From Yuppies to Parents in just 8 Months

Another year passes...

2012-01-20T18:44:00.001-08:00

My goodness, whoever said being a stay at home mum was easy should be shot...or better yet made to be a stay at home mum for a week! I read a wonderful article recently that made me feel better about myself. Don't Carpe Diem. I haven't enough time to bathe myself most days, never mind update a blog! I have found a moment today and I realize it's almost been a year since my last post...YIKES! Anyway enough about that, let me update you on my wonderful miracle family!

- Hudson turns three in just 3 short months, it's hard to believe when I look back at pictures that almost 3 years have gone by since our wonderful little man came into this world and made us a family. Hudson loves swimming and to play outside, swings and slides are at the very top of the list most definitely. He is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine & Toy Story but then aren't most little boys? Every day I am astounded by how grown up he is getting and at how his vocabulary and sentence structure seem to grow over night; Dustin says that Hudson has a word quota he needs to hit every day which is why he talks from the moment he gets up until the moment he falls asleep. Speaking of sleep we are blessed that the little man plays hard enough all day that he needs an afternoon nap; I must admit I will be sad when he outgrows them as quiet time around here is sparse.

- Charlie is almost one, she is showing us more of her personality every day; she has a glint in her eye that makes me think she's going to cause us a lot of grief. She's trying so hard to crawl but just can't seem to figure out how to go forward, but is a pro at moving backwards. She only has two teeth but that doesn't stop her from enjoying pretty much ANY food we put in front of her. She loves the bath and adores her big brother; he can do no wrong in her eyes. While we were definitely surprised that Charlie was going to be joining our family, I can't begin to imagine it without her. She has rounded us out into a wonderfully blessed family of four. I love that Hudson will always have someone to grow up with, love unconditionally, play with...and torture.

- I am beginning to wonder how we talk to Hudson about adoption. Is he too young? What do we say? Will it be hard that Uncle Mat is his biological dad? Will he wonder why he didn't grow in my tummy like Charlie did? Will he look at Stacy differently when he understands that she's his Tummy Mummy? So much to think about and take in, so important that he knows how loved he is by so many.

- We've had a great but busy year, we've had our house on the market for 8 months and so far no luck. We've moved out and staged it and we're ready for someone to make us an offer. Hopefully 2012 will bring us some luck! Hudson had a great time this Christmas, he pretty much lost his mind on Christmas morning when he found that Santa had left him a Thomas the Tank Engine track and a stocking full of trains. Trying to explain to a two year old why mummy doesn't want to watch the Grinch or listen to Jack Johnson sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at the end of January is like telling him Elmo isn't real. He just doesn't want to hear it. Dustin got a job on a new rig out in the oilfield which means he's gone more, but through the wonderful technology that is skype and iPhones, it isn't so hard on Hudson anymore, he gets to talk to daddy lots and two weeks goes by in a flash when you're busy having fun.

- I don't know if our family will grow any larger, will we adopt or be blessed with a pregnancy again?...maybe a puppy or kitty baby will come our way one day? but what I do know is this: Some days are harder than others but every single day my children make me laugh and fill my heart with joy and I get to do it all with my best friend at my side and for that I am blessed.

I will leave you with some of my favorite pictures :)

A Haglund family update

2011-04-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you are having fun!!

First of all we welcomed our baby girl Charlotte into the world on March 16th at 2:37 pm. She's wonderful and cute and definitely the new boss of the house. I'm on my iPad right now so i can't post pictures but i will soon, I promise. Hudson is finally acknowledging her, and after 5 weeks I might even go so far ar to say he even likes her.

Hudson's adoption finally went through on March 24th, and we received the documents in the mail on the 29th. While I never thought there would be a problem or that his birth parents would fight to get him back, it sure is nice to know he's officially ours. I went down to the registry office and ordered both my kids birth certificates and when they came in the mail they were issued on the same day, which is kind of neat.

Hudson turns two this weekend, I can't believe how much of a big boy he is. He talks from the time he gets up in the morning until the time he goes to bed, and never stops...he's also started asking why which is kind of annoying but we limit each set of why's? to 3 and that seems to be working so far. We had his birthday this past weekend because of Easter but we're going to go to a farm with a petting zoo and Easter egg hunt to celebrate his birthday as a family.

Hudson is very in to Thomas the Train these days, As well as Elmo and lightning McQueen. I have no idea what made him decide they were his favorites but he's obsessed with them all. He wears McQueen jammies until they rot off his body and sleeps with his die cast Thomas train every night...it's cute and boarders on crazy all at the same time.

Some of my favorite Hudson things right now are:
- hugs and kisses
- the way he says okay when he's excited about something
- when he tries to feed his little sister cookies because she's hungry
- the love he has for his daddy

I think that's it for now...I will post pictures asap and write a post on how wonderful Hudson's birth mum and family are.

Jordanna

An update on the Haglunds

2011-01-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

Wow time flies when you're having fun! We finally got together with our Tummy Mummy Stacy today for some tobogganing and exchanging Christmas gifts; Hudson was spoiled as usual but I also thought it was so amazing that Stacy had got something for baby on the way as well!

Our adoption STILL hasn't gone through however we are getting close, hopefully another month and a half or so. I was saying to Stacy today that it would be funny if the new baby arrived on the same day the adoption was finalized...what a day that would be!

Hudson is a busy busy little guy and keeps me hopping, it's 9pm and I'm amazed I'm still awake. He likes to climb everything and I sometimes wonder if calling him monkey all the time gave him a predisposition for climbing! His language is coming along wonderfully and everyday I'm amazed at the new words he's picking up and stringing together to communicate with me.

We're finding it tough to have a daddy who works out of town these days, he's always asking where daddy is and everytime a truck drives by he thinks daddy is coming home. It's also a bit tough when daddy is home because Hudson is very good at getting what he wants from daddy and the transition is hard on him when daddy leaves again. I'm sure as time goes on he will becmoe more accustomed to the lifestyle of daddy coming and going but for now it's a bit hard on all of us.

I will leave you with some pictures of our Tummy Mummy Toboganning FUN!

Gosh who's the worst mum ever??

2010-10-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

It has been tooo long since I last posted. Life with an 18 month old is far to busy to sit at a computer...at least for this mum! So Hudson is 18 months old...I almost can't believe it! So much has happened since the last time I posted, I'm not sure where to begin.

Hudson is chatting up a storm, he's the man who chats often but says little...I'd say he has about 15 - 20 words right now. His very first word was ball and his most recents are Thank you and night night (melts my heart every time).

Health wise, Hudson is still doing great and knock on wood we still don't seem to have any long term reprocussions from him being so sick when he was born. We have his 18 month shots coming up on Wednesday so I'll update his weight and height then and we also have some followup stuff with a nerologist and a rehabilitation center coming up this month, so it will be nice to get re-assurance once again that he's on the right track!

We have some exciting family news as well...Hudson is going to be a big brother! We are expecting a little one and she's 21 weeks in utero right now! We were shocked and amazed to find out we were pregnant, it didn't even dawn on me when I was feeling crappy that I could possibly be pregnant....it was my husband who pointed it out, and it took 3 pregnancy tests and a blood test for me to ACTUALLY believe it. We're that "you get pregnant once you adopt" cliche. I was really nervous to tell our birth mum about the pregnancy because I was worried she'd feel she made the wrong decision in asking us to raise Hudson, but she is thrilled for us and thrilled that Hudson gets to be a big brother. She even sent me card with some pregnancy survival tips on it...which of course made me cry...I blame the hormones :)

Our open adoption status is going amazingly. We took a trip across the country this summer to meet Stacy's (our tummy mummy's) extended family and friends. We stayed at Grandma's house right on the ocean and got to spend lots of time visiting with Hudson's birth family. It was wonderful; for me the very best part was watching Stacy and Hudson's relationship grow over the course of the two weeks we stayed there. Sometimes she seemed awkward around Hudson prior to the trip...not sure where to jump in and help and when not too but over the course of the vacation she got to really figure out her role as his birth mum and built a comfortable relationship with him; it was great to see her doing things like feeding him breakfast & giggling together hiding under pillows on the bed. Back at home Stacy sees Hudson at least once or twice a month, but as a young busy student sometimes it's hard to find the time to get together but we always seem to manage a visit or two each month.

I'm sure there is so much more to tell, and I'm missing large chunks of time but I think I covered the basics and I'll leave you with some pictures :)

Hudson's 1st Birthday

Hudson and his mummy & tummy mummy (who made his cake btw!)

Hudson's Farm Adventures

Hudson's First Haircut

Hudson helping daddy...he's a great helper!

Me and my little guy :)

Did I mention he's walking?

2010-05-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

One Year Ago

2010-04-23T06:27:00.001-07:00

One year ago today I was at work and got a phone call from my husband asking if I was ready to have a baby. I rushed around trying to gather my things, not at all prepared for a baby to arrive, after all he was coming over 3 weeks early. I called my husband back because it seemed surreal...he must be kidding right?

One year ago today we rushed to the Royal Alex to meet Stacy, and I had tears rolling down my cheeks because I was so worried Stacy was going to be alone going through an emergency c-section.

