BORN!!

Hi Baby Elijah,
I am sitting here watching you sleep, stretch and make noises. You are so flipping cute that I can hardly stand it. You make these wussy little noises that we make fun of. You look just like your dad - no mom in there at all. You tease us and play with us and have made our lives complete.

I haven't decided what I am going to do with your blog yet but figured I owed you a closing chapter in telling you all about your birth. I may keep writing to you on here and posting photos so your family can see how big you are getting and read about how silly you are. We have time to figure that out but, now, it is time to go back to Monday and tell you all about our week.

We took Dad to his MRI on Monday morning and it was so flipping funny I could barely stand it. He came out all wild eyed and talking a mile a minute. I bet his heart rate was going crazy. Turns out your dad is claustrophobic and he didn't know it. We got to Labor & Delivery and he was still flipping out. I told Dr. Bonehead that it was the most he has seen him speak in 6 years! I think the nurses thought he was flipping out that we had he potential to have a baby that day but, no, he was flipping out about the MRI. He said he kept trying to calm himself down by thinking about you. But, then, he remembered that you were also about to come down the birth canal and you would be as claustrophobic as he was. Your dad is so silly but he sure did keep me entertained for quite a few hours with his MRI horror experience.

As for your mom's stitch removal, Dr. Bonehead said "Oh, try it without meds. It won't be bad." So, I tried it without meds. Yeah, that didn't work so hot for us, did it? It was horrible. I was pushing away on the table away from the doctor and you were pushing away inside (ok, that is a load of hooey but it sure would make sense for what will be the next part of the story). We finally got some drugs but they didn't really help so we just had to live through it. Once he got that stitch out, we were 3 cm dilated and we waited an hour for changes and labor to start.

After that hour, there were no changes. I don't know if we will ever know if you were induced because there truly was a medical need or because Dr. Bonehead was taking pity on us. He said due to our history and the diabetes, it made more sense to induce you. I told him that I would buck up and go home if it was best for you. But, I was really concerned about my sugars. It seemed like the last two weeks, I just couldn't get them right and didn't know which was healthier for you - stay in there a bit more with high/low sugars or come out early. I can tell you that if he would have sent us home, I would have been miserable. The pressure in my tummy was so much that I couldn't stand it.

At 4:30, my water was broke and they were trying to put internal monitors on you and me. Oh my gosh baby, that was painful and we were scooting away again. I think you were moving up higher again to escape all those probes. They told me that the contractions were going to get more painful now but to try to get through as many as I could before we ordered the epidural. I tried buddy, I really tried but by about 7:00, I couldn't do it anymore. They were so bad. We finally got an epidural around 7:30 and I could stop crying. Your dad really was trying to be good to us - he was giving us ice chips, he turned on Nickelback for me to listen to, he was trying to rub my hand - but, you know I don't go for that. I preferred staring at the wall, breathing and eventually, crying!

At 8, they checked us again and we hadn't dilated anymore. You were so high and you were not moving down at all. I firmly believe that you were just trying to escape all that pain because you were not that high the whole pregnancy! Once we got the epidural, you were beating me up! I couldn't feel the contractions anymore (amen) but each time one would come, I would know it because you were flipping out on my rib cage the entire contraction. At 9, no changes and it was time to decide to have a C-Section. I didn't really know how to make an informed decision on this so I left it up to Bonehead. Because you were not moving and you were measuring so big, he said it was the best decision. Now, I know that some of your family (*cough* your Aunt Sheila *cough*) believes that we had a hard time because you were not ready to come out. This may totally be true. Maybe in 2 more weeks, you would have started moving down on your own. However, I still don't think we would have been able to have a natural delivery with you - you were too big.

I have to confess that the prospect of having you via CSection was not something I was too thrilled about. Yes, it gets me two more weeks off work but I really would have preferred to have you naturally. Then, there was just the fear of the operating room and being cut open. But, all that went surprisingly well. We didn't even know I was being cut open. I kept telling your dad not to look - keep his eyes away from the tummy and blood. It was a weird sensation feeling you being pulled out - there was lots of tugging and pulling. The doctors were talking about how big your shoulders were and how big your head was and how you would never make it out the other way :)

Then, all of a sudden, we heard a little squawk and we knew it was you. Just a tiny little squawk and I knew my son was here! We got a few cries out of you but I don't know that I have ever heard a sound better to my ears than that little pipsqueak squawk. Your dad went over to visit you & take your pictures while your mom just got to lay there and be tended to. Then, I got to see you. Heck, I don't know why they even let me see you - just show me your dad's baby photo and I would be looking at you. All Daddy!! You guys were whisked away to the nursery and I went to recovery.

About 90 minutes later, I got to see you again and touch you and smooch you. All those months of imagining you and gazing at your ultrasounds and it was still surreal to think you were really here and really OK. Your apgar tests were good, your sugars were only a tiny bit low and bounced right back up. Then, you and your dad left me again to go get your first bath.

After all that, the rest of our week is a blur of smooching you, you making little wimpy noises, visitors and still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that you are real, you are here and you have completely taken us over :) You are such a good baby so far - you only make noises when there is something really wrong. You are trying so hard to be a good boy and learn how to breast feed. You look at your dad and I through the corner of your eye and tease us. You are a miracle baby!

Your dad has done an excellent job of becoming a dad. Because I am in a lot of pain, he pretty much has been taking care of you besides feeding you. He changes your diapers and your clothes. He burps you. He walks around holding you & just gazing down at you. He looks at you then looks at me and says "He is just awesome." Oh my goodness - it was that tiny, little bitty squawk and he was wrapped around your finger permanently. As much as we talked about being the disciplinarians, you have not slept in your little hospital bassinet yet. You slept in my bed the first two nights. Last night, you slept on your dad's tummy, at the nursery for a couple of hours then with me for a couple of hours. SPOILED.

We will take you home tomorrow. They are going to watch my sugars today and watch your coloring. You have a tiny bit of jaundice. You will probably get some light therapy tomorrow. Then, we will go home and start 2010 off in our new little family of 3!!!

FULL GROWN!

Hi Baby Elijah!
Little man, you are officially full term. You can officially be born - 37 weeks. Last night at midnight, your dad was half asleep and he rolled over and said "It is midnight. He is 37 weeks." Then, we turned on my iPhone and your pregnancy program and watched the pregnancy progress bar fill all the way to the green :) It said "Your baby boy is now full term." Can you believe all we have made it through and you are nearly here - your immaculate conception, your cervical stitch, your mom's constant whining and all of our constant anxiety. Now, you are a full term, big fat pig. The pregnancy program said I should stop gaining weight now but you will continue to put on a few ounces here and there.

We had another big day yesterday, huh? Christmas at Great Gramma Lang's - photos, gift exchange, dinner and games. We drank too much Diet Coke, ate too much sugar, and went too long without resting. Holy mackerel you were a crazy man last night. About 1:30, you finally calmed down and we fell asleep. At 5:15, we were up and ready to go. I am sure that we will be crashing for a nappy this afternoon. I think you know it is almost time for you to bust out of there so you are just partying away!

I had a dream last night that I was watching our various videos of you and there was a photo of you sticking your tongue out at me but, this time, you had a clearly visible butt chin. I was so excited. I also dreamt that Great Grampa Lang popped in to say hi to us. I am sure that he, along with your other Grampas, will be watching out for us over the next few days to make sure your arrival is safe. When I had to wake your dad up at 5:15 (just because we were up), I had to tell him about your butt chin. He said "I hope he does have a butt chin for your sake." haha.

It seems like the people we talk to are split on whether or not you will be here tomorrow. About half agree with me that your stitch will come out (oh man, you are stretching that thing to the max and pushing it down where I think I could take it out now) and you will fall out. The other half just like to torture your mom and say "you have another month to go - he won't be here Monday." Let's hope we show those naysayers the light because I am so ready to meet you and ready to have all this pressure out of my tummy.

One interesting note that fascinates me. Your Uncle Zach likes to take a lot of photos and he publishes them on various websites. For Christmas, he put them into a little book for Gramma Lang and added some of his writing to it. It turned out SO GOOD (even though *sigh* we didn't get a copy). When I was looking at it, there was a page of musical lyrics on there and, guess what? ELIJAH was on the page. Coincidence or not? I have seen the photo but I didn't remember seeing Elijah on there. I think it may have been the seed that planted your name into my consciousness.

Well, little one, that is about it. I am having a hard time believing that tomorrow could be the day that our little family goes from 2 to 3. That also means that we transform from Mark and Stacy to Mommy and Daddy. Amazing. I tend to ignore the part in between now and then where I transform into a raging, hormonal, threatening-to-kill-your-dad chic :) You have my permission to party hearty in there for another 28 hours or so - give your mom a final day to remember. Then, for heaven's sake, pop out already!!!

