Pregnancy Milestones & Memories.

I stumbled upon my pregnancy journal and wanted to post it before I misplace it or forget about it again. It's really just a list of random thoughts and reactions recorded throughout our pregnancy... It's fun for me to read and remember but I recorded it for Sanders. I hope he'll feel loved when he reads this someday, and that he gets a chuckle. :)

6 weeks: We found out we were pregnant with you on March 30, 2012. It took us a couple of days to start to truly believe in your existence. We also found out your Auntie Tess was pregnant. We were so excited.

15 weeks, 6 days: I felt you move for the first time. (It was a Sunday evening and we were in the car headed to church.) You felt like a little critter fluttering inside of me, just to the left of my belly button.

17 weeks: Your heart rate was 146. Some say faster means girl, slower means boy. I wonder what you are in there…

20 weeks: We got to watch you wiggle about for a whole 45 minutes. You were determined not to show us your face, but your spine, it was beautiful. ;) Dad says, “We found out you were a big one!”

21 weeks, 3 days: Dad felt you move through my tummy. It was the first time he’d ever felt a baby move in utero. He was stunned, speechless. Don’t tell him I told you, but I saw sweet, joyful tears in his eyes. :) It was obvious that, for the first time, he felt really connected to you.

25 weeks: At our OB appt the Dr. placed the doppler on my tummy and instantly your heartbeat was heard as well as a whole bunch of static, which meant that you were moving a lot! Within seconds you hit the doppler. When the Dr. moved it to a new place you hit it again. Each time she moved the doppler to a new location you would hit/kick it. The Dr. exclaimed, “Your baby’s chasing me!” It was your first human interaction. It was a proud moment for this first time mama.

28 weeks: We made it to the 3^rd trimester! Although I felt like there was still a lot to accomplish before your arrival, your dad was becoming very excited to meet you. We so look forward to seeing your face and holding you in our arms. I can’t wait to hear all your cute little sounds.

37 weeks: We went in for a growth ultrasound because you were measuring big. We found out that your abdomen measured 99% and your head 88%. You were estimated to weigh approximately 8.5 lbs. With 3(ish) more weeks to go, these were daunting numbers for your mama to hear.

Maternity Photos. 36.5 weeks.

Thanks to my lovely friend, Wendi, of theSNAPsisters Photography, for capturing the last days of our quiet couple-ness.

Blessed to be Bumpin' It.39 Weeks

As you can see, we have a plenty big business going on. 

"Okay Babes, you can come now!" 

I keep wanting to coax this kid out but when I consider his/her current environment, I can't quite bring myself to say the things I'm tempted to. I want to tell BamBam that it's a big, beautiful world out here, but when I consider the perfect bubble that he/she is currently living in... Well, the big, bad world seems kind of cold. Sure, my arms are ready and we've been given more cute and cozy blankets than I can count, so warmth won't be a problem. Still though, the bubble inside my ever-growing tummy is just so perfectly regulated. As much as I want this baby out, who am I to argue with the comforts of the womb? 
Brian disagrees completely. He thinks it's plenty nice "out here" and he just can't understand why BamBam won't join us. Each day prior to leaving for work he asks the distance between my contractions. Upon hearing my always varying answers he looks at me as if I'm not telling him the truth and says "What do you mean they're not real?!" Someone is a tad bit excited to be a daddy... :)

BamBam, 

We are ready for you. We can hardly wait to see your face! Are your lips really so baby bird-ish, or were you just being a little ham? We're so excited to find out. Come play with us! 

Love, 

Your Anxious Mama

PS I know I said I was prepared to go over, but I changed my mind. Don't you dare go overdue, you little stinker! My mama heart doesn't think it could handle it...

Ready As We'll Be.

This past Thursday we went in for a growth ultrasound. Today was my 38 week appointment. We were anxious for our Dr.'s feedback as well as to hear if "things" are progressing. Life isn't as comfortable as it once was and the thought of meeting our baby (aka having this baby out) is growing significantly more glamorous with each passing day.

My belly button is as inside out and "outie" as a belly button can be. The nursery is in order. The birthing ball is my new chair. (Bouncing is the new sitting.) Our bedroom has been rearranged to allow the cradle within arm's reach. The lens has been ordered. (Thank you, Hubs!!!) The hospital bags are packed. The car seat is installed. 

Of course, there is more that could be done. More meals could be stockpiled. More diapers could be purchased. There are a few lingering sewing projects and, I'm sure, more Finn hair that could be vacuumed and mopped from the trim. But we are officially as ready as we can be.

