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

Chase Ellis Whittemore

After eating his first meal

Baby is here!!

Posted by Jen Landes~ We welcomed Chase Ellis Whittemore into this world on May 2nd at 3:07am! He weighed 7 pounds 10.6 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches. He is so beautiful! It was an amazing moment. Jill was so strong, courageous, and beautiful throughout. Jodi and Tim were so excited to see and finally hold their new little guy. It is Jodi's birthday too, and she said, "Jill just gave me the best present in the whole world. I don't ever need another birthday present ever." We got proof on tape in case Tim needs it later. :)

Jill was able to get her first epidural, and so she was very comfortable. After a very long day and night, Chase decided to get into the right position and make his exit fairly quickly. The Dr. checked her saying she was complete, and with two pushes he was out. Jill and baby are both doing great. Tim fed him his first bottle, and when I left Jodi and Jill were admiring his cute little fingers and toes. We all thanked God for such an amazing gift and blessing to us all, and for taking care of everyone involved along the way.

This Is It!

Yes, Jill has dialated to 3 centimeters. Though there isn't a room in the inn, they aren't sending her home. We have Jill's sitter, Rachel, coming to our hotel room in an hour and Tim is running me to the hospital in the meantime. We will have a baby by morning. I can't believe it is real and I get to meet my son. I'll keep in touch . . .

Still Waiting

Jill spoke with her doctor who said they were going to call her several times today, but they kept having women in labor coming in and there hasn't been room. Jill packed her hospital bags and headed to Seattle today to do some serious walking. We figured if she was contracting, maybe they would admit her . . .

Well, she is. She just called me and is 10 minutes from the hospital. Her contractions are irregular, but getting to be more painful. The doctor said to go into triage and if she has not dialated to more than one centimeter (where she has been for the last two weeks) then they will send her home for the night and we will be first on the waiting list tomorrow. We have been first on the list since mid-morning today and thought for sure we'd have a baby by now.

Our family has been in our hotel room for 24 hours and we were getting a little stir crazy, so we headed to the mall for a short visit. We got the most adorable outfits for our little boy, including a precious gown for him to wear home with his initials embroidered on the front.

So, back to Jill. She will call me in the next 45 minutes to an hour and I'll know then whether I'm heading straight to the hospital or sleeping in our hotel room tonight. I will add a post the minute she calls me. It's always interesting with things in life like this that you don't have control over.

May 1st Update

It's 2 p.m. now and we haven't been called. Jill is next on the waiting list for induction and we have heard that they are swamped at the hospital. Her doctor's office called and said they are doing everything they can to get us in this afternoon. The kids can't stop talking about how they can't wait to meet their brother today. We're hoping it is today, but if it isn't, tomorrow is a great day to meet him, too. We're just happy to be in the home stretch. :-)

May 1st!

It's 7:15 a.m. and today is the day we are waiting to be called in for induction. I only slept a couple of hours last night . . . had a lot on my mind and anxiously awaiting my son. I prayed for the delivery- for him to make it through perfectly and for Jill as she sacrificially gives birth to our son. Speaking of prayer, today is the National Day of Prayer that was designated 52 years ago by Congress. I think it would be pretty neat to have a baby today. Jill thinks we have a great chance of being called in this morning, so we're gearing up and waiting. I guess that's what we've done for a while. We'll do our best to post updates throughout the day. Thanks so much for caring about our families. Love, Jodi

Looks Like It Will Be Thursday!

Jill writes-

After a day spent yesterday walking through Snohomish, weeding the yard, and walking up & down my long driveway feeling like labor is nowhere in sight, we are preparing for an induction on Thursday. I am staying active and out of the house as much as possible to avoid going stir-crazy waiting. I went to the mall today with Jen & Lori and met my mom to shop at Costco Home, while Jodi stayed back and worked in the office....I felt a little guilty for not doing the same, but my attention is just not anywhere but trying to get ready for the delivery! I have mentally checked out for now (from my business, I mean) until the baby comes. :)

Ben said everyone at school keeps asking him if I have had the baby yet. He told Jodi tonight that he is getting tired of having to say "not yet" and he wants to be able to say yes finally. I think we all do!

Tomorrow night we are all planning one last dinner together and a movie. We have Rachel coming to watch the kids and we are going to have sushi and see "Baby Mama". For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it stars Tina Fey and Amy Poehler from Saturday Night Live. Amy is a surrogate for Tina and it's supposed to be very funny. Quite appropriate for the evening before delivery, right?