Merry Christmas Baby!

Hi baby Elijah!
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Merry Christmas baby" by Bruce Springsteen so I am singing that to you today. It is a weird Christmas - we have so much snow that Christmas at Great Gramma Lang's is rescheduled. I don't know that this has ever happened! As long as you stay in there cooking, we will be happy - no need to brave a blizzard to have you a couple of days early!

Yesterday, we had Christmas Eve breakfast with your Brigham family and Gramma Debbie's family. Yes, you spoiled brat, you did get presents :) You got some clothes (in bigger sizes you big-fat-pig) and a recliner and a kitchen set. See, your mom never had a kitchen set so I have been whining about that for 30+ years. Your Gramma Debbie decided that she would nip that problem early. Afterwards, we relaxed, watched TV, napped and just hung out.
Last night, we went for Christmas Eve over Great Gramma Lang's. Everyone laughed and had a good time but we will need to have you wear ear plugs because there was a lot of cursing going on. Need to shield you from that because heavens knows you will never hear that come out of your mom or dad's mouth :)

As the weekend continues on, I think our level of anxiety is going to be going up. Your dad started last night and I think I will end up starting late tomorrow. This labor thing kind of flips me out. This labor thing flips your dad out too :) Can we just both take a nappy and wake up to have you here with us? That would work for both of us.

Late Breaking development...

Baby Elijah,
Did you feel that? Did you feel that wash of peace and relaxation flow through our bodies? Dr. Bonehead faxed a note and we are done working. No more work for several weeks! Personally, I think he did it because he knows there is no way on God's green earth that we are going to have you on 12/28 so he wanted to give me one less thing to whine about. Your dad's vote is that he did it because he knows we are going to deliver on 12/28 so it didn't hurt him to take me out now. Either way, we are free for at least 6 weeks.

Dr. Appointment

Hi Baby Elijah - or as I now call you "Monster Baby"!
You got another clean bill of health today buddy. I wasn't paying too much attention to the screen because the pressing was making me uncomfortable but your dad was watching close. Let's get down to business with everything I have to tell you...

Your dad got a clean bill of health yesterday! Good news, huh? But, it sure was a long day for us sitting there waiting for him. He has to do another test on Monday to see if they can figure out what is wrong with him.

Could you tell we woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? We woke up with rage issues then subjected the entire doctor's office to them. At least we warn them in advance, huh? I told our nurse immediately I had rage issues so they were all prepared.

As we could have predicted, the Dr. won't give in and induce us next week. All he will say is "We will see what happens." So, he will take my stitch out and we will walk around for an hour or so and see if you decide to pop out. Then, he let me know that he is only working on Monday next week so if you come after that, he won't deliver you. He followed that up with a great announcement that the dr. we hate is the one on call this holiday weekend. If you come after 12:00 on Christmas Eve, we are hosed. But, you know what, I am OK with that. I would rather you be born and deal with the doctor we hate than continue being miserable. :) Besides, I think the nurses do all the work and the dr. is just there to catch you.

So, have you been waiting for me to tell you if you are a big-fat-pig with a big-fat-head? Well, the answer to that question is a big fat astounding YES. You are measuring 39 weeks in all of your measurements - at least your head isn't out of proportion to the rest of your body. Are you ready for your weight? Darn kid - you are 8 pounds. They said the ultrasound is off by 1/2 lb one way or the other but one thing is for sure - you are a big-fat-pig. I saw your dad's eyes get wide, his face get all scrunched up and him look panicked. I was like "What is wrong?" He kept seeing your measurements and then finally your weight and he got a little freaked out :)

We went to lunch afterwards and he was telling me about everything I missed on the ultrasound. Apparently, your head and tummy are so big, she could not get them to fit on the screen. She had to kind of add to the measurements on the screen to get to the right ones. Zooming out didn't help either. So, big head and big belly. There is room for debate on who's side of the family you take after since, as your dad so delicately put it "There are healthy eaters on both sides." Between you and me, I think he is secretly thinking my side in his head. She also had a hard time measuring your noggin because you are so darn low. You are in good position to make your debut.

Well, it doesn't look like we are going to have a a baby Elijah for Christmas after all. If you want to come on your own, just break that juice bag and we will get you up to the hospital. The weather is supposed to get bad soon so if you decide to come on your own, the sooner the better :) You can even come on Christmas if you want - just need to make sure you don't decide to break your juice bag on Gramma's couches - haha. I don't think I realized how much we were hoping you would come for Christmas until we realized you weren't coming. Even your dad looked a little down when we were talking about the upcoming Christmas festivities.

So, Monster 8lb baby Elijah, we will talk to you soon and I will keep singing to you. I gave you a stern lecture yesterday telling you to come out and you started moving and punching on the stitch. You are giving it your best effort, that is for sure :)

Oh-oh Elijah!
Please come today.
I am begging you please to be born...

36 weeks

Hi Mr. Elijah!
Let's sing a song together. Remember how I told you that every time I said your name I thought of that song "Cecilia"? We are going to use that chorus. Are you ready?

Oh-oh Elijah,
Please come today.
I am begging you please to be born.

Can you hear me singing it to you? :) If you can hear it, you are ignoring me. December 20 sure does sound like a good birthday to me. If not, tomorrow will work. We are going to the hospital at 11 so your dad can have a test. He should be done at 1:30 and he already told me that he does not want to wake up at 1:30 and have a newborn Elijah handed to him :) So, tomorrow afternoon would work. Or, if you just want to be stubborn, we will be back at the hospital on the 22nd for your doctors appointment. That day would work too. 23, 24 and 25 really don't work so well for us with the holidays and all so let's focus on the next 3 days then we can skip to the 26. Sure would be nice if I could control the situation as easily as that. I will just keep singing our song to you until you pop out.

We had a busy day yesterday, huh? We saw your Godmother Becky and lots of Grampa Larry's family. We baked cookies all day with them. We went to the diaper store and bought some fun things. But, we sure were tired, huh? I should have taken more breaks and laid down because you are not used to that sitting up right all day. But, we made it through.

Today, big drum roll please, you are 36 weeks. I know I told you last week you could come but, really, I didn't want you to come any earlier than 36 weeks. Now, in my mind, you are good to go. Medically, the doctors would say you have 7 more days until you are full term. Your odds of survival are as high as they are going to get - 99+% and your medical problems are as low as they are going to get. From what I have read, the week between 35 and 36 is pretty crucial for you to be able to eat well on your own and you are past that. If you were a turkey, your red button would probably be half way out - ready to poke out all the way in 7 days.

Did you feel me laughing so hard yesterday that my tummy hurt? Oh my gosh, your dad cracked me up for a solid 10 minutes. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. We were talking about catching you in a compromising situation and how he would stand there going "um...um...um...stay there while I get your mom." He says he is the big disciplinarian but the compromising situation we were speaking of left him speechless where he would be yelling "STACY...." across the house. Then, can't you see him smiling at you and taunting you "You are in so much trouble...." I could not stop laughing. Just so you know (when the time comes), that is what back seats of cars are for - not my house.

I think you are getting STRONG! I felt you move so I put my hand where I felt you moving and it really wasn't a subtle roll. I could feel bones moving around. I am assuming it is your hands/arms because it was really low. Your feet are really high pressing on my diaphragm but there is enough movement really low that I think your arms are still up over your head. It was weird to feel something so solid move across my tummy and not just flutters or individual thumps. I just can't imagine what it is going to be like when my tummy is empty again. I probably won't have time to think about it much because if I did have time, I will probably be trying to take a nappy :)

Well, kiddo, that is it for you for today. No work for us tomorrow with your dad's test and we will be asking all of your Grampas to keep an eye out on him. Then, in about 48 hours, we will get to see you for an extended amount of time because it is our final big ultrasound. They will measure you and tell us if you are a big-fat-pig with a big-fat-head. Then, I will pass out thinking that big-fat-head needs to come out of somewhere :) I don't know if it is a good photo opportunity or not but it is exciting to think that it is probably our last big ultrasound. Soon, we will get to see you putting your arms up in pictures in real life :)

Oh-oh Elijah,
Please come today.
I am begging you please to be born.

So well behaved...

Hi kiddo!
I have to give you credit for something kiddo - you already listen pretty darn well. Ever since I have been able to feel you move, there have only been two times that I have been worried and you haven't moved when I told you to. Every other time, within about 5 minutes, you will give me a little something-something to know you are ok. It is like I think it and you move. Tonight, I realized you had been sleeping for about 2 hours and I hadn't felt you. Within about 2 minutes, you moved.

