To Our Son

Dear Elijah,

In just a little less than a month (hopefully), we will meet you for the first time. Your dad and I are both very excited to meet you, hold you in our arms, and welcome you into the world.

After mass this past weekend, Father Greg gave me a special blessing (for the second time during this pregnancy) in hopes of a safe and healthy labor and delivery. He will also be the priest who will baptize you.

The meaning of your name is "The Lord is my God." Your dad and I both liked biblical names, and this is the one that we decided on since we also liked the sound of it. We also discovered while searching through a baby name book that we both liked names with lots of vowels. We will probably call you Eli more often for short. Your middle name, Joseph, comes from your Grandpa Bob's middle name which is the same.

For this child I have prayed, and the Lord has granted me the desires of my heart.

-1 Samuel 1:27  

 

The above quote is also displayed on a wall in your room. You have been an answer to a prayer. In return for this gift, we promise to be the best parents we can be by loving you unconditionally and hopefully leading by example through our actions and not just words alone.

At my 36-week appointment yesterday, the doctor did a quick ultrasound to determine your position. According to her, you had a "good sense of direction" since you were head down and ready to launch! I had a feeling you have been head down for some time now since I could feel your hiccups down lower and a strong sense of pressure every once in awhile. I was also able to see your little heart beating strong and steady! Hopefully, you will continue to cooperate and stay in that position to help avoid a C-section...As part of our childbirth class last weekend, we took a tour of the birthing suites and the C-section operating room, which terrified me. I think it was a combination of the bright lights and all the sterile surgical equipment.

Even though it seems like I have been carrying you inside me forever, the day is coming nearer when we will finally get to meet you! Although I will miss feeling your little movements inside, we are ready and excited to see what you look like and hear your first cry. You also have a lot of extended family members who are eagerly anticipating your arrival with hearts full of love. We already love you so much and can't wait for your arrival.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Maternity Photo Shoot

Here is a sneak peek at our maternity photo shoot.











I am still surprised I was able to talk Ian into doing this without too much persuasion!

To see the rest of the images, you can check out the photographer's website at: http://www.shootingimagesphotography.com/

Then, click on "Enter Site." Click on "Clients" towards the bottom right hand corner. The password is "mmcdonald."

Welcome to the Jungle

While it seems like just yesterday we were gathering at Groovy Grounds for my bridal shower, it was also the site of the baby shower hosted by my sisters. From the decorations to the cupcakes and even the favor bags, the theme of the shower reflected that of the nursery as well which is the jungle.

Megan and Jamie did an excellent job hosting the shower, and they have really become quite the party planners! The food was great, and the cupcakes were a big hit.

Then, it was time to open gifts, and there were gifts galore! Elijah's wardrobe is now very well stocked along with all the other baby essentials he will need during the first part of his life.

The best part of the day was spending time with family and friends. Eli is very blessed to have so many people who are waiting to welcome him as the newest addition of the family. Most importantly, I am very thankful to have the examples to follow of so many wonderful role models in our lives of family and friends as we embark on the journey of raising our first child.