One year ago today we suited up to go sit beside Stacy and hold her hand while they rushed to get our baby boy out of her belly.

One year ago today we heard our baby cry for the first time.

One year ago today we were given the most amazing, beautiful, selfless gift in the world.

One year ago today we held my beautiful baby boy in my arms and knew what irrevocable true love was.

Happy Birthday Hudson, my beautiful son.

Thank you Mat and Stacy for giving us the world there are not enough words to express our gratitude.

♥

A Perfect Morning

2010-04-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

I sit here on the couch drinking my coffee with the warm sun creeping through my window, watching Hudson play with his train. A warm breeze slides through the window and envelopes me and I think to myself could my life get much better than this. ♥

He says Mama ♥

2010-04-16T20:07:00.001-07:00

I came up the stairs for breakfast the other day and Hudson saw me and held out his arms and said Mama ♥.

Hudson + Grandpa = ♥

Daddy & Hudson B♥ng♥ Fun.

I ♥ Hot Dogs & Ravioli

Where has the time gone.

2010-04-06T12:48:00.001-07:00

Gosh, I'm a bad mum! I haven't updated my blog because I'm too busy playing with my crazy new boss Hudson, who demands all my attention, eats me out of house and home, & keeps me in stitches at all times.

He went from no teeth to 7 of them in under two months, he's figured out how to climb up on the couch, open cupboards & unroll toilet paper rolls in the last little while and loves to sing & dance....oh and flippies, I can't forget flippies; he loves loves loves when we flip him over and let him do a somersault.

I don't have time to tell you the rest because he's trying to help me type, turn off the computer & spill my water as I write this.

I will leave you with Three beautiful things:

♥ family raspberry blowing contests at the breakfast table
♥ peak - a - boo
♥ that moment in the evening when he's just tired enough to let you have a snuggle before bed

No words necessary...

2010-02-22T08:37:00.001-08:00

Such a proud mum...

2010-02-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

my son is a cussin' drinkin' sailor

He's eating me out of house and home....

2010-02-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

and I'm not talking about my husband!!

Mark it down in the baby book!

2010-02-05T18:33:00.001-08:00

Hudson got his first tooth today, his top left front tooth!! My big boy :)

9 Month Update

2010-01-23T08:30:00.001-08:00

I know I keep saying this but 9 months? Where has the time gone?

Things that are new with Hudson:

♥He's is crawling like crazy, and pulling up on everything. He's trying to figure out how to get around faster so he's always trying to stand up mid-crawl.

♥He's been making new noises, ba ba ba is his favorite, but ma ma ma and ga ga ga appear every now and again.

♥He doesn't want us to feed him anything (unless it's a bottle) he'd much prefer to feed himself. Right now some of his favorite foods are baked beans, sweet potatoes peas, cheese and ham...oh and he loves yogurt for a snack

♥He drinks out of a sippy cup some times but seems to prefer a cup over a sippy cup which makes for lots of mess

♥He still has no teeth but I can see the outline of them, so I know they are on their way

♥His hair is finally getting thicker and it's coming in very blonde

♥He prefers the dog's toys to his own, but I suppose his favorite would be his train

♥He is going to bed a little bit earlier (6:30pm) and usually sleeps until 7am, but his naps are getting a bit shorter

♥He's becoming stubborn & wants things his way, he doesn't like when we take things away from him

♥He's testing how well his cry works, but I'm learning which ones are serious and which ones aren't

♥He loves the camera, he's such a ham, smiling whenever it comes out.

♥I have to take him to the health center to have him weighed and measured on Monday, I'll update everyone on those stats when they come in, but in the meantime I'll leave you with a few pictures!

Can he have beauty and brains?

2010-01-20T08:35:00.001-08:00

Set Scene: Glass windows overlooking the front foyer. The little guy is over there on his hands and knees banging his head in to the glass over and over.

Husband: Do you think he knows there is glass there? Why does he keep doing that?

Me: Oh man, do we have one of those dumb kids?

Husband: Oh well, at least he's going to be really really good looking

End Scene

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

*okay maybe not wordless...but close. I was working on a newborn photography shoot for a friend and brought Hudson with me....probably not such a good idea considering he was eating the props!

Change is in the air

2009-12-22T20:11:00.001-08:00

Where has my little baby gone; has anyone seen him? He was a cute little peanut who liked to snuggle and made cute little cooing noises...I don't know where he went, because the little man I have here now eats like a horse, makes all kinds of disgusting noises and never wants to snuggle with his mum. Oh and did I mention how he's just about to start crawling too...he can't possibly be the same baby!

Hudson has started eating finger foods - and lots of it! It's so cute to see him feeding himself and exploring all the different foods we give him, but it does make my heart break a little bit every time I step back and realize my little peanut is gone and he's been replaced by a little man who has a personality, and an opinion, and a sense of humor. I guess that's what everyone means when they say to savor every moment because it all goes by so fast.

With that I leave you with three beautiful Christmassy things:

♥ the expression on his face when I turn on the tree lights

♥ the joy he gets from crinkling the paper on the presents he's not supposed to touch

♥ the feeling in my heart as I think about all the Christmas's I'll get to treasure with my beautiful baby boy

Tis the Season

2009-12-18T15:49:00.001-08:00

I am so excited for Christmas this year; and as everyone points out I am aware that Hudson has no idea it's Christmas but one day he will and we will have created wonderful family traditions and memories for him to cherish. Many a Christmas has gone by in the past 5 years where I wondered if we would ever have a baby to share the holidays with, to create memories for, to love forever more; that is after all what Christmas is all about isn't it? Spending time with the ones we love, counting our many blessings?

Three Beautiful Things

2009-11-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

1. His first real belly laugh
2. The excitement a bowl of mashed banana brings
3. The contented sigh my beautiful baby boy

Six Month Update!

2009-11-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

Today Hudson went for his six month shots, and it's official, he's a little squirt! There were five other six month olds' there including a set of twins and Hudson was the littlest of them all weighing in at 16 lbs 2 oz with a height of 26". He's still growing at a steady pace so I'm not worried, but he's definitely my little guy :)

Hudson is so awesome, he makes me laugh alllll the time; he has a smile that makes my heart melt and a laugh that is so contagious it's impossible to have a bad day. He is sleeping really well, I sometimes have to give him a dream feed in the night, sometimes not, and his napping is going great as well...I really have nothing to complain about well I guess maybe that he likes to get up at the crack of dawn, but who can blame him he's been sleeping since 6:30 the night before!

Here are some pics of him at six months:

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T18:50:00.001-07:00

Splish Splash

2009-10-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Jumparoo + Poop = Bath time!

Hudson is 5 Months Old!

2009-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

So much is changing, so fast goes the time! My little guy is 5 months old already and I can't believe my eyes.

Hudson is trying to crawl, trying to sit up, trying to feed himself, and has become interested in our food. He's discovered his toes, and his fingers find themselves in his mouth pretty much all day long. He's changing and growing everyday and it amazes me every time he does something new.

He weighs 15 lbs and he's 26 inches long and our pediatrician says he's absolutely perfect.

The Health Nurse Doesn't Believe Me...

2009-08-27T21:19:00.001-07:00

but here is the proof that my little guy rolls from belly to back and back to belly.

It's a Poopspiracy

2009-08-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

My husband, Dustin, works out of town; he misses lots of things like snuggles and smiles and rolling over and all of the new wonderful things Hudson does. It's regrettable that he misses those things, and I try to capture them on video and film so that he feels a part of all of the firsts. There is however one thing that he doesn't seem to be sad about missing and that is the dreaded POOPY DIAPER.

Over the course of Hudson's life I have changed quite a few poopy diapers...in fact, I've had the misfortune of changing most all of them. Now, that is of course expected being that my husband works out of town, but over the course of the last four months, I've realized there seems to be a Poopspiracy going on. In fact I'd go as far as to call it Poopgate.

Whenever Dustin is home, Hudson conveniently seems to either not poop on the day daddy is watching him or manages to time his poops so that daddy is out, sleeping, bathing, or otherwise not present for said poop....

Hmmmm I think we have a poopspiracy on our hands. Daddy has been home for 10 days, and in that time he has changed 2.5 diapers...I say 2.5 only because I credit him for a diaper I had to help him with, so he gets a .5 for it. I on the other hand have changed 8 diapers in that same 10 day period....

No more I say, no more. I am on to you guys, I know your plans. Diapers will be changed, and not by me.

Worst Mum Ever...

2009-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hudson is 4 months old; I completely missed my 3 month update. I am practically the worst mum ever. I haven't taken enough pictures or video, updated my blog, scrap-booked, written in his baby book or anything. He's growing and changing before my very eyes and I can't seem to capture enough of it. Most days there just isn't enough time....but believe me I'm not complaining. I love every moment of every day that I get to spend with my amazing little boy.