But, outside of that, you sure did listen to me yesterday. Remember how I told you to knock down the baby hormone juice? Well, you sure did something. Today, I was not sad so you adjusted something. But, I think you turned it a little bit too far in the opposite direction. Now, you have turned me into a raging, crabby, irritable lunatic. There are other words for it but we don't need to teach you those yet. Think maybe we can swing it about 1/2 way back so I am kind of balanced in the middle? Can we shoot for that tomorrow? We only have a few days left so let's work together to make sure that we can get that baby juice worked out and your mom isn't arrested for murder.

Before I drug us up for the night, I thought I would show you a little present I bought for myself. I found it on the internet and I thought I needed something special for you and your brothers. I love it! But, I have to ask you to oblige me something. Please have a penis. I know how silly that sounds and each ultrasound, they keep showing us you have one but I am really begging you to grow one in these last couple of weeks if you don't have one now because not only is your name on your wall, it is now on my necklace and it sure would look silly if we had to name you Jillian because you didn't have a penis. The outside layer has your brothers' names on it - these are the 3 that we actually gave birth to and were able to hold. Then, I put the birthstones on the crystals for the little ones that we lost earlier in their pregnancies. Finally, in the middle of everything (kind of like I anticipate you to be), we have you - baby Elijah. I think it is so pretty and I can't wait to wear it for a night out. (Side note - I will like it even more when I lose some fat on my neck and it hangs down a little lower. haha)

Sentimental tonight...

Hi Elijah!
I think your baby hormone juice, the holidays, discomfort (I think my stomach grew another 2 inches overnight) and missing some of your Grampas is making me a little blue tonight. I try to focus on the good things and how quickly the next few days are going to go until we meet you. I know that the joy you will bring us can't be described. But, thinking of you, your little face, nose toes and feet is also making me sad because we have lost so many people in the last few years and you aren't going to get the chance to know them. It seems to hit me out of the blue and the next thing I know, I am really upset. Guess it is a good thing I don't watch a lot of TV because those Hallmark commercials would turn me into a sobbing mess.

You got mad at me today. I checked my blood sugars and they were perfect. I had a protein shake for lunch and no carbs. Next thing you know, you are kicking, punching and generally being ticked off at me. I knew I was starting to get hungry and I figured my sugars had dropped a bit. I went to take them and they were REALLY low. Like a few points away from when the doctor wants to hear from us low. You don't like it when I do that to you. However, you are like a little internal blood sugar monitor because when you were so active (along with a few other signs), I knew I needed some sugar. Now, you are resting comfortably.

I was listening to some 3 Doors Down tunes and heard this song. I know it is intended for people in an intimate relationship but it made me think of you. It is odd how little things don't matter as much anymore knowing you are coming. I have had so many people ask me what your dad and I want for Christmas. Really, we have nothing on our lists because we are just waiting for you. While I can ask for fun cosmetics or perfume, truly, I would take no material presents just to have you here and healthy right now. You aren't here yet to give me a big hug and make your arms "feel like home" but we can just pretend that those big elbows you give me make me feel like home :)

There's a life inside of me
That i can feel again
It's the only thing that takes me
Where i've never been
I don't care if i lost everything that i have known
It don't matter where i lay my head tonight
Your arms feel like home

Ok bambino, that is enough for today. If you could kick the baby hormone juice down a bit, my mental sanity would appreciate it. Don't forget our deal - you can come now if you want but make sure that you break your water bag so we know you are officially on your way :)

Just Breathe...Literally...Just Breathe....

Hi baby Elijah,
Oh man, did you cause a scene today. We went to our doctors appointment and we were disappointed to learn that there were no measurements. We thought for sure we would get to see how big you were and how much you weighed but Bonehead put his foot down and we will do it next week.

They did the ultrasound and the tech just stared at the screen.... It seemed like she stared at the screen for days. Then, she started shaking my tummy. I asked her if she was having a hard time finding you taking practice breaths and she said yes. You were sound asleep - you were up all night moving up a storm so it was your rest time. She kept shaking and shaking until my tummy was sore. Still, you were sleeping and not breathing. I asked if we should be worried. She said "Not Yet." Then, she continued shaking. Your dad was flipping out next to me. She said she was going to get the buzzer and I looked at your dad and asked if we were going to be electrocuted but she never came back! Bonehead came in and started staring at the screen too. Finally, you started taking some breaths and your dad started breathing again too. I think you were 1) Being stubborn 2) Just REALLY, REALLY tired. Hopefully, it shows what a good sleeper you will be if we can get you sleeping at NIGHT.

Nothing else new. No photos at all - just a whole lot of shaking. Still on track for my stitch to be out on the 28th but he will not induce me on that day. He won't induce me any earlier than 1/10. I don't think any amount of whining or begging on my part is going to change his mind. Darn it. I guess you will have to do it on your own before then if you want to. I even told him how you pound on my stitch and you want out but he said that it isn't that you want out, it is that I want you out :)

Not so bad after all....

Hi baby E,
Man, you are hopped up. You would think I was feeding you a mixture of caffeine and sugar. Oh wait, I do... :) Just kidding you. I normally have less than 1 diet soda a day and surprisingly, our sugars haven't been too bad. Normally, you are pretty quiet unless I am laying down. But, the last few days, you are moving when I am laying, sitting, standing and walking. I still vote it is because you are screaming "Get me out of here...." I doubt the doctor will agree with me tomorrow but that is my vote.

I have been reading a pregnancy board of people who are all due in January. They were all discussing how they were feeling and I started feeling guilty because I have it pretty darn good - even though I whine all of the time. So, let's discuss the good things about this pregnancy. Obviously, you are the number one good thing about this pregnancy but that is a given.

1) I have no major medical issues. No high blood pressure, no preeclampsia, no placenta previa, no low amniotic fluid, no bedrest, no hospitalization, etc. I would say that my diabetes is pregnancy induced (since I was in remission) but I was predisposed to that anyway. Besides my cerclage, I am pretty darn well off.
2) I don't have any other little rugrats to worry about. When I am tired, I can rest. I don't have to worry about the care of other little ones or neglecting them.
3) I work from home. Most pregnant-moms have to wake up, shower, get dressed, drive to work, work all day (some even standing all day) and then collapse when they get home. I don't really have to shower (until your dad goes "You stink) if I don't want to, I didn't have to buy work maternity clothes and I am definitely not on my feet.
4) I am not overly concerned financially. Yes, things are going to change but I don't have to decide between formula and electricity. I have to decide between vacations or shopping trips and stuff for you. Big difference.
5) Your dad is a big help and is understanding. Not once has he ever said "Buck up." Not once has he ever said "No, Elijah does not want me to get him a glass of water." Not once has he ever said "Get out of bed and do something woman." Finally, not once has he ever missed a single doctor's appointment. (Let's take one moment to note that if he ever did think about saying "Get out of bed and do something", he would be very, very sorry afterwards)
6) I read about people with sciatic nerve problems, back problems, leg problems, vision problems, etc. Yes, I am uncomfortable and yes, sometimes I do have aches and pains but overall, I think I am in normal pregnancy mode and nothing too terrible.
7) I know I tell you this over and over but I have good insurance. I hope that when you are older, you say "Why did she keep talking about insurance?" Well, it is a bad economy and people are losing their jobs in addition to losing their healthcare insurance. Also, it is very expensive if you are not employed by a major corporation. But, I have good insurance. I am able to go to a high-risk perinatologist who takes excellent care of you. He lets us come see him just because I am a freak and am worried about you. We see you on ultrasound EVERY visit. Some people see their babies twice during a pregnancy. Some people don't even get to see their babies in 3D. Can you imagine the horror of that? :) We are very blessed.
8) Even though weeks 1-16 pretty much sucked, some people had it worse. Some people are hospitalized for dehydration or inability to keep anything down. It was bad but it could have been much, much worse.
9) I have a big support system. I am not going to be a single mom - unless your dad has a fatal heart attack during delivery. I am geographically close to a ton of family and friends who are mostly all willing to help with you. We had a great shower that helped support you financially and get us all ready for your arrival. We are definitely not lacking for help - when you make me at my wits end, I have a long list of people that I can call and say "COME TAKE CARE OF THIS MONSTER." :)

As you can see, your mom (and dad) are doing pretty darn good in this pregnancy and are grateful for our blessings even though I take every opportunity to whine to you about how horrible it is. I would kind of like to raise you like that - it is ok to complain about things every once and awhile as long as you are truly grateful for everything that you have going for you.

