Your 1st Christmas Baby!!

Presents and stuffed animals everywhere, Elodie entered the room and immediately spotted the little Bengal, white tiger that Papa had sticking out of a bag.

Book of Elodie series is now available!!

We decided to keep a small book set of Elodie and her first years in this world. Our idea is to have these books as sort of "The Chronicles of Elodie", and divide them into every 3 months. So far, we just printed 0-3 months book, but I (Mom) just finished both the 3-6 mos and the 6-9 mos, and the 9-12 mos will be completed when she finishes her first year after February 18th, 2009.

If you are interested, you can buy these books yourself from www.Shutterfly.com. Just ask me and I can share the link with you.

xoxo

Another set of teeth!

9 1/2 months--Elodie's gums have been bothering her (in a non-painful way) for weeks now. I see what all the commotion is about..she had her new top teeth popping through, or as the pediatrician calls it, "cutting", which sounds super painful, but apparently it is not and only minor bleeding.

Elodie, just for the record when you read this. I thought you were adorable with just your bottom teeth, but now you are really looking like a little girl. Hope you always will show off your pearly whites! xoxo Mom

(pic and/or video to be posted)

Laughing at and with Mom....

Elodie learns to stand

Oh..oh..the day has come. Now at 8 1/2 months old, Elodie has finally learned to advance from the crawling stage to standing in her playpen. She also is falling down, sometimes with a cry, but like her Mom, she holds on and just gets back up to try it again. After only 5 days, she has mastered this ability and is on her way!!

(pic and/or video to be posted)

My Review of Secure Transitions Baby Tub

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Introducing the BIGGEST, cushiest inflatable baby bath tub you'll find! It's more comfortable for baby and offers more room to grow. This soft, jumbo-sized tub keeps little bathers safe and secure, without feeling cramped. Unique supply holders keep your shampoo and rinse cup close, so yo...

Secure Transitions Baby Tub

Love it so far...

By jeyn from Cupertino, CA on 9/29/2008

4out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Easily Assembled, Safety Features, Lightweight, Dries Quickly

Best Uses: Washing, Infants, Bathing

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

We needed a larger tub since my daughter was getting too big for her regular tub, so I thought this would be a good idea. Plus, she is starting to enjoy water and playing with her rubber duckies, so she needed more room.

I love this tub because it drys quickly, is easy to assemble, and I like the little holes for the shampoo,etc. The only downfall for me is that it is really meant to be used in a bathtub and we don't have a tub in our home, so we've been using it on the kitchen table. Putting water in and taking it out is a problem for now, but it will make due for now and she seems to enjoy it.

My first trip--and to France too!!

Elodie follows her parents love of travel and has her first trip abroad to see the relatives in France. Being a long trip at almost 3 weeks, we travel by plane, train, and automobile, around the French countryside, stopping along at Patrick's brother's house, Bernard and Chantal, for the weekend. It was perfect timing because Patrick's sister, Vero, and her new fiance were there too, visiting from their own getaway. Elodie got to have kisses again from Aunt Vero and having the family there made the stay even better.

After our little fun weekend, we then the Dordonne area for 2 nights, seeing the Medieval village of Sarlat--beautiful! One night in Carcassonne to visit the Medieval castle there, then yummy lunch in Narbonne. One night in Pepignan, then a day trip to Barcelona, then 1 night in Chateauneuf de Pape (famous wine region), and off to see Grandma (Patrick's mom) in Vermondans and celebrate Elodie's 7 month birthday.This was a really relaxing and a nice stay, plus, Elodie got to spend a little time with Aunt Vero again (and so did Mom with her "Sista" Vero and shopping 'partner in crime') ;o) We also added 2 nights in Strasbourg in between.

We expected a lot of crying or fussiness, but she was such a good sport. We had a few restless moments where we were on a train with noisy passengers, or driving around to find a place, but overall, Elodie was really great.

She had a lot of energy while on the plane, but no ear aches, no crying hysterically. Just her being verbal with her new voice and words.

Some things I'd change or baby notes about this trip:

* Bring more onesies instead of dresses
* Bring a baby scarf
* Baby shoes are not necessary and take up space
* We brought our Baby Bjorn baby carrier, but ended up using our lightweight Combi travel stroller a lot more.
* Pacifier clip is essential
* My OneStepAhead diaper bag was AWESOME! very convenient and can hold so much.
* Sassy biodegradable bags for dirty diapers was nice..as so not to stink up hotel or relative's garbage cans.
* Our baby travel bed wasn't used as much as we hoped. It worked well for the beach, but Elodie needed to already be asleep before we could put her in the bed. Most of the time we just had her on the bed and surrounded by pillows, and then she would sleep in the bed with us as normal.
* Bringing our own car seat was a SUPER idea. She didn't have to use someone else's seat rental and possibly get exposed to any sickness, and we used it all the time at the restaurants, as most didn't have high chairs available. A car seat BAG as well was essential, and helped us stuff more items in there as well.

