Monday Morning with Andrew

Andrew was very interactive Monday morning.  I recorded him for a few minutes, but the blogger would only allow a shorter video for upload, so we cut it down to my favorite part. The rest of the video he cooed and then he got the hiccups (a regular occurence for him).


He has never smiled on command before so it was amazing that I caught it on camera!

Trip to Neches

On Saturday, January 28th we headed to Neches, TX to visit Josh's family. We made a stop in Crockett to visit Josh's Grandma, Barbara. She had yet to meet Andrew, so she was thrilled we stopped by.

We arrived in Neches mid day; we were there just in time to watch Blake (Nephew) and Brycelynn's (Niece) Basketball Games. Brycelynn is pictured below in action. She is in the purple shirt, center of the picture.

After the games, we headed to Cici's Pizza for lunch and then back to Rebecca's (Josh's older sister) house to get ready for Ryan's (Rebecca's Husband) 30th Surprise Birthday Party. Brycelynn is very experienced with babies as she has three younger siblings. She is pictured below feeding Andrew.
This was also Uncle Ryan's first time meeting Andrew. They are pictured below.

At the end of the night, we headed to Josh's mom's house to spend the night. She took baby duty that evening so Josh or I didn't have to wake up with him in the middle of the night. On Sunday, we just hung out. We grabbed some lunch in Crockett and then visited Josh's Grandma again before we hit the road back to The Woodlands. Andrew must have been exhausted from all the activity because he slept the whole way home.

One Month

Mom, Dad and Andrew have survived one month! It has been quite eventful, no day is ever the same. He gets bigger every day, and we can't wait for him to start interacting with us, smiling, and laughing. He has already made progress in eye contact and hand grasping.

Throughout the month, we have had many visitors, two road trips, first babysitter (Thanks Aunt Jackie), countless diaper changes, a few stroller rides, a couple doctor appointments,multiple loads of laundry and not a single night with more than five consecutive hours of sleep!

I have one month before I head back to work. I can only imagine how he will change over the next few weeks. Since I have been battling some post partum unpleasantries I have not been taking many pictures. I will try to keep taking photos and posting some favorites. I like the one below because it looks like he's ready for a fight... I'm reminded of the quote by the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. "Put 'em up, put 'em up".

Two week check-up

Andrew is two weeks old today! The Doctor said he looks great and he is definitely a growing boy! He weighed 7 lbs. 9oz. and measured 21 in. long. He was not a fan of the nurse since they had to do another blood test today by pricking his heel. Poor little baby!

Happy New Year!

Baby Andrew Update

As most of you know, Baby Andrew has arrived!

Andrew Lee Elliott

December 20, 2011

Born at 7:08pm

7 lbs. 3 oz. 19 3/4 in.

We went into the hospital Tuesday, December 20th at 4:00am to be in induced even though I was already having some small contractions. My water broke very early in the morning and progressed well through out the day until late afternoon. There were a few scary moments throughout the day, but overall it was a piece of cake (Thank God for an Epidural - I only made it to 9:30am without it).

Things changed when at 5:30pm the nurse came in and said it is time to "take the baby". We were like, "What do you mean, 'take the baby?'". She responded with "Cesarean". Mom, Josh and I were all shocked. Although we knew labor had slowed down, this was the first time anyone had mentioned there was an issue or a concern with a natural delivery. I immediately got anxious for many reasons... I wasn't even thinking about having a c-section, my Doctor had a family emergency to attend to so I was stuck with the on-call Doctor, I was worried about being off work longer, I knew I would have a slower re-cooperation period, and it was the first time someone had mentioned that the baby's heart rate was dropping with each contraction. I think mom and Josh were more concerned than I was because they kept fighting the issue, I just wanted it to be over with. I wasn't worried about the surgery at all. They do them all the time (I had read that 40% of births are Cesarean).

