Thank you!

We were sad to say good-bye to Grandpa and Grandma Wheeler this morning. How fortunate we've been to have them here the past 2 weeks. They made our lives so much easier and gave us a chance to recover and begin to find our way as new parents. We still have lots to figure out, but have some semblance of a routine under way. We can't thank you enough, Jim and Meg, for your support, advice, guidance, and love. We love you very much.

One other quick note...Elijah is 2 weeks old today! He went to see Dr. Brantley today. We absolutely loved him. Elijah weighed in at 6 pounds and 15 ounces. He had grown to 21 inches long. Mommy was very happy to hear this news as it is so hard to tell how much and if it is enough when breastfeeding. He's well above his birthweight and seems to be as happy and as healthy as can be!

We couldn't ask for...

a better baby boy! Elijah is such a good little guy. He's very content. He eats and sleeps well. He only fusses when he is getting hungry and when he is not happy about getting his diaper changed or being naked. He is so sweet and we love all of the little faces that he makes as he is drifting off to sleep. Matt has been calling him "One Eye Eli" as he likes to peak at you with one eye.

I haven't posted in awhile. Time goes by so fast these days. Before I know it, the day has come and gone. I usually have a million things that I'd wished were done but know that the most important task was taken care of that day...taking care of and loving Elijah.

We are so blessed and can't wait for everyone to meet Elijah! Hope you enjoy the photos...

We caught "One Eye Eli" on film...

Oh by the way, who else besides my husband would brew his own beer a week after the birth of his first son? :-) Thanks to his brother, Matt and his dad had a blast making "Wheelhaus Ale"! It is now "fermenting" in the kitchen. LoL.

Thank Goodness for Grandmas and Grandpas!

We are so fortunate to have Matt's parents here. What a blessing! I'm not quite sure how mom's and dad's do it without them. Elijah says "Thank you grandma & grandpa for taking care of me, mom, and dad. I love you very much."

Welcome Elijah James Wheeler

There are absolutely no words to describe him. A few that come close...amazing, miracle, adorable, sweet, love of my life. He is so precious and we are so blessed! We are all doing well! Thanks for all of the calls, texts, thoughts, and prayers.

Well, I'm hoping that today's post will be the last post about "waiting." We are headed to see Dr. Bullard at 11:30 this morning to find out if we will head to the hospital this evening or in the morning. So exciting!

There are so many emotions right now. Excitement, anxiousness, nervousness, fear, anticipation, happiness, and the list could go on and on. Not only am I thinking about the labor process, the health of my little boy, and all of the uncertainty that goes along with the next 48-72 hours but the future and becoming a parent. What a new experience 2009 will be! Please keep us in your prayers.

The next post should be much more interesting...and I'm sure adorable! :-)

A Plan

Okay, I know that a plan is only temporary when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth but we are happy to have somewhat of an idea of what MAY be happening in the next week. All was well at the doctor today. Baby Wheeler looked good on the ultrasound. So the plan is...we will go again on Monday for a check. We will see Dr. Bullard on Thursday who is my primary doctor. Based on where things are, we will either go Thursday night to get things started or Friday morning for sure to induce. Dr. Bullard will be there Friday-Sunday.

I like plans but know that flexibility is a good thing too. :-) So a little while longer to anxiously wait...I know he's worth waiting for!

Waiting...

Well, today is Wednesday, Jan 7th. School has started without me. Very weird to be laying at home while everyone else is back at work. I have almost everything done to finish up 1st semester. 2nd semester starts on Jan. 22nd so I have some time on that one yet but a little one soon to arrive will not make it easy. I was anticipating a little more time to prepare and wasn't anticipating having to prepare for someone else to finish up this semester. Ah well, all will get done and work out. I have wonderful friends and coworkers who have already done so much to help out!

We had a doctor's appointment on Monday. The nonstress test went well...the little guy was quite active. BP remains high when I'm not laying down on my left side. So weird how my BP drops in a matter of minutes when laying down. The doctor decided to hold off on induction. We will go again tomorrow for an ultrasound. We'll see what the doctor decides from there...we are guessing it will happen on Monday or Tuesday of next week but who knows what they will decide. It is hard to imagine laying around for another 2 and 1/2 weeks which would take me full term, but we are certain this won't happen.

Matt (and I) really appreciated the meals that people made and brought to us over the weekend. He's been very busy cooking and cleaning so the break was appreciated and well deserved. Of course the food was delicious! We are so blessed to have such good friends when we are so far from family.

Back to laying around...

Ultrasound

We went to the doctor this afternoon for an ultrasound. Today is the 37 week mark. We've officially made it full term. Everything looked great on the ultrasound. The estimated weight was 6 pounds 14 ounces. It can go a pound either way though.

We will go back on Monday for a second nonstress test. Dr. Collins mentioned today that they may induce me on Monday if they feel it necessary. Everyone seems to say something different so it will all depend on what Dr. Fryar thinks on Monday. Today I think he felt like the baby was developed and ready so why risk waiting with the high blood pressure.

We are pretty much as ready as we will ever be around here. I'm not exactly ready in terms of being prepared at school but it will all work out.

We don't have a name yet...we have several but not one. :-)

We are looking forward to Matt's parents arrival sometime in the next week or so. We are fortunate that they will be able to be here to help us along in the first few weeks.

Happy 2009 to all. It will be quite the year for the Wheeler family!