Busy Day!

Today we went to an adoption seminar at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Unlike other adoption seminars we have attended, this was not on the process, but more on the after... Bonding, attachment, breastfeeding (yes it is possible), adoptive parent's experiences etc... We heard many stories, but our favorite speaker was the lady that had an open domestic adoption. Hearing her talk about the awkward first meeting with the birthmother and the relationship that grew, really hit home. She spoke about the birth, the signing of the papers and how emotional it was for all. We realized we have so much left to go through. We are so happy we have so much support out there. Thank you. We ran into a couple that we had met in our infertility support group. It was great to see that we are both on a new path to parenthood. We wish them luck in their journey to China!! We came home with a lot of reading material and fun gifts! Thank you Cristi, for telling us about this seminar!!

Next stop... Babies R Us... We bought the crib and dresser. They didn't have it in stock. It will be here within 10 days. I can't wait to put the room together. It is a mess now!

As we were in line buying the furniture, my phone started to ring... it was Marla. What a surprise. I was gonna call her today, but she called first! I had to give the phone to Gord as I was in the middle of the transaction. At first I thought "What is wrong??" But then I saw a smile on Gord's face as he spoke to her and knew it was all good. I talked to her for about 30 min. She and her kids were just enjoying some carmel apples... yum! She just went to the doctor this week and everything is going well. She has another appointment 11/21, then it is weekly appts from there. WOW. Final countdown... 6 weeks. She said she ate something sweet this past week and Ella went nuts. Looks like she has a sweet tooth, that's our girl!! I just hope she likes her sweets frozen : ) She said she has some recent pics to send us of the family. So, when she emails them, I will post some. It was great to hear from her! Nice to know she thinks of us as much as we think of her.

Next stop... Walmart where there was a flu shot clinic. We were advised by the pediatrician that we should get a flu shot. Neither of us had gotten them in the past, so we didn't know what to expect. It was pretty uneventful!! Hopefully, they will work!

So we just got home. I fed Gord and put him down for his afternoon nap. I think motherhood will come easily, as I have had some practice : ) (We have plans tonight and I don't need him cranky).

Halloween

I know this post is late, but I'M BUSY!!! : )

Gord and I learned something very important this Halloween. We learned if we want to make it as parents and be looked up to by our children, then we need to step it up in the pumpkin carving area. We have gotten to see some friend's and family's pumpkins and ours was tooo simple. I would post the pic, but camera is still not downloading... ARRRGGG (We are buying a new one for December. I have a feeling we will be using it a lot ; )) Yes, the triangle eyes and the smile with two teeth isn't going to impress anyone. Next year we will try harder!! I think this was the first year I didn't burn the seeds, though. So, I am maturing in that area!

Usually, I make Gord buy the candy. He has no guilt and buys the good stuff! I always think "I should buy the stuff that is better for us in case we eat some". BS Well, this year I bought the good stuff and Gord told me the it wasn't possible to OVER buy. I proved him wrong. Even though we had a lot of kids come to the house, we had a ton left over. I'm happy to say, it is gone now : ) Silly me thought we would eat it slower if I put it in the freezer. I use this strategy with buckets of cookie dough, too. I should know by now that I LIKE IT BETTER FROZEN. A failed strategy, oh well you win some you lose some. When we announced our adoption plans, people would say "at least you don't have to gain weight". I guess I don't HAVE to, but I have : ) Everyone looks better when they come back to work after maternity leave, lets hope I fall into that category!! I am gaining weight with this pregnancy. I am (virtually) carrying the baby low and in the rear... literally. By the looks, it may be twins : )

With Child ; )

Gord talked to Marla today for awhile. She and the little guy have been sick with colds this week. They both have asthma, so it makes it a little worse. She asked if we have started shopping and Gord told her that I have done some damage : ) I just can't help it. I've waited a long time for this. I am even exercising a little of resistance, I can't imagine what it will be like when we come home! She told her daughter about the baby and the adoption. She remembered meeting us. She asked if she will ever get to visit and Marla said we will try to arrange something. Gord and I agree it would be nice to take her to the store to pick out something for the baby that can just be from her. So, we will try to arrange that in December. Sounded as if Marla was very relieved that it was out in the open. Her daughter is now playing nurse and being very accommodating. I think it all is making sense to her now, that her mom isn't just being lazy and letting herself go : ) She actually didn't believe her at first and Marla had to provide some medical records to her... smart girl. All in all, she reacted a lot better than what she was expecting.

Gord and I went looking for a rocker today. I also asked the sales guy if they had cribs (We have one picked out, but I thought we could look). They didn't carry cribs, but he asked if this was for us. We said "yes" and he continued to tell us congrats and told me I have a beautiful glow to me. DUHHH! : ) He made another comment to Gord about pregnant women. I usually spill the beans and tell people our life story, but I let him believe I am with child. In the adoption world we say we have a baby growing in our heart, not our womb.

This last week we visited a pediatrician's office close by. We really liked the office and the doctor. So, we are all set with that. She said we can call the office from Toledo with any questions we may have. She strongly advised us to get flu shots and to make sure that Ella ia covered as much as possible on the plane so people aren't poking at her.

One year ago...

A year ago this month we initiated the adoption process. When all the professionals told me that it will usually take about a year it sounded sooo far away that anything would actually happen. But, again, they were right! Hate when that happens. :) We have 2 months to go! Gord is convinced she will come early.

We picked out a crib last night and bought shelves for the room. We've always felt like we had so much time to prepare, but I think we are in crunch time now!

By the way... we had a great time in Laughlin. We ate, drank, danced, laughed and gambled!! next vacation will be a family vacation : ) I had a great video clip of Gord, but I can't seem to download it. He must have known my plans. Drats!

Laughlin... here we come!!

I just got off the phone with Marla... I filled her in on our weekend plans and she said we better get all our fun in, now! I told her that was our intention! She is feeling good. She was actually sneaking in a nap, as her son was sleeping too! We only talked for about 15 minutes and I let her go to take advantage of the quiet time.

Bags are packed, car is gassed, money in hand! We are taking off for Laughlin in a couple of hours!

30 weeks down, 10 to go!

Every week I get an email on the progress of the baby. This week, it says she is about 15.7 inches long and weighs about 3 lbs! WOW. 10 more weeks. I have a lot more questions about her, but I guess we will have to wait...

I love our ticker at the top of the page, but I can not figure out what the numbers mean in the boxes?? What is the numbering system being used? Someone help me. Usually, I'm good with numbers. I asked Gord if he could fingure it out, but he couldn't either. hmmmm

75 Days!!

It has been a while since I posted and most people who know me, know if you don't hear from me it can be a bad sign. But in this case, it isn't. We have been keeping busy and everything is still going to plan. I spoke with Marla last Sunday and she said she is starting to feel BIG and wakes up with a sore back everyday. Bummer. I feel for her and appreciate this sooo much. To make sure Gord is appreciating this, I made him watch a live (unmedicated) birth on babycenter.com. WHOA!! I wish I could tape his face. I think adoption is sounding even better to him : ) I didn't realize everyone hasn't seen that. I was first exposed at St Jerome's in 5th grade sex ed class! Me and my mom had to attend after school hours and on the way home my mom said "any questions?" and I said "NO!".

We have been out shopping for stuff we need and getting ready for what could be our last Laughlin trip for a long while on the 17th.

Continue to keep us in your prayers, we appreciate everyone's thoughts.