The kind of peace we now have...

Here is a picture of Bug talking on our cell phone. Not really--the phone is locked--but she likes to pretend. Sometimes her baby dolls talk on the phone too...I guess she is starting them early.

Today we are headed to PA for a few days to visit DH's Grandma. We are excited to get there, but not too excited about the trip. I am sure Bug will be fine--we are bringing the laptop, in case she gets to stir crazy, and we need to pop in a Elmo dvd.

Well, "H" called the other day. It was so nice to talk to her. We had a nice conversation, and she too, verified the same feelings we had leaving our initial meeting--we all felt like we gained new family members. We talked about the baby a little bit, and also decided that DH, Bug, and I would go with her to her next check-up. We also agreed to get together at least a couple of times before that baby is born. We also talked about names again--specifically, girls names. We asked what she thought of us naming the baby's middle name after her--so the baby's middle name would be birth mom's first name. We really wanted to honor her by doing that, and she said that was wonderful. We still haven't come up with a first name if it is a girl, though, so any suggestions would be appreciated!! :-) It is settled, that if it is a boy, he will be named Samuel. "H" will chose the middle name, if it is a boy.

I think I am developing allergies. I am having these asthma attacks out of nowhere, and have a stuffy/runny/stuffy/runny nose, and a cough. My Sis-in-law and I were talking on the phone, and she mentioned getting some OTC drugs and trying them. She was convinced it was seasonal allergies. What do you know, it worked. I had no idea I had allergies...??

Through this adoption journey, I often think about how our road to build a family started, and all we went through to be where we are now: 8 years of trying to conceive (TTC), countless procedures, hundreds of shots and IV treatments, a miscarriage, 3 failed IVF's, and alot of tears. Now, though, we feel so much peace. All those things had to happen for us to be where we are today. There were so many times that we were so frustrated--at God for not letting us have a baby--all the while HE was working HIS plan for us. Now, it all makes sense. I totally believe that I won't ever be pregnant again...and that is 150% OK with me. I feel like God has blessed us with our Bug Bug, and now HE is blessing us with this precious little baby, whom we love already. This little baby isn't going to come from my womb, but has been in my heart all this time. We feel extremely fortunate that God has blessed us to be parents two different ways, not just one. God is Great!

Pizza, Uncle Harry's and a really cool fort!

Here is a picture of our bug and her new baby doll. We actually bought this baby doll for her birthday (long before we ever knew we might possibly have a baby before her second birthday!), so after our most recent exciting news, we decided to give it to her now. She loves her baby, (who's name on the Cabbage Patch Birth Certificate is "Hope") and takes her everywhere. Bug tries to feed her baby her breakfast, and makes sure to follow it up with a bottle (the pink one in the picture!). It is so cute...

Anyway, last night we visited some friends, who have two boys, and a boy on the way (due in early September). The oldest boy (who is 3) and Bug had such a fun time playing. We had pizza for dinner, then walked to Uncle Harry's (local custard and ice cream shop), then went back home for more playing. Bug and "G-Man" loved playing in the fort...it was so cute watching them play together. "G-Bam" was busy trying to keep up--he is growing so fast--I am pretty sure he will pass Bug up on the scales very soon!! It was good to see him so healthy, and walking around on his own. He is surely a blessing!

No new news--this week will be busy--lots of play dates. We are planning on heading to PA later in the week for a few days with Great Grandma. Looking forward to the visit, not looking forward to the 10+ hour drive with toddler who only likes to sit in her car seat for so long!! (we were going to fly, but forgot to buy the tickets on the last day of the sale...Grrrrr.) O-Well...DH and I will have lots of time to talk.

I will leave you with some pictures from last night:

Bug and G-Man playing in the fort

G-Bam--he is getting so big!! What a cutie! Bug sitting on G-Man's lap--she really wanted to sit on the chair because it is a Mickey Mouse chair, but G-Man beat her to it, so she just plopped on his lap. And saving the best for last--this is their dog, Reagan. Reagan found a nice warm spot next to DH, and if you look real closely, Reagan's paw is sitting right on DH's leg...How cute! This dog pretty much didn't move for about an hour. Ironic, no?

