Joel's First Moments and Days!

Well it is hard to believe that Joel is already 10 days old. This last week has gone quickly as we have started to adjust to a new life. I can already tell that our house is getting smaller as the little one has arrived. We just have more "stuff" lying around that makes things more cluttered - a bouncy seat, swing, blankets, changing area, and more. Plus we found more track and accessories to Cade's GeoTrack Train system this last weekend at a garage sale, so that has also been cluttering the living room. What are we going to do when they are both 3 or even 13 in our little living room?!!



We are having lots of fun admiring Joel's sounds and fun looks. He looks SOOOO similiar to Cade as a newborn. But Joel has much more gas than Cade, so we are adjusting to how to make him more comfy. I will have to start analyzing my food intake, I guess to learn a bit more about what might be affecting him. Of course this could just be him. We have been receiving meals from families in our church and neighbors, so I don't want to miss out on these delicious home-cooked meals. But this week we may be changing my diet or something.



Thanks to all of those who have stopped by, brought us gifts, cards, flowers, meals, and more! We have had lots of company, which has been wonderful. Thank you for sharing in the joy of this miracle! We would love your prayers as we raise Joel to be a man that loves that Lord and desires to serve him in all areas of his life. Thank you for remembering us now, and please remember us in the future as you see us in Wal-Mart, at a family gathering, the park, or think of us at your dinner table as you pray with your family. We appreciate your prayers.



Before Joel was born I purchased a ring sling off of ebay. I had a hard time figuring out how to use it, but Saturday evening on our first family outing to the park I got it on and with Curtis' help figured it out. I really like how it holds Joel and it was comfy for a carrier! I wore it on Sunday to church, which worked great because then he could not be touched by everyone since he was practically attached to me. He falls right asleep in it, which is nice. As a matter of fact I am wearing "him" right now so I can type using both hands!



I guess I really didn't talk about how the whole labor and everything went. I awoke Friday morning (7/17) and started to have regular contractions. Contractions were a VERY normal occurance in both of my pregnancies, so I didn't think much about it until they started taking my breath away and I could not get comfy just lying on the couch. So after I got my hair straightened, Curtis got the stop watch and started to time my contractions. They were only 4 minutes apart, but I was not ready to go to the hospital, I wanted to be "sure." I had a bit of toast, Curtis grabbed my bag, we told Cade we had to go to the baby doctor, and we were off. Grandma Glenna had just awoken so she was a bit taken back by my calmness in the situation. We arrived at the hospital around 7:45am. My midwife started filling the waterbirthing pool and I continued to endure the quick coming contractions. I was dialated about 6 cm when we arrived. I got into the waterbirthing pool around 8:30am and was able to relax a bit, but soon I was pushing and at 9:06am he was born! The waterbirthing experience was fabulous and Curtis and I definately agree we could not do an on-the-bed birth again (gravity definately works against you!) - but this does not mean we are having more children nor does it mean we are not having more children:) It sounds so nice and easy in my little story here, but there was still pain . . . much pain! But the joy of holding my child for the first time was AMAZING!

I guess I have rambled on enough and have very random thoughts, but I hope you enjoy. I know that most people are looking forward to pictures, so enjoy!



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Welcome Joel Charles Odell!

Welcome to our home Joel Charles Odell!
We had a great arrival of our new addition, Joel Charles Odell. He was born, Friday, July 17 at 9:06am. Joel weighed 8 pounds and measured 22 inches in length. I will update you with more info, but Cade currently would like my attention, so I am going to leave you with a few pics that were all taken within 1 1/2 hours of his birth. Love to everyone!

Peoria Chiefs Game

Curtis and I were able to get away for a few hours on the 4th of July to go down to Peoria to watch the Cubs Single A Ballclub, the Peoria Chiefs. We have wanted to go to a game for awhile, but they have been on the road. We wanted to be sure that we got a game in before the baby arrives and without Cade so we could relax a bit and actually watch the game. And it actually worked out. Thanks for watching Cade, Tom and Bev!

The best part of it all was that Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson, two Cub big leaguers were with the Chiefs to do some rehab. Unfortunately it was a rainy day, so neither of them got to play in the field, but we did see a few at bats. Curtis got great seats . . . 3 rows behind home plate down the 3rd baseline a bit. . . which made the date even better! It was great! I like dates - Curtis and I should try that more often . . . I guess it may be awhile though because baby will be here soon!

Enjoy the photos and video Caleb! I took these for you, the biggest Cub fan in Kansas!




Aramis Ramirez

Aramis towered over the other Chiefs players. There is a very big difference between 20 year old boys and big leaguers! It was very funny!


Reed Johnson

Drilling!