We had to wait for an opening in the operating room. I was rolled into the OR at 6:53pm, 15 minutes later - Andrew was born! I think I left the OR at 7:23pm. I knew it was a fast procedure, but that was really fast!

We were released from the Hospital Thursday afternoon (Andrew was only 42 hours old). Naturally, I was moving slower, but for just having a Cesarean I was moving at lightning speed. I felt fine and Andrew was doing well so we headed home - I knew we would feel even better once we got home.

Fast Forward 11 days...
We have had many visitors (both at the hospital and at home), a few webcam dates, and one outing to the pediatrician's office. We don't have any more visitors planned so Andrew is stuck with just Mom and Dad! This next week Andrew has a two week check up with the Pediatrician and I have a two week check up as well. Next weekend, we will take our first road trip. We are headed to Dallas. Josh wants to attend the SHSU national championship game which is being held in Frisco, TX (just a few miles down the road from Mimi and Poppi's house).

Two Years!!!!

Two years ago today, Josh and I tied the knot! Time really does fly when you're having fun, because it does not seem like it has been two years. And this year we are expanding our family! I am so blessed to have such a funny, loving, and supportive husband and I know he will be a great father because of those qualities. I look forward to the memories we will create in the coming years.

Happy Anniversary Josh!
I love you!

Dr. Appt #14 (LAST ONE)

This morning, Mom, Josh and I headed to my final Doctor appointment. Since I am a week overdue they did an ultrasound and exam. The ultrasound tech estimated him weighing at 6lbs, 14 oz. I can't believe he is that small... but it doesn't feel like he can grow much more in there anyways! We'll see how good their estimation is very soon!

After I met with the Doctor, she suggested we induce tomorrow morning! YAY! We are scheduled to be at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Labor and Delivery at 4:00am and should begin the induction around 5:00am. Hopefully we will have a baby by the end of the day! But since it's my first, I anticipate a long labor. Hoping for the best, but preparing for anything!

Requesting prayers for a quick and safe delivery.

It's a little funny

After Jackie's graduation ceremony, we all came back to our house to take pictures with the graduate and watch the SHSU Bearkats football game. The Bearkats (ranked #1) are competing for their division title. The semifinal game was scheduled the same evening as Jackie's graduation.

Anyways... so we headed back to the house and prepared some appetizers before the game. We had chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, Christmas cookies and stuffed jalapenos to be exact. Mom, Josh and I had finished preparing all the food and we sat down to begin watching the game. A few minutes later witnesses spotted me running to the bathroom. I was found leaning over the sink doing a dance, singing "owe, owe, owe, owe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", and splashing water into my eyes. In addition to my singing I had quite a few curse words I was expressing (I don't think I had ever said so many bad words) Despite washing my hands twice after food preparation, I got jalapeno juice on the inner corner of both my eyes simultaneously. Initially it was just a tiny sting, but it spread rapidly to my eyes and sinuses. MY FACE WAS ON FIRE!!!!!

I couldn't do much for relief other than run cold water over my eyes. It was a little challenging because 1) I was pregnant so it was hard to bend over to the sink, 2) Both eyes stung really badly,but I could only wash one at a time, and 3) I was wearing contacts and I knew I had to take them out in order to not cause damage to my eyes and get all the stinging to stop. I removed the right contact lens first... if you have ever taken a suction cup window cling off the window.... that is exactly what it felt and sounded like. It really hurt so I focused on washing that eye out. A few minutes later I realized I needed to do that to the other eye (DAMN!). In the midst of all that... it was doing a number on my sinuses. My snot was literally FLOWING out of my nose!!!! GROSS!

Ultimately I was in the bathroom dancing, singing, cursing and washing my eyes for at least 15 minutes... it hurt so bad I really don't know how long it was. The best part was we hadn't taken pictures yet so I have a red face and eyes for Jackie's graduation pictures. For the next 30 minutes I sat in the chair with an ice pack to help relieve the heat.