As for the picture below....Jodi & I went back and forth about whether or not to post it. Sometimes when the baby is in certain positions and I have a contraction, it will make my belly into the wierdest shapes. So last night we got a picture of it...a big ball on top, and totally flat in front. It's so bizarre! I guess all modesty goes out the window since you all are part of this! :)

Update From Jill

Jill writes-
We had a very fun afternoon at Mark & Jennifer Landes' home for a barbecue yesterday. The weather was so beautiful and made us all excited for summer. As you can see in the videos, the group is so calm...easily ready for another member of the family!! :) The kids had a great time riding around the lawn on the mini-quads and searching for snakes. Chloe found two.

As far as any signs of labor, it seems that everything has quieted down so much that I think I will end up going until Thursday for our induction. It's crazy. I thought for sure that I would have delivered by now, but doesn't every pregnant woman think that??

If I am not contracting, I am comfortable, so I feel I can wait until then. The only time that I feel like I'm at the end of my rope is when I am having false labor, very uncomfortable for three or four hours, then to have it stop. I start to gear up emotionally, then have to wait some more. It's a little frustrating. However, I do feel I am as emotionally ready as I'll ever be! With all the kids and activity going on, I haven't had much time for contemplation, I admit. We're very busy. But it's ok....I know I am prepared by the Lord and being held up by all of your prayers and well wishes. Thank you all so much!

The Whittemore's will be going to a hotel on the day of delivery so they can have some family time with the new baby. The plan is that we'll come together each day so all of us and the extended family & friends can to get to know him a little, too.

So, keep checking back...we'll have news for you soon! Love, Jill

It's A Beautiful Day in Washington

The Whittemore family had such a great day yesterday in downtown Seattle. Here is a picture of us at Pike Place Market, where we bought beautiful fresh flowers, fresh monk fish, clams, fresh jam, and the biggest artichokes you've ever seen! We went to the Seattle Aquarium as well. We returned home and Jill was in bed sleeping. She started to feel ill in the afternoon. We were all a little nervous she might be getting the flu because Ryan and her little girl Lindsay have had it in the past week. Thank goodness she woke up feeling great this morning. No contractions to report. We have a scheduled induction next Thursday and just may make it until then.
Tim and I were talking last night about how we need to mentally prepare that this is really going to happen. It feels kind of like we're up here for vacation and we are reminding ourselves that we will be leaving with a new family member! The car seat is empty in our rental car . . . soon to have a new Whittemore occupying it. The four of us are sleeping in the basement in the kids play area. Last night Christian woke us up a few times and it was so painful because we were really tired. A voice in my head is saying, "Get ready. You haven't seen anything yet!"
Ryan and Jill's oldest son, Ben, has a baseball game in a little while and then Mark and Jen Landes have invited us over for a barbecue this afternoon. Thank you for checking in on us. I promise that one of these days the blog will read that a baby has been born:).

No Baby Yet

Jill is taking a walk right now with her good friend, Lori DiMonda. Once again the contractions started to spread out around 11 p.m. I was happy we didn't all have to go to the hospital in the middle of the night, but Jill is getting tired of the starting and stopping. I don't blame her, especially because they are getting stronger and more painful. It's hard to watch her in pain, knowing she's doing this for us . . . very hard. We watched Juno together last night with Ryan and Tim. It was so exciting when the baby boy was born at the end and then you see Juno crying. She's so happy for the adoptive mom, but she just gave this child life and in this there are feelings and emotion. Even though we are the biological parents, Jill is giving life to our baby and I'm sure the emotions will be similar.

Tim and Chloe and Christian and I are heading to Seattle for the day. We'll pack a suitcase for the hospital in case we need to head straight there. It's going to be a "mostly sunny" day and we're looking forward to eating by the Pier and going to Pikes Place Market. We will keep you posted!

Contracting

It is 8:53 Washington time. Tim and the kids just pulled out of the parking garage at the Seattle airport and they are headed here. To say I can't wait to see them is an understatement. I haven't seen them in almost 7 days, which is a record for me. Jill has been gone since 5:30 this evening. She took Ben to his baseball practice and his ear started to hurt, so she decided to take him to urgent care. Sure enough, he has an ear infection. Jill sent me a text message while in the waiting room alerting me that she was contracting. I asked her to text me every time she had one- six minutes later my message says, "Now." After 7 minutes I hear a chime and check to see another "Now." I've gotten five more "Now"s and Jill just called from the Pharmacy and is having painful ones now. Well, we will either head back to Seattle shortly after Tim and the kids walk in the door or they will slow down once again. We will see . . .

Made it through another day!

Jill writes- We had a great day today. We started this morning with breakfast with Michael Clouse, a friend and mentor in our business.

Our doctor's appointment this afternoon went well; it seems like just yesterday we were here together finding out the Whittemore's are having a boy! Though the doctor thinks I will most likely deliver before then, we set a date for an elective induction on Thursday, May 1st.