I also found some very cute items for Elodie. The French definitely have more baby style than in the U.S., and I've never seen so many stores marketed towards babies and kids.

It was a good trial run to see how it is to travel with a baby. It wasn't as bad as we expected and we'll be sure to do it again.

Thanks Elodie for being such a trooper!!

First new sound..

Almost 7 months old--Like a laugh, but more of a squealing sound while in Sarlat/Dordonne. Very cute!

(pic and/or video to be posted)

I'm crawling now!

At 7 months, in France at Maman's house and she is really mastering her crawling technique now. Ok, looks like she is in the military, going through the trenches, but nevertheless, still cute and fast!

(pic and/or video to be posted)

Another tooth!

9/4 - 6 1/2 months--another tooth in the bottom front and bigger now

(pic and/or video to be posted)--if I can get her to show them!

Ma! Ma! Ma!

Now almost 7 months old---just before our trip to Europe, she is now saying MA MA MA very clearly. Laughs when I repeat it.

Ah-ha! my first tooth!! make a wish!

Patrick called me into the room telling me that he feels something like a tooth on Elodie's bottom gums. I rush in and take a peek, and low and behold! the cutest little tooth, just sitting there on her bottom right hand side and peeking up from her little gums.

Of course we did a tooth chant and applauded. Elodie thought this was funny, but I'm sure she didn't know why.

Now, I just need to watch out for when I breastfeed...ouch!

Another lovely day at the park...

Oh, one of our many fun days at the park since Elodie was 1 month old.

It was a beautiful day and Elodie was intrigued with the camera..and my keys.

Jumperoo...JUMP! JUMP! JUMP Elodie!

This is just the coolest toy for Elodie. We recently bought her a play pen and that is really great for her to have room to move around, and we also bought her a Bumbo seat with tray to help her sit up, but that was sort of short lived.

I heard so much about this stationary activity center called Rainforest Jumperoo by Fisher Price. I was in Babies r Us one day with Elodie and I decided to put her in the floor sample. I usually don't do this because of other babies germs,etc., but it was my one chance to try it out before looking into buying it.

She loved it right away and a big smile came on her face. I knew it was what we needed. And this would also help her feel empowered to stand up.

This video says it all..It makes us giggle every time she is in it...Hope you enjoy it too!!

My first taste of la cuisine!

Almost 6 months old and we have decided that it is time to introduce solid (really puree) foods to Elodie.

She has been eyeing us eating and drinking for some time now, but I wanted to wait until she was closer to 6 months because that is usually what is recommended to avoid any allergies.

We have decided to make all of our own food, but in order to not delay any further, and since we will be going on a trip next month, I went to Babies r Us and bought a small case of 8 jars of a variety of fruits purees made by Earth's Best (all natural). Before we use those, I decided that I would like to put her on Rice Cereal first (as everyone suggests). I added breastmilk to it and tasted it myself (yeesss..I did! what's the big deal?), and actually it was pretty gross. Elodie thought so also.

Next, I thought we'd introduce carrots. Elodie's first reaction is not a great one. I took some of our home delivered organic carrots and steamed them, then put them into our mini cuisinart to mash.

What did we expect? Breastmilk..sweet...Rice Cereal..yuck..Carrots..yum? umm..no. Of course I made up a huge batch, so much of it had to be thrown out after a few days. We tried again, but it just isn't something she is interested at the moment.

I heard from some friends that Barley was their daughter's favorite so I bought some of that and voila! she liked it, and not only that, but she ended up eating about 10 good sized spoonfuls. I could not have been happier.

Now, we've been slowly introducing the fruit jars of baby food, which are pretty tasty, and she seems to like them. I even made some of my own with some organic nectarines and added some bananas for sweetness and she liked that.

Making the food is very easy and it is fun to experiment with the different tastes.

We'll continue on with this method of fruit for the first couple months, then we will move onto some carniverous baby food, which I'm not really looking forward to, but she will need her protein.

Until then..bon appetit ma cacouette!

My first IM with Dad..

This morning Elodie had her first IM (Instant Messenger) chat with her Dad. It started off simple with just a few letters, and then it got sort of complicated when Dad typed the word "Cookie".

This caused her to have those wrinkles between her eyebrows, so the only thing she could do was to use big words like "s weuynnyhy", and luckily Dad responded in Elodie talk, which brought a big smile to Elodie's face.

