Love Paternity LEAVE!

Can I say how much I love my husband's company for giving him paternity leave? 2 weeks and it ROCKS. It's so nice having him home and starting life as a family of 4 together!!! I don't have time to share about my labor, but hope to do it soon. We are doing well and can I say how much easier a baby is than a toddler? WOW! And I thought 1 was hard when I had Max. It's funny how things change once you have been through something. We are loving having Cole around. He is a good baby and is eating and sleeping very well. He sleeps most of the day and I forgot how much they do that in the beginning. I haven't been taken a ton of pictures but hope to do that more this weeks. He had his circumcision on Friday and oh am I glad to have that behind us! OUCH! Poor boy! He did OK and I had a few tears, but all in all it went well. He has already passed his birth weight by an ounce as of Friday. In 2 days he gained 1/2 pound...so I guess he is getting enough food. I'm really cherishing the little baby stage because I know it will go by before I know it and I don't think we will be having another so I'm enjoying his littleness while I can.


Well I'm off to give Cole a bath and some other things. More to come soon...sorry for the delay!

COLE LOREN ELLINGSON

The new challenge...getting the ENITRE Ellingson Family to look for a picture!Max running to see baby Brother!
Great G&G Gordon
Megs, Cole and I Cole being a cutie! Grandpa Gordon
Me enjoying my sweet baby boy!
Max giving loves to his new baby brother...love it.
The Gordon crew...some of them. My parents and grandparents
Sleepy baby...priceless.

Just wanted to post some pictures that Beth, my step-mom took this morning so you could get your first look at Cole! We are thrilled that he is here and are enjoying these first few days. We are going home tomorrow and our crazy life as a family of four begins.

More updates later...

Mothers Intuition is RIGHT!!!!

COLE LOREN entered the world June 20th at 7pm! We are thrilled that he is here and labor is behind me! Wheww...that hurt! He is a cutie and I will post pictures when we get home Sunday or Monday! He was 8 lbs, 4 oz like his brother and has brown hair. Thank you for all your prayers and I'm still shocked that the day I thought he would come...he did. The tough labor went pretty quick...3pm to 7pm but there is a little more to the story. Can't wait for you to meet him. Max is doing well being a big brother!

Nothing, Notta, Zero!

Not much to report! I wish that was not the case but obviously Cole is feeling comfortable in his womb right now. I have had some contractions but nothing painful, just a little uncomfortable. I feel like a broken record to Loren because I keep saying I'm having some contractions and then they go away. We are just waiting and hoping something happens soon. Its been very nice because I have had nothing on the calendar and have been taking each day easy and slow and it has been LOVELY. I love that anytime I call someone and I'm ready to say "I'm not in Labor" they answer the phone "Are you in Labor?" Hopefully that will all change soon. He has to come out sometime though, I can't be pregnant forever, even though right now it feels like it!

Thanks for all your prayers! Can't wait to introduce you to our newest little boy, COLE!

An update...

Hello friends!

I have some belly pictures but my camera is upstairs in the hospital bag and I really don't feel like going up to get it. Maybe tomorrow that can happen. And no this isn't Cole, but a picture of what I'm hoping the next week will bring. (This is a picture of Max on our way home from the hospital!!!) Either way just know that the belly is getting bigger and any day Cole could grace us with his presence! We are excited and are just curious when it's going to happen. I had my weekly doctors appointment today and was happy to have some progression from last week...YIPEE. And I do have to brag because I lost a pound and to some that might not sound like a big deal, but to me it's HUGE and I love it! Not that I'm counting...yah, um right! Bags are packed, plans have been set...people are in place to help us carry out our departure to the hospital when labor starts...we are READY!

We had a wonderful Fathers Day hanging out with both families up at Lake Tapps...2 separate family functions which was a little tiring but fun to be able to see both of our dads. The weather was AMAZING and I so hope we have more of it in the future. We have been going on walks which have been great...figure that can only help move things along right? Yeah...just trying to help Cole along...that's what mom's do right...

I have been EXHAUSTED! I am for sure getting up more in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom which is probably making a difference, but I also just think being 39 weeks pregnant has something to do with it. I get up and feel good if contractions haven't kept me up all night but after a few hours I'm so tired. It's weird how you can do nothing and still feel tired. I keep thinking this is how I'm going to feel when Cole gets here...lack of sleep and the pure exhaustion. It's weird how you feel like you are going to be pregnant forever and labor is never going to happen. I do know that he will come, but at a certain point you do kind of wonder. It's just this cruel mind, and body game...oh is this the beginning of my labor contractions? Will I be holding him this time tomorrow? Should I call the hospital? Do I have everything packed...oh and then contractions stop and I realize nope...not happening right now! Cruel, cruel game and exhausting.

Oh and did I tell you that my best friend and my dad and Beth are going to be leaving shortly after Cole's due date? Yeah my dad is leaving June 28 for 3 weeks to Jerusalem and Andrea is leaving July 2 for California so please, please PRAY that he comes early so they will all be here for his birth. Max was 4 days early so I'm hoping that will happen again. June 20th is a day that has been sticking out to me, but who knows if that will mean anything??? We will see! I progressed as far as dilation goes in 5 days so I'm hoping that means something...a girl can hope.