Blessed to be Bumpin' It. 36 Weeks.

(Photo taken with my friend, Linds, on my phone at 35.5 weeks.)

I had my 36 week appointment today. We are measuring "normal." (36 centimeters at 36 weeks.) My Dr. wasn't sure whether it was a head or a bum that she was feeling at the bottom of my belly so I was able to have another ultrasound. It had been a long time since our 20 week ultrasound and I was grateful to score another look inside myself. It was confirmed that BamBam is officially head down (good news!) and let me assure you, he/she is still as cute as can be!

In the wardrobe department, my stretchy, low-rise yoga pants aren't even an option anymore. Wearing them is terribly uncomfortable. It makes me feel ill and leaves a big [itchy!] red ridge through the bottom of my baby belly. In order to wear them comfortably, they'd have to be rolled over so many times half of my booty would be uncovered! I had begun to wonder why other girls could wear pre-pregnancy pants throughout their pregnancy, but I couldn't. When my Dr. went to measure my belly, she was shocked at how low our baby's head is inside of me. Seeing her genuine surprise at just how low I am carrying made me feel a lot less crazy (and like there is a reason my pants don't fit!)

All of this to say, my 36 week appointment was a favorite. Not only was I given the gift of a peek inside myself, but my Dr. explained that carrying so low means a lot of pressure down there. (I thought to myself, "Yeah, tell me about it, Lady.") The good news is that apparently all that pressure should be helping to expedite the process...She seems to know what she's talking about, hopefully she's right. :) 

Sometimes I feel like growing a little human is such a crazy business, but on days like today I can't get over how natural it seems to be. Again, God really knows what He's doing. :)

Blessed to be Bumpin' It. 35 Weeks.

At 35 weeks I am loving the timing of this pregnancy. God really knows what He's doing. Of all times to have a "big business" going on, I love that it's happening now, in the fall. Getting dressed is enjoyable, as long as it involves maternity leggings or my one pair of maternity jeans. (All other items such as pre-pregnancy leggings and pants are very much out of the picture. )

There's a chill in the air, a different scarf around my neck, and a cozy sweater over my baby belly each day, and I love it.

Sleepover Shenanigans

Last night Tess and Sydni and Kolt joined us for a sleepover. With two babies on the way, our sleepovers are numbered so we're enjoying relaxing and appreciating the special times we're given together before there are two more. We ate pizza and wings for dinner and indulged in one of Grandma B's apple pies for dessert. We had some strange middle-of-the-night shenanigans including a big someone going outside to "fix" a window screen at 12:30 and a little someone falling out of bed a couple of hours later.

This morning we had monkey bread and pumpkin spice lattes for breakfast. 

(Phone pic.)

Then we played. 

Finally, with camera in hand, we went adventuring around our sweet little town. 

Prior to their departure, Tess and I snapped a prego sister picture. (This is for you, Mom VH.)

I am 32 weeks pregnant, Tess is 30 weeks.

Don't ask me where she puts that sweet baby girl. I can't figure it out. I had no idea two sisters could carry so differently. My Mr. has decided that Tessa's organs must be terribly smooshed considering how little she shows at 30 weeks. We're so excited to meet her baby and for BamBam and Baby Girl to be so close in age. They're going to be BEST FRIENDS. (Whether they like it or not. ;)

BamBam's Crib Bedding: In the Works

BamBam's crib comforter is complete.

All the panels for the crib skirt have been cut, but still need to be sewed. 

Here's a sneak peak of more burnt orange goodness to come...

I recently used a painter's canvas drop cloth from Lowe's to sew a set of pleated curtains for BamBam's closet opening. They create a nice, neutral expanse in a room with a lot of pattern and color going on. I love the calm combo of the white door, cream trim, canvas curtains, and light grey walls.

(Phone pic.)

Also in the works are loveys to match Baby Girl and BamBam's comforters.

(We're hoping matching loveys will keep this round of kiddos from insisting on taking the entire comforter out of the crib, like Kolt does. :)

One by one, this mama-to-be continues checking to-do's off her lists. :)

Men+Babies and why I need a clone

I've always had a thing for observing other people holding babies. On occasions in the past, when offered an opportunity to hold someone's baby, I have accepted only to shortly after hand the babe to someone else. I do this not because I don't love a good baby snuggle, but because sometimes there just isn't anything like watching someone else love on a little. This is especially true of men. Watching a man love on a baby...oh my, I haven't words.
My previous post combined with Brian's longing to meet our baby has in turn left me longing to watch Brian with our babe. I'm thinking other women must feel this way also, but I can hardly wait to sit back and watch Brian hold our baby for the first time.