I can grab my feet now..

Elodie is now 3 1/2 months and one day I walk into the bedroom and she is lying on her back and she has both hands on both feet. I did a double take. It seems that whenever she has a new ability, I seem to catch it by mistake.

I totally forgot about this ability and remembered seeing other babies (only in pics) do this very same thing. My first thought was that my little Elodie is really growing up. What next?...can't wait! :o)

The Bumbo seat..sitting up..

Another great feat, Elodie at 3 1/2 months is able to sit up straight with great head control, thanks to this Bumbo seat.

Our pediatrician recommended that we get this seat because it might help expedite Elodie's head to shape correctly. I was excited to get the chair and it was a reasonable price of $35 at Target and $9.99 for the tray.

We put her in it immediately and she looked around like, "hey, this is kind of a neat view from here". Since she was wobbling a bit, I couldn't quite get a steady pic, but I still think this pic is too cute.

Ouch..my teeth hurt...

Already starting to fuss with her teeth at 2 1/2 months, it appears that poor Elodie is starting to go through teething.

I went out and bought her some homeopathic teething gel (I didn't want to subject her to the benzocaine stuff yet), and it seems to be helping.

I also purchased a bunch of different types of teething toys and tried the old frozen washcloth trick, but nothing is really appealing to her right now.

Hopefully this won't be too painful for me too (if you know what I mean). eeek!

I can rollover on my own

3 months now and Elodie has mastered the technique of rolling over.

It was funny actually because I was doing laundry one day and she was on her back in the middle of the bed and I turned to grab some stuff and turned around and she was on her little paws and tummy!

I couldn't believe it, it happened so fast, I don't think even Elodie knew what was happening. She had that deer in headlights look herself.

She can't roll back over yet, but this is a good start, although this just means I'll have to keep an even bigger eye on her now and more PILLOWS!!! ahhh!

My first giggles..

The day I was waiting for has come and I have to admit, it made me tear up a little out of joy and happiness.

I was playing with Elodie today and as she was standing (with my help of course), in front of me and was smiling and talking, and I was doing the same, all of a sudden a bunch of giggles came out and I laughed. Then she laughed and giggled again and again, and I couldn't stop laughing. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait for her to do it again.

I just had to mark this day in her history. Love it!!

My 1st Mother's Day..

What a lovely day for me, as I was truly spoiled by both of my loved ones and my eldest sister Sylvia and her hubby Brad.

First, on Saturday, they came to visit us here at our little abode in the woods and we shared Mother's Day gifts and wine and cheese on our front patio. Followed by lunch with great conversation and a lot of "catch-up", as we haven't seen each other in years.

Then today, this morning, my honey made me a super duper breakfast in bed, including a yummy cheesy scrambled eggs with whole cooked mushrooms, red peppers, and turkey breakfast sausage, along with toast, fruit, and a big bowl of my favorite Mexican hot chocolate. To top that I received a gift certificate for one of my favorite Pedicure/spa places nearby. This is sooo needed, as my last pedicure was the week before Elodie was born. I also desperately need a haircut and a massage, which should be happening this week too--yipee!!

After lounging in bed with my 2 favorite people (Patrick and Elodie), and watching a movie (our favorite past time), we went to town and grabbed a sandwich and drinks at Whole Foods and went to the park to relax and have a picnic. Afterwards I got to have my favorite Tapioca Pearl drink and fries and we came back home to relax and have one of Patrick's special French recipes of Flank steak...yum!

Ahh..I was spoiled and had a wonderful 1st Mother's day!! Lucky me!

Finally! we are paid attention to!

We've been lining Elodie's changing table since before her birth, we've been kicked off the table by her feet and into the garbage or onto the floor, and we tried our best, with our bright colors, soft bodies, rattling sounds, and funny or cute faces, to no avail for months, but FINALLY! she has paid attention to us!

Last week Elodie started teething and is finding out what her hands are all about, so she grabbed the fuzzy duck and held it close to her, which was so sweet. His duck bill was even chewed on a bit to relieve her teething.

So woo-hoo! it can only get better from here for us stuffed animals.

More than "Ga..Ga"...

Only 2 1/2 months and although Elodie hasn't actually said the words "ga..ga", she has been going from "ah-go" and "gee" to "goo-gee" and "la..la..la..la..la", and "oooohhhh!!, aaahhhh!".

Seems like she likes to hear the sound of her own voice and is testing the waters with sounds and such. I'm hoping this is thanks to me for talking with her on a constant basis since she was born. No matter what I am doing or how menial, I've been sharing it with her. "Look Elodie, now Mom is brushing her hair", "now I'm picking up the clothes", etc.