35 weeks

Oh my gosh Baby Elijah - I have so much to tell you! It is all ready to come spilling out of me. :) I can't even decide in which order to tell you. I suppose I should start with your health - you are 35 weeks little man. 35 weeks is where I give up and quit telling you to stay in their cooking. 36 or 37 weeks would be better but if you want to come now, I wouldn't be mad at you. Actually, you might hear me whispering telling you to make your way down. You are more active than I thought you would be at this stage - I figured you would calm down a bit as you got bigger because you had less room but for about 3 nights, you have been going more crazy than ever. I kind of picture you in there kicking/punching your juice bag saying "LET ME OUT." When that doesn't work, I then feel the punches on my stitch. I think you are ready!

Your dad and I had dinner out on Friday night and there was a little infant in my line of vision. Oh my kiddo, I about popped you out at Outback. I wanted you so bad! I have dreamt about you a couple of times now and they are so real that I can hardly stand it when I wake up. We have you all packed up for the hospital now. We just need to pack our bags.

I never came back to show you your finished nursery. Your dad took some pictures yesterday. This will show you your mural and your word art. Seeing your name and the quote makes me a little emotional. You do have big shoes to fill Elijah Lang Brigham :)




I made a big decision yesterday - I had your dad take some nekked belly photos. I wasn't going to have any taken since I don't have a really cute belly. Yes, it does look like you are in there cooking but there is a lot of scarring. However, I figured if I didn't do it now, I wouldn't ever have the chance to do it again. So, I decided to take them and hide them on my hard drive if I wanted to. I airbrushed 2 of them to make my tummy look cute and they will go in the scrapbook :)

We had our first family pictures yesterday. Your dad and I can't remember any photos taken of us together since we found out about you. Your Uncle Zach went with us and we got some great Christmas photos for our Christmas cards and we are calling it our maternity photo shoot. Your Uncle kept yelling at us "Look happier. Look happier." I guess old married couples don't look happy. We are happy for you but your dad is not happy when he is taking photos and I am not happy when my whole body is screaming in discomfort.



Finally, your dad and I went to Build a Bear and made your monkey. In 2003, when we were pregnant with your brothers, we made them each a build a bear. They are currently hanging on your wall in a pouch. Yesterday, we bought them new outfits that match your room better and we made your monkey. We named him Bubba because your dad will come home and say "How was bubba today?" Yeah, he calls you bubba :) That is his "I am so tired of photos I am near divorce" face.


That is about it kiddo. Thank you for staying in there these past 35 weeks and your mom is officially off your back - no whining about ultrasound photos, no whining about stay in their cooking or you are grounded. Oh wait, I guess I am not officially off your back because now I will be all on your case to BE BORN :)

Another session...

Hi Elijah!
Let's play another session of "What can my mom whine about now?" Because, you know, I always have something. Man, kiddo, I am uncomfortable.

I have a really hard time breathing now. Your dad thinks your little toes and feet are pressing up against "stuff" so I can't breath.

I can't get my body in a position where I am comfortable. It may be comfortable for a minute then it turns to torture.

Your hands/head are pushing against everything beneath my belly button. Got a couple ovary and bladder shots tonight. My stitch is getting a lot of pressure.

I am getting tired really, really quick now. Need to rest frequently.

I am wondering if I would prefer the nausea & getting sick....

The thing that scares me is that we probably have another 3 lbs or so to go. Where is that going to be stored at? :)

On the bright side, you have been moving up a storm & your dad was feeling you tonight.

I have a new deal for you. You can pop out anytime you want now. However, I need you to break your juice bag so I know you are coming & can go to the hospital :) Just giving me cramps or contractions is not enough to get it thru my noggin you are coming. But, a big splash will definitely get my attention. I know, we have wanted you to keep as much juice in there as possible so your lungs were healthy. However, you are getting big enough (and your mom is getting uncomfortable enough & impatient enough) that we can let you pop out when you want to. Deal?

Dr Appt

Hi Baby Elijah!
We survived the blizzard and made it to the doctor. All is well with you. They didn't do measurements this time so we don't know if your big old knocker kept growing or if you put on any weight but everything else checked out. They watched you breathing, checked your heart, checked your fluid and gave you a clean bill of health for another week. We originally had an appointment for two weeks but because my anxiety level is kicking up a notch (or 10), he is going to see us on the 15th and the 22nd.

I asked what to expect over the next few weeks. This week, next week, and the 36th week = status quo. Then, on the 28th, he will remove my stitch and we will wait with baited breath as to what will happen next. I could stand up, my water could break and we could have you that day. Or, we could go home and you could stay in there cooking for another 3+ weeks. There is just no way to know. Obviously, you have learned your mom's quirks by now and know that I am hoping you come on 12/28.

We did get to see you for a little bit and she did turn on the 3d machine. But, of course, you had your hand right in front of your face so we didn't get any super good photos. We were even surprised to see you in 3d as it was hectic at the office and we were just there 2 weeks ago.

I had a fun conversation with your dad while we were waiting for the doctor. We were discussing how long you are because you are so low but yet you kick me so high. He was saying how he really hopes you get the Lang gene for being tall - our whole family (except your cousin Brandi - she got the mutated height gene) is really tall and your dad wants that for you. He said he didn't care about any other characteristic but he wanted you tall. I said "Don't you want him to have your hair?" He said "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I really want him to have my hair." I think I disappointed your dad recently. He was so excited that you were showing so much hair on the ultrasound, he convinced himself there was no way that you had my hair genes. He thought my fine, thin hair would never show up on an ultrasound like that. Well, I showed him a baby picture of myself and I had a full head of hair - a ton of it. I dashed his dreams of your hair being guaranteed as his - you could still have my fine, thin hair but just have a lot of it to show up on the ultrasound. He was so bummed.

Anyway kiddo, not much else to share with you - besides seeing you, the only other big news is the blizzard that is hitting us. Thank goodness we have a freezer full of food but I think all 3 of us could afford to skip a meal or two if we didn't. Can't wait until Sunday when I will quit negotiating with you to stay in there cooking and officially give you my blessing to pop out at 35 weeks and then see you again on Tuesday.

Who will I talk to all day?

Hi Little E,
I realized something profound today. I talk to you all day long. When you pop out and you are in daycare, who will I ramble on to? I will just look like a crazy old lady talking to herself! I suppose that I could try talking to the cats if they are in the office. I just say silly things to you - like today, I lifted up a laptop and said (outloud) "Man, that sure is heavy Elijah." Or, I might say "We need to find us a forklift to get out of bed, huh, Elijah?" Just crazy old lady talk that I always did but it sounds more sane when I address it to you in my tummy. :)

I have a quote on my computer desktop that says: "A mother's journey begins when new life is stirring inside...when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone." I think I saw that quote today, talked some nonsense to you and realized I have considered us a team for awhile now. But, in a few short weeks, you will be your own one man team and I will just go back to being crazy :)

See you in a few hours bambino! Maybe all your grampas up there in heaven can help us by making sure the snow isn't too heavy and get us to the dr. safely.

34 weeks

Hi little man!
You are officially a week older now - a big, whooping 34 weeks! We are *so* close to meeting you. We will see you again Tuesday and make sure all is well but probably not a long ultrasound or any good photos. Just a quickie check up. Your mom is giving herself anxiety attacks thinking something is wrong so I will be happy to see you and get an all clear for another few days. I haven't been this anxious in a lot of weeks. Then, since I am anxious, your dad gets even more anxious. But, you are still moving around in there so I take that as a good sign.

Your percentages on our pregnancy program went up a bit this week - 98% chance of survival and only a 10% chance of complications. I think that if you came right now, you would have a bit of NICU time and we would have a harder time getting the breastfeeding to work but you would be OK long term. Let's negotiate 2 more weeks and then you can pop out. Deal? I think I may be the only one who thinks you are going to come this year. But, I think that may be wishful thinking on my part.

We went to childbirth class yesterday and it was kind of scary. Popping you out is going to be a bit more difficult than I imagined! I think your dad and I would have been better off if we would have skipped the class - not only would we have $75 in our pocket, I wouldn't be so terrified. I think I would have rather gone in with rosey-colored glasses :)

I do have one funny for you. Remember, a few months ago, we got a new car? Your dad really likes his car and doesn't miss the truck at all. We could have chosen from a Mazda 3 or a Mazda 6. The 6 is bigger and we didn't need that much room - even knowing you were coming. Well, he installed your car seat this week and was going to get it inspected to make sure you were nice and snug in there. It is smack dab in the middle of the back seat and when he rode with it, it apparently forces you to move the seat up so he was not too happy about losing his comfortable driving spot. Then, last night, we took your Uncle Tyler home and he sat in the back seat with your car seat base. Needless to say, he was a little cramped. We got home and he "peeled" himself out of the backseat, shook his head, sighed and said "Should have gotten the 6." it was the funniest thing ever. I guess our Mazda 3 truly is made for 3 - me, your dad and you :) No passengers allowed and no long driving times because your dad (who, by the way, has short legs but has the seat further back than your mom with the longer legs) won't be comfortable :)

Well, kiddo, sorry I am so boring today. I am working and your dad is in KC with your baby God-daddy. Can't wait to see you in 48 hours and get a clean bill of health.