Yesterday Hudson was weighed and measured at his 4 month vaccinations. He weighs 13 lbs 15 oz and he's 23.5" long. He's just a little guy, in the 25th percentile right now, but I think he'll catch up. He broke my heart at his shots, he cried so hard and was so upset...it was so hard to see him all worked up like that, but he calmed down before we even left the room and promptly fell asleep. He's been a bit more sensitive today but nothing major; definitely not like some of the horror stories I've heard from some mum's about the 4 month immunizations.

I had some three month photos to post, I'll have to go back and insert those as a three month after-thought post. I haven't taken any four month pictures yet, but I will add them in when I get a chance.

Hudson is now rolling from back to tummy and tummy to back which apparently is great. He has really good head control and loves his Bumbo seat. He thinks everything is hilarious and loves to study everyone's faces. He's a spoiled little guy, with three sets of grandparents, and he's been to more movies than even most of my friends, highlights include: Up, Harry Potter, and Funny People.

♥

Three Months - a picture update

2009-07-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Three Beautiful Things

2009-06-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

♥ His first smile
♥ A family snuggle
♥ Watching a new Daddy in love

Two Months Old!

2009-06-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

My little monkey is two months old already - I cannot believe how fast the time is passing. The last month has been amazing. We have had nothing but good news as far as Hudson's health is concerned, the doctors all seem amazed at how well he is doing considering how sick he was.
Dustin has gone back to work and even though he's not been gone for more than a couple of days at a time I'm starting to imagine how hard it would be to be a single mum. It doesn't help that right now I'm working three days a week...my house seems to be taking the brunt of it all. This morning I found myself getting dressed and looking at two shirts and deciding which one was less dirty....
We went for Hudson's two month immunizations on Wednesday, I was dreading it from what everyone had been telling me but he was fine. The health nurse was great, very friendly and knowledgeable. She looked at Hudson's herniated belly button and said it looked like it might have some intestine herniated in it as well, so I got all panicky and called the pediatrician (who took me that very day) and he looked at it for a minute, poked it a bit and said "it's fine, they're common, it'll go away by the time he's two". Phew...I'm not a bad mum, it's common...the pediatrician said so even....
Two months down already...he's holding his head up fairly well; he gets a bit wobbly at night when he's tired though. He's looking around all the time which makes it tricky to feed him sometimes. I'm amazed at all the changes, and how fast they happen.
I'm head over heals in love.

He might just be brilliant.

2009-06-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Okay so maybe he's just rolling from his tummy to his back...big deal you say right?...

I like to think, considering what we went through, and how the doctors aren't sure what the long term effects of what he went through are...it's a big deal to us :)

♥

He's a month old already?

2009-05-23T22:38:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone? Hudson is a month old today. I can already see the changes in him; he sleeps a little less, his fingers are a bit longer, his cheeks a bit less chubby...time is already slipping through my fingers.

It's been a while since I've updated everyone, I'm not really sure where time goes but as another wise mum has already told me "don't look for it, it's just a waste of time".

Hudson is doing wonderfully. We still don't have any test results back and aren't sure if he does infact have a Metabolic Disorder or not but we do know this: he's healthy and strong and beautiful and the most wonderful gift we'll ever know and we aren't going to waste one moment or take him for granted for even a second beacuse we are reminded every moment we are in his presence, just how lucky we are to be in his little life.

I don't have much time so I will leave you with some pictures of the last week or so:

3 Beautiful Things

2009-05-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

After so many ups and downs with Hudson's arrival on earth, after much turmoil, tears and sorrow I present to you Three Beautiful Things*:

1. The sound of Hudson sighing with contentment after his very first bottle feed(at 8 days old)

2. Seeing him look at me for the very first time.

3. Being able to finally walk in to his pod, scoop him up and know that I'm everything he needs to feel better.

♥

*stolen from Heather with the utmost respect

It might just be true

2009-04-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hudson's a superhero, he's just taking some time to adjust to our atmosphere. ~Karleen

The Inrcredible Hulk

2009-04-27T08:17:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, just before my workday was ending I got a call from Dustin asking if I was ready to have a baby...I thought he was joking and laughed; once I realized he was serious panic set in. Stacy went in for a routine diabetic appointment and mentioned she hadn't felt baby move much. They took her over to the woman's pavilion and got her hooked up to the monitors and babies heart rate was a little low so they decided to get her an ultrasound; baby wasn't very responsive there either, it seemed that his umbilical cord had tightened so it was time to pull him out.

We made it to the hospital in record time and I basically had time to put on scrubs and sit down before I saw his little head poking out of Stacy's tummy. Officially Hudson Samuel was born at 5:04pm on April 23, 2009 and he is beautiful. He weighed 7lbs 3 oz at birth and is 21.8" long and perfect in every way.

We held him for about half an hour before they took him down to the nursery. Once we got there the nurse thought he looked a little dusty coloured and checked his oxygen levels. They like babies to be in the 90's and Hudson was down in the 60's. They got oxygen on him and brought him up to the NIC Unit. We thought he just needed to have his lungs cleared from going through a c-section, so we weren't all that worried. We went home late that night expecting good news in the morning.

Friday might have been the toughest day I've ever faced in my life. The news went from bad to worse and no one could tell us what was wrong with him. Over the night he'd had a blood transfusion and been intubated. He had high levels of acid in his blood and they didn't know why. Things got worse when after finding all of this out the newest Dr on call said we had to leave because we weren't Hudson's parents. That is where I finally broke down and lost it, it all became too much. The nurses here are amazing though, within minutes we had a social worker with us who got the forms signed for us to get back in the room with our little guy. It was all overwhelming and the scariest part was not knowing what we were up against. How could a little guy who looks so healthy and strong be so sick?

Friday night we found out they had a room just outside the NIC U available for us to stay in, which was a relief in some ways (getting to be near him and see him 24-7) but scary to realize he's sick enough that we need to be here 24-7.

Saturday morning one of his neonatologists finally sat us down to explain what they think is going on in his little body. They think he has either a hardening of his heart due to Stacy being diabetic, which is something that will get better over time or a metabolic disorder on a cellular level that isn't treatable and life threatening. They are both symptomatic of the other and can be the cause or effect of the other and there is no way to know which it is, only time will tell. So we wait, and pray and enjoy every moment we have with him, because we just don't know.

He couldn't be in a better place, he has his own nurse, a team of 19 neonatologists and specialized doctors who are doing everything they can to figure out what's going on and keeping him stable until they do. The nurses here are beyond amazing, I can't begin to describe how wonderful and caring and compassionate they are.

Hudson is a strong little guy, the nurses were calling him Hulk because he was pulling all his tubes out and monitor lines off every chance he got. Saturday night he spent some time with his eyes open just checking things out without agitation. Last night we got the best anniversary gift ever, we got to hold him for 3 hours straight outside his incubator. It was amazing and calming and perfect.

So here we are, with our little guy being just about 4 days old, and we are completely and totally in love with our little monkey, and hoping he will live for us to tell him the whole story one day.

♥

36 Week Update

2009-04-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Interesting Facts!
Your once wiggly baby now favors certain body positions. Typically, your baby will enjoy resting with his head down and his rump toward your ribs—the ideal placement for delivery. Your baby's movements will become less frequent as he has less wiggle room. From now Baby's growth will be slow and steady as he continues to put on weight and fill out.

How Big Is Baby?
Your little one weighs in at six pounds this week and his length hovers around 13.2 inches (crown to rump).

How We Feel:

Another two weeks have gone by, another two weeks closer to meeting our little peanut. If the next couple of weeks go by as fast as the last few, he'll be here in no time! I'm really happy that as of next Sunday we'll have made it to 37 weeks. Stacy has been talking for ages about inducing labour, she has all kinds of crazy ideas and wives tales she'd like to try; I made her promise to wait until 37 weeks before she starts trying though - one more week Stacy, one more week.

Stacy's mum is coming in from Newfoundland on the 28th of April. I am looking forward to meeting her and hopefully spending some time with her before baby arrives. I'd really like for her to know that we would like her to be as big a part in baby's life as she wants to be and that we welcome Stacy's family to love baby just as they would have if Stacy hadn't made the choice of adoption; I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want three families to love their child instead of two.

Being the big dork that I am, I'm as physically prepared as I can be for baby to arrive. I have washed and put away all his clothes and bedding, and I've even packed his little bag for the hospital. I have the cameras ready by the door, along with snacks, magazines and a crib board for the hospital stay. Last night I even made Dustin help me assemble the playyard for upstairs, just to be sure all the pieces were there; they of course were, I'm just crazy.

As a side note: Why do cats think everything we bring in to the house for the baby is actually for them?

And so we wait some more.

♥

Ultrasound Update

2009-04-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

I pretty much thought I was writing this blog to myself - basically to capture the unique and amazing journey we've all ended up on. I assumed that maybe a few family members would read it here and there but as time goes by I'm beginning to realize that people are actually reading my blog...and coming back for more - who knew? I've already had over 2000 hits. Anyway, Hi readers, welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere!

If you came today to look for the cute baby pics I promised yesterday - unfortunately there are no pictures from the ultrasound. Baby is just too big for good pictures. I can tell you though, that we saw his heart and heard it beating away so that was reassuring....you know, because I'm so doctor like, and can tell the difference between a heart beating well and one that's not right?! Either way it made me feel better to see him again, I'd missed the little guy.

