The Schmidgalls

Little Ella keeps getting cuter! Last night we got our first sleep in 48 hours - it came in chunks. But every couple hours when I would wake up, I had to get my Ella fix!!! And the highlight of the night was to sleep with Ella on my chest for a couple hours in a row on my chair/bed. She is so cuddly, as well as a mini furnace.

Nina is doing a great job so far in 2 days of motherhood. She’s lovin on Elli big time (see pics below). Thanks for the visits and the congratulations from everyone. We feel very LOVED (that’s from the three of us). We love you and appreciate you all so much!!!  Here’s a few more pics…

Can’t believe it - our little one finally decided to come out and play (or sleep)! At 5:13am, January 29th, Eloise Kimberly Schmidgall was born. Wow, what a cutie - I already told her she can have whatever she wants.
She’s got her dad’s big feet and hands, her Mom’s good looks & emotions, and both of our indecisiveness (whether to come out)!

I got a little over an hour of sleep and Nina got a little over a minute last night. But we’re both running high on addrenaline. Our daughter is just so kissable it’s hard to fall asleep around her!

Both our Mom’s spent a sleepness night at the hospital as well. Thank you all SO MUCH for everything last night. Anyway, thanks to everyone for support - we’re so full of joy that our little girl is coming into such a loving community of family and friends. Here’s a few pictures to hold you over for now…

SOON - That’s what the Dr. wrote last time we were with him. I wish we knew what that meant!

This is exhausting - and I’m not even carrying a baby! Nina had contractions all day yesterday and they’ve heated up today (9 minutes apart right now), so I’ve got to think she’s coming SOON Whenever things get too exhausting I remind Nina that the Bears are going to the Superbowl!!! (if you’re a guy reader, you should know it actually hasn’t worked)

I thought about wearing a sign in church this morning that says, “No baby yet”. It’s hilarious to hear everyone’s advice as well. Herbal teas, long walks on the beach (I added the beach), caster oil (a fav of Nina’s mom), belly rubs. Though my favorite was from one of the guys: “You should pick her up and shake her! The baby would probably just fall out!”

I’m hoping to have some cute pictures next time I’m on here, just wanted to get an update out. In the meantime, I’ll share an adorably sad one during one of the contractions. Thanks to everyone who told us we were in their thoughts and prayers - we appreciate it!!!

Being three days past our due date really isn’t that big of deal…but it sure feels like an eternity! I have tried to take extra time to focus on the Lord and prepare my heart.

Safety - I have prayed that God will protect my body through labor and most of all, protect our baby. I have asked that he keep her safe and healthy.

Peace - I asked the Lord to give me a sense of peace that only He can provide. I asked for the ability to relax - now, as I am waiting and especially during labor!

Patience - I have been praying that the Lord surprise me with the ability to wait on His perfect timing and circumstance.

Joy and Excitement - I want the birth of our baby to be a wonderful experience. I have prayed that it bring Joel and I closer as a couple. That the anticipation build excitement between the two of us and that we help each other to have patient hearts. I keep asking the Lord to bond us as a family with our baby.

Presence - I have prayed that the Lord will make His presence known to us throughout labor. I want to know that He is with me and have asked that he remove fear and fill the room with His Spirit. I have asked that he guide the hands of the nurse and doctors and give all of us wisdom as we make decisions.

Thank you for praying along with us!

Today is another appointment with the doctor. We will see what he has to say!

Baby doesn’t want to come out and play. We keep trying to coax her out but she will have none of it. We were sure last week was her week but she said, “No thanks folks.” So many of you have questions as this delay stretches on so here are the answers to the most frequently asked.

How do you feel?

I feel great. I have been very fortunate to have a good pregnancy (forgetting the first trimester, of course.) I would say that physically I am doing very well, it has been a bit more rough emotionally. Sleep is very hard and I spend many nights awake for hours, staring at the ceiling or reading on the couch. As my due date has come and gone, I feel much more easily tired in the afternoon and have uncomfortable moments. But, I am very fortunate I would say.

Are you ready for her to come?

This was a very hard question until recently. It was hard to explain that no, I was NOT ready. In fact, sometimes the question would send me into an absolute panic as I considered all the reasons I was not ready. But, the Lord is good and created this whole process so that you feel more and more uncomfortable in pregnancy every day. On Saturday, I finally turned to Joel and said, “I think I am ready now.” Now, that doesn’t mean that the reality of this responsibility and life change don’t still terrify me. But, at this point, I am ready to have her in my arms…I think.

