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.

Your Dad...

Even though I know you will find this out for yourself, I wanted to write you about your Dad, and to let you know what a wonderful human being he is.

I met him in January of 2001, through a mutual friend, and we felt comfortable with each other right away. It was like we both were looking for a good friend to make us each feel like we were loved for all the good things we do.

He is so thoughtful, wonderful, a very funny person and very fun to be with, as well as incredibly generous, both in heart and mind. He makes me laugh a lot and hugging is well accepted by him, as you will find out. He has so much love to give and once you've captured his attention and heart, that seems never run out.

Always be good to your Dad because he'll go through great lengths to love, support, and be there for you. He might not always show it, but he has a very sensitive soul and your love and devotion can mean the world to him.

I hope you have his beautifully shaped eyes, thick dark hair, height (because you don't want mine), creative ability, sense of humor, and sweet disposition (characteristic attitude) towards life and other people.

We always spoke of having children, but after 7 years of spending close time together and traveling, we finally feel ready for a little family, and we are so happy to have you come to us now. We both have built up a lot of love for you and are excited to have you share our life of warmth, humor, cuisine, a passion for traveling, and making sure to enjoy what life has to offer.

Turkey Day!

Hi Bella,

No, you are not the turkey, but I do like to call you "butterball" sometimes since we haven't named you yet.

Well, here I am 7 months pregnant, feeling very big and you are causing a great pain in my upper right rib and back. Excruciating at times, I usually have to stop what I am doing, and/or lie on my back. This started when I was about 4 1/2-5 months, if I remember right. Just as I was starting to show with you, and just when you were getting bigger and bigger.

I've been off work since mid-August, so that makes it a little over 3 months now. Torn between really searching for a position until January, or lying low and enjoying the time off and the unemployment, waiting for you to be born.

You are due in February, on the 16th to be precise. I'm not too worried about the actual labor. Maybe I should be, but I have experienced some painful contractions when I was pregnant before and lost your sister (or brother), in the hospital in France in Dec of 2006.

Your Dad has been more supportive and more understanding of what I am going through. I wish he could physically experience the pregnancy though because it is really a strange time period, both mentally and physically, and I'd love someone to understand me more.

Well..that is it for now. I will try to write every so often.

xoxo
Mom

Baby Shower for you!

Hello little one,

Your Auntie Jenny was so thoughtful, she gathered a bunch of my old friends and put together a surprise baby shower for me. It was last minute, but I was able to see some good friends that I haven't seen for awhile (Aunt Mary Jo, Aunt Teresa, Aunt Jessica, Aunt Jen, Aunt Sarah, Aunt Alyssa, and last but not least, Auntie Jenny).

I also got a bunch of great goodies especially for you!

*Infant carrier (Auntie Jenny)
*Cute Clothes and jacket (Auntie Jenny and Alyssa)
*Baby Monitor (Aunt Sarah)
*Glow worm doll (Aunt Jessica)
*First Aid kit for babies (Aunt Jessica)
*Baby bottom paste for rashes (Aunt Jessica)
*$50 gift certificate (Aunt Teresa)
*Dr. Seuss book (Uncle Cliff and Mark)
*Super soft baby blanket (Aunt Mary Jo)
*Little pink shoe socks (Aunt Mary Jo)
*Diaper cover (Aunt Jen)

Just wanted you to know that you were much loved even before you are born!