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