32 wks 1 day

This is a picture of Bug-Bug when we were visiting Grandpa Mick and Grandma Kris a couple of weekends ago.
As I said in the last post (I am a little behind...), as we arrived home, we got a call from our social worker. A birthmom was interested in meeting with us. We were ecstatic! Fast forward to Monday night at 7pm. We were pretty nervous--I am always more nervous than DH. The minute I saw this beautiful birthmom, I was instantly at ease. I can't explain why, I hadn't even talked to her at this point! After about a hour and a half, of comfortable chatting, she looked at her social worker and said..."I don't want to see any more profiles...they are the ones I want". We were in awe, as we weren't expecting that at all...we thought she might make a decision in a couple weeks or something like that. I quickly told the social worker to get me some kleenex, which she did, and both DH and I started to cry, and there were hugs all around. There were so many perfect "God things" that happened in this meeting--it is obvious that this was Gods plan all along. It was the most humbling experience I have ever had. God clearly had his hand in this, and we owe it all to HIM. We are just overjoyed, and can't wait to meet our little baby.

Our birthmom--"H"--is due June 25th, which puts her at 32wks 1 day today! The baby is due four days after Bug's second birthday!! We are hoping to get together with "H" a few times before the baby is born, and of course we want her to meet our Bug!

Needless to say, we have been on "cloud 9" since Monday night, and last night was the first real night of sleep I have had since we got the call that our birthmom wanted to meet us. I feel like a new woman!

We are so thankful that God blessed us with "H", and are so grateful for the selfless decision she has made for us to be a second Mommy and Daddy to her baby. God is Great!

A reunion for Great-Grandma, and "The Call"

Ummm, I bet you are wondering why Bug looks like a baglady?! Well this was just something to keep her occupied for a good 10 minutes while visiting with Great-Grandma Polly, Grandma and Grandpa, and all her great-uncles and aunts. The ribbons are saved (of course) by Grandma Polly (probably from the Christmas of 78') and she is just waiting for the perfect package to use them on. In the meantime, it served as a toy for a few minutes (and of course a funny picture, too!).

We had a great time visiting with family. Bug got to meet two of her Great-Aunts for the first time. We actually pulled off the surprise without a hitch (I can't believe it worked, with as chatty as my family it)!! Everyone managed to keep the secret for about two months. Anyway, Grandma had no idea that all six of her kids would be together this weekend at her house. The first suprise happened on Friday night--we went out for dinner, and the "waitresses" that came to take our drink order were actually two of my aunts, that my grandma hadn't seen in about four years. One came on each side of her. One asked her for her order, the other one started tucking a napkin in her shirt (like a bib)...the look on Grandma's face was priceless. I caught it on video--as soon as I figure out how to put it on here, I will do so. Saturday afternoon was the next surprise--We were all sitting in the living room at Grandma's house, and Uncle John is walking up the driveway. Grandma is actually standing at the front window, so I get her attention so that she will look away from the window (so she doesn't see him walking up the driveway!). He comes in the door, and someone says "Mom, there is someone at your door!!" She turns around and her son is there. It was so cute--Grandma just said "Oh, John, I love you!!" The night before, she has commented that she wished that John could have made it to the visit...we said "yeah, that is too bad". She was so happy that all her six children were together--and we are so glad we could make it happen for her. It was a great weekend of fun, laughs, sharing pictures, and catching up.

Also while we were visiting, Uncle Shane and Aunt Erin moved into their new house. It is perfect for their family, and is a pretty nice house. We are excited for them, and can't wait to spend the night sometime! We also went to brunch as the new hotel/casino in town (never in my life have I been in two different casinos in two different states, two weekends in a row!!!). That was a nice place, and a very yummy brunch. It was free too (I got a players card, and when you do that, you get a free brunch)!! Nothin' wrong with a free brunch!