Sounds funny at first to do that, but in the end it sort of makes me feel like I have a little friend with me to keep me company, and I know it helps her to become more verbal.

Keep it up sunshine! xoxo Mom

A new Mom's search and recommendations on baby stuff

This might be a little lengthy (ok--REALLY lengthy), but I think might prove pretty helpful to those new Mom's out there.

First I want to say that something I really enjoy and find interesting is research. Online research is the best, but investigative research is great also. The reason why I am mentioning this is that when I was pregnant with Elodie I did a lot of research on the reviews of certain baby items. I did this through several websites, but found that Babies R Us and Amazon had the most reviews. I made sure to look at both the good and bad reviews of each item. If I couldn't find a review, I'd look on an online chatroom or board and get the info from there, sometimes having to post as an anonymous person to ask a question and get an answer.

We were given lots of advice from friends and family, and tips on this baby item or many gifts from our baby showers. Since this was our first child, we live in a small cottage for her first 4 months, we didn't want to go overboard on needless baby stuff, and we didn't require any frou frou or luxury items. we decide to just get the essential items that a newborn will need (i.e. bassinet, changing table, blankets, diapers, etc.), and then at a later time we can look at other stuff as we go along and learn.

So, I really paid attention to coupons and shopped around to get the best prices. True, I had to do quite a few trips back and forth with returns and exchanges, but in the end we ended up spending only a fraction of what we expected ($500 instead of $1500) for the essential items, as well as saved about $500 off these essential items by shopping around for the best deal (this meaning it would have normally cost us $1000, but with shopping around, we got the same items for $500-and I have the spreadsheet and receipts to prove it--lol).

On a side note, but just as important, I want to share with you the baby items that we have found to be so valuable and truly essential, those items that didn't come up to par, and the reasons why. I have put this in a Word Document, as so not to take up too much posting room. Click on the chickadee picture above and it will take you to this htm webpage.


Happy Baby time!
Jeyn

3 weeks today!!..

Happy 3rd week birthday Elodie!!

You are definitely getting bigger (and wiser!). You are also starting to make great efforts to hold your head up when lying on your Dad's chest.

On Saturday was your Mom's birthday, and your Dad was so thoughtful and surprised her with Happy Birthday signs on the porch with lights and balloons, and a fat chocolate cake with lots of candles and fun birthday gifts. We also received some gifts for you from your Auntie Sandy (Auntie Jen's Mom) in Rosarita Beach. A darling bunny blanket (see pic), a soft plushie girl doll, a rabbit blankie, and a cute mermaid handmade clay dish for me.

We have finally come close to depleting your diaper stock so I am ordering more diapers for you today, hoping you'll still fit into the size I order, since I'll probably get a good sized amount of them. And soon your Dad can help feed you with bottles of yummy breastmilk--mmmm..yum!!

What??? 17 days already??

OK, I'm officially in love with our little girl. Her face is not the little smooched up, wrinkly face at birth, but is now smoother, rounder, and changing every day.

She has her little moments where she huffs and puffs (literally), but that just means she is hungry and excited to use her breastfeeding VIP pass (which, by the way, is already worn out--but not expired--yet!). I participate in this excitement with her by talking about a milk party and wiggling like I had a tail, and this seems to get her even more excited.. I swear I see some smiles. She is definitely starting to recognize that "shirt" means "boobs", and boobs mean "milk", as she points now and tugs a bit at my shirt.

Sometimes I have to check to see if she is breathing because she is so calm and quiet that she looks lethargic and drugged (again milk is probably the culprit). But I would probably say that my favorite is usually after a feeding, or at night, with her small, but big eyes, she just sits there and stares at things around her. She looks like she is at peace and happy and curious, which in turn makes me happy.


So far in these past 17 days, I've been pooped on, pee'd on, spit up on, projectile vomit on (see Exorcist minus the swearing), drooled on, and my favorite, her passing gas when checking her diaper close up or when rubbing her back. How many people would you allow this to happen to you?

Speaking of people, I was driving on the busy 101 and 85 freeways yesterday and decided to go into the carpool lane because I "do" have 2 or more persons in the car. Then I thought, what if they consider a person an adult? I thought, that's ridiculous, if a cop stops me, I'll just ask him/her, "what? a baby is not a person? a human being"? Ding! ..yet another benefit of being a parent...yeah!

bienvenue a elodie olive

chere elodie,
un petit bonjour de tonton jc et tata vero, de France...on ne te voit qu'en photo, mais on t'aime deja.."you're really so cute"!!
ca fait du bien de voir de nouveau un petit enfant dans la famille, et nous pensons deja à toutes les fetes que nous partargerons avec toi, de pres, ou de loin (noel, anniversaires, paques...)..
et tu sais , quand tu seras plus grande...je sais tres bien coudre les habits de poupée Barbie!!!
en attendant de voir pour de vrai ta jolie frimousse (en mai), nous t'embrassons bien fort..
tata vero et tonton jc
ps : ta mamie de France, mamie colette, pense bien fort a toi aussi, et t'embrasse bien fort

Breastfeeding VIP pass

Dear Elodie,

We just received today your "Breastfeeding VIP membership card". All these hours of feeding finally pay off!