The tech told us that baby is weighing in at 5.5lbs - and with six weeks to go I can't imagine how big he's going to get!

We took Mat and Stacy out for dinner after the ultrasound, it was nice to all be together and have a good time laughing and joking around. It makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.

This afternoon is Stacy's OB appointment. I'm going to go with her so we can all discuss the heart situation and the course of action it requires. Chances are baby will come a couple weeks early anyways because of Stacy being diabetic so there might not be anything to do.

Have I mentioned that if baby comes a couple weeks early we're only about 25 days away?? Crazy huh!

♥

Week 34 Update

2009-03-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Interesting Facts:

Your unborn baby's muscles are maturing along with the rest of his body. He can hold his head up and turn it from side to side. He'll practice his new found muscle tone by stretching out his arms and kicking his legs.

If you're having a boy, the testes have descended into their proper place. Your baby's eyes are now open when awake, and closed when sleeping. Most of the lanugo is gone and replaced with a thick coat of vernix.

How Big Is Baby?
This week your baby is about 12.8 inches (crown to rump) and weighs nearly five pounds.

How We Feel:

I've been dreading this post and dragging my heels about writing it but, it's now the 34 week update and I guess there's no time like the present. We found out some news about baby and I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around it. While Stacy was in the hospital the Doctor noticed that she hadn't had a Fetal Echo cardiogram; apparently it's really important to be getting them if you're diabetic because there is a higher risk of heart defects when the mum is a type one diabetic. The doctor at the Alex referred her for the EC and she went last week. Unfortunately we found out that baby has a Ductus Arteriosus Aneurysm which in my simple brain means one of the tubes coming out of his heart is S-shaped instead of straight. It's rare, and can be serious, (can cause blockages, blood clots and future heart problems) but also can sort itself out after birth. Once baby is born we have to go to the Stollery Children's Hospital for followup, and I guess at that point the doctors there will decide if they will go in and fix it or if nature will run its course and it will work itself out. Even as I'm writing this my eyes have welled up a few times and it makes my heart ache to know there is something wrong with our little guy. We love him so much already and he's our little miracle to begin with so I have great faith that he will be just fine, but to hear your baby has something wrong with his heart sure makes it feel like there is something wrong with mine.

Now, after some deep breaths it's on to more exciting news. We are officially finished the nursery. The decals are up, the hutch is in and assembled and we are ready for baby. My wonderful best friend in the entire world surprised me with the greatest birthday present ever - the diaper bag I wanted from Ju Ju Be. Cindy was bugging me about how deluxe it was because even the change pad has memory foam...what can I say - nothing but the best for my baby's bum! Last night Dustin and I went down to the nursery and packed baby's little bag for the hospital, all I need to do is go to the store to pick up a container for travel wipes because the container we have is enormous and would probably take up the entire diaper bag!

This week we have another ultrasound and an appointment with the OB/Gyn so hopefully I have some pictures to post tomorrow.

Then we wait.

♥

Nursery Update

2009-03-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

I think we're ready. The hutch finally came in and we got the other decals up on the walls. We have one more decal but can't decide where to put it as the room is fairly small once all the furniture ends up in there.

Nursery Progress

2009-03-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

As it gets closer to baby's arrival, I've been getting more and more anxious to get the nursery done. Now that Dustin is home from work for a while - it seems as good a time as any!

We picked out some colours that we thought would match the crib bedding and decided on the one on right. Did I mention how much I love bright colours?

Once we had the paint colour settled it was time time to get to work. Dustin taped up the room like a man on a mission. I'm sure he was really happy that I was taking pictures instead of working!

Now it's time to call in the troops, well, it's only a tiny room so one trooper really...Grandpa to the rescue! He was a little shocked to see the colour we chose, but he just smiled and kept on painting. I assured him the colour will darken as it dries....

Grandpa stuck Dustin in the closet to paint...he said something about no one seeing the closet...

The happy painters deserve lunch, but not before a photo. I'm sensing they might be getting annoyed by my fun idea of capturing the fun on camera?

Back to work Dustin - just cause the painting is done, doesn't mean the nursery is finished!! The furniture assembly made Dustin a little nuts!

Even the pets wanted to help, which made Dustin's job even more fun!

We got it all put together - and with the bedding on it looks fantastic!

Then we put together the hutch - the top piece hasn't arrived yet, but Sears assures me it's coming next week!

All we need to do now is put together the dresser and put the decals on the walls...and of course wait for baby!

UPDATE: We finished the dresser and put one of the decals on the walls. We have to wait for the other decal to come in but it will be a cute giraffe peaking over the top of the crib.

♥

Week 32 Update

2009-03-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Interesting Facts:

Your unborn baby will establish a daily routine. You'll notice at times your baby is active and wiggly, while at other times you can't feel his movements. Once your baby's born, he'll most likely continue with his in-utero pattern. Along with a routine, your baby has favorite positions too. A favorite of many unborn babies is to have their heads down, rumps up towards the ribs (conveniently, the perfect position for labor).

How Big Is Baby?

Baby weighs around four pounds and stretches to over 11 and one-half inches in length (crown to rump).

How We Feel:

Stacy was in the hospital again, this time for just under a week; she had another kidney infection - being diabetic and pregnant, her poor kidneys must be working so hard. Luckily she's out of the hospital now but we did have to re-schedule her next ultrasound for March 31st. She had one done in the hospital though, and the baby has turned and is head down like he should be. Stacy said he looks just like Mat and he's still a nice healthy weight.

We are painting the nursery tomorrow - pear green is the colour we've chosen, it's bright and fresh and closely matches the green in baby's bedding. I'm so excited to get it all done. We also picked up the furniture and crib, the only thing that hasn't come in yet is the hutch and that's due to arrive next week. I also picked up some really cute wall decals of kids and jungle animals that I think will match our theme and add some fun to the walls.

Other than that, we're ready....only 8 weeks to go!!

♥

Week 30 Update

2009-03-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!

Your baby's face looks much like it will when he's born. He still needs to fill out more to get the characteristic chubby infant cheeks, but he's on his way. He can move his head, open his eyes, and make breathing movements through his open nostrils (although no air comes in).

How Big Is Baby?

If your little one were born today, he'd have a good chance for survival at about three pounds and nearly 11 inches long (crown to rump).

How We Feel:

This week has been a bit bitter sweet for us; Stacy has moved out of our house. On the one hand I'm so excited to have the bedroom back, as it will be the baby's nursery and we can finally get started on it; on the other hand Stacy won't be here, cutting off my intimate ties to the pregnancy that I've enjoyed for the past four months. I am going to miss our weekly updates when we take a few moments to read what's going on in her What to Expect When You're Expecting book, her ever expanding belly, and even her pregnancy complaints and cravings. I am sure she won't miss me nagging her to eat more vegetables or to point her butt in the other direction.

We have our birthing class this Saturday so that should be interesting and informative for us both, though we might get some looks as our circumstance is a bit unusual.

Dustin has been gone for ages (five weeks), and I think he will be surprised to see how big Stacy has gotten since he left, and that we'll only have 8 and a half weeks left before the little man enters the world. I don't think it's hit him yet just how quickly we're about to become parents.

Change is in the air.

♥

Tummy Mummy Photoshoot

2009-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Stacy and I had fun at our little photoshoot...she said she felt just like a model - minus the cigarettes and drugs hee hee. Professional photographer I may not be but I think they turned out all right!

Ultrasound Pics

2009-02-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

Baby's Heartbeat is 145 bpm and he's about 2.4 lbs

Week 28 Update

2009-02-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts:
Your unborn baby's survival rate outside the womb increases as each week passes. If he didn't open his eyes last week, chances are he'll take his first peek this week. Your baby-to-be's skeleton and muscles are maturing quickly. This week he can turn his head from side to side. Most of the lanugo has disappeared at this point and your baby may have a full head of hair by now.

How Big Is Baby?
Your Baby weighs in at around two pounds, seven ounces and stretches to 10 inches (crown to rump).

How We Feel:
This week Stacy has an obstetrician appointment (she's now going every two weeks) and tomorrow we have another ultrasound to look forward too. I can't believe we are in the final trimester; Stacy and I were talking this weekend about how long it took for her to get to the 12 week mark and now she only has 12 weeks left.

Stacy will be moving out soon and we'll be sad to see her go, I've really enjoyed being such a huge part of the entire pregnancy and for that I'm grateful, I don't think many other adoptive mum's get such a hands on experience with their babies pregnancy. On the other hand, she's moving out just in time for the nursery furniture to arrive and it will be really nice to be able to move all of the baby stuff we've been collecting out of our kitchen and in to the baby's room where it belongs.

Lately I've been finding myself more and more preoccupied with thoughts of the little guy. I went to a baby shower last week and got to hold a friends little sweet pea for ages, it really made me yearn for this baby to hurry up and arrive so we can all meet him. Everyone has been giving me advice and talking about the adoption more now, I think as it gets closer and closer more and more people are realizing that it's real and truly happening.