Lesson Learned... I am going to wear gloves next time I handle Jalapenos!!!!

Dr. Appt #13

Josh accompanied me to my Dr. Appointment this morning; it went well. There have been no changes since last week though. Since my due date is this Wednesday, Dr. said "Well, let's do this... come back next Monday...". Apparently I had a concerned look on my face because she paused and asked what's wrong? Josh and I looked at each other and started to laugh. We asked when was the earliest we could induce? She said right now she doesn't have a medical reason to induce me so she would see if there was anything available for us to come in this week.

After a few minutes of research, she came in with a frowny face. She said they didn't have anything available this week. So we will schedule an ultrasound and exam for next Monday and she is "sure she could find a medical reason to induce next Tuesday". So... in eight days or less Andrew will make his appearance.

In the meantime, Mom is visiting from Dallas. There was a short week between Josh and Jackie's graduation so she decided to stay in case Andrew did decide to come. Mom brought her laptop to work, but during her down time we are preparing for Christmas at our house this Saturday. We have pulled many baking recipes out in preparation for Saturday. Today's feautured recipe was Aunt Denise's Peanut Butter Balls. Mmmmmmmm. (I don't know that they will make it all the way to Saturday though) :-)

Joshua Byron Elliott, B.S., L.A.T., D.C.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, Texas Chiropractic College held their Fall 2011 Commencement in the Dr. Shelby & Connie Elliott Auditorium.

It was a very special day. Josh has been in school since he was six years old. At the age of 25, Josh has received his high school diploma, a Bachelors of Science degree (major in Kinesiology, minor in Health), achieved a State License in Athletic Training, and finally a Doctorate of Chiropractic. I am so proud of him!!! I know it has been a struggle for him to not be able to "support" our family the past few years. Although he may not have been financially supporting us, his commitment to school and passion for the Chiropractic profession will support our family for many years to come.

Graduation was extra special for Josh and his grandfather, Shelby. Shelby has been a chiropractor for over 60 years and was even the President at Texas Chiropractic College for 12 years. During the ceremony Shelby got to assist in the hooding of Josh's regalia. I'm sure that was a special moment for both of them.

After the ceremony we invited family, friends and faculty to a reception at Josh's grandfather's house. We are so appreciative to Connie and Shelby for opening their home for the party. At the reception, we enjoyed lunch which was catered from Magnolia Cafe. Luckily, Connie agreed to return Josh's cap and gown on Monday so we were able to bring it to the party and take family pictures. Below is a picture of the three generations of Elliott Chiropractors: Dr. Shelby Elliott (grandfather), Dr. Joshua Elliott, and Dr. Steve Elliott (uncle).

Dr. Appt #11

Monday, November 28th I had another Doctor Appointment. I had been up since 3:30am that day. I had fairly consistent contractions for about two hours and never got back to sleep before I had to go to work. The contractions were not painful... I classified it as "discomfort". When I got to my appointment the Dr said my Blood Pressure was great, Baby's heart rate was great and I am starting to dilate and about 50% effaced. After some discussion, she said he could come at any time... and he was not likely to be a late baby. I hope that's true because I am ready for him to be here.

I have been trying to convince him that it is very fun and exciting outside the womb! He will get lots of hugs and kisses! But, I thought back to my first sonogram when he was being so stubborn and not moving into the correct position. He will probably continue that trend and come on his own terms when he's good and ready.

In the meantime... my bag is packed and the family is on high alert. BABY ANDREW COMING SOON!

Dr. Appt #10

Thursday's appointment marked the first of my weekly visits to the Doctor. Andrew could come at any time!!!!

We had our first ultrasound since we found out the sex of the baby (20 weeks). Andrew is right on track. The ultrasound tech is estimating him at 5 lbs 7 oz right now. She said babies grow about 1/2 lb each week so we are probably looking at 7 1/2 - 8 lb baby depending on when he arrives. I was very excited to hear that... not exactly looking forward to giving birth to a 10 lb baby if you know what I mean. During the ultrasound she pulled out the 3-D wand - it was sooooo cool to see our baby's face and he isn't even born yet! We think he has my nose, but mostly Josh's face. Check out the pictures below.