So, the only downfall to the weekend, was it wasn't long enough. With all the family in town, I didn't get to visit with my friends at all. I had plans for a playdate with a friend and her son, and also plans to chat with my best friend and her family--neither of which happened. If you both are reading this, I am so sorry Shel and Cari!!! I promise soon we will meet up. It was just so busy with family, going here, going there, meeting here for dinner, etc.

So, after my long night on Monday night (Bug decided to get sick and throw up-for the first time--all over the inside of her pack and play at 1am!), Bug and I headed home. Normally, this trip would take 4 hrs, but Tuesday, it took us a little over 5hrs. Both of us were overtired from our bad night, so I made lots of stops (for caffeine and my sanity). Anyway, we finally made it home, and I was unpacking the van. The phone rings, and it is our social worker. We small talked, and finally, I asked..."so, what's up?" The words we have been waiting to hear.."A birthmom wants to meet you--will Monday at 7pm work??" WHAT?!?! Of course it works, and if it doesn't work, we will MAKE it work!! We are just praying for clarity for this birthmom, that she can find the right family for her baby--even if it doesn't turn out to be us. We just want the best for this little baby.

Anyway, we are getting nervous, but also am so excited to meet this young woman. I will post an update probably on Tuesday on how it went. In the meantime, here are some pictures from our weekend visiting with family:

Cousin Killian--Bug just calls him "baby"--he is 13 months old.
Grandpa Mick and Grandma Kris with Bug and Killian

Dad and Mom's anniversary was that weekend too!
Bug loves her Uncle John Bug and Grandma Kris playing Peek-a-boo with Uncle John!
Here is the infamous lineup--From left: Aunt Sue, Uncle John, Aunt Cathy, My Mom, Uncle Denny, and Aunt Mel. They have been doing this lineup since my Grandma (and late Grandpa) moved to this house in the 60's. It is always fun to look back at all the different lineup pictures through the years. Believe it or not, they didn't coordinate, and happened to wear blue shades...except Uncle John. :-)
Grandma and her six children
Usually there is more craziness (because someone is always cracking a joke--Ahem, Cathy and Denny-- during the picture taking session!) when the six get together, but to their credit, wasn't nearly as tough to get a good picture as it has been in past years...
Uncle Shane and Aunt Erin standing in front of their new house--I was amazed at how much unpacking they accomplished in one weekend. I think by Sunday, they were pretty much finished!
Bug and Great-Aunt Sue
Great-Grandma and Bug sitting on the porch on a beautiful sunny day... Kisses for Great-Grandma Polly
Walking with her Great-Grandma...I love this picture.
That's all for now...I will post an update sometime after our meeting with the birthmom on Monday night. Please...just pray for God to bless our meeting and expecially for clarity and strength for this young woman and her selfless decision to choose adoption for her baby.

Three Sisters hit Vegas, Baby!!!

I am still recovering from Vegas...So because I am still sooooo tired, I am just going to leave you with my highlight pictures..Hope you enjoy! By the way, I wore my pedometer the entire weekend...in four days, we walked 26 miles!! DH put it like this--"you walked a marathon in four days!" Sounds alot more when you say it like that...

This is a view of the Strip from our 15th floor hotel room (fancie-dancie hotel room, that is!!)


Here is a picture of our resort--The Red Rock Resort and Casino--I won this trip courtesy of The Ellen DeGeneres show! Thanks Ellen!
The Trump Tower--I guess "The Donald" was in town the day before for the Grand Opening.
Kim and Tracy in the Botanical Garden At Caesar's Palace...
At the NY NY hotel The next few are pictures of the Strip at night from the top of the Stratosphere
Boy, am I glad I brought our new camera with me to Vegas! This picture turned out REAL well!
The fountains at the Bellagio--they go off every 15 minutes at night, choreographed to a song. Very cool! Heading home--this is a picture of the Strip (on left) and the airport (on right), about two minutes after taking off.
Cool picture of the mountains on the way home...