I'm starting to build a relationship with Stacy's Mum which is great because she is one of the babies grandma's and I want her, and all of Stacy's family, to be as much of a part of the baby's life as they would like to be. I know they've had a very hard time with the decision Stacy has made, understandably so, and I'm hoping they trust that Dustin and I want this baby to be loved by everyone who wants to love him and that Stacy's family is as important to us in this journey as our families are.

I think that's it for this week, I'll be posting ultrasound photos tomorrow.

♥

FINALLY

2009-02-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

I felt the little guy kick...three times!

♥

26 Week Update

2009-02-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!

This week your baby-to-be opens his eyes for the first time. He'll open and shut his eyes as he gets used to his new ability. Your little one is still on the small side. His body may look fully formed on the outside, but inside there's fine-tuning taking place, including his lungs and his brain. Your unborn baby still has some growing to do!

How Big Is Baby?

This week your baby's weight hovers around two pounds and her length reaches about nine inches (crown to rump).

How We Feel:

It's all starting to hit us now, with less than 100 days to go until our little guy arrives I'm starting to get that nervous excited feeling; every thought in my brain seems to be related to baby.

We got a lot accomplished this week including picking up the stroller/car seat and the playpen from Babies R Us. While we were there they made us register by enticing us with coupons and free stuff, we aren't having a baby shower or anything so I was hesitant about registering but this girl loves her some coupons so I couldn't resist; I got 10% off and used my $5 off coupon on my purchases though so it was worth it. We also had to pick out a different bedding set because the one we wanted was being discontinued and had micro-suede on it which I didn't think would be very baby-drool friendly so we picked out a Jungle theme instead. Dustin likes it better anyway and I think it's super freakin cute so we're both happy. We also went to sears to look at baby furniture and finally settled on something we were both happy with esthetically (for me) and mechanically sound to satisfy Dustin; it's all ordered and set to come in around the middle of March.

Stacy had an Obstetrician appointment this morning and everything is great with her and baby so that's wonderful news. Today babies heart beat was 152 bpm and he was nice and active. She is now going to appointments every two weeks which is crazy because when she first started going, it seemed like ages until she would be going to bi-weekly appointments, and now it's here. We have another ultrasound appointment coming up in a couple of weeks so that is something to look forward to as well. Only a couple weeks to go before we are in the third trimester!

♥

24 Week Update

2009-01-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

All About Baby

Your baby is filling out this week. Since he's still on the scrawny side, his skin wrinkles on his body, but he looks like a miniature version of what you'll see on delivery day. His face has formed, ears are in place, and eyes are complete (although his lids are still closed). He has eyelashes, fingernails, and may be growing hair, too. Rapid eye movements (REM) are beginning, too.

How Big Is Baby?

This week your baby weighs around one and one-half pounds and measures almost eight and one-half inches (crown to rump).

How We Feel:

Stacy has been away for the last two weeks, having what I hope is a great visit with her family back in Newfoundland. It's been quiet around our place and I'm looking forward to her coming home. I'm sure she's gotten bigger and I'm hoping to feel baby kick one of these days! I hadn't realized how much I've enjoyed going through the process with her, it's made me feel so much more involved in the pregnancy.

I must admit I'm a bit nervous of Stacy being away, or I guess nervous that she won't come back. I think it's very important for her to see her family and face that side of her life before making her final decision to give up the baby or not. I know that everyone here is supportive of her decision, and I know that of course, her mum and family back home are having a struggle with it. I want her to come back here and be sure of the decision she's making; I want her to have every opportunity to be influenced by both sides of the coin. I must admit that it's hard though, and I've been living with a lump in my throat and that dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach for two weeks now; just hoping that she comes home and that she still wants us to raise the baby I've fallen so desperately in love with.

I think we're pretty much set for clothes and bottles for baby - the essentials, and now we need to start focusing on bigger things like furniture, bedding, strollers, nursery preparation and all of that fun stuff.

I think we're going to go with this bedding set:

And this stroller/car seat set:

The stroller set pictured here also has a matching playpen and high chair which I think I'm also going to order when I place my order for everything else. Babies R Us is having a great sale right now so I think it would be silly not to take advantage of it.

The last big change we're making is the purchase of a new vehicle. For the last five years I've been driving a Toyota Echo hatchback, which is great on gas, and a wonderful little car to drive; it is however, not a family vehicle especially when your family now involves a baby and a 75 lb dog. We have decided to upgrade to a brand new Hyundai Tucson. I think we're going to spoil ourselves and get the fully loaded version with Leather interior and POWER EVERYTHING!

Week 22 Update

2009-01-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!:
Your baby's brain is growing daily. His senses are also starting develop. As he wiggles his fingers, he may touch his face or even suck his thumb. His lungs are becoming more mature, and he even goes through the motions of breathing. He can also swallow, although he won't have his first real meal until delivery day.

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby-to-be reaches about 7.6 inches in height (crown to rump) and weighs in at just over 12 ounces.

How We Feel:

I thought I would start updating bi-weekly but the scary thing is it seems to be going by just as fast as weekly updates did. Our little guy is going to be here before we know it. Stacy has starting feeling baby kick and I've been eagerly awaiting him to kick her hard enough for me to feel it too; though that hasn't happened yet. Sadly for me, Stacy is leaving this week to go home to Newfoundland to visit her family so it will be a few more weeks before I get to feel his little nudges myself.

Stacy has an OB appointment tomorrow and hopefully all will be well with the ultrasound results from a couple weeks ago, though the technician seemed to think everything looked great.

I can't believe we are in our sixth month, by the time Stacy gets back we'll be nearing the third trimester. It's hard to believe that only 4 months ago we were coasting through life pretending not having kids was okay and now with less than four months to go we are preparing to meet our little boy and we'll finally be able to begin the family we'd always dreamed of having.

♥

Week 20 Update

2008-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!

By week 20, your baby-to-be is gearing up for the next phase in his development. His organs are getting into their proper places. His kidneys are now in position with their familiar bean shape. His testes have reached their position. His brain continues to form and grow. His teeth are beginning to appear, and he can swallow. If you haven't been able to feel him move, chances are you'll be feeling him move more and more over the coming weeks.

How Big Is Baby?

At the ultrasound yesterday the tech said baby is 15 cm long from crown to rump and What to Expect said he is about the size of a small cantaloupe. Baby's heartbeat is 147 bpm, which has gone down considerably since the first ultrasound.

How We Feel:

We've had a few milestones around here this past week: We had our 20 week ultrasound and we're very proud to say we're having a boy!! - and there was no denying it - he was even playing with his junk in the ultrasound. Dustin of course had to point out that it's a genetic thing that is ingrained in men's brains from birth so the ladies should get off their backs about it because you can't fight genetics. We are beyond excited and have been walking around on clouds for the last couple of days. Finding out we're having a boy has truly been the best Christmas gift I have ever had.

It was great having everyone at this ultrasound, including my Mum who I think was overwhelmed at seeing baby and being there to find out the sex. I'm also glad Mat and Dustin were able to make it, it really isn't the same looking at a picture vs seeing the baby moving around on the screen and I'm glad everyone got to experience it first hand.

Our second milestone is that Stacy also felt fluttering for the first time this week and she said it was pretty neat. I can't wait for the baby to start kicking so I can feel him too. Hopefully I won't annoy Stacy too much always wanting to feel her belly once it starts.

We are now in name negotiations - hee hee, everyone seems to like different names, but we've narrowed it down to two (for now): Dexter and Oliver and I think it's pretty much split down the middle as to who likes which. We of course won't make any final decisions until we see baby but so far those two are the main contenders.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

♥

Week 18 Update

2008-12-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!

At week 18, your baby-to-be's senses are maturing. She's able to hear sounds within her own comfortable environment, such as the sound of mum's heart beating, as well as external sounds, such as your voice. She may become more active for certain sounds, and you'll feel her movements. At this point in her development she's still small enough that she has plenty of room to wiggle.

How Big Is Baby?

Your little one is about five ounces and five to six inches long (crown to rump).

How we feel:

I'm sure I've repeated myself over and over on the weekly updates but mostly we're dying of excitement for the next ultrasound - two weeks today. I'm crossing my fingers that A) Dustin will be home to come this time and B) We'll be able to find out the sex of the baby.

I've compiled a list of all the things we need for baby and I'm slowly collecting everything on the list. We've ordered some of the bigger items and they should arrive in the next couple of months; though I'm not sure where we will be putting them as Stacy is still staying in babies room until the end of February. It's going to start getting a little bit squishy in our little house as baby stuff starts arriving.

I've been thinking I might start updating every couple of weeks unless something major happens that I feel compelled to share - I'm beginning to feel like I'm repeating myself every week.

♥

Week 17 Update!

2008-12-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!

Around this time your baby's ears pop from her head and Baby-to-be can now sense sounds. After all, she has plenty to listen to in utero! She's accustomed to the strong beating of your heart, blood rushing through your veins, and your stomach grumbling. She can also discern sounds outside the uterus, like voices and music.

How Big Is Baby?

This week your little one weighs in at around five ounces and stretches to just over five inches (crown to rump).