Congratulations!

Dear Jennifer and Patrick,
Congratulations!

Elodie, welcome! You are so cute! I can see a lot of your daddy in you, I bet you're going to have your mom's great sense of humor!
I can't wait to meet you, but understand I just have to wait until the time is right :)

6 days and counting...being parents

Amazing that it has already been 6 days since Elodie was born. It actually seems longer, but that is probably because the days are stretched with cuddling, feeding, changing diapers, making faces, or making up silly songs where we forget the lyrics (but hey--it calms her down when crying).

Some things we have already understood or are finding out as we go along:

1. For labor, I was against an epidural, but opted for it and I'm so glad I did!
2. In the hospital, no one tells you this, but expect to be interupted during the night and day, at least every 45 minutes (no kidding), from Nurses, Doctors, Pediatricians, Orderlies, and everyone else. This will drive you to absolutely no sleep when you expect to have some peace before you go home and really lose your sleep. Make sure to ask your nurse to put a sign on the door to ask the front reception before entering.
   
3. This being said..Yes, we lost a lot of sleep due to the hospital stay, then after we returned home, but we are slowly getting it back with taking turns on help and taking naps here and there.
   
4. Take naps with Elodie when she sleeps. We can each usually can get at least an hour in and that makes a world of difference later.
   
5. I made the mistake of starting to wash Elodie, but didn't have all of my wash equipment to properly do so, so I learned to make sure I have all of my baby equipment in front of me before I start anything. Even items being located across the room can be troublesome when giving a bath or changing a diaper. I basically needed to pick her up and take her with me to get that item.
   
6. Carrying a diaper bag with us in each car or remember to take it with us, like I would my own purse. In this diaper bag are the essentials: diapers (go figure), diaper wipes, changing pad, Purell, change of clothes, socks, and/or mittens, and always have some sort of receiving blanket and/or soft blanket ready. Bottles will come later since I am breastfeeding.
7. If we have to take Elodie out in public or to the doctor's, we made sure to cover her car seat carrier with a blanket, as so to keep germs and weather away from her and muffle any disturbing sounds.
   
8. While I was watching Elodie sleeping, she ended up kicking her thicker blanket that was at her feet, all the way up to near her face (within seconds), so needless to say, I really keep an eye on her and try not to look away too long.
   
9. Having good communication and an understanding with Patrick is great, especially when passing Elodie to each other (i.e. "I have her head and okay to let go").
10. Good support from each other is so essential. Help one another out for even the little things.
    
11. Elodie (and seems like babies in general) usually will cry for the following things (which makes it easier to deduce what she needs): 1) Hungry (breastfeeding time) 2) Gas Pain 3) Diaper change needed 4) Sick or not feeling well 5) or my favorite--Just wants to be held.
12. I found out that I love breastfeeding. Partially because it is just the most wonderful thing I can do for me and her. It is very rewarding and gives her not only the most natural and best food to help build her immune system and fight off colds and germs, but it helps my health as well, and gives me a great opportunity to spend some one and one time with Elodie.
    
13. It is okay (and best) to wait a while until you have guests coming over and holding her. People are usually good at understanding this.
    

It's a Girl!

Hey Everyone,

She finally is born! Elodie Olive Vilain, 9 lbs 9 ounces, and 21" long, was born today at 12:40pm, at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Stanford, Ca.

Since she was so big, she had a little trouble coming out, and it was even a close call at one point, but our little girl is so strong and she luckily made it into this world!

She is beautiful and looks JUST like her Dad when he was a baby, we could see that right away. Her eyes, nose, lips, and even feet are really identical to Patrick (see Dad's baby pics in the center and compare it to her), but I'm still holding out for her to have my dimples and I think her hands look like mine, but that might be because mine are still swollen and poofy like hers. ;o)

We are so happy to have her finally be here with us, and look forward to all the days we will spend with her by our side. This is really wonderful! xoxo Jenn, Patrick, and Elodie!