After our appointment, Jodi and I had a great Sushi dinner in downtown Seattle and I started to contract quite a bit again. Jodi began to time them for the next hour and they again started to spread out.

Below is a short clip of my doctor listening to the heartbeat and trying to figure out what position the baby is in . . .

Things Are Quiet

Things have been quiet since our Saturday night episode. Jill will be 38 weeks tomorrow and I'm excited about every day the baby stays inside her wonderful womb! All three of her kids were born by now and both of mine would have been born two weeks ago. Every day is more fat on the bones and a better immune system (which we'll need flying on a plane right away). We would appreciate your prayers for a safe and uneventful delivery. I miss Tim and the kids and can't wait to see them in two days. I have been having a great time with the Ellis family. Jill and I are off to Bible Study, lunch, and pedicures with friends. Blessings to you . . .

"False Alarm" Affects At Least 175 People

Just a couple of hours after I posted yesterday Jill said she was feeling queezy. Though this is a common symptom that your body is preparing to labor, she wasn't contracting and figured she may be getting the flu. Ryan, who is a pilot for Alaska Airlines, left for a scheduled 3 day trip that was to start at midnight with a flight to Dallas. You've probably guessed what happened. Jill began contracting every 5 to 7 minutes and we were timing them. We realized that we didn't have our bags packed for the hospital and started packing some things we didn't want to go without. The contractions continued and we contacted Jill's mom to be on stand-by in case we were to leave for the 45 min-1 hour drive to the hospital. At 11 p.m. we called Ryan and told him what was going on. He was already at the airport and called his company's scheduling department and told them he couldn't fly. He headed home hoping a substitute pilot could be found right away. Well, we found out today that wasn't the case. They cancelled the flight and you can imagine there probably weren't any other flights at midnight that could take the passengers to their destination. I can only begin to wonder who slept in the airport, who turned back home, and who had to go to a hotel. We feel badly about it and hope we don't have to make that call again :). As for Jill, the contractions started to spread out shortly before Ryan got home. Though she was still contracting every 10-15 minutes, we decided to go to bed because it was 1:30 a.m. and we were exhausted. We slept until morning without any problems. Today has been fairly quiet with contractions about every hour. We will see . . .

In Seattle Until the Baby Arrives!

Jodi Writes-
I arrived in Seattle yesterday afternoon and can't believe that we are in the final stretch. Tim and the kids have a scheduled flight to come up on Thursday afternoon, but will be on stand by in case Jill starts to go into labor. I miss them already, but am excited to spend some time with Jill before the baby is born. The night before I left, Tim and I talked about how this was the last night we were to be together in our house without our baby. I came prepared with a diaper bag and clothes and Jill and I will go to the store and get some diapers and bottles. Tim will bring an empty car seat and stroller when he comes. I went to dinner with Ryan and Jill last night and we started to talk about what the delivery will look like. We discussed whether the baby will be placed on Jill's chest right after delivery or if he should go under the warmer (I joked I could crawl into bed next to her and take my shirt off and he could go on my chest). We don't know what to expect or if it will be more emotional for Jill than we were prepared for. What's best for the baby? Would it be best for Jill to do things differently this time than with her own three children? We'll talk through things some more- it's so nice that we can be so open and honest about how we feel. According to Jill things are calm. She said she probably is having about one contraction per hour and really thinks she'll last at least until Thursday when Tim and Chloe and Christian come. She will be 38 weeks by then and all three of her children were born on or before 38 weeks. We will see . . .

We're home safe & sound

Jill writes -

I was able to travel to Atlanta, GA, for Arbonne's National Training Celebration (yes, with my doctor's permission!), and we made it home safely on Sunday evening. It was fun to be together with all my close friends, and see many of all of you who have praying for me. I definitely felt that! I had to spend one afternoon in the room laying down because of some contractions, but other than that, I felt great! I think I felt better than a lot of people because I wasn't out late having as much fun as they were, if you know what I mean! :) Jodi got to spend some time with the baby, feeling him move around because we were able to room together. The baby got to attend his first concert, Tim McGraw! It was so much fun.

Since I've been home, it's been tough to try to "plan" the timing of everything to get the Whittemore's here in time for the birth. As you all know, labor & deliveries do not stick to "plans" so we are just going with the flow and changing day to day. Jodi will be flying up on Friday, and Tim & the kids will come soon after. I really feel like the baby will probably come next week, and my body is gearing up.

