I feel like it's been forever since I posted updates here. We've had some ups and downs with M, but we are at a good place right now. I'm still struggling with our agency, but thankful for our attorney and her guidance.
M has asked to see our nursery. And honestly, I think it is a valid request in so many ways. There's just one problem- we don't have a nursery just yet. Her request was the catalyst we needed to get the ball rolling. It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time!
Last weekend I stopped at Ta.rget to pick up a few items for the auction and I braved a stroll through the baby department. Imagine my surprise when I saw that they were changing the department over and that there was an entire aisle of items on clearance... including the Bri.tax infant car seat I'd decided on. I immediately texted Chris, and we decided to buy it. We figure that no matter what, we'll need an infant car seat, and this is the one that I had decided I wanted. It was like an out of body experience making that purchase and bringing it home.
I also texted my good friend Abi who is due around the same time M is to let her know about the great deals they had. She is registered there- and many of her items have now been clearanced. She called me on Saturday to let me know she got her crib at another Tar.get location on a great sale. I decided to make the trip to another Tar.get to check on the crib I was coveting. It was there... and... half off!!!! So, we made the giant leap and bought it.
Holy cow.....
We now own....
a car seat....
and....
a crib!
We're making progress. I think I have found a home for the trundle bed that currently lives in the nursery. I know it would be great to have in there, but there simply isn't room. And I don't want clutter in there. I've pretty much decided on a dresser from Ikea that will also serve as a changing table. We selected a glider and put it on our.... registry.
Yep, that's the other giant leap. We now have a public baby registry on both Ama.zon and Babies R Us. Chris may have gone a little nutso with the scanner at BRU, but we actually enjoyed the experience.
I'm feeling hopeful. And terrified.
Lots more to share... but I'll stop here for tonight.
On another note, thank you for all who supported our adoption auction. We ended up raising just over $500! It was a wonderful experience and my friends are already talking about doing one for Easter. I'll share some details about how I set it up for anyone who might be interested in doing one for themselves.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Auction Fundraiser is LIVE!
Just another quick post this morning to let you all know that the auction is now LIVE. It is hosted on Face.book, so you will need an account to comment/bid. You'll be able to see the items without an account. If you see something you'd like to bid on, I'd be happy to be your proxy. Just send me an email at puzzleblog (at) me (dot) com. So excited to share the talents of my creative friends!
The link is: http://www.tinyurl.com/BertanaAuction
Here are a few more peeks at the items that we have up for bid....
The link is: http://www.tinyurl.com/BertanaAuction
Here are a few more peeks at the items that we have up for bid....
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Adoption Fundraiser
Quick post tonight...
More details coming soon, but wanted to share what I'm working on. My super talented friends are helping me put together an online fundraising auction next week. All items will be a Valentine theme and will be shipped in time to enjoy on Valentine's Day.
The auction will go live on Monday (maybe even Sunday night) with lots of goodies. Please share! My talented friends are donating the shipping as well, so I am guessing that we'll have to limit to the US... Canadian friends let me know if you are interested in something once it is up and I can check with the artist.
Please feel free to share!
More details coming soon, but wanted to share what I'm working on. My super talented friends are helping me put together an online fundraising auction next week. All items will be a Valentine theme and will be shipped in time to enjoy on Valentine's Day.
The auction will go live on Monday (maybe even Sunday night) with lots of goodies. Please share! My talented friends are donating the shipping as well, so I am guessing that we'll have to limit to the US... Canadian friends let me know if you are interested in something once it is up and I can check with the artist.
Please feel free to share!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Sunday Ramblings... Nesting & Showers
It was a hectic first week back to work. Even though I am not in the classroom, the first week after winter break is just as crazy! After spending the fall helping teachers prepare for the new teacher evaluation process, it's finally my turn. Too bad I didn't really "practice what I preached" and am now scrambling to get everything organized and uploaded into the online program. In fact, I should really be working on that right now...
