Abigail Jean Osmon

She's here!!!!!! And, beautiful, and healthy, and oh-so lovable! Abi arrived Thursday, January 8 at 8:59am! She weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz and 20 3/4 inches! She has blue eyes and just enough hair!

We have been home for a few days and everyone is adjusting well. Eli is our helper extraordinaire! He wants to help with changing diapers, feeding, bathing, and anything else! He is always giving kisses and feeling her hair. He's a great big brother!

Chris went back to work today. We missed him terribly, but are thankful all he does.

Ok, it's time for Abi to eat again. Enjoy the pictures!

Notes for January 7

Well, I really really wanted AbiJean to be born today. One reason is that Dr. Gorman is the delivering doctor today. But, the main reason is because today is the 20th anniversary/birthday of when I was saved.
What a wonderful way to seal this date. Twenty years ago our family had been in Costa Rica for less than two weeks. It was a Saturday morning and we were getting ready to go to a local amusement park. I was sitting on Mom's bed watching her get ready and began asking her about the story of the woman at the well. I don't remember why that story stuck out, but I was definitely intrigued by Jesus' answers. On the side of her bed, Mom led me in a prayer that forever sealed my place in His family. I remember walking with other missionaries and telling them about my decision. Isn't it interesting the things we remember from our childhood?
Anyhow, admitting I was a sinner and acknowledging my need for Jesus as my Savior has forever changed my life. My identity in Christ has spilled over into every aspect of my life. Every. I don't always get it right, but praise the Lord, He is faithful, loving, and gentle in guiding me thru life.
So, I would love, love, love to have Abi born on this day. It would be a great beginning to our special mother-daughter bond, much like I have with my mom. I can't wait to share with her the wonderful love of Jesus and watch His plans for her be revealed.
I had contractions all last night, but nothing that's led to going to the hospital. Of course, tomorrow is Elvis' birthday, which according to Auntie O would be an ideal birthday. Plus, Dad's birthday is the 10th. So, really anytime is good. We're ready to welcome our little cupcake into this world!
More to come as we approach her arrival!

Family Update

I've been hoping to have a post about Abigail's arrival. Well...she hasn't arrived yet! But, I feel that it is C-L-O-S-E! Eli and I walked an hour this morning at WalMart and an hour and a half this evening at the mall.
I've had steady contractions today too! We had a trip to the hospital on New Year's Day...only to have the contracts stop as soon as they began monitoring me! Oh well. She's going to have to come sooner rather than later!
Chris continues to do really well at his job. He's really enjoying the people he's working with and the student's he's meeting. Chris begins his MBA at the end of January! What a blessing to work for a university...that pays for his schooling! He is ready for Abi's arrival - especially since I found his "Greatest Coach" button that he wore during Eli's delivery!!!
Eli is great! He continues to grow leaps and bounds each day! He is running around and learning new words. Eli was sad to see the Christmas tree be taken down, but he's handled it better than I thought he would! He's outgrown most 18 month clothes! Such a big boy! I can't wait to watch him meet Abi. There is such awe with a newborn and I can't wait to see Eli's reaction!
Ok, the Biggest Loser is on and we're waiting on Chris coming home any minute. Hopefully contractions will get closer and stronger!!! More to come...

Waiting it out

So...Christmas has come and gone. Now we're in full Abigail mode! And...she could arrive any time now! The doctor said today that he doesn't expect me to make it to January 11. In fact, I'm ready to go into labor just any time now. We'll see! It's definitely exciting!!!

Eli continues to grow more and more every day. He is becoming a little dare devil! And he's picking up new words daily! Today it's "Oh, Lord!" So funny! I think he's anticipating something big changing in our home. But, he's a good trooper and will be a great big brother.

Mom has been coming over to help with Eli in the evenings (Chris gets home around 7:30). That has been super helpful as I'm worn out by then! Today we worked on getting everyone's bags packed for the big arrival. Plus, she cleaned up the glider - which Eli thinks is his toy. We'll see how that goes.

Anyhow, I'm surfing the internet hoping to go into labor soon. You know, it's an additional tax deduction anytime up to 11:59 tomorrow night!

More to come...including the rest of our Christmas pictures!

More Christmas Pictures

Christmas Part 1

We've had a full weekend! Friday night we visited with the Keelings. Saturday we visited with Josh, Deb, and Ian and the rest of the Osmon's. At church on Sunday was our Christmas Celebration service. Grannie read a book to Eli about the true meaning of Christmas. Afterwards we went back to the Osmon's for more game playing and visitin'.

Enjoy the pictures!

Last Day full of surprises!

Well, I'm down to the final 65 minutes of working in the office. I will work from home for a few days and officially begin maternity leave after Christmas. I am officially super pregnant. I told my manager yesterday that my clothes were starting to not fit. Thankfully I had my hair cut and highlighted yesterday because....

My meeting with my manager and team leader this morning ended up being a surprise baby shower! And seriously, I was VERY surprised! No idea! The "men of Duracell" hosted the shower and did an awesome job! Of course, there was Chick-fil-A breakfast (I guess I comment a lot on how much I love chicken bisquits!) and very fun games.

The first game involved 5 different stuffed animals. Ranging from a 2 foot Iams dog, a reindeer, the Charmin bear, and a couple of Razorback items. 5 men had 1 minute to diaper the pet of their choice with a handkerchief and 2 safety pins. It was hilarious! The second game was to guess how "big" my belly is - and the winner won by less than an inch! Thirdly was the word game where no one could say "baby" - or lose their safety pin! The guys had very cute certificates for the winners! And, at P&G we are all type-A and super competitive. It was a lot of fun!

The decorations were over-the-top! It was almost like prom! Last night, several of the men and their families came up to the office and made a big arch of pink and white balloons and pink candy bags for everyone. Oh, and there were big pacifiers made of pink and white balloons! Eli is going to be in heaven - he is balloon crazy!

The team gave me several nice items, including the majority of Abi's bedding. This is a MAJOR answer to prayer. We haven't had the money to buy it and I've tried my best to not worry about it - like she's really going to need it for a few months (or so I tell myself). I've been praying about letting God take care of the situation instead of me forcing an answer. The team cannot know how timely their gift has been. I cannot wait to get home and transform her bare white crib into a warm and inviting place for our little cupcake to rest.

Also, I am very appreciative of Michael Brown's family's help with the shower. Ani led the way with the balloons and their two daughters made the gift bags. I hear they had quite a good time putting them together. The Brown's lost an infant daughter less than a month ago and I feel like it makes their time and support even more special. They are a dynamic Christian family that celebrates all life that is given from God. What an inspiration to Chris and me.

Now I'm down to the final 53 minutes! I am very thankful for this company that does support mothers and families in general. They make it easy to be a Mom. The men of Duracell have set a high standard for the WalMart team. Thanks to everyone who helped plan, execute, and celebrate the arrival of AbiJean!