2 quickies

Hi Baby Eli,
I have two quickies for you. On Thanksgiving, your Aunt Laura told your cousin Andrew that he doesn't get any Christmas presents from us because his present is you. He thought about that and a few minutes later we had this conversation:

Andrew: Aunt Stacy, how long do moms and babies have to stay in the hospital when they are born?
Me: About 3 days usually.
Andrew: OK, so you can have the baby on December 22nd so he is home in time for Christmas?
Too funny! Shortly after, he asked if he could see your nursery so we went in there together. He said "I bet you are really happy to be a mom, huh?" Sometimes, the kid zings you with funny things, sometimes wise things and sometimes things that are way beyond his years.

The mass globalization marketing campaign of Elijah Lang Brigham has expanded. Not only can you be found on this Blogger/Blogspot and on both your mom's & dad's facebook pages, now you have expanded your reach to My Space. Your Uncle Zach added your photo to his My Space page. :) Not that your Uncle Zach would completely express it but I think is he about as excited for you as we are! I am trying to con him into recording some lullabies just for you.

Told ya - just two quickies. Later gator :)

33 weeks

Hi Elijah!
Hey old man! You are 33 weeks now. This week isn't really a big milestone in my mind - not 24 weeks, not 28 weeks, etc. However, it seems to be marking some milestone in your mom's brain that is triggering anxiety. For all medical purposes, we have 7 more weeks until we meet you. However, my mental minimum of when I *could* meet you was 35 weeks. 35 weeks has minimal nicu time and you could even possibly come home immediately with us. Here is where the anxiety comes in - do you realize that 35 weeks is only 14 days away? 14 days... 14 days is the blink of an eye. 14 days is nothing. Even if you come at the optimal 37 weeks, that is still only 28 days away. It has seemed like time has been dragging by but here we are so close to seeing you.

I tried to explain this all to your dad. I tried to tell him that in 14 days you could be here. You could be screaming at us. You could be peeing, poohing and puking all over us. You could be keeping us up all night. We could be trying to feed you, change you and you could still be screaming at us. In 14 days, you could (one way or the other) be painfully making an exit out of my body. His response? He just shrugged his shoulders and said "Yep." Remember how I told you that your dad balances me out? I was all in a panic and he was all calm. He said that he will flip out when labor starts. Hopefully, I can balance him out then. I don't expect to be flipped out. I expect to be SCARED :) I expect to be so excited to hold you but so SCARED at how much it is going to hurt.

I was reading "What to expect when you are expecting" and I am starting to prepare myself for the strong possibility of a C-Section. Diabetes increases the odd of us needing a C-section. A kiddo with a big head (um, that would be you) increases the chance of a C-Section. Your mom being overweight (translate: big-fat-pig) increases the chance of a C-section. While it would not be my preferred method of delivering you, we are going to do whatever Bonehead tells us to do. I don't look forward to the extended recovery time or you being away from me so long after you are born but I just want you to be healthy and safe.

To wrap it up for today, here is the scoop from your pregnancy program. You have a 98% chance of survival and only a 12% chance of medical complications. The average weight is 4lb 7 oz - haha. You have been there done that. You are approximately 17.2 inches. You can tell the difference between night and day now. If we shined a light on my belly, you would be able to see it. Maybe when you are being ornery next time, I will shine a light on you to get you to shape up :)

Well kiddo, that is it for today. You keep in there cooking for 14 more days then we can renegotiate :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Baby E!
It is Thanksgiving night and your mom and dad are resting. Your dad because it is hard work to feed so many people and clean up afterwards. Your mom because it is hard work supervising your dad and, more importantly, growing you. We had lots of your family over here today to celebrate Thanksgiving. Lots of people rubbing your belly and telling you "Happy Thanksgiving!" It was a nice holiday but, I have to be honest kid, we are just passing time until you are here! Next year, you will be here for Thanksgiving. Next year, our lives will be centered around you. Yep, we are just going about our daily lives to pass the time until little Elijah is here.

Every year, your Gramma Debbie would ask me what I am thankful for. While I have things I am thankful for, I am really not good at expressing those emotions verbally. But, I am totally comfortable in typing them all out for you. :)

1) I am bumping your dad this year as who I am most thankful for today. You are going to be top dog today in the things I am thankful for. Thankful for your conception, thankful for your surgery, thankful for your continued growth and health, thankful for the beautiful pictures of you, thankful for feeling you move and thankful for the fact that we are only a few weeks of away from meeting you.
2) I am thankful for your dad. He has worked so hard lately in getting your room ready, getting the house ready for company and cooking us a delicious meal. On top of all that, he puts up with my whining, moaning, weird sleep habits and endless rambling about hypothetical situations about when you are here.
3) I am thankful for having a job in this economy and for having that job provide excellent medical coverage for you & me.
4) I am thankful for insulin so I can still have an *occasional* treat without hurting you.
5) I am thankful for being able to share my pregnancy with those close to me - my friend Emily is only 3 or so days ahead of me with her twin girls, your cousin Lauren carrying baby Jake and Candi carrying baby Henry. It is comforting to be able to ask Emily questions if she is going through the same things as me and it is bonding to have Lauren & Candi experiencing those same things just a few weeks behind me. I am especially thankful for baby Jacob because not only will he be a friend to you, he truly has introduced me to a new friend in your cousin Lauren. Sure, we have been family for awhile but you & baby Jacob have bonded us as friends.
6) I am thankful for silly things like my eReaders, my laptop and internet connection, black Friday sales online, Ambien, having my Christmas shopping done, Altoids, crockpots, stretchy pants/shirts and undies that fit :)
7) Finally, I really am thankful for all of your family & friends who are so supportive of us. I know I tell you all of the time but seriously, I don't think you can understand how excited people are for you. I know that they are excited for your dad and I because we have waited so long for you but they are excited to meet you and be a part of your life. Everyone gets so excited to see your ultrasound photos, everyone enjoys rubbing up your belly, and everyone has been so excited to spend their hard earned money to buy you presents. Your Aunt Laura has told all of Walmart about you and showed them your picture. Your Gramma Debbie continues to buy you presents. Your Gramma Debi D passed a family heirloom down to you - and you are not even blood related. Last night, your Grampa Keith's face lit up when he saw us. He has been pretty reserved about you - I haven't heard much from him. When I stopped over his house, he got a big smile on his face and rubbed your belly. He said we were catching up with him! I think he finally "got it" that we are pregnant and you are almost full term! Your Auntie Val, Auntie Kim and Uncle Jeff are planning a trip *just* to meet you. But, you know what made me really, really thankful today? Your ultrasound photos made your Great Gramma Lang smile, giggle and call you a little stinker. To see her face light up at the sight of you made my heart warm. It is a rough day for the Lang side of your family - our first Thanksgiving without Grampa. She gave me a grin when I arrived with dinner but you brought out a deep, heart felt, reached her eyes smile!

I told your dad when I started typing that he could add his things when I was done. He has been thinking hard... Here you go:
1) I am thankful for you.
2) I am thankful for the opportunity to experience the joy of being a parent in a few short weeks
3) I am thankful for all of the joy you have brought to our family - even though you aren't even here yet.
4) I am thankful for your mom. (*Note how your mom is #4 on your dad's list and he is #2 on her list. hmmmm*)
5) I am thankful that we have jobs.
6) I am thankful for the support we have received from our family and friends.
7) I am thankful for our animals - even though they are a pain in the butt sometimes.

Happy Thanksgiving little one and we can't wait to be thankful for you being an ornery little guy during next years Thanksgiving.

Dr. Appointment

Hi Elijah!
Well, you held up your end of the deal today in the pictures and receiving a clean bill of health so I won't call you turd anymore. I also won't pick on you anymore to take good photos until you pop out. And, finally, you are not banned from hanging out with Baby Jake - you did not flip us off. :)

The dr. said all looks good & you are still sewn in there nice and tight. You are measuring a bit big on all of your measurements. Your big old knocker head is about 2-3 weeks bigger than you should be. That is a bit of a cause for alarm for your dear old mom given that we have to think about that knocker head passing through during labor. :) You are 1 oz shy of 5 lbs. I think it is also a bit big for your ripe old age of 32 weeks. We will have to keep an eye on that.