Une nuit avant le debut de ta vie ("officielle")

Eh oui, ouh la la, c'est deja le matin du grand soir. Ou plutot le soir du grand jour, enfin je ne sais plus trop car il est 23h58 et ta Maman navigue entre le sommeil (preparateur) et les visites de l'infirmiere (qui lui a copieusement servit une pilule pour la faire dormir...)
Des sondes sont placees sur son ventre et on peut entendre ton coeur battre-battre-battre.

Quand arrives-tu?
Bientot fini le temps d'amerrir et bientot celui d'atterrir (oh le poete).

L'infirmiere revient dans 2h30 pour un nouveau medicament.
La nuit est calme a Stanford ce soir. Il y a des gens tout autour, mais on est vraiment la que tous les deux, ton Papa et ta Maman, a t'attendre.
Quand arrives-tu?

It is just all so surreal..

Here I am, 6am in the morning, 1 day past your due date, you hiccuping and kicking, and thinking about my pregnancy and your upcoming birth by induction, starting this evening.

I'm sure other mothers or pregnant women can attest to this. That it is all so strange and surreal that you developed inside of me, that an actual human being grew, like a plant, starting with a seed, and now here I am, with you moving around in my tummy more than before, feeling very big and so heavy. And, because I know that you can see light and hear sounds, I like to think that you actually interact with me when I touch your protruding foot.

Even with all the typical (and not so typical) pregnancy symptoms I went through these past several months, there were times where I would actually forget that I was pregnant, and then I would look down or feel you moving and I'd remember that all this is so worth the chance of actually seeing the day where I can hold you close and connect with you on a completely different level. And the fact that I'm checking myself into the hospital this very evening to start the induction and actually see who has been with me this whole time, is the most surreal part of it.

You have already been medically recognized as being bigger in weight than you should be at this stage of pregnancy, and so the past week has been an emotional rollercoaster for both me and your Dad. I am not one to worry, and I always thought it was sappy when expecting parents would say, "I just want a healthy baby", like "who wouldn't?", but now I really understand that wish. All of the tests up until now have passed with flying colors, but there are still last minute problems that can happen to you and I won't know until you actually come out. I'm such a positive person and tend not to think of the negative things in life, but I am also a realist and therefore, for the first time, in a big way, I worry about you. How much will you actually weigh? Will I be able to give birth naturally or only by C-section? Will you be injured? What will you look like?

Then there is the question of what do we do with you once we return home? I keep having the funny picture in my mind of setting you down on the bed and us just staring at you and you starting back. Other than what we do know is necessary (breastfeeding, diaper changes, baths,sleeping,etc.), do we just plop you down in your little Boppy pink chair and use our mental telephathy to figure out what it is that you want or need? You are not like a pet, that is for sure. We cannot let you in and have you clean,eat, and put yourself to sleep. This is so much more, and we are actually curious about what our new lives will be with you and how this is going to feel and affect us both. The good thing is that we've been frightened (I mean "told") ;o) by our friends and family the truth about babies and how different our lives will be, so although it appears a bit scary, we are looking forward to the challenge.

One thing I know for sure is that we've spent the past 9 months preparing for you, mostly materially, but also mentally, and between your caring Dad and your loving Mom, there is just a lot of attention and love that is just waiting for you. Whatever you look like, whatever problems arise, we will still love you as much as we can, and either worried or not, I am just so excited to have this opportunity to meet you.

xoxo
Mom

What's in a name? Apparently ALOT!

OK, so here we are on the Friday before your due date, and we know that we are down to the wire on officially naming you (which by the way is not really that easy).

I've spent the past couple months going through French and American baby name books, watching the credits on movies for interesting name ideas, looking online for popular and unique baby names, and I came up with about 50+ different names (see below):

Aussile (Aus-eel)
Aussile (aus-sille)
Aya (eye-ya)
Bejou or Bijou (Bee-Joo)
Belal (bee-lall)
Bisous (Bee-zou)
Bonamy (Bon-a-mee)
Bonne (Bon)
Danae (dan-ay)
Eanne (eee-anne)
Edonie (ED-don-ee)
Emile (EM-Meel)
Epiphanie (ep-phif-any)
Eulalie (u-lay-lee)
Faustine (fos-teen)
Finney (fin-ney)
Fusciane (foo-she-ann)
Gaelle (gay-elle)
Jael (yey-all)
Laelia (lay-lee-ah)
Lalie (lay-lee)
Larlene or Larleene (Lar-leene)
Lilou (lee-lou)
Linney (lin-ney)
Love
Manis (Ma-niece) or Manisse
Manon (man-non)
Marlow (mar-low)
Nais (nai-eese)
Nilla (nil-la) (however, this is a popular, milk-dipping Vanilla cookie in the US)
Nine (neene)
Ninon (nee-non)
Obeline (ob-bel-leen)
Olivia
Paquerette (pac-qu-rette)
Pasiphae (pas-ah-fay)
Pepin (Pep-in)
Photine (fo-teen)
Pience (pee-ence)
Pinae (Pin-nay)
Ponce
Pyrene (peer-ren-nee)
Ronin (Ro-nan)
Sancie (san-cee)
Searlait (Seer-lay)
Selisse (sell-lease)
Sidonie (SID-don-ee)
Sinope (sin-ope)
Solal (so-lahl)
Solyane (sol-yan)
Yvelise (eve-leese)
Zea (zee-a)

