hour and a half and then were up to talk to nurses and take care of the baby. We had full day on Friday and checked out at noon on Saturday. That day and a half with Jill and the baby was so special. Some of her family visited, which was so neat as they have been by her side throughout the pregnancy. Jill and I would just sit in her hospital bed together and admire him and have great talks. It will always be a sweet memory for me.

Even though I have two other kids, I realized I was relying on her for some of the silliest things. "Should I change him like this?" or "Should I cover his hands?" are just examples of the many questions I would ask her all day. She was so helpful, I'm really going to miss her.

After checking out on Saturday, we headed to the Ellis household to spend some more time together and to see some more visitors. It was really hard to say goodbye and head to the hotel, even though we knew we'd be back tomorrow. Jill and I shared some tears. She has been with Chase for nine months now and they are parting for the first time. This "trial run" was pretty emotional. Leaving with him and thinking about how much his life is such a gift. He wouldn't be here if she didn't follow her heart; it's a big concept, but so very true.

It's Sunday today and we are back here with Jill and all of the kids. Ryan had to fly on a 3 day trip (for those who don't know, he's a pilot with Alaska Airlines). Jill and I are going to give little Chase a bath soon.

I can't thank you all enough for your prayers, encouragement, and well wishes. Our family is humbled by the support.

Love, Jodi

Tim just moments after Chase was born. A very proud and grateful dad!
Enjoying his first bath:-)

Saturday- Chloe and Christian holding their little brother. Chloe said "This is the best day ever." Christian disagreed, "Nuh, uh . . . When Jesus came back alive was the best day ever." I'm glad he reminded me as I was with Chloe there for a minute!
Jill teaches Chloe how to change a diaper while Christian admires his brother.
36 hours old- home at "mama Jill's"

Getting ready for baby