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.

The Cutest Belly Ever! Jill Almost 22 Weeks

I feel the baby moving!

Jill writes -

We had a great Thanksgiving with the Whittemore's in town. We were able to have two Thanksgiving dinners with different parts of the family, and it was fun having the two families bond.

It's a lot of fun feeling a little one flutter inside me again. It's a blessing to feel that again, even when I'm not having any more kids of my own! Most people have to savor that during their last pregnancy because it is such a wonderful feeling. Little did I know that I would experience it again. I wonder if this little boy will be more like Christian or Chloe, or completely different than both of them.

It's A Boy!

From Jodi-
We found out today that we are having a baby boy! There were eight Whittemore's and Ellis's in total in the ultrasound room in Downtown Seattle when we found out. It was really neat because it was like we were one big happy family celebrating this little boy together. We were so excited to capture this picture of him waving to us! Knowing that this little guy will be our son and the children's brother makes it so much more real for all of us. We feel so blessed.

My First Doctor Appointment With Jill

JODI WRITES-
I'm grinning ear to ear and am in awe of life! I saw my precious baby today in an ultrasound. Tim got to be there via speakerphone. Our baby has the cutest fingers and toes I've ever seen. The baby was kicking and moving and so full of life. How can I wait to meet him/her?

I also marveled as I looked at Jill lyjng on the table with the ultrasound camera on her belly. If it weren't for her, this little one wouldn't exist. Does she really understand how significant her sacrifice is? I thought about what my friend, Tracey Wasson told me. She said, "Jodi, you're the only woman I know who gets to experience what it's like to be the husband." She is right! I found myself wanting to open doors for her and not let her carry anything heavy and just so proud of her. We tried to take a peek at the privates, but no luck. Still too young to tell if we've got a boy or a girl.

The whole Whittemore family is coming back to Seattle next Friday. Yippee! I had called Jill about a month ago and said, "Since we're going to be a blended family, what do you think about us coming up for a week over Thanksgiving?" All of us will be going to an ultrasound together while we're there. Chloe and Christian can't wait to see Jill's belly and what's inside!