A Wonderful Day....

How beautiful are these daffodils?? A friend of mine surprised me, and stopped over this morning with these for my birthday. How nice! Thanks Jennifer!! Is is so nice when someone surprises you!

Well, I am a year older. I am 25....and holding! Or maybe 32, I don't remember! My memory is so horrible!?! :-) Anyway, I had a wonderful day. I did absolutely nothing, except play and have fun with Bug. We met Daddy at Stonefire Pizza for dinner. The best way to describe Stonefire Pizza is a very upscale Chuck E. Cheese with a buffet, and lots of games for older kids/adults too, including bumper cars, and a rock climbing wall. We had such a fun time. (I will post pictures at the end of this post.) Bug love trying to roll the balls to help Mommy play skee-ball.

We did have a somber moment--we were in the toddler area, and there was a Mom, Dad, and daughter (who after talking to the them, we found out the little girl's name was Claire, and she was a month younger than Bug). The Dad was a quadriplegic. I watched him watching his little girl run around playing with our Bug, and was in awe. He had so much joy in just watching her--you could just tell. Simple things like looking up to see your daughter playing in the gym he couldn't do without blowing in a straw that controlled his wheelchair to back-up. We as a society just take too much for granted. I am just as guilty as the next person. After talking with them for a few minutes, we left to head to a different play area. It was a kind reminder of the blessing of health we all have. Next time Bug runs off, and I get cranky because I have to run after her, I will just think of that Father watching his precious daughter, knowing he will never be able to run after her. Very humbling...

I am so excited about going to Las Vegas on Friday....I am also nervous as heck about leaving Bug for 3 days too! I think I am underestimating the emotions I am going to have. This will be the first time I will have been away from Bug for more than 8 hours--EVER!! Luckily, DH will be taking Bug to visit with his parents, so hopefully, she will be occupied enough to ease her missing her Mama. Recently, she has been connected at my hip, basically. I think it is fair to say, that I am sure I will have fun, but a big part of me will still be with my Bug...(and of course my DH!!)

That is about all here--Here are some pictures from my "25th birthday party":

Here we are playing skee-ball (actually I think it was called "Ice-ball" Bug is holding the "iceball"
Bug in the "water room" in the toddler area Look at all the tickets Bug won shooting basketballs!!! Daddy helping Bug shoot baskets
Ignore the "32"--I don't know why DH put that there--it should say "25"!!
Making a wish...and just being grateful for what we have.

It's like giving an alcoholic a drink....

Here is Bug out enjoying the sunny (and windy) 45 degree weather. Finally, we are going to have some tolerable weather this week for going outside on the "Wheeeee"(slide).

Mommy is also very excited because she got an early birthday gift...a new digital camera. Cameras are to me, as drinks are to an alcoholic. Period. I am a cameraholic, pictureaholic, shutteraholic, etc--whichever you choose. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right??? I feel like the paparazzi now, because this camera came with two lenses that are very long, and then you attach the lens cover, and shield (if you are taking a picture outside in the elements, the lens won't get wet...), and all of a sudden I look like someone on the hunt for George Clooney...!! (ahhhh, George!)

DH so graciously came home early from work yesterday, so I could go get my "75 minutes of heaven". My long-awaited massage. Ahhhh, did that feel good. I was spaghetti for about two hours. Although, after the massage, as I was getting dressed in the locker room, I had trouble pulling my socks on. My masseuse did something to my forearm, and it hurt like heck every time I had to use that muscle...O-well. I am sure it will work itself out soon....otherwise I will just start wearing slippers and sandals!!

I am off to do some laundry, and try to work some more on scrapbooking, before Bug gets up from her nap...Here are a couple more pictures with our new camera. (Somehow I have to convince DH to let me take this to Vegas in a week and a half...)