The ultrasound was followed with an exam by the Doctor. Nothing else exciting happened, however I was feeling very dizzy and light headed at the appointment. The Doctor said that was normal and if I could go home and rest for awhile before heading to work that would be wise. So that's what I did!

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, I was unable to schedule an appointment for next week. So the next appointment is scheduled for the following Monday, Nov. 28. at 11:15am. Stay tuned!

Dr. Appt #9

Another routine doctor appointment today. I have had no complications so I get in and out fairly quickly with the exception of the infamous waiting room.

Mom snapped this picture while she was in town this week. She said this is the only shirt that makes me look pregnant. I feel like my belly is big (mostly because I am always running into doors and sitting too close to a table or desk), but others say that I don't look like a woman who has six weeks left of pregnancy. What do you think?

I mentioned mom was in town this week. She came for a few reasons. She delivered our crib so we could begin working on Andrew's room and she also came to assist Jackie in getting her car repaired. She arrived Friday evening (just in time to watch the Rangers lose the World Series). Saturday we dropped off Jackie's car at Maaco in Houston, while Josh worked. That afternoon and evening I had a Fall event at work so mom and Karl hung out at the house and began putting baby furniture together. When Josh and I arrived home later that evening the bookshelf and dresser had been put together and all the baby clothes had been washed. On Sunday, mom and I went to Babies R Us to pick up the crib mattress and traveler system. Meanwhile, Josh was at home putting together the crib. We just relaxed the rest of the day. Monday it was back to work for all of us. Mom worked remotely at our house through Wednesday and returned to Dallas on Thursday.

We had a great time while she was visiting. She was a huge help since I seem to get tired very easily nowadays. She was like the Energizer Bunny... she just kept going and going and going. I look forward to her staying once Andrew arrives, but I fear I will never want her to leave! She definately spoiled us this week with cooking and cleaning. Thanks again Mom!


Here are a few pictures of Andrew's room... all we need now is a rocker to finish off the room.

Top 10 signs you know you're pregnant!

10.) You move into a new house with more room to accommodate the baby and all their belongings and you still don't have enough for room!


9.) Your center of gravity begins to shift and you trip, fall and run into walls.


8.) You seriously ponder the thought of investing in Charmin Toilet Paper and Tums because you use them so frequently.


7.) Your belly reaches a point where it should be mandatory to wear reflectors.


6.) You get your own personal party where "Ooooooos" and "Awwwwwws" echo throughout the room.


5.) Your belly plays a multi-functional role: It serves as a nurturing womb for baby, Table duster and a TV Tray!


4.) Suddenly everyone cares for you as if you have a disability.


3.) You begin to wonder if nine months without a menstrual cycle will be worth all the pain and suffering of labor.


2.) People begin to actually read the blog to keep up with the breaking baby news!


1.) You are more grateful and appreciative for the simple things in life. Things like not loosing your breath when doing the laundry, getting to sleep on your stomach, receiving back adjustments from Josh.

Baby Shower - Huntsville, TX

The weekend was full of excitement! We had special visitors from Minnesota - My Aunt Jenny and Cousin/God-Daughter Makayla. They were in town for my baby shower, which was hosted by my sister, Jackie.

The shower was magnificent! Summary of the Shower: good food, goofy games, amazingly delicious cake, fantastic fellowship and generous gifts!

Andrew's Mom, Grandmas and Great Grandmas

Baby Andrew and Me

Makayla and Me
Once we got home and Josh returned from the SHSU vs. SFA football game I updated him on the festivities that took place at the shower. Then he opened his gift from Jenny and Makayla - "Josh's Diaper Tool Kit". Looks like he is ready for some serious diapers!!!!!