Ok, this is getting long...I always ramble! Just wanted to update you all on life at the Ellingson house. Hope to be posting soon of our newest addition! Can't wait...

I love to LAUGH

My mom and brother, Andrew were here this weekend. You know how there are certain groups of people who get together and you just end up laughing...the whole time? Yes, well that is the 4 of us. I seriously laughed the whole weekend. We didn't do that much but just sitting around and talking was great. We relaxed, ate and just enjoyed their company. I get a little depressed when my mom leaves because we have such a good time when she is here. We are a lot a like and could really do nothing but sit and talk and relax and that would be plenty for us. The nice thing is Loren and Andrew have a good time together and they end up going out to do something so they aren't totally bored. As they left today I realized that I wouldn't see them again pregnant and that when my mom sees me next time I will be holding Cole and that was really crazy and kind of sad. It's the last time my mom will see me pregnant...I know that might sound kind of weird?!?!?

On another note...can I say THANK GOODNESS for ELASTIC? Yah it's the best when pregnancy jeans get uncomfortable! I have to keep washing my black, sweat pants so when I go into labor they will be clean to bring them to the hospital. I'm trying to stay on top of it. But really when your belly is getting bigger and bigger you need something that won't make you feel contained.

We finally got a couple little things done around the house that we kept putting off, like hanging pictures and a rod to hang Cole's quilt on...yah it really takes us forever to do some simple things that end up taking us minutes, but still we put it off. Anyway...it is done and I think that was the official last thing in Cole's room...whoooo hooo...I'm ready.

I'm going into my 38th week and have been thinking how strange it is that I'm waiting for some SERIOUS pain to start and anxious for it...hmmmm, how often are you waiting for pain and your excited? Strange...I know! But I also think how many times are you in intense pain and get an amazing gift at the end? Not many so it's nice to know that the end brings GREAT JOY! I have been feeling major pressure, pain in the pelvis, cramping and gas like pains which I have read is a sign of labor too...so stuff is starting I think. Of course I always doubt myself and wonder if my mind is playing tricks on my...I am in total self denial with stuff like this. I keep thinking it will be a few days and than think I will be pregnant for another month. Who knows when it will all REALLY happen, but I'm trying to take a day at a time and not be so anxious and not be disappointed if it doesn't happen when I think it should. It's times like this when you feel so close, yes so FAR away!

I have told Loren to bring his wireless card to the hospital so I can post when I deliver...I know that most people wait, but of course I'm always dying to know details for others so I will try and post when things start happen and when it does actually happen. We will see how that works out...I could always have someone post it for me too. Either way I hope to let you all know when Cole gets here.

Please pray for my labor and delivery and that Cole will be healthy. I always pray for the moment he is delivered that it will be an enjoyable moment and not a pain staking one...I prayed that with Max and I was able to enjoy it and totally remember it and LOVED it and am hoping to experience that with Cole too! I hate the idea of saying "Just Get Him Out"... I don't want to do that if I can help it. So please pray that everything goes well and that it will be a healthy, wonderful, amazing experience. Also pray that if things don't go according to MY PLAN that I will accept that and not dwell on it...it's so easy to have a plan in your head and with this kind of thing you can't plan and surprises happen. Lots of prayers!

Cole, you are officially INVITED to our HOME anytime now...

I'm in my 37th week of pregnancy now and had an exciting ultrasound! Well just seeing him is the excitement. Good news is he is head down and his approximate weight right now is 8lbs, 5oz (give or take a pound either way). Max was 8lbs, 4oz so Cole could be bigger than his big brother. Everything looked really good which is so reassuring and makes me feel really good if he came early. He is still a he...had to verify that again for peace of mind, why not if we can? I have a picture but don't think it will come out well enough for you to see...I might try that tomorrow. He looks like he already has chubby cheeks, his dads nose and even some hair...I will be anxious to see about the hair??? Weird to say but I do think he is already a little cutie, but I guess I'm a little partial to him. So anyway just wanted to update you all and also Welcome Cole into our home so he knows he can come anytime...please don't stay in too long, a 10 pounder isn't my idea of fun, but whatever happens...and he is healthy...I will be one happy MAMA! Can't wait to meet him!

Pregnancy Thoughts...