We are still feeling confident that M is committed to the adoption plan. We've had a few issues with the agency this week and M is frustrated with the process. We've kept the lines of communication open with her and are working with the agency. She does seem a little confused on her due date, and I am hoping to get some clarification this week. We know that she had her last child early and she has told us that she will have this baby at 8 months/a month early. In my mind, that means 35/36 weeks. In her mind, it means 32 weeks (8 x 4). While there is only a few weeks between the two, there's a world of difference! Hoping that the new social worker that was assigned to her can get some clarification this week.
It's no secret that I am a type A person. It's no secret that I have a hard time with limbo. While we feel confident that M is committed to an adoption plan, the logistics of the next few months is consuming my thoughts.
My FMLA paperwork has been filed- based on M's due date, which we are sure is well past when she will actually deliver. Trying to get as many projects completed before I go on leave, and not knowing a ball park of when she will deliver is making long range project management a little challenging. My principal and direct administrator have been really supportive, it is more the pressure I'm putting on myself.
And then there's the idea that we need to start to prepare for the fact that there very well might be a baby in this house in a few months. I always thought that we wouldn't set up a nursery until the baby is home with us. And I know that is what many adoptive parents do. Other hopeful parents set up the nursery long before they are matched with a specific expectant mother. There's the idea that if a placement doesn't happen, the nursery won't be a reminder. While I understand this idea, and have subscribed to this school of thought for many years, I am starting to think that we might just need to set up a nursery. There's a part of me that really wants to experience the same celebrations women who have the privilege of giving birth are entitled to. We've waited so long and have so many friends who are so excited for us.
Then there's the sad reality that we just are stretched thin with the level of living expenses we are providing for M. We just don't have the resources to set up a full nursery on our own. So many of our friends have been so generous supporting our adoption fund and continue to want to celebrate our upcoming adoption. We've been telling people that we want to wait for celebrations until after he is born and in our home. This seems to be the tradition with most adoptive families. And while showers are really about celebrating, it is also an opportunity for friends and family to provide the necessities for a little one. And so brings me to my latest debate... do we do a shower before he is born?
I've started a baby registry at Amazon, but have it set to private. We decided on a nursery theme. (ok, I decided and Chris agreed). I could just share our registry details with people. We could directly ask for specific support from our close friends. There really are only a few big ticket items that he will need in his first few weeks. I HATE that we just don't have the resources to purchase those items on our own.
My current thought is to do something small with our closest friends before he is born and wait for the big celebrations with our swim teams and coworkers after he is legally ours. Thinking I will talk to a few close friends and see what they think. Anyone have words of advice or suggestions?
We are still feeling confident that M is committed to the adoption plan. We've had a few issues with the agency this week and M is frustrated with the process. We've kept the lines of communication open with her and are working with the agency. She does seem a little confused on her due date, and I am hoping to get some clarification this week. We know that she had her last child early and she has told us that she will have this baby at 8 months/a month early. In my mind, that means 35/36 weeks. In her mind, it means 32 weeks (8 x 4). While there is only a few weeks between the two, there's a world of difference! Hoping that the new social worker that was assigned to her can get some clarification this week.
It's no secret that I am a type A person. It's no secret that I have a hard time with limbo. While we feel confident that M is committed to an adoption plan, the logistics of the next few months is consuming my thoughts.
My FMLA paperwork has been filed- based on M's due date, which we are sure is well past when she will actually deliver. Trying to get as many projects completed before I go on leave, and not knowing a ball park of when she will deliver is making long range project management a little challenging. My principal and direct administrator have been really supportive, it is more the pressure I'm putting on myself.
And then there's the idea that we need to start to prepare for the fact that there very well might be a baby in this house in a few months. I always thought that we wouldn't set up a nursery until the baby is home with us. And I know that is what many adoptive parents do. Other hopeful parents set up the nursery long before they are matched with a specific expectant mother. There's the idea that if a placement doesn't happen, the nursery won't be a reminder. While I understand this idea, and have subscribed to this school of thought for many years, I am starting to think that we might just need to set up a nursery. There's a part of me that really wants to experience the same celebrations women who have the privilege of giving birth are entitled to. We've waited so long and have so many friends who are so excited for us.
