Our First Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Last night about 3am I woke up to intermittent Braxton-Hicks contractions, the first ones I have felt.  They only lasted about an hour, but just another sign that your big day is getting close!

Your Pediatrician

Last night your dad and I interviewed two pediatricians.  I was nervous about finding your physician without ever meeting you, but I think we found somebody you are going to love.  She is young and energetic, but most importantly she is part of a group of physicians that have an office about 5 minutes from our house.  I am excited we finally made this decision, now we are really ready for you!

Your Name

We have officially begun sharing your name...its Ellouise "Ellie" Keegan Calhoun.  There is a lot of family history and meaning in your name.  My middle name, Lauron, is a combination of my grandmother's names (your Grandma Bank's mom).  We wanted to carry on this tradition with your name, so here goes...the El- comes from your Great Grandmas Norma Louella Haines and Eleanor Bank, there are also a lot of el, ell, and ella's in the family.  The Louise comes from your Great Aunt Lila Louise Smith.  After your dad and I had chosen your name, your Grandpa Fred told us that your great Aunt Lila was named for his Grandmother Louise Helen Bank (who I knew as Grammy).

Your middle name comes from your dad's best friend Nicholas Keegan Armstrong, who passed away a couple years ago.  Your namesakes were VERY important people in our lives and we hope that you can appreciate the significance of your name when you get older.  And just in case, we have included pictures of all your namesakes in your nursery :)

Along the same lines as your name, I have had for a long time a set of hand embroidered pillow cases made by my Grammy (Louise Helen Bank).  When your Grandpa Fred told us that the Louise in your name comes from Grammy, I knew we had to some how figure out a way to display them in your nursery. Your Grandpa Fred made this amazing shelf and rack to display them, after A LOT discussion with your Grandma.  It was a surprise for your dad and I, and I think it looks AMAZING in your nursery.

Baby Shower

This past weekend Jenn, Sarah, and Dana hosted an amazing baby shower all in honor of you!  It was truly an amazing day, with so many people that are so very important in my (and soon to be your) life.  You are so very spoiled already with people that love you and brought you amazingly thoughtful gifts.  The shower was at your Auntie Jenn's house, which she decorated with little pink baby girl clothes, beautiful flowers, decorations, and amazing food. Auntie Sarah had AMAZING cake pops made for you and of course you Auntie Dana took all the amazing photos.  Here is just a sample of the festivities...

The Whole Gang

The lovely hostesses

"Future Pool Hunny" Onesie from Ashley and Rachel

Cute little baby girl clothes!

A special gift from your Grandpa and Grandma Bank, a baby blanket that was hand made by your Great-Grandma Bank

Beautiful pink flowers

MMM Cake Pops!

Look how crafty your Auntie Jenn is!

Your Auntie Sarah

I just wanted to let you know that you already have an amazing group of people that love you very much, including a large network of aunties :)

Last week your dad had to be out of town for work and was going to have to miss birth class.  I was pretty bummed because I didn't want to be partner-less, but at the last minute (literally) your Auntie Sarah swooped in and rescued me.  She was an amazing birth class partner, she took notes and asked questions--dare I say she was even better than your dad!  Then again this week dad was out of town for work and again Sarah rescued us.  This time in the form of a Friend's marathon and good girl company :)