Jenny was the official photograoher for the event... stay tuned for more pictures!

Dr. Appt #7

Well... this appointment was pretty unproductive! I sat in the waiting area for about 25 minutes until my name was finally called. Did the usual... pee in a cup and weight. Then it was back to a private room where they took my BP (123/80). The Doctor came in checked the babies heart rate, confirmed that my glucose test results came back great and then asked if I had any questions. A few seconds late I was out of there... I was in the back for less than 10 minutes! That was a very expensive 10 minutes I'm sure. I guess I would rather be safe than sorry, but overall I have had a very smooth pregnancy... Mom and Baby are doing Great!

I will have two more appointments just like this one: 32 weeks and 34 weeks. After that it get's interesting!

In other baby news... This weekend marks my first Baby Shower!!! I am getting super excited!

An Unexpected Blessing

Exciting news in the Elliott household! We received an unexpected blessing from the good Lord above!
Josh was offered a position at St. Luke's Hospital in The Woodlands. He will work as a Part Time Licensed Athletic Trainer. He works for the Hospital, but is doing contract work with Montgomery ISD. Right now he is working Monday and Tuesday evenings at Jr. High football games.

This new position definitely comes with its challenges since it's a new program, but the pay is worth it. Josh expects his first paycheck this week!!!!

Injury highlights so far: two sprained ankles, broken thumb, and one ambulance call. The ambulance wasn't for a serious injury... the kid's parents weren't at the game and he wouldn't stop whining. The coaches called the parents and they said to transport him to the hospital.

Our New Home

Josh and I have been searching for a new home over the past two months. We needed a little more space with a baby on the way and we wanted to get out of our current neighborhood (not exactly family friendly). We narrowed our search to some townhouses in Alden Bridge - The Woodlands, TX. Last weekend we finalized our decision... it was getting close to the end of our lease date in the apartments (October 31st). We selected a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhouse with a two car garage. It is about 1,550 square feet on a corner lot. The home was built in 1997, but has had some remodeling work done recently. New tile in the Kitchen/Dining Room, new carpet downstairs, 2 inch blinds in all windows, new AC unit, and energy star appliances. The rental includes all the kitchen appliances, but no washer and dryer. Not a problem at all because we have our own.

We will move in just a few short weeks; I will slowly be packing up the apartment throughout that time. The lease starts October 15th, but we will move the majority of our furniture and belongings on October 21st. I think we will be having a Move In Party that weekend... being seven months pregnant is no bueno when moving. We could use the help unpacking!

Our new address: 2 Timberstar St. The Woodlands, TX 77382. Here are some photos of the front of the house. We will post inside pictures after we get moved in.

Dr. Appt #6

Glucose Screening Day!

Exactly one hour prior to my appointment I had to drink a glucose mixture. It really didn't taste as bad as I thought it would, but it did burn a little going down. It was A LOT of sugar!!! Less than a minute after I consumed half the bottle I felt my heart rate drastically increase and the baby was bouncing around like crazy! We were both on an extreme sugar high.

When I got to the appointment they immediately took a couple tubes of blood. They are checking to see if my body can bring down those glucose levels to a normal range within the hour. If I don't have a result within the recommended range then I will have to go to a special lab to get a three hour glucose screening... same thing only they take your blood three times at one hour intervals.
The Dr. said "No news, is good news". If I need to go for further testing I should hear by next Monday. This meeting I had a normal blood pressure... that's a first! Lately I have had a wide range of BP results: 130/90 all the way down to 93/55. The Dr. said that was normal and over these last couple months my BP will likely increase. She also recommended we register at the Hospital and find a Pediatrician. I asked her about the classes available at the hospital - she said none were required, but she suggested we attend the infant child care class.

Tomorrow marks 28 weeks and the Dr. said we will move to having appointments every two weeks. Once I hit 36 weeks I will have weekly appointments until the baby arrives. Do you know what that means??? More blog updates!