Then there's the sad reality that we just are stretched thin with the level of living expenses we are providing for M. We just don't have the resources to set up a full nursery on our own. So many of our friends have been so generous supporting our adoption fund and continue to want to celebrate our upcoming adoption. We've been telling people that we want to wait for celebrations until after he is born and in our home. This seems to be the tradition with most adoptive families. And while showers are really about celebrating, it is also an opportunity for friends and family to provide the necessities for a little one. And so brings me to my latest debate... do we do a shower before he is born?
I've started a baby registry at Amazon, but have it set to private. We decided on a nursery theme. (ok, I decided and Chris agreed). I could just share our registry details with people. We could directly ask for specific support from our close friends. There really are only a few big ticket items that he will need in his first few weeks. I HATE that we just don't have the resources to purchase those items on our own.
My current thought is to do something small with our closest friends before he is born and wait for the big celebrations with our swim teams and coworkers after he is legally ours. Thinking I will talk to a few close friends and see what they think. Anyone have words of advice or suggestions?
Friday, January 4, 2013
Amazing....
Thank you for all of the love and support on my last post. We had a great day together today, and there was no drama with M and I. If anything, the drama with the agency has actually strengthened our relationship.
It was wonderful to see the u/s in person today. Everything is right on track, and measuring right where it should. This was not her regular OB, but a MFM who was asked to consult on her case. I wasn't comfortable asking lots of questions out of respect for M, but did ask a few that mattered. She did share with the u/s tech who I was and why I was there. She made sure I could see the screen during the u/s.
My heart is feeling very full tonight. Hoping and praying that things continue to go well. I'll be making some calls to the agency and our attorney to address the issues head on. Hoping that we can make some changes in the professionals dealing with M to help alleviate some stress.
Reality is hitting home tonight. She'll probably deliver early, as she has said from the start. Her other children were born early, and she is already on preventative measures at this point. She is 27 weeks today and her official due date is April 5th. She seems sure she will have the baby a full month early. Hoping that isn't the case as I know that it is best for the little peanut to stay snug as long as possible, but know that she is antsy for delivery already.
It was amazing to see all of the wonders on the u/s screen....
arms....
legs....
spine....
brain....
rib cage...
four chambers of the heart....
and.....
BOY parts!
Yep, I will be outnumbered. There is a little man expected into our lives in a few months.
Feeling so very hopeful and peaceful tonight.
It was wonderful to see the u/s in person today. Everything is right on track, and measuring right where it should. This was not her regular OB, but a MFM who was asked to consult on her case. I wasn't comfortable asking lots of questions out of respect for M, but did ask a few that mattered. She did share with the u/s tech who I was and why I was there. She made sure I could see the screen during the u/s.
My heart is feeling very full tonight. Hoping and praying that things continue to go well. I'll be making some calls to the agency and our attorney to address the issues head on. Hoping that we can make some changes in the professionals dealing with M to help alleviate some stress.
Reality is hitting home tonight. She'll probably deliver early, as she has said from the start. Her other children were born early, and she is already on preventative measures at this point. She is 27 weeks today and her official due date is April 5th. She seems sure she will have the baby a full month early. Hoping that isn't the case as I know that it is best for the little peanut to stay snug as long as possible, but know that she is antsy for delivery already.
It was amazing to see all of the wonders on the u/s screen....
arms....
legs....
spine....
brain....
rib cage...
four chambers of the heart....
and.....
BOY parts!
Yep, I will be outnumbered. There is a little man expected into our lives in a few months.
Feeling so very hopeful and peaceful tonight.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Hoping for a Drama Free Tomorrow....
Just a quick post asking for some positive thoughts for tomorrow. I am attending an u/s appointment with M tomorrow morning. I am excited to have this opportunity and so thankful she is willing to share this with me. Chris has to work, so it will just be me going. It's a 90 minute drive each way, so it will probably be a full day adventure for me!
