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.

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.