Are you still working?

Friends, you know me. Only so many hours at home before I start climbing the walls. And as I grow more easily tired, I can’t work on projects around the house so I get antsy. Work is a great distraction for counting the hours that she is past due. Yes, I am still working and still walking to work some days. Yesterday and today, our staff has had a work retreat so I have had less hours - that is a good way to still get out but not over do it.

Do you have a name yet?

No, we still don’t have a name. Remember, Joel and I are two of the most indecisive people on this planet. We dated for three years before getting married. We were engaged for MONTHS before choosing a wedding date, a reception site, anything. We have been planning to buy a new car forever but we are still puttering around in the Honda. Yet, you all doubt us and think there is really a name up our sleeve. We just can’t help but keep our options open until the last possible second!

Is there a baby yet?

This question, whether on voicemail, text message, or email cracks me up. Like we could hide her from you all! Have no fear friends, I promise you we will let you know all the gory details as soon as possible! Nope, no baby yet.

Keep praying for us. She can’t stay in there forever! The docs told me they will induce me before the end of the month. Hmph! I haven’t felt fear about the delivery…but now that we are past due, it is certainly on my mind more and more. I don’t know that I can handle the suspense!

Superbowl, here we come!!! I was praying for a victory ALL morning. Thank goodness the Bears advanced to the Super Bowl, defeating the New Orleans Saints 39-14! I would have had one very sad Joel on my hands. Instead, I have a GIDDY husband!

This will be the first time to the Superbowl for the Bears in 21 years! Joel turned to me and said, “Nina, it is like I have been waiting my whole life for this. The last time they went to the Superbowl was when I was just getting excited about sports as a kid. I have been waiting since then for this!” (Note: Joel was nine in 1985).

In two weeks, we will be sitting with our baby girl in our arms, screaming for the Bears in the Superbowl game. 2007 is off to a GREAT start for Joel!

This has nothing to do with the baby, but check out this AWESOME article on the church and my hubby!

Here is the actual document: http://leadnet.org/Connections/NationalCommunityChurch.pdf

Here is the link (we are the first church listed): http://leadnet.org/resources_Connections.asp

It’s my second comeback! I can’t believe we’re T minus 5 days till new life begins – for the baby and for us! It’s amazing that life can go from normalcy (outside of Nin’s lack of sleep, body discomfort, emotional swings, and aching back to helping a human survive on this great earth.

Nina looks adorable! Her pouch is a tight little basketball (see below). It really looks like she’s ready to pop…in fact, I squeeze a little harder when I hug her in the morning, just in case it helps!

It’s been really neat to see how much our friends and family care about this new life. It feels like every day we get asked 5-10 times if it’s happened yet! It’s funny, cause I always feel like I need to apologize, because everyone is so excited for this child…sorry, we haven’t had it yet. Nope, I apologize, no baby yet, I’ll see what I can do (squeeze a little harder).

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Our faith in God has really taken on a new level through this time, with the new worries about paying the bills, thoughts of Nina’s future, etc. I was talking to Michael & Julie today about how faith is never finished. There’s always a next challenge in life that you have to practice faith in. It’s an exercise and an opportunity to work out your spiritual muscles. I think our muscles are getting a good work out

Will keep you updated, she’s a comin soon!

The past few days, when I wake up in the morning, the first thought in my head is “What is today? What if today becomes our baby’s birthday?“

Months ago, when Joel and I made predictions about the baby’s due date, I picked January 16th. It was actually more wishful thinking than a prediction (I think my actual prediction was the 20th). There is a big event this Saturday that I wanted Joel to be able to attend and I figured that if she were born the 16th, I would let him sneak away for a while. Sorry babe, she didn’t come yesterday.

Joel’s prediction has been the 19th (this Friday). Anyone else want to make a guess?

We have been getting many phone calls the past few days. Things are pretty much normal. I am still walking to work each day and feeling fine all day. The nights are miserable but days are great. I am still pretty emotional when I get tired. Otherwise, I am working just like usual. We are in session and I appreciate things being busy. It keeps me distracted from this life change that is about to happen!