How we feel:

Oh my goodness, we're almost half way there; and the next ultrasound is only 3 weeks away today! I can't wait to see sweat pea again, and hear her heartbeat. I really hope Dustin will be home for this one because I think he will be amazed by the whole thing. It's one thing to see her on paper it's entirely another to see her flipping around in Stacy's tummy.

I'm such a dorky mum-to-be. We aren't even half way through the pregnancy and I've already built a small library for the baby; I can't help myself, I just can't wait to tell the baby a million stories and hopefully share our love of reading and learning with her.

♥

Week 16 update

2008-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

Interesting Fact!

By week 16, your baby-to-be's body is doing more to support itself. Her kidneys function and produce urine that then passes through the umbilical cord. Within her stomach, bile is secreted, although she relies on you for all of her nutrients. Her appearance changes as her scalp hair grows and may even have color. Her developing facial muscles make it possible for her to open and close her mouth, maybe even give you a smile or two.

How Big Is Baby?

This week, your little one is around four inches long (crown to rump) and weighs in at nearly three ounces.

How We Feel:

Another week gone, sweet pea is going to be here before we know it. I can't believe our next ultrasound is in 4 weeks, and that Stacy will be half way through the pregnancy by then. So much has changed in the last 11 weeks or so. I never would have imagined we'd be getting prepared for a baby to arrive, nor did I ever expect that Stacy would end up living with us.

It's been really great getting to know Stacy; before coming to live with us I always knew her as my brothers girlfriend but now I see her as a friend. We've had some great times over the last month, and I think we've baked and laughed our way to a life long friendship. I think Dustin is still trying to get used to all the giggling and craft-making that's been going on but it's good practice for things to come because we're all positive sweet pea is a girl.

I think that's it for this week.

♥

Week 15 Update

2008-11-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Interesting Fact!

At week 15, your baby-to-be stretches her limbs and bends at her elbows. She's getting big enough that you can feel many of these movements. Her bones are continuing to grow and lengthen. While she looks more like a baby, her skin is still thin and translucent with her veins visible. Your baby is also beginning to grow lanugo, a very fine hair. It will keep growing until around the 26th gestational week of pregnancy (that's week 28 of the pregnancy).

How Big Is Baby?

This week baby is roughly the size of a naval orange.

How We Feel:

I can't believe how fast time is going by, it seems like I post a weekly update and before I know it, it's time for another one. As we've started telling more people about the adoption I find there are people who are genuinely happy for us, people who are worried, and people who don't like the idea at all.

Most people are a combination of very happy but also quite nervous about how everything will turn out. It is a difficult situation, Stacy could change her mind at any time, and believe me, we are aware of that. Dustin and I have come to the conclusion that we will regret it if we don't jump in feet first and enjoy the whole process. Sure, we could be reserved, stand-offish, not hope and dream for the baby; but if we're the ones holding sweet pea in our arms after she is born we will have missed out on all of this amazing pregnancy time, all the time you spend looking into the future and imagining all the possibilities for your baby. We know it will hurt more in the end if Stacy keeps the baby, but sometimes those are the life risks we all need to take.

As Christmas approaches, I'm finding myself getting nostalgic for my childhood Christmas memories steeped in family tradition. Out shopping last weekend I picked up this beautiful plate and mug set for putting cookies and milk out for Santa, and standing in the store I was holding back the tears as I imagined telling sweet pea all about Santa, and getting out the plate and mug to start our own family traditions. (getting a little teary eyed again just writing it down). These are the moments worth living for, being a Mum is all I've ever wanted, and even though I'm not pregnant, I am expecting a child, and I am not going to deny myself these moments of joy even though it might make it harder in the end.

♥

People read my blog?

2008-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

I've been coasting along for the last few months, blogging at least once a week to keep track of all the ups and downs of this unexpected journey, I've shared the link to our blog with a few close friends and family members so that they too can be updated on our progress but I never imagined that anyone else was reading my blog until today.

I received my first ever blogging award from Kristen at Snips Snails and Pigtails. So first off, thanks Kristen, and welcome! Secondly I need to nominate 7 other bloggers for this award. I will do that at some point today, I have a list of adoption blogs I read and I'll have to compile a little linky list, and send them a comment when I get a free moment.

♥

Operation "Get Prepared" Commencing

2008-11-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

The list of things we need to get prepared for Sweet Pea grows every time I begin to think of anything baby related. We of course have picked out the crib set, and I believe we're going to order it sometime in the new year, giving us plenty of time for delivery and set up.

I've started purchasing baby bottles. I've decided to go with Avent bottles because they are BPA free and apparently prevent colic; a few of my friends have recommended them so they must be alright. I'm going to get 4 in each size, a bottle heater (to avoid microwave use) and a bottle sterilizer for convenience.

I think I've decided on a diaper bag, from Ju Ju Be and though it's slightly pricey it looks durable and even slightly fashionable. I also took Dustin into consideration when deciding which one to go with, and I'm pretty sure he won't be embarrassed to walk around with this bag. At least it's not pink and flowery Daddy!

Today I finally decided on and purchased a wrap for carrying sweet pea around in. Funnily enough it's actually National Babywearing Week and I finally found a wrap I like from Sleepy Wrap. It's like the baby wearing planets were aligned just for me. A few of my friends have wraps and they love the freedom they give you, not to mention the benefits to baby.

I'm sure the list will go on and on as we get closer to babies due date. I'll keep you all posted on some of my fun finds!

♥

Week 14 Update

2008-11-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!

At 14 weeks your baby is a regular wiggler, but because of her small size you probably won't feel it yet. Your baby-to-be's face is becoming more distinguishable as her eyes move closer together and her ears move closer to their final positions. She's also growing soft baby hair all over her body, which is thought to help anchor developing skin, as well as forming hair on her eyebrows and scalp. She may hiccup too, even though her lungs are filled with fluid, not air.

How Big Is Baby?

Your little one is currently between 3.2 to 4.5 inches (from crown to rump) and weighs in at around .9 ounces. She is about the size of a closed fist.

How We Feel:

Our next ultrasound appointment is on December 20th, and I can't wait. What a wonderful Christmas present it will be if the baby decides to let us find out what sex she is. Stacy will be just about 20 weeks along at that point so here's to hoping! Hopefully we've given enough notice so Mathew can make it to this appointment, and maybe if we're lucky Dustin will be home for Christmas break and he'll be able to attend also.

The Obstetrician appointment was a long wait but we got to hear sweet pea's heartbeat again which is always fun to hear; it was still high, 168 bpm. The doctor seemed nice and Stacy felt comfortable with her, which is most important. We have to remember to inquire about pre-natal classes as they apparently book up quickly. Stacy and I are going to go to them together so we can both learn everything we can about labour, delivery, and taking care of baby once home....I'm sure there is a lot to learn!

♥

Week 13 Update

2008-11-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Interesting Facts!
Week 13 marks a milestone for your baby-to-be. Developmentally speaking she's no longer an embryo, but a fetus. She's looking—and acting—more and more like a baby every day. She appears to be resting because her eyelids have formed and are fused together, but her arms and legs move and twitch (although you probably can't feel it … yet). She can suck her thumb, too.

How Big Is Baby?
Your baby is about the size of a lime! She's growing heavier at around .5 to .7 ounces and is getting longer at about three inches long (crown to rump).

How We Feel:
We're officially in to the second trimester - I'm amazed at how fast time is going by. My food bill is going to go up because Stacy is going to start feeling hungry all the time, but I don't mind one bit...in fact I was bugging her yesterday because I opened the fridge and was shocked to see we were almost out of milk, even though I had just bought 4 L a couple of days ago.

The other day Stacy was all excited and said "oh ya feel this" and so I did, and sure enough she's starting to get a little hard bump where the baby is growing. It was really amazing. I'm thinking sooner than later, we're going to have to get to a maternity store to stock up on some clothes that are more comfortable for her during the remainder of the pregnancy.

We have our first appointment with the obstetrician this week so that's kind of exciting, hopefully at that point we'll get the paperwork to book the 18 week ultrasound which will be coming up in the second week of December. It's so amazing that Stacy has invited me along to be part of the pregnancy from the very beginning; It's definitely a gift to get to experience everything from the start and not miss out on all the wonderful milestones along the way. For that I am truly grateful.

Oh and I think I've found the perfect crib set, I'm just waiting for Dustin to come home to make sure he likes it to and then I'm going to go ahead and get it. I think it's nice and neutral, it will go with any theme we pick for the nursery and the crib even turns in to a head and foot board for a double bed once we don't need a crib anymore.

♥

12 Week Update

2008-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Interesting Fact!

The end of the first trimester marks an important step for your baby-to-be. All of her major body systems are in place. In her digestive system, her small intestine is no longer entwined with the umbilical cord, but instead is tucked neatly within the abdomen. Her nervous system continues to develop, and her brain's structure is fully formed. Many of her organs are starting to work on their own, too. For instance, her thyroid begins to secrete hormones. Next week she'll no longer be considered an embryo, but instead graduates into a fetus. She's already looking more and more like the baby you're probably imagining—she even has tiny fingernails.

