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).