As I am entering my last few weeks of pregnancy I have to write down my thoughts! First can I say I really enjoy being pregnant! I think it's a miracle, it's beautiful and amazing! I don't like to complain very much because HELLO... I did decide to do this. It for sure is not so comfortable at times and makes things more difficult, but it is so amazing. It's funny when your pregnant for the second time how it can be different. Things that I recall being such a big deal the 1st time around, really isn't that big of deal. For example...going to the bathroom ALL the time...during the day, at night...ALL the time and this time it doesn't seem to be as much of an issue at all. Not saying that I don't pee all of the time but just doesn't seem to come up on my radar. That could be because I'm at home where as before I was working and maybe it just stuck out more to me. Another WONDERFUL thing is that I'm still sleeping fairly well. I do wake up to go to the bathroom and at 6:30am I feel ready to get up for the day but I stay in bed because I don't want to wake Max up and I know that in a month I will wish I could be sleeping more. Because this could be our last pregnancy I am really trying to ENJOY the MOMENT even though I'm very, very ANXIOUS to meet Cole I also love carrying him inside and feeling him move...I LOVE IT. I am enjoying my final weeks with just Max and knowing that my attention will not be as much on him in the coming weeks as it is currently...I want to make it count today. People keep asking me "Aren't you ready to get him out" and to be honest with both pregnancy's I didn't and don't feel that way because I know life will be so different on the other side. Plus because I'm not miserable I just don't feel the urge to rush or to get him out at all. I'm very grateful for that and do realize that any day that could all change too as Cole gets more crowded inside. I do get very anxious to see how my labor is going to start and how it will all end up. I didn't enjoy the pain of labor, but the experience was INCREDIBLE! Going through labor and hearing Maxwell's first cry and getting to see him will always be ONE of the TOP highlights and most special moments in my life and I'm thrilled to go through it all again. I'm very EXCITED to see Max be a big brother and how he gets along with Cole...when he is born and through life in general. I think he will be a great big brother!

There are concerns though...I won't lie. I am hoping there are no complications and I continue to pray for a healthy delivery and child. I hope nursing goes well again if not better...you just never know until you are doing it. Losing the weight, though I did it last time...2 kids will make it more of a challenge. I hated how I felt about myself (self image stuff)...the hormones probably didn't help either and so I'm really hoping that this time around it will be better. I am worried I will feel guilty for Max and that he will feel sad, I know that will pass and it's a natural progression but it is still hard for me to think he will feel sad and then on top of that if he acts out more...aghhh...scary to think about. When you have one child they are your only concern and I loved that when Max was born it was all about him. I could sleep when he slept and there really wasn't much to worry about besides him and his needs and two kids...well that changes that whole routine! No sleeping when Cole sleeps because Max will be awake! I know many mothers have done it and continue to do it which is a relief since they seem to make it through the day and survive so I know I can do it, just the unknown is scary. I'm sure it will be like it was with Max, totally unknown and slowly it will become just a normal routine and normal life! Everything new in life takes adjustment and that is what this is.

Wow are box's fun?

Who knew that a box could be so much fun?

Retreat 2008! It was a HOT one!

Another great year in Gearhart, OR for our annual "Bible Study Retreat". Each year it gets better and bigger. This year we couldn't all fit in the house and had to split up and some some of us stayed in these really cute cottages! They were adorable and I am so glad I decided to stay there! We read the book "Authentic Faith" by Gary Thomas and it was amazing. If you have never read one of his books...check them out. He is an amazing author, an easy read and very meaty! If that all makes sense! Andrea spoke about the book and our theme was "Defiant Beauty" which Gary refers to in the book. Wonderful weekend learning more about ourselves and the struggles that life can bring and how God can work through those times and bring us to an even better understanding of who he is through our struggles.
We had almost double the people this year. It was a wonderful weekend of hanging out with some of my best girlfriends and getting to know people better. I look forward to this weekend all year long. It's not only a fun weekend to get away, but also a great time to be at the beach. We were surprised to get down to the coast and have very warm weather. Friday it reached almost 100 and it was COOKING...how often do you go to the beach and have that kind of weather on the Oregon Coast? We were shocked!
Andrea speaking at our first session. She is an amazing speaker and I'm not just saying that because she is my best friend. God has gifted her with it!
Me, Andrea and my cousin Beccy
Some more of the ladies listening...

On our way down...
Yummy lunch at our favorite Cafe "Pacific Way". Patricia and I Megs and Railene
Patricia and Pam R.
Karen, Pam F. and Marilyn

Andrea, Me and Cathy
Eileen, Sandy, Diane and Linda
How many pregnancy pictures do you actually like? I thought this was a nice one.
Classic style of picture taking for me....Teri and I Getting ready to take the group picture
My "Sista" in-law. She is amazing and came this year to our retreat and played the guitar...loved it!

Megs and Cathy
Angela, Andrea, Patricia and Cathy
We are fun ladies!
Teri and I as we are getting ready to depart for home!

Woodland Park Zoo and the Flansburg House!

We had a blast on Friday hanging out w/ Erin and Micah and all the animals at the Zoo! It was a beautiful, sunny day which has been rare for us here in Washington. It was a full day looking at the animals and letting the boys explore the zoo on foot, which is a newer thing for Erin and I. It was fun to watch them run around and check out everything. Here are some pictures of our wonderful day... Just getting started...
Petting the animals...Max likes to get down and talk to the animals...it was cracking me up.
I was shocked he let me take this picture!

Exploring the ZOO...
Having fun! The Zoo's Monkeys....
Our "Monkeys" hanging around...

Classic picture...always have to get one of these.
More exploring on foot...

Group Shot...
On our way out...exhausted!

Mom, Max and Micah.
At Micah's house playing hide and seek
Who knows? Just playing around...
Dinner time
Max learned how to swing on his belly! Micah always teaches him something new when we hang out.