And your Dad, with some help from his co-workers and friends, came up with a whopping five, mostly American names:

Clara
Emilie
Jeanne (but pronounced the French way of "SCH-john")
Louise
Zoe


As you can see, because my name, Jennifer Reynolds, has always been a typical American name and not very unique, I've spent a long time wanting a unique name for whenever I had a child. But, with your Dad, and understandably so, he's always had a very unique last name of Vilain (VIL-ANN), which as simple as it looks to spell and pronounce, he has had to consistantly repeat the spelling of it almost every time he says it to someone here in the states.

We've been back and forth on what to name you, worrying a bit about you having to spell it in school, or having to explain it twice. Therefore, we wanted to agree upon a name that is both unique (for me), but easy to spell and hear (for Dad), and flows with your last name. And, since your Dad and I only seem to agree upon the first name, Elodie or Elody, we decided to keep it as your first name, but spell it as ELODEE, in order for others not to think you left off the M and it is "Melody", which is sort of a common American name.

This way, there is no mistaking how to pronounce it, and I think it flows a bit better with your middle name, OLIVE, and last name, VILAIN, which comes out better than naming you a longer version of ELODINE.

So, when the person in the hospital comes around to ask for your name on your Birth Certificate, we will proudly tell them it is: ELODEE OLIVE VILAIN, extraordinaire! (ok, maybe not the "extraordinaire" part, but the rest remains. ;o) )

Another SURPRISE Baby Shower!!!

OK..it is affirmative. I am even luckier than I thought before.

Patrick invited me to a small meeting with a co-worker today, "some cake and coffee", to meet Haifa at his work and I was very excited to come.

Well, he led me into the cafeteria but took a detour into a larger, darkened room and I started to see balloons and peeked around the corner. To my surprise I see about 20+ folks hiding and saying "SURPRISE!!". It turned out to be a surprise Baby Shower for us..but Patrick knew and helped plan this for awhile now. SNEAKY MAN!! Let's just say thank God I made an effort to dress up and put some make up on. I can't imagine if I showed up in sweats, my Crocs shoes, and a t-shirt, with no make-up.

Of course I started to tear up a bit, all while people (including Patrick) were taking pictures of me. I felt like the star of the show..and a little embarrassed because I had never really met most of his co-workers before.

They had a sheet of cake with "Congratulations Patrick and Jennifer" written on it, as well as drinks, veggie platter with dip, fruit platter, and a bunch of gifts on the table. I met everyone so quickly, but remembered some folks from Patrick's Intuit X-mas party, and a lot that I was looking forward to meeting (and just heard great things about them from Patrick).

Turns out that Haifa (the Exec Admin and friend of Patrick), had organized the whole thing, and with a collection of money from everyone, bought a bunch of necessities off our Target.com Baby Registry. She also started off with a few Baby Shower games (that I didn't do so well at), but it gave me a chance to laugh and talk with Patrick's friends. It was fun and I really couldn't get over it all. It was truly a surprise.

This baby is truly spoiled!!...and so are we! Thank you Sweetie--and thanks everyone for making me feel very special. :o)

Labor..schmabor!

So my OB/GYN finally called today to go over the Birth Plan.

She says that the Ultrasound showing your weight of around 9 lbs is probably pretty accurate because of my birth weight history and the fact that you haven't shown me any signs of coming out.

What we all decided was to give you a chance to show up by your official due date of Saturday, 2/16/08, and if you don't show we will make an appointment for us to check in on Sunday evening to the hospital for an induced labor. She says that we can try for the natural "pushing" labor, but if there are any complications, we can always do a C-section at the very last minute to get you out safely.

My hope is that you won't wait until then and this can all get started sooner than later. COME ON Elodie!! xoxo

Soooo close to your birthday..but where are you??

Hi cutie pie,

OK, so you are supposedly a BIG baby, just like your Mom was when she was born (she was almost 11lbs!). You seem to be taking your sweet old time and relaxing in my warm belly, still kicking and moving, but refusing to come out.

