Good luck, Savannah! The TODAY co-anchor is celebrating her last day at work before going on maternity leave Monday, as she prepares for the birth of her first child, who is due later this month.
"My heart is full, I’ll miss you guys," Savannah said as the TODAY anchors toasted her with apple juice in sippy cups following a sendoff that included lots of advice and baby gifts.
"It's been so fun, it's such a surreal thing to go through it on TV like this... it has gone fast and I've been so lucky, I haven't felt bad or anything, mostly."
Savannah has chronicled her pregnancy on TODAY.com since she announced that she and husband Mike Feldman were expecting back in March. Mike called into the show on Monday as a surprise, as did Savannah's mom, Nancy Guthrie. She announced her bags are packed as she awaits the arrival of her grandchild.
"I'm just waiting on pins and needles and I can't wait to find out what this baby is and buy some gender-appropriate clothes," she said.
That's because Savannah and Mike decided not to find out the baby's gender, though Savannah said her mom is convinced it's a girl. They've kept their name choices a secret, too.
Read: Listen up, Savannah: How to choose the perfect baby name
In his message to Savannah, Mike said he was eagerly anticipating the days ahead.
"Her maternity leave is my paternity gain," Mike said. "We're looking forward to sleeping in to like 4 a.m."
"I'm so excited," Savannah said. "Everyone's warned me about the no-sleep situation so I'm mentally prepared."
So is she having a boy or a girl? Savannah doesn't know, but TODAY viewers weighed in online and 54 percent thought she will give birth to a son, while 46 percent said it would be a daughter. The crowd on the plaza also took part in the fun, holding up blue or pink paddles. The anchors declared it a split decision.
On her blog, Savannah has shared the joys and challenges — mostly joys — of her pregnancy.
"One of the most surprising and heartening aspects of going on this journey in such a public way was the real love and support I experienced from this amazing community of TODAY viewers. I want you to know I felt every hug and treasured every moment of kindness," Savannah wrote in her farewell (for now) blog post. "God has blessed me beyond measure. At 42 years old, I had every reason to think I may have missed my chance. I don’t know why things worked out as they did. But there is only one possible response: to be full of gratitude and praise, and to point to the source of this incredible blessing."
Read the mommy advice first ladies, celebrities gave Savannah
Writing about the glory of vacationing while pregnant (no worries about what you look like in a bathing suit), Savannah wrote: "That’s one lesson I’m learning already from my baby. How to relax, let go, go easy on myself and be thankful for the miracle of creating life, and for what the bodies God gave us can do."
Of course, no sendoff would be complete without remembering some of Savannah's "pregnancy brain" moments, like the time she thought "Nasal Strip" was the name of a horse competing in the Kentucky Derby. Hey, we all have those moments — most of us are just lucky not to have them on live, national television.
A host of notable women, from Michelle Obama and Laura Bush to Tina Fey and Julia Roberts, offered Savannah their new parent words of wisdom. And TODAY.com readers offered Savannah well wishes and advice on our TODAY Parents' Facebook page. (Hint: "Like" us if you want to get the latest baby news!)
Allison Earnst wrote, "Enjoy the down time before and after baby. You are used to a career and it might seem odd being in pajamas for hours (or days) at a time. But embrace it. It's a wonderful season of life that passes quickly. Best of luck."
Read: Listen up, Savannah: How to choose the perfect baby name
Natalie Morales, Hoda Kotb and Tamron Hall will fill in for Savannah while she is on maternity leave.
Savannah's Instagram feed also offered a fascinating look behind the scenes of the TODAY show. How many baby bumps can say they've met Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett? Gaga told Savannah she thinks it's a girl, for the record.
Comparing baby bumps with Carson Daly's finacée, Siri Pinter, at Savannah's baby shower.
That moment when you just can't wear heels for one more second.
Bump-proud at work last month!