Last week Daddy, Cade, and Pop worked on Pop's boat. He recently picked up some swivel seats at an auction, so the plan was attach the seats to the boat. It took a bit of work as the bolts were very hard to get off of the used seats (they were very used!), and then we did not have the correct size of new bolts to reattch the seats. So a quick trip to Princeton to the hardware store, and the boat was set to go. Cade's most exciting part was getting to use Daddy's drill on some old boards Pop had. He has been waiting for the day when he could actually drill something! So here is the day my boy! Now we just have to get the boat in the water this summer!

My husband says I am Nesting!

This last week I decided to become crafty like some of my friends out there who do such amazing work with their hands. I always like to make the excuse that I was a soccer player and did not learn the skills of cooking and sewing because I was always on the soccer field. But since I am old now, and I have not played soccer competitively for 6 years, I guess it is time that I learn some of these skills.

I would say that my Pampered Chef career has helped me in the category of cooking, and I believe I have improved on this area of life.

The sewing category is coming along slowly. A few years back my mom bought me a sewing machine. This inspired me a little to actually try out this skill. Therefore, I had one of my friends, a high school student that I taught, help me create a soccer t-shirt quilt. My friend really did all the work, but I really tried to help her. I did actually learn a lot even though my two hands did not do all the work. I ventured a project of my own about a year ago and made some curtains for Cade's room (I found $1/yd red fabric at Wal-Mart so I had to try!)

So after I saw this cute Diaper Clutch that my friend Emily created I decided I would take another adventure with my sewing machine. I got the directions and headed out to Jo-Ann Fabrics. I was a bit taken back by the prices of the fabric, but I was determined to have a homemade project! I bought some cute fabric and the lady and the store was very patient with me as I asked for help. After getting the fabric home, I soon discovered this project was not just going to come together even though I had the fabric. I eventually got it out of the bag and started in. Cutting the fabric the correct dimensions took me almost an hour. I had to remind myself - JOY IN THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION!!! I eventually finished, I think it took me about 5 hours.











This diaper clutch is a tri-fold organizer for diapers, wipes, and a few other things that you can stick in your purse instead of using a diaper bag. I cute organizer in other terms! I still have to add the button and ribbon on the outside to hold it shut!

I have also been looking on the internet at nursing aprons, as we approach the days of becoming a milk machine for my new little one. These aprons are very expensive, and could not see spending $30-$40 on a piece of fabric with a tie around the neck. As an alternative I found this contraption I call a nursing clip. It is basically like a mitten holder that you would put on a kids coat, but this clip is much longer so it can go around your next. It looked very simple on the internet sites where it is for sale, but I did not want to spend $14 for a clip. Therefore, the sewing skills had to show themself again! So instead of having a apron, I will use a blanket that we already have, and attach the clip to it to go around my neck. I hope it works, we will see! Hopefully the picture will help my description! This contraption took me about 2 hours to make!











So anyway . . . I guess I am nesting and preparing for our little one. I thought I was just advancing in one of my wife/mother skills!

A Visit to The Clinton's!

This last Saturday morning Curtis was talking with Mark and Lily Clinton on Facebook, and within 15 minutes we decided to go visit the Clinton's for the day. So we headed down to Bloomington, IL to visit our friends from our college days. Nothing like spontanous actions or anything! We both have little boys that just turned 3. Eli is one month older than Cade, and though they are both very boyish in nature, they play completely different. Cade was all over their house and wanted to play with ever toy that he could find. He even tried to climb up their wall, what an amazing child! Eli, on the other hand, was content playing with his garbage truck.

For a bit of fun in the afternoon we went to a "fountain" waterpark. Cade loved to stand over the fountains and let them shoot him. He also liked to climb on all of the animal fountains, like the elephant pictured below. As he climbed up the elephant he did fall at least 3 times, but he finally made it. Eli enjoyed standing outside of the fountains to watch them, but did take part in climbing the elephant fountain near the end! Mark and Curtis were also great entertainment for the boys, as Lily and I sat on the bench and baked in the HOT sun!






















After an hour or so we headed back to the Clinton's for some air conditioning and to watch the Cubs/White Sox game. Though the Cubs lost, it was a close game and enjoyable to watch with other Cubs fans. Mark and Lily also fed us some delicious sandwiches!

Thanks for a great day trip Clinton's!

Pregnant Jessica's Status

My mom recently asked me if I could post a picture of my pregnant status. So I did the best I could with a whiny little Cade and Daddy as our photographer. ENJOY!

I have realized that throughout my pregnancy I really have had very few pictures of myself because I am the one that loves to take the photos. Sorry if you like watching pregnant bellies grow and you have not been able to view mine. I have probably not posted many pictures of myself either because I never know what sort of comments I am going to receive. I have gotten to the point where I laugh after each Sunday as I get many comments of my body's status. About a month ago I got these range of comments on one Sunday morning, "Wow, you have popped out," "You look like you could have that baby today," "You are not very big at all." Personally my favorite comment is, "You look great Jessica." So no matter how big or small I am, I know that my "measurements" are right on for this baby to come out any day, and I guess that is what really matters! I am under 3 weeks until I am full term.