Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008 has been an incredible year for the Berndsen Family, and as we decorated for our first Christmas in our new house, we were reminded of the many things we were blessed with this year.

First of all, that swollen belly of mine sticking out from the picture. Experiencing this pregnancy together has been an amazing adventure, full of learning, laughter and love. My husband has been absolutely incredible to me (as he always was) and I have seen him grow abundantly as he prepares for his role as a father in these next few weeks. I love the way our preparation for parenthood has brought us closer as a couple as well and strengthened our marriage even more, which I hadn't known was possible. We are very much looking forward to our expanding family, and our expanding love.

The new home we were able to decorate this year is a blessing in and of itself. Several years ago, we knew that we wanted to build a new house, but that it would take a lot of sacrifice and dedication to make it a reality. We put our minds and hearts to the task, and in February 2008 we were able to close on our very own brand new house, full of the personal touches that we had individually chosen. We loved the building process and are so grateful that we were able to work toward and complete our goal, just in time to bring our newest member into the world. :)

That goofy dog in the picture is also a blessing (though some days we might not admit it), as he brings us such joy and laughter in his silly antics. It really does seem he understands when we talk to him, and his many confused expressions literally make us laugh daily. During the building process, Beazer lived with Grandma & Grandpa Berndsen while we lived with my mom for a few months. It is great to have our dog reunited and a part of our daily family again. I know that once our daughter comes that he will likely take a back burner in our lives (and we have tried to prepare him for that as well), but until then, we are enjoying his silly behavior, many wet kisses and his need for our attention.

Less than 2 weeks and counting...

Well, it is officially less than 2 weeks until Elliana is due to arrive. At our appointment on Friday, we learned that still no progress has been made, but at a little under 38 weeks, the doctor was guestimating that she was already weighing in at approximately 7.5 lbs! T.J. is a bit doubtful that she is that big, given the doctor also followed that statement with "But, I have been known to be off by a few pounds in the past." Given the previous week estimate by another doctor of a high 6 lbs to low 7 lbs, the 7.5 lb estimate sounded pretty accurate and on track.

As the doctor said, contractions are the word of the week, and although the contractions are few and far between, we are eagerly awaiting her arrival for whenever she is ready to appear.

Until then, I am continuing to learn patience and count down the days until estimated arrival. :)

Baby Berndsen Update

No, our daughter has not yet made her appearance into the world, but after our first weekly appt last week, I think it is safe to say that we are more excited than ever about meeting her in the next few weeks.

Last Friday, we met with my doctor who is currently estimating that Elliana is already weighing in at approximately upper 6 to a low 7 pounds. I think this pretty impressive given that at that time she still had a little bit more than 3 weeks left "to cook" where weight gain will continue these last few weeks.

We have now reached just 19 days until she is due, and we believe we have everything ready for her arrival! The hospital bag and diaper bag are packed and ready to go. Her room is complete and appears to be ready for a princess. The clothes have been cleaned and organized by size. The car seat has been installed and is enjoying its new home in the backseat of my car.

On my way to work each day, it is so much fun to see that little car seat and imagine our daughter in it in just a few weeks. Until then, we will continue to wait and pray for the health and safety of our little girl. We know she is in good hands.

Almost ready for arrival...

With just 41 days to spare before our daughter is due to arrive, we are proud to say that we have completed her room!

Although T.J. quickly finished painting the room for his little girl, we were waiting on all of the furniture to arrive, the bedding to be washed, and then the polka dots to be hung. This past weekend, we are thrilled that we were able to complete those outstanding items.


We can already imagine Elliana enjoying her room as much as we have enjoyed preparing it for her. I can already imagine spending hours in that recliner gently rocking her and reading to her. Talking to her about the love that Mommy & Daddy have for her and how we have been looking forward to being her parents all of our lives.

As you can tell, there are many clothes that are already awaiting her. Each outfit is a symbol of the many people that already love her and are looking forward to meeting her. Because believe it or not, her mommy has bought only one or two of those outfits, and the rest have been gifts for our little girl! What an incredible blessing and abundance of love, and I know that she will apprecaite it as much as I do...even if it takes her a little while :)

4th Generation on the way

As I was reviewing pictures from my baby shower this past weekend, I saw this picture and was overcome with great joy. Joy as I realized that the picture depicted at least 3 generations of women in my family, and if we are including Elliana, who is technically in the picture, it represents 4 generations!

I am excited to bring our baby girl into the world in a little over a month, and to introduce her to the many people who already love her so very much. I know her Dad & I are eagerly awaiting her arrival, but it is safe to say that we are not the only ones.

Just 46 days until we are able to meet her! I can hardly wait!