Your ultrasound tech said you have a nice head of thick hair. Thank goodness for your dad's genes to give you that head of hair. If you got it from your mom's sides of the family, you would have 3 strands when you pop out. You gave us some really good photos today and I think you look really similar to your cousin Tyler. That is a good thing - your cousin Tyler is a cutie. Remember me telling you how he can wrap me around his fingers with just smiling at me? Yep, I think that is going to be you.

Your mom put on her best oscar winning performance and wore the doctor down into giving us 2 hours off work a day. Then, the rug was ripped out from under me and I found out that I would not be paid for it. So, we are back to 8 hours a day. Let me tell you kiddo - it is no fun having the rug ripped out from under you when you are so filled with glee that you will get nap time. Speaking of nap time, you are on a definite bender. It is now 5:15 and you have been constantly moving since about 9 last night. CONSTANTLY. We have had a rough night :)

Well, little one, I will leave you with your latest photos and a plea for us to get a good night's sleep. Good job at the doctor today buddy and we will see you in 2 weeks.


Is it too soon for your mom to be hopeful that there are signs of a Lang butt chin in these photos?


I found this photo after I emailed all of your family. I happened to look at it a second time and saw that you were sticking out your tongue at me. I went and watched the video and I can see you open and close your mouth then stick out your tongue. :) While that is really cute right now, don't expect me to think it is cute when you are here live and lipping off. haha.

32 weeks

Hi little man!
Another night and I am wide awake and your dad is snoring logs. Even Luke is all stretched out and snoring. So, I figured I would take the opportunity to write to you. 32 weeks old now - you just reached that a few minutes ago. 32 weeks!! We are definitely in single digit countdown now. I say we are 4-8 weeks away from seeing you. In some ways, that is the blink of an eye and in other ways, that is FOREVER. But, it sure is a lot closer than that first day where I sat looking at a pregnancy test going "You are kidding me, right?" Those days seem so far away now. The memories of being nauseous and hurling seem distant. The memories of having a brief 2nd trimester glow and burst of energy are faded. Now, all I think about is how I will get to see you soon. I think about being terrified of labor and your dad passing out. I think about seeing your face and smooching you. I think about looking at your tiny fingers and toes. Ok, I think about how tired I am or how my uterus hurts too but mostly, I day dream about you when you are here. I do tend to gloss over practical matters like feeding, sleeping, you screaming or having colic. I mostly focus on how cute you will be, how your family and friends are going to light up at seeing you and how your dad will fall asleep watching fox news with you laying on his chest. I really, seriously would pay for a pill that would put me asleep right now and have me wake up as they are handing you to me. Patience is not a virtue I have nor one that I have learned since you were conceived.

So, after all of that rambling, I should give you some scoop off our pregnancy program. As you may have learned in the last 27 weeks, we pay more attention to that program than we do our doctor :) 56 days remain until your due date! The program tells me that your activity level is going to peak now. Since you are gaining weight, you are running out of room and all of your octopus limbs are going to be smushed together as you are becoming a little chunker! You are supposedly sleeping 90% of the time. I can kind of see that. Your active times seem to be getting a bit less frequent. They have also changed. I don't seem to be getting big, violent bursts of movement - it seems to be a bit gentler and a bit more rolling. I don't know how to explain it but it is different. The big news is your ever important percentages. You now have a 97% chance of survival and only a 15% chance of medical complications.

I don't think that one year ago your dad and I would have ever thought in a million years that we would have a 97% chance of being parents in a few weeks. Amazing how much life can change in 12 months. In the last 12 months, we have lost Grampa Lang, we lost Grampa Bill, we married off Cory & gained Lauren, we got pregnant (and have kept you cooking!), we married off Jeremy & gained Kylie, we are anticipating Baby Jake's arrival and Baby Henry Harrington's arrival, we met little Baby Levi, and we have tried to put aside our grief over your 4 brothers to focus on you.

Tomorrow, your dad will be in KC crying over the Chiefs losing (just a prediction on my part) and we will be hanging out with the girls for our early Christmas celebration. Just think how lucky you are that next year during our friend Christmas celebration, you will have 3 girls (oh wait - and their moms) fawning over you and spoiling you rotten!

We will see you again on Tuesday morning and we can't wait. I will make you a deal. You give us one good session of pictures and I won't bug you about it again. I won't call you a turd for hiding from the camera. I won't ban you from hanging out with Baby Jake if you flip us off. Maybe, I won't even call you a big fat pig anymore. Just one good ultrasound session and I will close the door on my nagging. I think this will be one of our last comprehensive and long ultrasounds so I want to make it count. As our time is running out and your space to move around is running out, I don't expect many opportunities for good photos after Tuesday - until they are LIVE PHOTOS!! Also, I need one good shot for 3 Christmas presents :)

Well, little one, I will close by thanking you for bringing us so much hope and joy and really turning things around for us. However, as your Auntie Val and I were discussing tonight, your job is not over yet. None of us can bear to think of that 3% chance that something will go wrong. You have to do your part to stay in there cooking, breathing and growing. Then, when you are born, we will expect you to be healthy and ornery for many, many years. Then, your job is done.

One final thing, I am leaving you with some snapshots from the shower. I am missing one photo that your Gramma Debbie is going to have to send me of her, me and Gramma Debi D. But, other than that, your shower scrapbook pages are COMPLETE :)

Fun few days!

Hi there little Eli!
Yes, it is almost 2 am and we are still wide awake, aren't we? Meanwhile, your dad is snoring away next to us. Well, it seems like I have a lot to tell you tonight.

Yesterday afternoon, we finally got to see baby Jake!! He had some great 3d pictures but he is a turd like you - hands up in front of his face. I swear to you Eli, in one picture, he was flipping us off. Totally funny - when it is not my kid. So, you keep your fingers in check little man. I expect some good photos on Tuesday and if you flip us off, I think your cousin Lauren and I will have to agree to keep you & Jake separated. It would mean you are already bad influences on each other.

Last night, we finished all of your shopping. We got your swing, my pump, and the little things we were missing for your room. I am sure there will be things that come up but, for the most part, we think we have everything we need now. When we got home, your dad put your car seat/stroller together and I made our little goodie bags for the people who come visit you at the hospital. Looking across the basement and seeing that stroller sit there was a surreal experience!

All day today, you were a WILD man. I don't know what it was but you were moving like CRAZY. My sugars were in good alignment today so I don't think you were hopped up :) I think you know that you are about to run out of room in there and you were thinking "These are my last few days to PARTY..."

Tonight, we went to breast feeding class. I didn't know what to expect but it was really interesting. I learned a few things and I am glad we went. You see, your mom is a little worried about the breast feeding thing. It seems like it should be pretty simple - women have been doing it for how many thousands of years? But, I have this fear that I will have a c-section and I will not see you for hours and I will not get you to latch on right. I know we will get it worked out between us but it is a bit of a stress to me right now. We did watch some babies on videos and man, it made us want you here even more!! Like I tell you every post, not for a few more weeks. But, seeing those little newborns made my hormones go crazy.

Finally, it was quite an exciting night when we got home tonight. I was playing on my laptop and your dad was coming to go to sleep. I told him to watch my arm - you were moving up a storm again and my arm was bouncing up and down as it was resting on my belly. Of course, you stopped moving! I lifted up my shirt so he could see my belly and you started rippling across it. He had that look of amazement on his face like he did when he felt you for the first time. He said "Was that him?" in this astonished tone. His eyes were glued to my belly from then on. Yes, little one, you were so captivating that he didn't even have Fox News on the TV. It was so cool to see that look on his face again. He is so busy trying to keep his guard up in case something happens to you that I don't get to see that raw excitement that I feel everyday. It was a way cool moment. You know what else was cool? Your dad experienced something before I did. I have never "seen" you move before. I always feel it. Every time I try to see you move, you stop moving. I get a lot of perks with you growing inside of me and it was nice for your dad to get a perk too! You did continue putting on a little show for us and I got to see a big ninja kick but it is still not the same as your dad seeing it first :)

We have a lot going on this weekend kiddo. Tomorrow, we are hanging out with the family at a pampered chef party. Saturday, we are going to try to get the piggy vaccination. Sunday, we are hanging out with Deb & Kim and their girls for our Christmas celebration - we are painting Christmas ornaments at the pottery place. Somewhere in there, I am hoping to get your clothes all together. Apparently, you have found a way to harness magical powers that I could only dream of. You found a way to get people to do your laundry! Leisa came over and she said she loves to clip tags and fold clothes and use baby soap. I thought she was kidding until your Uncle Zach texted me a picture of them buying the baby soap. Man, you are going to have to teach me those secrets :) We have to finish your diapers up. We have all of the whites "broken in" and now we have to "break in" all the colored shells. So, lots to do and get accomplished and you just hang in tight for the ride.