I woke up last night with a very strong contraction, and I woke up Ryan and reminded him to remind me that YES, I do want to try to get an epidural this time in case I happen to forget!! It was a little forewarning of what is to come. Preparing mentally for the delivery and transition afterwards has been probably the most challenging part of this. I am glad that my mom has reminded me that God is in charge here. That was a relief and encouragement to hear that again when I start to worry about things, even though I have known that all along. I have such wonderful family and friends, and their support has been amazing.

The Nursery Is Waiting!

Having our baby boy's room as a visual reminder that he is really going to be joining our family soon is so exciting! O.K. I'll admit something . . . Tim and I have taken turns sitting in the rocker holding the baby doll you see there. Our youngest, Christian, will be six years old in a couple of weeks, so it has been a while. (translation: we've forgotten what to do, but trust we'll figure it out)

Young Life Baby Shower

I had to post this picture of me and Aubrey Jacobs at our monthly Young Life committee meeting. She is due two weeks before me and why do I look so much bigger? Aubrey, you carry so well!

It's Getting Close!

As the time draws nearer and we are now weeks away, there is so much to think about. Buying the plane tickets for Tim and me and the kids has been tough as we just don't know what to expect. We all want to be there when our boy is born and have been trying to figure out how early we should go. So here's the plan: Jodi is flying up to Seattle on Friday, April 18th. Jill will be 37 weeks and 1 day along. She had Ben, Ethan, and Lindsay all between 36 and 38 weeks, so we are assuming our little guy will be early as well. If we get a call any earlier we'll just hop on the next plane. Tim and Chloe and Christian have scheduled tickets for Thursday, April 24th- Jill will be 38 weeks. We will have suitcases packed and ready to go at a moments notice if anything happens sooner. It's strange not knowing what will end up happening. Jill has had very quick labor in the past- the running red lights on the way to the hospital kind.

I spoke to my doctor about taking our baby home on an airplane when he's less than a week old. We really have no choice, but it's concerning. He said we are fortunate that we will have flu season behind us and suggested I keep him covered and don't let anyone peek! He suggested we sit in the window seat as it won't be as much in the "germ path" and told me to use hand sanitizer like I have an OCD (those are my words).

Baby Shower for Jodi and Jill

My sweet friends Debbie Dick and Kim Beall threw a shower for some of my friends and family. It was so wonderful having Jill and baby boy Whittemore there, it just wouldn't be the same without them. Pictured here along with me and Jill and my daughter Chloe are my friends Frankie, Tracey, and Carley.

I'm modeling my new diaper bag and am still trying to get used to the idea that I will need one!

Jill made this wonderful quilt for the baby. It has all sorts of yummy fabrics and we just love it! Thank you so much, Jill.

Getting Bigger Every Day

Jill writes--

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in a while! I guess I've been busy with my family, my business, and growing a child! :) It's very humbling to be posting pictures of a huge pregnant belly...and in my pajamas, no less. But, I know many of you are checking back for updates, and I want you to hear how things are going & growing. Ben is a budding photographer and loves to take pictures for me. The baby is very active and healthy. I am definitely getting bigger, and it is difficult to slow down my normal pace in order to accomodate it! I can't zip up and down the two flights of stairs in my house like I normally do.

I have been thinking a lot about the big day, and what it is going to be like. We have all been planning the trip when the Whittemores come up for the delivery. We are looking forward to having our two extended families bond with this new addition! People have been asking a lot lately about how I'm feeling as the date nears. It feels at times like a long way off, and others like it is just around the corner. I feel protective of him, and have a strong bond, like the favorite special auntie, so I am looking forward to spending a few days together after he's born. I better be his favorite!! :) I am sure there will be some tears when they go home. Then, I am excited to have my body back! I'm sure Lindsey is, too, because my lap is very small these days with my belly in the way. Story time can be quite uncomforable in the rocking chair.

Thanks for all your prayers and support! I appreciate them so much, and will continue to need them. Love, Jill

Maui with Jill and the baby

Jodi writes-

My family just returned from Maui yesterday. We were there for a week for my annual NVP trip with Arbonne. Because Jill is an NVP on my team, she and Ryan came too. It was so wonderful to be with Jill and to see how much she is showing. I can't explain what it's like to be laying out by the pool with them (Jill and baby boy) and to have her say, "I'm going back to the room," and to watch her walk away with my son in her womb. It is hardly real. Jill would beg to differ, though. It's very real for her! The highlight for me was during the one day meeting we had, Jill reached over and grabbed my hand and put it on her belly and I got to feel my boy kicking. I had to fight back the tears as I sat there feeling like the most blessed person in the room. I just wanted to kiss her and yell out to everyone there how much I appreciate what she is doing for our family. It sure was hard to say goodbye as I won't see her for another 6 or 7 weeks, but the time will go fast I'm sure.