We've had some drama today with our agency. I adore our attorney and am so thankful for her guidance and support. Don't have the same feeling towards the agency. I'll leave it at that. We don't agree with the way they've handled things and it has made for some stress for all involved. Hoping that it won't impact my visit with M tomorrow. I am so very excited for the chance to see the little peanut on the u/s screen tomorrow!
We've had some drama today with our agency. I adore our attorney and am so thankful for her guidance and support. Don't have the same feeling towards the agency. I'll leave it at that. We don't agree with the way they've handled things and it has made for some stress for all involved. Hoping that it won't impact my visit with M tomorrow. I am so very excited for the chance to see the little peanut on the u/s screen tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Goodbye 2012!
I had every intention of actually writing this post within 2012. However, I came down with my very first case of strep throat. Yep, at 37 I have been diagnosed with my first case of strep. I had many sore throats as a child, but never a positive strep test. Oh.my.word.... this was the worst sore throat I have ever had in my life! So thankful for walk-in clinics and z-packs today. Can't believe how much better my throat feels after less than 24 hours after my first dose! That was NOT how I wanted to spend my last few days of 2012, but so grateful to be feeling much better for the start of 2013!
You can't miss the symbolism of ending 2012 feeling like sh!t and feeling so much better at the start of 2013. 2012 was another challenging year, and I am glad she's over and done with.
I started 2012 in pregnancy limbo and lived through a month of ups and downs and constant monitoring. After seeing the heartbeat, we lost that pregnancy and I had my first D and C in February. We also were presented to a few adoption situations during the year, and each time we were rejected for some reason or another. While we truly know that the right match is out there (and we hope it's the one we're currently in!) it still stung to be rejected. Two of my closest friends announced their pregnancies right before the start of the school year.
Looking back on my blog posts of the year, there really was more positive than negative to celebrate from 2012. Maybe I should cut her some slack. We watched our swimmers blossom into amazing young adults. Chris' HS team took third at state and we watched three of our swimmers compete in the Olympic Trials. I spent Spring Break visiting two of my dearest friends. I'm finally in the new position at school and loving every moment of it. We have some amazing people that love and support us. We've had many adventures with those people and our life is full.
And then there's the fact that we are MATCHED. That could be the single most life changing event of 2012. We've had some challenges along the way and it hasn't been smooth sailing. It's not what we imagined. But it feels right, and I am going to hold out every hope that we will finally be holding our little miracle in our arms in March. So for that reason more than anything, I am ready for 2013. Ready to put 2012 behind us, and hope that 2013 brings much Joy to our lives. I'm hoping that my post a year from now will be VERY different than the one you're reading now.
Wising you all a very Happy New Year!
You can't miss the symbolism of ending 2012 feeling like sh!t and feeling so much better at the start of 2013. 2012 was another challenging year, and I am glad she's over and done with.
I started 2012 in pregnancy limbo and lived through a month of ups and downs and constant monitoring. After seeing the heartbeat, we lost that pregnancy and I had my first D and C in February. We also were presented to a few adoption situations during the year, and each time we were rejected for some reason or another. While we truly know that the right match is out there (and we hope it's the one we're currently in!) it still stung to be rejected. Two of my closest friends announced their pregnancies right before the start of the school year.
Looking back on my blog posts of the year, there really was more positive than negative to celebrate from 2012. Maybe I should cut her some slack. We watched our swimmers blossom into amazing young adults. Chris' HS team took third at state and we watched three of our swimmers compete in the Olympic Trials. I spent Spring Break visiting two of my dearest friends. I'm finally in the new position at school and loving every moment of it. We have some amazing people that love and support us. We've had many adventures with those people and our life is full.
And then there's the fact that we are MATCHED. That could be the single most life changing event of 2012. We've had some challenges along the way and it hasn't been smooth sailing. It's not what we imagined. But it feels right, and I am going to hold out every hope that we will finally be holding our little miracle in our arms in March. So for that reason more than anything, I am ready for 2013. Ready to put 2012 behind us, and hope that 2013 brings much Joy to our lives. I'm hoping that my post a year from now will be VERY different than the one you're reading now.
Wising you all a very Happy New Year!
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