I am going to leave you with a scrapbook page of your nursery. I have another page to do - your mural isn't on here, your changing table, your valance - this is just a little sneak peek :)

Such a whiner...

Hi kiddo!
You know what? Your mom is a big whiner. Yeah, you may have guessed that but it seems like all of my energy and optimistic juice was sucked out of me after the shower. I have now moved into the phase of pregnancy where I am kind of miserable. I am thankful that it started after the shower! Here is the deal. I will tell you what I am whining about. Then, when you are old enough, you can read your blog and throw it up in my face. For example, when I yell at you "Elijah Lang Brigham, stop your whining and buck up." You can say "But, mom, all you did was whine from 31 weeks on when you were pregnant with me." That will be a one time pass as a reward for reading your blog.

Before I give you all of the whiney details, I have to tell you big news. It was posted on facebook so I figured I am safe to tell you. Your cousins Cory & Lauren went to the doctor today and found out the gender of baby Lang. Your baby cousin is going to be a little Jacob Russell. A new BFF for you. I knew you would be close to a baby girl but I think you will be even closer to Jake. I was thinking about your cousins Brian and Cory and how close they are. Even though they live far apart, they are so close in age (only 1 month apart) that they have always been each other's favorite. That will be you and little Jake. woohoo!!

OK, in no particular order, here are some things I have found myself whining about this week.
1) Still exhausted and can't get the sleep pattern thing figured out.
2) Having a hard time breathing as of yesterday. I swear that you have put on like 3 lbs in one day and shifted my entire biological structure.
3) I can't get comfortable when I am resting or trying to sleep. I am a side sleeper and it has worked out well for us. But, the last few nights have been just plain uncomfortable.
4) Although time is really flying by, in some ways it is like tick-tock. Both me and your dad want you here so bad that time seems to drag each day.
5) It seems to take a fork lift to roll over. This really is new within the last 3 days.
6) If I sit upright too long, I am in pain. It puts a huge amount of pressure on my uterus and cervix and I feel ready to collapse. This is also relatively new. See, I think you really did double over night and shift my biology because I was fine during your whole shower and sitting on those hard chairs. Now, I would be ready to fall over.
7) I think that instead of a baby, I am growing a little octopus in there. I seriously can't believe all of the different places I can feel you move and all at once. There seems to be no physical way for you to be clear down low, way up high, way to the left and way to the right all at the same time with only 2 arms and legs. This would also explain why you ALWAYS have a hand/arm/foot in front of your face during ultrasounds - because you have extras. :)

I think that is about it for tonight. Maybe I will try sleeping a bit. But, before I do, I have to tell you a secret. For the first time tonight, I saw how freaked out your dad truly is. I think that when labor comes, I will have to roll him out to the car and drive us to the hospital. I was having a lot of tummy pains tonight. I had a hard time deciding if they were cramps because of you or just because I had an upset tummy. I made the mistake of telling your dad and his face turned white. When I saw the panic on his face, I realized we are going to need a steady supply of epidural juice for your mom and steady supply of valium for your dad. One could argue that it would be panic because you would be here so early. However, I don't think that is true. I think it is because he is scared to death of us going through labor. He doesn't want anything to happen to me and he wants you to come out safe. Unfortunately, a coworker of his recently lost a baby because of issues with the cord wrapping around its neck. So, now he worries about that too. But, as for tonight and the sheer panic on his face, it was kind of funny - I may have to start teasing him more so we can get him hardened up for when the actual event comes.

Night babe!

31 weeks

Hi little man!
You are 31 weeks today. WOOHOO. 96% survival rate with only 20% chance of medical complications. I don't think our odds are going to get much better because there is always a small chance of medical complications. Our program says you are 16 inches and up to 5 lbs. I think you are around 4 lbs but that is just a guess based on your last appointment. Only a few more short weeks and you will be here. I can hardly believe it.

Did you have fun with everyone loving up your belly at the shower yesterday? I think you slept most of the time then you were up all night. Too much activity for you, huh? But, that shower punch was tasty, wasn't it? :) Your mom really doesn't like showers - I have no problem giving people gifts or socializing but not really a huge fan of showers - even my own wedding showers. However, yesterday was a really nice shower - good food, good ambiance, people socializing. It was kind of overwhelming to me because all of these friends and family came out in full force to celebrate YOU! You are already so loved. When I stood up to thank everyone for coming, it was a little emotional for me to think just how long we have waited for you. To think that your mom and dad have wanted you for 11 years and you are finally almost here is astounding. To know that 40 people were sitting in that room with the same anticipation and joy is humbling. I was so shocked at how much "loot" you got. I really didn't expect you to ever receive so many gifts. I had hoped for your car seat (we can't bring you home without that), a few outfits and some fun things. You received 1.5 truck fulls of stuff. Seriously, 1.5 trucks and your dad has really good spatial skills. It was amazing! Guess what though, kiddo? It wasn't 100% about you! I got some gifts for me :) Your Great Gramma Lang knows what a whiner I am so she got me some movie gift certificates. Your Gramma Debbie also got me a willow tree ornament of a mom holding a son. I have wanted to buy those for 11 years and now, I own one because you are on your way!!! I also got a fleece blanket from your Auntie Val that I have been wanting for ages - it kept us warm and toasty last night, huh?

I can't list everything you received or this post would be a bajillion pages long. However, I will tell you about 3 little funky gifts that were unexpected - you got your first Sigg canteen from the Cvilikas'. I love Sigg canteens and how green they are. You got a giraffe from your cousin Jeff. You got lots of jungle stuff for your room but this one was kind of funny because he has some irrational fear of giraffes. He figured if he bought you that, you wouldn't have that fear. Too cute! Finally, you got a little sippy cup with your name on it from the Volenec family. I had never seen such a thing. It was so cute to see your name on a sippy cup in fun kiddo colors.

Well kiddo, there was so much more to tell you about your shower but you probably felt everything I felt so you are up to speed. I had really, really bad dreams about you last night so I would encourage you to be super active today to reassure me that you are fine :) We are worn out today, huh? We woke up with a headache and hurting, swollen hands. It is a true day of Sabbath for us. No cooking for the week or anything - too much effort for today. I did make a breakfast quiche for us for the week and a couple other little crockpot things for today but none of that bulk cooking stuff for today. We need our rest.

Dr Appt

Hi Little Elijah,
For the most part, our appointment today was pretty darn boring. In and out. No photos. No 3d. No measurements. We did get to see you up there but even the ultrasound was quick. One really exciting part - she pointed out you breathing to us. That was pretty cool. Must have been your diaphragm that she saw moving. I think we threw off your schedule by moving up your appointment a week. You were moving a lot but your hand was right up by your face again :)

I was nice to the doctor today - I was exhausted so I didn't have it in me to be feisty. He wasn't concerned about my blood pressure or swelling but it did inch higher up again. I didn't even ask him to take me out of work - I was that mellow.

Yesterday, you about killed me. I thought you were super, super low and I was getting shots to the ovaries and bending over in pain. I thought your head and arms were down there because there was just a ton of pressure. But, today, your head was up above my belly button so it must have just been your legs beating me up. You have been pretty active today too. I stopped over to see Miss Viviann Lindberg (she is one week old and beautiful and a good sleeper) and it is like you can smell a newborn because you spent the whole time saying "Hey lady - I am in here. I am more important - don't you be cheating on me with other babies." Once I got in the car, you were quiet.

Tomorrow is our big day - it is our shower. Friends and family will be coming together to celebrate you and spoil you. Expect lots of people rubbing up your (well, technically my) belly. Oh, and besides the food, company and (hopefully) gifts, did I mention shower punch? Cream cheese mints? Cake? We will be dosing up big time to enjoy all of our favorite sweets. Between the shower and some shopping afterwards, you should be all taken care of. I figure that if we get your car seat and my breast pump, we should have enough to get you home. Last night, we got you a little outfit on clearance - our first outfit we bought you. It was a little jean overall and shirt. We also got you a little winter zip up with an overall sack. It is kind of hard to explain but your dad loved it. Want to know why? There was a carrying handle at the bottom. He wants to carry you upside down. He was giggling in the store just thinking about it. Your aunt Laura rolled her eyes and said it wasn't a carrying handle, it was the opening for the seat belt. I don't think he cared what the intended purpose was because he wants to use the darn thing as a carrying handle :)

OK little one, let's shoot for a good nights sleep tonight so we are in good spirits at the shower tomorrow.

Your mom was wrong...

Hey Baby E,
I admit, it doesn't happen very often but I was wrong. That I would admit that I was wrong probably happens even less frequently but I will keep it real with you.