How Big Is Baby?

At 12 weeks, your baby weighs in around 1.5 ounces and measures about three inches in length (from crown to rump).

How We Feel

A lot has changed in the last week, the ultrasound just made the baby that much more real to us and, we are at the end of the first trimester, which is a relief. It's time for us to really start preparing for baby, with so much to do and time flying as fast as it does I don't want to find myself rushing right at the end. Our What to Expect in the First Year book has a great list of essentials we need to be ready to bring baby home so slowly but surely we will start checking off the list.

Stacy and I have been talking about painting the nursery and we have some really good ideas for a cute nursery that will grow in to a great toddler bedroom as well. We are excited to get started on that project, though we'll probably wait until the new year.

One major thing has happened this week and that is that Stacy has come to stay with us for a while which is kind of neat because we've had a chance to have some great conversations about our expectations of each other once the baby is born, and it's just been nice to get to know each other better. I'm not sure at this point how long she will be staying with us, but she's more than welcome for as long as she'd like to stay.

That's it for this week.

♥

Our First Baby Picture!

2008-10-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Presenting Little Sweet Pea

I like to think she was waving at us. For a while there she was really active, bumping around and waving her arms, but then she chilled out for a while and just let us gaze at her.

The ultrasound technician asked us if we'd heard the babies heartbeat yet and when we said no she turned on the speakers and the babies heartbeat was so amazing. I held it together fairly well until I heard the little thump thump of her heart and that's when my eyes started leaking a bit. Her little heart was beating at 165 beats per minute, which is another indication that we're having a girl.

The technician was great she printed out pictures for both sets of parents and we were on our way. Unfortunately due to some misunderstandings Mathew didn't make it to the ultrasound, and that was upsetting to everyone because I know he wanted to be there, but we have another scan in 6 weeks and we will hopefully all be there for that one...maybe even Dustin!

♥

Week 11 Update

2008-10-21T09:45:00.001-07:00

Interesting Fact!

Your baby-to-be's body still may look a little strange. At this point in development the head makes up nearly half of his body size. Don't worry, in the next few weeks the rest of his body will catch up. Right now, part of your baby's small intestine coils around the umbilical cord outside his body—this will change soon, too.

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby weighs in at about three-tenths of an ounce this week, and his length is just under two and one-half inches (crown to rump).

How We Feel:

We are very excited that we are going to the first ultrasound appointment this weekend. I'm really hoping that Dustin will make it back into town in time to see the baby. If not, I guess pictures will have to do. We've all been making jokes that Stacy is having a whole litter because she's already popped and has a baby belly...I guess we'll find out if it's true.

I picked the baby up her first book the other day - Love you Forever by Robert Munsch. Dustin and I love to read and hopefully we can pass that love along to the baby. I've been looking in to a bunch of adoption books for kids that I would like to order off of amazon or chapters. I think it will be a great way to introduce the idea of adoption to the baby from a young age.

♥

Week 10 Update

2008-10-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Interesting Facts:

Week 10 marks a milestone for your baby-to-be. This first part of fetal development is all about organization. All your baby-to-be's cells have been directed to their places—brain tissue is growing rapidly, muscles are forming, fingers and toes are becoming defined. Your baby-to-be looks less like an embryo (or an alien) and more like the baby in miniature that he is. He's getting bigger, too.

How Big Is Baby?

This week your little one is about one and one-quarter inches long and weighs in at .18 ounce.

How We Feel

10 weeks - We can officially tell the world our wonderful news. I am so excited and happy that everyone finally gets to share in our joy. I sent out an email to share the news with close friends and some family. I don't want to make any assumptions for Stacy and Mat - I don't know how hard it's going to be for them when we tell everyone. Unlike many open adoptions, Mat and Stacy are family so our announcement impacts them in a very real, personal way. I can only assume that they are okay with us being so excited to tell everyone, it was Stacy after all, who told me I could tell after 10 weeks and not wait for the first trimester to end.

Stacy has an ultrasound on October 25th, and has her appointment with the Obstetrician on November 6th and I can't wait to go with her. Clearly she didn't read my last post before inviting me along. I'm going to cry like a little girl with a skinned knee for sure.

Some things I'm Grateful For

2008-10-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and it's gotten me to thinking about how grateful I am about so many things.

I am grateful for Mat and Stacy, of course for their decision to have us adopt their baby but I'm grateful to them for so many other reasons.

To Stacy I'm grateful to you

♥ for being so brave
♥ for being with Mat
♥ for letting me feel so comfortable around you
♥ for loving the little sweet pea enough to be healthy while you're pregnant
♥ for being excited about being a tummy mummy
♥ for being so selfless

To Mat I'm grateful to you

♥ for being so brave
♥ for maturing
♥ for your honesty
♥ for putting up with Stacy while she grows little sweet pea
♥ for being so selfless

To my wonderful husband I'm grateful to you

♥ for staying up late and listening to my fears
♥ for staying up even later and listening to me ramble about the nursery or baby names or whatever is on my mind in the moment
♥ for being my best friend
♥ for being in this adventure beside me
♥ for just being you

And to you all, I'm grateful for us all going on this amazing journey together. Sweet Pea will have much love in her life, and really in the immortal words of the Beatles...all we need is love...

....WOOOHOOO

2008-10-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

I was talking to Stacy this afternoon and she said that the Doctor said it was fine to start telling people when we hit ten weeks............

psst - it's 10 weeks on Tuesday!!...That's in five sleeps....5 sleeps!!!

-insert visual of Jordanna moonwalking here-

I've decided to send out an email, or put something up on facebook to make the announcement and I wrote a little poem to send to everyone. Of course being the big dork that I am, I had to scrapbook it:

Feeling Peaceful

2008-10-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Stacy and I went out for dinner last night and had a great talk; it was actually the first time her and I have sat down together by ourselves and discussed the adoption and how we both feel. I'm so happy we did because I think we both feel better about everything. It's still a hard journey to take for everyone but I think we will come through it with an amazing friendship that will last for years to come. I think the baby will be blessed to be so wanted and have so many people who love it unconditionally.

We have only 20 days left until we can announce to the world that we're having a baby, and I can't wait. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm terrible with surprises and I am bursting at the seams to tell everyone. Other than immediate family and a couple close friends no one knows and I know they will be so happy for us. I have even been trying to convince myself that 10 weeks along is far enough, but no, I need to wait...sigh

Stacy has another doctor's appointment in two weeks and I think she'll get to hear the babies heart beat...I'm hoping she'll invite me along (wink wink, nudge nudge!) because I would love to hear it and think I will ~~turn in to a crying fool in seconds~~ do just fine and not embarrass Stacy in the least!

Week 9 Update

2008-10-06T11:40:00.001-07:00

Interesting Facts:

Your baby is busy growing. Her face looks more baby-like each day—her eyes are developed but concealed, and her nose, lips, and ears are becoming more defined. She's also starting to exercise her expanding muscles. Her fingers and toes are looking less like stubs. Although she's a wiggler—and you could see that on an ultrasound—she's still so small that you won't feel these movements. Her reproductive organs are developing, but even if you sneaked a peek you wouldn't be able to tell that she's a she (and neither could your doctor at this point).

How Big Is Baby?

Your growing baby is about as big as a quarter this week.

How We Feel:

I can't believe another week has gone by. I am starting to realize how much I'm already falling in love with the baby. I have hopes and dreams for her and when I think about the future, the baby has become a big part of that. I feel like when Stacy and Mat called and said they were pregnant and they wanted us to adopt the baby, it was like finding out I myself was pregnant and so as we go along this journey I can't help but feel the way I do.

Stacy has been having a hard time dealing with everything and she doesn't know what she wants to do anymore. Though in my mind I knew this was a likely possibility, I guess my heart hoped she would still be as sure as she was the day she called and told me about the pregnancy. I understand her conflict, I already love the baby myself and it isn't even growing inside me.

I'm not sure how to proceed from here. All I want for this baby is for it to be loved and cared for and if it's by Dustin and I then that's amazing for us, and if Stacy decides to keep the baby that's great for her but leaves us devastated. How do I look at an ultrasound of the baby and not fall in love with it, how do I spend each day dreaming about our lives together when I now there is a probability that Stacy will keep the baby? I don't know how to go forward without getting so emotionally involved with a baby that might not end up my child.

Week 8 Update

2008-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Interesting Facts!

Your baby is no longer a mass of cells, but he's looking more and more like a miniature baby-to-be. Your baby's face is becoming more defined: eyelids have formed, his nose is beginning to protrude, and his upper lip is taking shape. Where there once were only stubs, fingers and toes are starting to develop from his arms and legs. His heart is beating quickly and strong inside his tiny body.

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby-to-be is now just over one half of an inch long. He's a little bigger than a dime.

How We Feel

Wow, 8 weeks already - time is already flying by. We're really starting to get used to the idea of becoming parents and as we get closer to the end of the first trimester we are getting excited about sharing our news with the world.

