The Elrods: I'm Back (for real this time)!!!

Happy 2011! Well, it has been a while. This last month has been crazy between finishing up classes and preparing for the holidays. Since it has been so long I don't even know where to begin with updates!

I guess I will start with school. This semester was a tough one. Not necessarily because of the work but because I could never fully concentrate. My mind always wandered to something baby related. I was very excited that I still pulled off straight A's. Yup, another 4.0!!! For someone who never cared about grades, it feels pretty darn good!! You can just call me Einstein! I am taking an online class this semester. It is just a history class so hopefully it won't give me too much trouble. Good thing I have a smart hubby who is willing to help me out when Ellie gets here!!

As soon as I finished up with school I headed to New York for the holidays. I was nonstop when I was there and am still recovering. My mom and fabulous sister-in-laws threw me an amazing baby shower. It was at the Publick House in Southampton and it was perfect. The food was delish and most importantly the company was great! It was so nice to celebrate this special time with so many great friends and family. Ellie got a TON of stuff and she (as well as Brett and I) are so grateful! I am waiting on a friend to send me some pictures from the shower and as soon as I get them I will post more about it. It was that awesome it deserves its own post!

The day after the shower my friend Meg and I headed into NYC to see Elf on Broadway. After a fabulous lunch at the melting pot with Meg's college roomies in the home of Eli Manning, Hoboken NJ, we headed into NYC. We hit up Gap where I got some cute maternity clothes on major sale (very exciting). We saw Macy's and Rockefeller Center. Both were packed but we had to see them while we were there. The show was great. It was actually my first Broadway show (I know right?!) and I loved it!

The next week was filled with running errands and wrapping presents. We went to see the Turza side of the family on Christmas eve like always and of course I stuffed my face with all the yummy food! On Christmas morning I woke up first and when I went downstairs I noticed Santa didn't come! For the first time in my 26 years there were no gifts under my parents tree. I held back tears because it really hit me that I really was an adult now! I helped Santa and Mrs. Santa (who were still in bed) and carried all the gifts down and put them under the tree. I guess I was just getting in practice for the many years to come. My brother Stephen came over and we opened gifts with my parents. Brett, Ellie, and I definitely got spoiled! Ellie got some super cute outfits and little toys. Brett and I got a new camera. It is a Canon digital rebel and we LOVE it! We really wanted to get a good camera for when Ellie comes to capture all of her sweet moments and Santa did a great job. Not only did we get the camera but Santa also hooked us up with another lense, case, and large memory card. We also got an iPad which is one of the coolest things ever! We still have a lot to learn about it but so far I am obsessed!! My parents also gave us a special gift for Ellie. They gave her silver spoons with her initials. I teared up when I opened it. My parents are very thoughtful and are so excited for Ellie to get here (as are we!!). Santa wasn't the only one was good to us. Ellie got some super cute outfits from her Aunt Kate, Uncle Brian, and cousin Brady. And some generous gift cards from her Uncle Stephen and Michael. My brother GT and sister-in-law Amy got us a Sony bloggie touch which is super cool. It takes HD videos and pictures and you can upload it right to your blog. I am so excited to use it when Ellie gets here. This blog just got a heck of a lot cooler!!! We had such a blessed Christmas and we are so lucky to have such generous, loving family members!!

Brett gave me a very special, beautiful Christmas gift too. He got me another band to match my wedding band and engagement ring. We are going to get our wedding date engraved on my wedding band and when Ellie is born get her birthdate engraved on the new band. And as we have more kids, add their birthdays. Brett actually ordered the wrong one (bless his heart!) but the right one should be here tomorrow and I am very excited. He is such a thoughtful husband and I am so lucky I have him! I just know he is going to be such a great dad. He always tells me one of the most important things he can do for his daughter is to show her how much he loves her mom. I want to cry every time he says that. He is amazing!!

There was a snowstorm when we were in NY and we got stuck there for an extra two days. It was nice to see snow but not when it messes up my plans! It was a nice visit but it was great getting to our own home and seeing our dogs who we missed terribly!!

We went to the doctor yesterday for a check up and everything looks good. My belly is measuring perfect for 32 weeks (wow, I cannot believe it has been 32 weeks!!!). My weight gain is right on target and most importantly Ellie's heartbeat is perfect. I know the next 8 weeks are going to fly by but is it OK to want them too?! We are so ready to meet our little lady. We have been working on decorating her nursery and organizing all the goodies she got from the shower since we've been back and it makes us want her here NOW!! I know we need to enjoy this time together and we are but we can't help but be anxious! We start our birthing class on Thursday night and we're looking forward to it. We are just hoping we don't have to watch a video, we are not visual people!! Let's just hope we don't pass out!!

Well time to get to the laundry that has been pilling up since we got home. I will leave you with some pictures we took in NY with the new camera.