Ho Ho Holy Crap...

"Get her out!" All of the late pregnancy cliches have been said recently in the Gillot household. Brandy is in good spirits, but simple tasks seem to take increasingly more effort. Rightfully so, Sunday marked the 39th week. Here's a photo to prove that Christmas really did happen this year. Although you wouldn't be able to tell by the looks of our house. We did manage to put up the 1.5 foot tall fiber optic tree to appease our friend Martha who forewarned us that no tree equals bad luck for the coming year. Happy Holidays! Here's to not overshooting the due date.

Pregnancy Photos

Hello Week 37! Can you believe that it is almost time for us to meet our daughter? Some days I feel like I will be pregnant forever and then there are the days that I realize in a few short weeks I will be starring into Addison's eyes.

My incredible husband starting harassing....Mmmerrmm...I mean politely suggesting that we schedule a pregnancy photo shoot. I have to admit that several weeks ago it just sounded like one more thing on the dreaded TO-DO list. He was persistent and took the time to make the pictures his project. He kept reminding how beautiful I am and that I will not look like this for very much longer (insert collective sigh). Yes, I am completely aware of just how lucky I am. When you haven't seen your own feet in months it is wonderful to know that your partner considers your body beautiful. Addy and I hit the jackpot with this wonderful guy! I know I will cherish these pictures always!

Eddie contacted our dear friend Anna Adesanya. She is an incredible artist. If you find yourself in need of photography I highly suggest her! You can view her photos at http://www.annaadesanya.com/

Here are just a few of the professional photos from Week 36!

Ode to a friend

I remember you dear friend.

I saw you in a picture recently and I wondered if you would ever come back to me

You must still be there for I can feel you holding me up
(But when I look down all I can think is what the *!#*?)

Has anyone seen my ankles?

If you know where they have gone please tell them I said hello and I look forward to their return.

The same message can be applied to my feet and basically anything below my waistline.

Home Stretch

Welcome to week 36! The nursery is complete. The batteries and diapers are stocked. The car seat is installed and the bags are packed. Basically, we're ready!! Of course, there are always odds and ends to tie up but Addison could come tomorrow and we would be prepared. The biggest things we have left to do are labor exercises and practicing some breathing techniques.

The doc was concerned with how Addison was measuring so we got an unexpected sonogram on Thursday. No need to worry. She measured right on course. She actually was measuring a day ahead of schedule. The bad news is that she has dropped below Brandys pelvis and is causing some unnecessary pain. Brandy is soldiering through beautifully. Here are some scans of the sonogram.

Those are some big lips. The next Angelina Jolie?

We can't wait to meet our beautiful child! Here's the newest pic of Brandy and "the belly."

Showered with Love!

Eddie and I have been blessed throughout the years. We often reminisce about the adventures that we shared in our youth. As children we were surrounded by people who were full of creativity and strength. We both come from supportive families that encouraged us to go out and seek even more love and support from dear friends who would in turn become our extended family. That is one thing that has not changed. We continue to be surrounded by some of the most amazing individuals. Our family of friends has enriched our lives in ways that are far too precious to list. I hope that each of you know how truly special you are! We are truly grateful to stand in a circle that is full of so much love and light!

Our baby shower is just one of MANY examples of how blessed we are. I can't wait to introduce Addison to all of the amazing family and friends who so anxiously awaited her arrival. I want to thank all who have offered advice, a shoulder to lean on, babysitting services, and above all else your love and well wishes.

Here are some pictures from Addison's baby shower!

Two of my favorite women. Granny Linda and Auntie K-Dawg made this a magical day!

Mama Elba showing us the most beautiful scrapbook that she made for baby Addison. It is already filled with so much family history. It is just waiting for Addy's personal touch!


My aunt Kellie who is truly my dearest friend made this beautiful quilt out of pieces of fabric that belonged to Addison's great grandmother (Billie Jean Huffman) and
great great grandmother (Lucille Adamson).

Priceless material pieced together by the most beautiful of hands!

This amazing quilt was made by Addsion's grandmother (Linda Gillot) and great grandmother (Helen Gillot). We will cherish this always!

The sanctuary was filled with fresh flowers adorned with butterflies! A big thanks to Mama Elba for making the gorgeous arrangements.

Holy Pelvic Pain!

The last few weeks I have been experiencing a little bit of discomfort. It felt like I had a bruised pubic bone. As a pregnant woman I was not too terribly concerned. After all I have parts of my body that feel bruised that I didn't even know I had.

A few days ago this bruised sensation turned into "OH MY GOD I THINK THAT MY PUBIC BONE IS GOING TO DISLOCATE FROM THE REST OF MY BODY!" I was usually shouting this as I grabbed onto the closest steady object while bending forward and yelling at my feet.

Today the pain, combined with some cramping, was significant enough that I decided to contact my doctor. I went in for an unplanned visit this afternoon. As always he took his time listening and assuring me that we would figure out what exactly was going on. He listened to Addison's heartbeat which is strong and steady. He measured my belly which has made a great jump in size the past week and then he began the rest of the exam.

About one minute into the exam he looked at me with a giant smile and said I can tell you exactly what is going on and I can also tell you what you can do about it. Of course I breathed a sigh of relief. I was sure that this medicine man was about to make all my pain disappear.

He explained that most women carry their babies just above their pelvis. He then held up two fingers and pointed to his knuckle. He grinned and said this is where your daughter is located. It appears that in keeping with tradition Addison and I continue to push the bounds of a "normal" pregnancy. Our little Addy has decided to drop her head BELOW my pelvis.

Good News: Addison is head down!
Bad News: Her head is grinding into my pubic bone!

The treatment for this is to bend over and scream at your feet for the next 6 weeks. Every time she flinches she is bone on bone and rubbing against numerous nerves and tendons.

The next several weeks should prove to be very interesting. However I am sure that spending a lifetime loving this little rule breaker will prove to be even more interesting.

By the way...Have any of you noticed how big my husbands head is? I am not talking about his ego here. I mean this man cannot buy a hat from the store because they will not fit! Just one of those things you don't notice until you are ready to give birth.

Week 31! I am due in 57 days! I can hardly believe that in about 57days I will get to stare into my daughters eyes. Time seems to be moving so fast. Many of our friends and family have warned us how fast time flies once the baby arrives. I can't imagine because I already feel like we are moving at warp speed.

Me and baby Addison received rave reviews at our last doctor's appointment. They estimate that she will be around 7lbs "if" I deliver on time. The doctor chuckled and told me all bets are off if I go past my due date. Evidently a little extra time in the oven really encourages babies to pack on the extra pounds.

Addison is getting so strong. Her movements are now noticeable without even having your hand on my tummy.

Georgia vs. Florida Game Day (hence the red)
Dawgs loose big. :(