I told you last week that your mom would be a mess when your room was done and I saw your crib and my rocker in it. Um, nope, that didn't happen. Your dad busted his butt and your room is all done except minor little things. He started putting your crib together - I was fine. No biggie. I hung your "E-L-I-J-A-H" pictures on the wall - no biggie, I was fine. I started putting your clothes in your closet and um....I was done for. Seeing those little bitty clothes that your friends and family have purchased for you was what pushed me over the edge. The painting and flooring - those were cosmetic. The crib - that was furniture. The clothes that are so tiny that I couldn't fit a hand in them? Yeah, that makes you real. That makes you on your way.

It sounds silly because even as I am typing this, you are rolling around in there saying "Hi Mommy!" I don't know how it could get any more real than that. Feeling you makes me happy, makes me say "Hey little Eli, what is going on in there?" Seeing your clothes? Well, that makes me cry in happiness because it means you are really on your way and we will need to put clothes on you!!

I will give you some pictures tomorrow. Your dad still has to get your doors up - one chalkboard door & your murals. He still has to move your 2 dressers in there. Just a warning kiddo - your parents were too cheap to spring for a matching furniture ensemble. Your crib and changing table and floor is light wood. Your rocker, picture frames and dressers are darker wood. Live with it :)

Quickie...

Hey Elijah!
Today is your cousin Lauren's birthday so you have to send her out some good birthday pregnancy juice. Afterall, she is carrying your soon-to-be BFF. :)

30 weeks

Hi Elijah!
Your mom has been quiet these last few days. Your scrapbook can only have 100 pages and I am already at 76 so I have had to cut back a bit to make sure we get it all in. But, I have a TON to tell you today.

Biggest news for today - you are 30 weeks my little man. 3/4 of the way done cooking. WOOHOO. This seems like a huge milestone to me. Not as big as 28 or 37 but 30 just sounds so cooked :) Our pregnancy program says you have a 95% survival rate and only a 25% chance of medical complications. Numbers look good, little one.

I made a big decision for you last night. Your dad had the Nebraska game on and my mind started wandering to you going to college. Here is the rule - you can go wherever you want but it has to be within driving distance. So, you have about an 8 hour radius from us. Yes, that is my final answer.

I gave up the sleep drugs for several nights. I just plain didn't like how they knocked you out. You were so subdued and weren't moving much because you were sleeping so much. However, last night, I didn't fall asleep until 3:30 and was up at 6:30 so we might have to do one tonight. Just don't want to do one every night. I will try again at the doctor to get some time off work for naps :) We were supposed to go on 11/20 but I moved our appointment to 11/13 because both your dad and I are off work. We will get to see you a week earlier. woohoo!!

I saw your Great Gramma Lang today and I think I am giving her a complex by telling you how I am scared of her all of the time. She said that I make it sound like she beat me all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth - she never really beat me. As an adult, she will playfully swat at me but she tells me that I deserve that :) I was never physically scared of her but just scared of disappointing her and the guilt I would put on myself if I did. She doesn't really acknowledge how she gives us "the looks." I told her that I am the only grandkid scared of her because I am the one that loves her the most and doesn't want to disappoint her. She laughed at me and rolled her eyes like normal. Your cousins and uncles would laugh at that too :)

Your Gramma Debbie came over today and brought us lots of goodies. For once, your mom & dad got some presents instead of them all being for you. About time :) After all, without us, none of these peeps would get you!

OK, the big news.... Guess who we saw today? Your Godfather. Yep, that is right, you have a Godfather officially now. We asked your cousin Brian to be baby GodDaddy and he agreed. Brian was baptized Catholic although I am not sure if he officially a practicing Catholic. But, we chose him for several reasons. 1) He is family. 2) He is super excited for you to be here and be your "uncle." 3) He will be a good role model for you 4) He agreed to have the birds and the bees talk with you (haha) 5) I think that you will be very comfortable in talking to him about things maybe you don't think you can talk to us about. He will be a great resource for you to share things with and know that you can trust him. 6) He believes in God and he will encourage you to do the same. Finally, if we can get some nuptials between him & Erica, you will end up with 4 awesome Godparents.

So, you are set with your Godmother Becky and Godfather Brian. Now, we just have to get it set up with the church and take the classes. I was hoping to have the baptism the weekend of 1/29 but I am not sure if that is going to work. We are going to have to start coordinating. After we got the official word that Brian accepted, I realized how at peace I am about the decision for both Brian and Becky - we made a good call. Both of them are so excited to be a part of your life and honored by the choice that I know they are going to be great Godparents to you. Although, we did realize something silly today - neither one of them live in Omaha. I don't know how we did that but just think of it as an opportunity for you to visit fun places like I did when I was little. Becky emailed me several times with excitement over the prospect of being your Godmother and Brian texted me telling me he will be the best Godfather ever. I know both of them are going to do their best to make sure you grow up to be a good person.

Your dad almost finished your floor today - all the painting is finished. He is working really hard to make sure your room is ready and cute as can be. I am doing my part by supervising and helping make design decisions. (haha) I spent the day prepping food for the week. We are trying 9 new recipes this week. The first one we had tonight was a winner. Hopefully, a few more are because they are mostly quick & easy crockpot meals. Quite a few are way outside of my comfort zone but maybe you will like the variety because you have taste buds now!

Well kiddo, time to try to get some sleep. You have been sleeping for lots of hours so you are probably ready to party & your mom is ready to sleep. Just a preview of life to come.

Random musings...

Hi there little Elijah!
Not a ton to report but man, you are getting heavy to carry around. I feel just a huge amount of pressure and when I bend over, it is like you flip over and press even further. I told your dad that my uterus was just not cut out to carry around a baby. His response was "it must be." A lot of support there, huh? Actually, what I meant was that my uterus is not meant to carry around a 40 week baby. I think it can only hold out til 37 weeks :)

We have been sleeping a bit better since the doctor told us to drug up. We went to bed at a decent hour on Sunday & Monday and slept all the way through the night. I know it is necessary for us to get some sleep but I really do hate drugging you up. I hope to maybe drug us up for a week then maybe we will be on a routine where I don't need to drug up. I could probably sell these drugs on the street and have enough to pay for your stroller or something :)

I wondered today if you would have any birthmarks. I have two and your dad has one. I have a LARGE one on my elbow. When I was little, it was completely noticeable and I probably had a complex about it. However, now, I don't even notice it. I also have a small one (about the size of a quarter) on my right thigh. When I said that to your dad, he said "You do not." Thankfully, my right leg also has a tattoo so if he ever needs to identify my body by my right leg, the tattoo will do it. Apparently, he would not recognize me by that birthmark. (Side note: Have you noticed your parents have a warped sense of humor? Get used to it) Your dad's is small too. Now, I am feeling like a dork because I can't remember where it is - I am so focused on the one on my leg. I yelled down at him (yes, he lives downstairs and I live upstairs). His is on his hip. I wonder if you will have one too.

I have a new photo for you. This is us at 29+ weeks. Yes, your mom is a dork and I should have taken the momentous 28 week shot but I didn't get around to it. Tonight, I had to actually comb my hair and put on semi-decent clothes as we had to go to a funeral service. So, I figured I would let you see my gut. Yep, you are in there wiggling around. Most of the time, you are right about where my hands are. I have no idea why the pregnancy belly is above it but you like to hang out low. Your dad (the genius that he is) patiently informed me tonight that this is because of gravity. While I agree with his brain surgeon theory, you hang out low when we are laying down too. I wore this shirt (technically a dress but not for tall chics like your mom) a couple of weeks ago when we went on our hot date with Gramma Lang, remember? Um, it wasn't nearly this tight. You are definitely a growing boy. Our pregnancy program said you will gain 1/2 lb a week from now on and triple in size before you pop out. Your dad got quite a hearty giggle at your mom squeezing out a 9 pounder.

Oh, hey - that is your room too. That is your wall. That is your paint color. Your dad is about half done painting. He is going to finish up this week. I am not sure what is going to go on that wall when your room is done. It is either going to be a big dresser with a hutch or your changing table. It is still up in the air.

One final note. I have been making adjustments to my medications. Long boring story that you don't care about. Lord have mercy, I can definitely tell a difference. My mood swings are out of control. My irritability is at an all time high. The demon pregnant wife your dad has been fearing (after hearing about it from friends or seeing it on tv) is now coming out. When I mentioned to him last night how surprised I was that the medication has been keeping me so in check and this must be how a pregnant chic normally feels, he said (very quietly and very shyly and not looking me directly in the eye) "Well, maybe it would be better for you to stay on your medicine." I think he means that it would be better for HIM :)

Well, good night little one. It is time to drug up and hit the sack.