The ultrasound I had last Wednesday, 2/6, says that you are approximately already 9 lbs! (babies are usually born around 6.5-8lbs, but you haven't been even born yet, so you can imagine my impatience and anxiety. Plus, you have already grown out of your cute newborn clothes.

You've supposedly been gaining about 3/4-1lb a week, and your due date is set for less than a week on 2/16/08, so if you don't show signs of coming out soon, we will just have to induce labor and get you.

We are so curious to what you look like and what you will be like. Everything is ready and everyone is waiting for you..so please come soon! ;o) xoxo Mom and Dad.

The moving belly...

Since you are such the kicker and mover in the belly, I thought I'd try to capture you in action. It was tough because as SOON as I took out the video camera..you stopped, but I got a whole second glimpse of your movement-woo-hoo!. It is at the VERY beginning of the video, so watch the left side of my belly, but don't blink. Enjoy! ;o)

Homemade tees for you

I bought these Calvin Klein onesies and decided to add a little homemade felt item on each one. They turned out kinda of cute.

BTW..we modified your first name a bit to Elodine, instead of Elodie. It is a little more formal, and we can always nickname you the shortened version.

Someone is warming your chair for you...

I was so proud that I took this older Glider rocking chair that is meant for you and me, and made some homemade avocado green fleece covers on it.

As SOON as I put on the bottom pad cover, I turn around for just a moment, and who has already found her place there?...yes! Zazu. I took some pics to catch her in the act (not like she looks like she is going anywhere soon).

Now, if Zazu is not there..Luigi is. They think I made it soft and colorful just for them, but maybe they are just keeping it warm for you.

Purrrr....

Someone else can't wait to see you. Zazu, the little kitty that has been lulling you to sleep with her purring on my tummy, will probably find you warm and will try to cuddle next to you when I'm not looking. This is a picture of her, and she sleeps with us every night and loves warm bodies!! She already has been curious and has tried to sleep in your changing table and bassinet, or play with your stuffed animals. I think you will love her as much as we do. :o)





Her best friend, Luigi, is also looking forward to meeting you. He is more reserved than Zazu, but nevertheless, he likes warmth as well, and you might find that he'll cozy up next to you too.

Someone very special in your life..

This is your Auntie Jenny Carlisle (left), with me and your Dad (taking the picture), at BJ's Brewhouse in Cupertino (don't worry, my drink is non-alcholic) ;o).

Your Dad knew, but didn't tell me that Jenny was surprising me with a visit, driving almost 2 hours from Sonoma County, to our house in Cupertino, which was wonderful because I was especially emotional during this time, and a little lonely for company. She also brought a bunch of VERY cute little outfits for you (and believe me, she hasn't stopped since!) ;o)

You will find this out for yourself, but I should tell you that your Aunt is a very special person and has been known to be one of the most thoughtful and kind persons I know, and I've known her since High School--23 yrs and counting! So I am a very fortunate person to be friends with her.

AND! (besides your Dad), she not only has been there for me during my pregnancy, but we just found out last week that she would love to participate with your Dad and me during my (your) labor. We are very excited to have her be there and so is she. We all can't wait to see you, and see who this little creature who's kicking so fervently in my tummy every day.

Ta Da! You've been named!

Hey Bella,

Here I am with you at almost 9 months. Not feeling to great lately because the extra weight (you!) ;o), is not helping with my hip issues, and therefore I not only waddle like a duck (which I'm sure you love the rocking), but also I can't walk too far without pain.

Everyone says that it will all be worth it once you are born and in my arms, and I'm sure that will be the case.

We have FINALLY found a name for you, and just in the nick of time. After much searching through our English and French baby name books, and your Papa wanting a common English name, and me a unique French name, we came up with "Elodine Olive Vilain" (pronounced "EL-OH-DEEN").

Elodie was one that I chose from the French name book that your Aunt Vero bought us, and your Dad liked the sound of it. The book says that you are named after a French actress. The middle name is my doing, so I apologize in advance, but your Mom loves to eat olives. Because I know that I am going to love you, and I can always say "Olive You" (I love you), I thought this was an appropriate middle name for you. So therefore, you will be my little olive.

The World's Smallest Nursery

Yep! Here it is..the tiniest nursery just for you my Elodie!

Since this picture was taken, I've changed your bassinet to sleep next to our bed and put your changing table in its place, and it looks even more inviting and adorable than before.

We can't wait to use it. Just looking at it makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside.

It might not be your own room, but since we live in a tiny 1 bedroom cottage in the woods, we made what space we could for you, as we wanted you to have a safe and warm environment for your first 4 months stay in our home.