S has been feeling very tired with lots of nausea which is a good sign of a healthy pregnancy. She is heading to the medicentre today to get referred to an obstetrician. I am so appreciative of her for everything she is going through, I can only imagine what it must feel like to have something the size of a dime take over your whole body and control your life. The good news is that there are only 4 weeks left before things settle down for her.

For us on the other hand things will start getting crazier in a month. Once we hit the end of the first trimester we have a nursery to paint and furnish, a million baby accoutrement to buy, names to pick....not to mention finding a lawyer to help with all the paperwork and adoption counselling to arrange.

8 weeks and counting!

Week 7 Update

2008-09-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

Interesting Facts:

Your baby-to-be has been busy this week. His brain is continuing to develop. The circulatory system becomes more complex as lungs begin to form. His face is taking shape with his eyes showing some pigmentation, visible ear holes, minuscule nostrils, and an indentation where his mouth will appear. His digestive system and stomach are starting to form. His arms and legs are growing, but his fingers and toes have not yet developed.

How Big Is Baby?

This week, Baby is about the size of a pencil eraser!

How We Feel:

It's been a tough few days. I realize that at any time M and S could decide to keep the baby, it's their right as biological parents and I'm sure it's a near impossible decision to make. I know that if they decide to keep the baby I will be heart broken and devastated because as the baby grows so do my hopes and dreams for our future together. Having them ask us if we'd like to adopt the baby felt the same to me as if I had seen two pink lines on a stick myself. I am overjoyed, nervous, excited, and planning for the future just as I would if I were pregnant myself. (Luckily though it's Stacy that gets to deal with the hormones, morning sickness, and cravings....thanks Stacy!).

There are still 5 weeks to go before we can announce our news to the world. It's near impossible to keep it a secret. I'm so excited I want to tell every random stranger I encounter never mind the people that are dearest to me. I'm hoping the next few weeks go by quickly and smoothly and we can get in to the second trimester and really start to move forward with the nursery and all the preparation it takes to get ready for baby.

We've been doing some planning and we've decided to save all my pay cheques, because once the baby comes I won't have an income and we'll have to get used to living off of D's. I've been making a budget and looking around at the costs of everything. A stroller with an infant car seat attached is close to $400 and a crib set with a change table and dresser is going to be about $1500. That's before we even feed the baby or send her to college! I read somewhere that by the time a child is ready for college they will have already cost about $500,000 to raise....D, I think you need a raise!

Anyway that's it from us. 7 Weeks and counting....

Week 6 Update

2008-09-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

Interesting Fact:

This week your baby-to-be's brain begins to take shape. Her head becomes more distinct with tiny spots appearing that mark the places where her eyes will form. Spots for her ears also become visible. Buds that will later become arms and legs begin. And for the first time your baby's heart beats. Within her growing midsection, what will become her lungs, liver, and other organs are forming.

How Big Is Baby?
Your growing baby this week is now the size of a pea.

How We Feel:

Wow, where to even begin. We are so excited - elated even. I can't believe we still have 6 weeks to go before we can start telling the world our exciting news. We have started talking names and we really like the idea of honouring M and S in the babies name somehow. We're thinking of using Mattea as the babies middle name for a girl, and Stacy if it's a boy. We also like the idea of combining their names and using Macy as a first name if the baby is a girl - which the Chinese astrology charts predict it is.

S and I went to her doctors appointment and they have referred us to the Diabetes clinic at the Royal Alex. Hopefully the doctor there will refer us to an obstetrician and do the pre-natal blood work I was expecting her family doctor to do. No word yet on when she'll have the appointment.

I think I'm going to ask S and M to email me a little weekly update (if they're interested) on how they're feeling and I can include that in my weekly updates as well.

And that's it for this week in baby news.

Oh and I've posted a link of some of the baby names we like on the right hand side of the blog. Go vote for your favorites....but don't be sad if we don't like your answers and do what we want anyway! We will update it here and there as we find names we agree upon.

Sunday Update

2008-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

After some discussion we decided that it would be best to tell my dad - rather than spring it on him in a card. My mum told him a couple of nights ago - we volunteered her to do the dirty work. I spoke to him on the phone yesterday and he's excited about it but has his concerns, as all parents inevitably do. Now, our parents all know and I've told one close friend - so that I have someone to talk to about all of this...it's just to exciting to hold inside.

Unfortunately S's mum is not happy about the choice they've made and it makes me sad for S because I think this is a huge decision to make and having her mum's support would be so great for her. Thankfully her dad is on board and hopefully she knows that we are all here for her if she needs to talk or even just a hug!

D and I have been busy little bees this weekend. We, being the total yuppies that we are, each had our own spare room in the house. D's was a video game/computer room and mine was a craft room. We had been talking for some time about combining the two rooms into one, and creating a guest room - or my idea, a giant closet....but a nursery sounds like the perfect way to use that room! We spent the entire weekend clearing out the room that will become the nursery, downsizing our stuff and combining our two "hobby" rooms in to one.

We went out and purchased What to Expect When You're Expecting for S because I'm hoping she'll find it informative - it's a big book so I'm pretty sure it has the answers to many of the questions she might have. I am also giving her my copy of The Girlfriends Guide To Pregnancy which is a very funny and insightful book about being pregnant. I know I laughed out loud on a few occassions reading that one. For ourselves D and I got the What to Expect in the First Year book which scarily enough is even bigger, but has a section on adoption and everything! I'd better start reading it now, with 800 pages to memorize and 8 months to go - I'm gonna need to average 100 pages of pure information download a month!

That's it from here - it's time to hurry up and wait :)

Surprise!

2008-09-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's my dad's 60th birthday this weekend and we haven't told him about the baby yet. He's been busy working and no one has really seen him much since we've all made our life changing plan. My mum thinks it would be a great idea to surprise him on his birthday with the news about the baby. Dustin and I have some reservations because I think it will be an awfully big surprise to say "M and S are pregnant - but we're going to adopt the baby - Happy Birthday!"

He's turning 60...isn't that a heart attack waiting to happen?

I tried to write him a poem to write inside a birthday card, though I'm still not quite convinced it's the best way to tell the old guy the crazy news?

Here's the poem:

Happy Birthday Grandpa,
We saved the best for last.
And Although I'm not quite here yet,
The time will go by fast.

But Grandpa that's not all,
There's something you should know.
I'm going to live with one mum,
But in another one I'll grow.

You see grandpa it's kinda tricky,
Stacy's growing me in her tummy.
But they've asked Jordanna and Dusty,
To be my daddy and mummy.

So Happy Birthday Grandpa,
Enjoy your special day.
Sorry I couldn't be there,
But I have to stay here till May.

There are no words

2008-09-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Mat & Stacy,

I want to write you a letter, because there is so much to say and I don't think the words will ever come out right if I just blurt it all out. First off and most importantly, thank you for such an amazing gift. Just the thought of you both trusting us and loving us enough to entrust us with your baby brings me to tears.

Dustin and I were at a point of giving up hope for a baby. We were silently coming to terms with our dreams of a family slipping away. In an instant you changed all of that for us and we are so grateful that I don't even have the words to thank you enough.

We believe that a baby needs to be surrounded with love; we believe that in order to know where you’re going you need to know where you came from and we think it’s wonderful that this baby is going to have two sets of parents from the very beginning. When our child is old enough to understand they will know that you are their tummy mummy and daddy and the fact that we can all share in this is an incredible & wonderful experience.

The joy we have about this is all consuming and you will never know how grateful and indebted we feel to you both for what you are doing for our family, with that all we can say is thank you and that doesn't even begin to describe how we feel.

Much Love

Jordanna and Dustin xoxo

The Beginning

2008-09-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

For as long as we have been together we've wanted a baby. After 3 years of trying we gave up. We've spent the last year convincing ourselves that we're fine, we're happy to be yuppies, we don't need a baby, but the minute we found out they were giving us their baby, all of our convictions about being fine were washed away with my tears of happiness.

Perhaps I should go back a bit. I'm Jordanna & I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world - Dustin. We've been together since 2002 and we couldn't be happier together, except for wanting to complete our family by having a baby. For three years we tried, and tried, and took fertility drugs and tried some more and after peeing on 100's of magic wands, not once did we see the positive sign....not once were we blessed with a baby.

We had looked in to adoption and decided that it is something we would definitely like to pursue, but unfortunately don't have $8 - 10,000 laying around to start the process. I guess babies are on the back burner for us for at least a couple more years. We're only 30, we still have time....right?

Yesterday our entire lives changed, our world was flipped upside down and the yuppie lifestyle we had become accustomed to flew out the window. My brother Mathew told me that his fiancee is pregnant and they were wondering if we would like to adopt the baby! After wondering if I had fallen asleep at work again and realizing I was in fact wide awake, I pulled myself together, burst in to tears and said of course.

Now, Stacy is only a few weeks along, and we have Type 1 Diabetes to be concerned about but she is definitely pregnant and they definitely want us to adopt their baby. We're keeping everything on the down low for now, at least until the end of her first trimester. I feel like I have a balloon inside me that is filling up with excitement and I know it's going to pop soon so hopefully I can hold my excitement inside until the time is right to tell friends and family.

And so begins our journey to parenthood.