I'm not one for trying to copy pictures, but I am a little obsessed with this one. 

It is plain to see (despite her being out of focus in the background) that in this moment this mama identified with what I'm talking about.

Source

My family loves to laugh at how badly I want photos taken in the delivery room. They have tried to assure me that it's amazing, beautiful, indescribable, but in such a way that is frozen in your memory forever, not in a way that you want photographed. I've tried to believe them. Maybe I just don't get it. Maybe you can't get it until you go through it, but part of me still freaks out every time I realize that there won't be anyone present to capture our family becoming three and bonding for the first time. Am I odd (and alone), or has anyone else felt this way?

I'm left to wonder who will take a picture like the one above for me? No one, I guess.

I need a clone...

(Surely that would solve all my problems, right? ;)

Blessed to Be Bumpin' It. 26/28 Weeks.

The first photo was taken at 26 weeks, although as of this week we have officially entered the third trimester. 

We are now 28 weeks along.

BamBam loves to grow, as it turns out. ;)

Hmm, what to say about life and pregnancy right now... 

Brian has become really anxious to meet this little person inside of me.

I, on the other hand, am enjoying this time knowing that in less than 3 months everything will change. No longer will caring for BamBam be hands-free and no longer will I have time to do whatever whenever I wish. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to meet this kid, but I know that life is about to change so I'm soaking up the little things about life as we know it, as a couple. Plus, considering how many projects I plan on accomplishing prior to BamBam's arrival, it's a good thing I have some time left. It is very cute though, hearing Brian talk to BamBam and seeing how much he looks forward to meeting him/her. He is going to be a very loving daddy.

This past week I realized for the first time that this baby is coming and contrary to my belief, it isn't that far off. I've spent the entirety of my pregnancy telling everyone around me how much time I have. I was sure that this baby wasn't due for ages. I mean, seriously, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the precursor to Christmas and well, if Thanksgiving was ages away Christmas must be forever away. 

False! 

I walked through a store's front entrance the other day and wham, autumn and halloween decor in my face!

 In the last several days I have responded to this realization by creating more lists than I think I have recorded in my entire life. (That may be a slight exaggeration. The point: I've gone list-crazy.) There are lists all over our house. An entire section of kitchen counter has been devoted to lists. And, might I add, it is a large section of counter. I have running lists in several different Word documents on my laptop and a minimum of one list can be found in almost every room of our house, with the obvious exception of the bathrooms.

Here's to taking one list at a time and hopefully not overlooking anything crucial...

~a frazzled and completely stable[slightly emotional] but happy mama-to-be :)

Pedi Pampering & a Silly Shower

Last night my mom and sisters and I had a girl's night. We shared a yummy dinner at Raspberry Ridge with the sun shining on the patio, stories spewing from yours truly, and constant teasing flowing from my mom and sister, Tess. For some unknown reason, the recent tales from my little pregnant world have been known to offer endless laughs and leverage with which to make fun. I'm fine with it, as long as they're entertained. :) Following dinner we hurried to our long-awaited pedicures, during which my upcoming baby shower was discussed. I've spent weeks hounding all three of them for details on what they have up their sleeves. It seems they've grown weary of dodging my questions because last night they chose a new approach: 'spilling' incorrect details. Between the three of them every thinkable opposite to Meganville was described. Their words painted a picture that went something like this:

All things pastel (contrary to my love for bold color), bouquets of balloons covered in animated characters (such as Dora),  products purchased at The Everson Market aka The Rotten Apple (a redneck grocer with a Mexican influence) exclaiming 'Hola Bambino' [they couldn't remember 'welcome' in Spanish], and of course, a seafood buffet. The list went on and on. 


I can't deny that they know me well and I have to admit it was pretty funny, but it's left me all the more excited for my actual shower scheduled to take place tomorrow evening.

A lot has changed since sis-in-law Amy made the invites, 

but I wanted to share it anyway because it's just so adorable. :)

I can't wait to join with my family in celebrating this little child o' mine!

Blessed to be Bumpin' It. 21 Weeks.

At 21 weeks pregnant I feel great. The only exception is yard work. Too much yard work leaves me with pin-pointed lower back pain and when I push myself too hard, it shoots down my leg. I feel sooo old always being told to 'listen to my body.' But every time I feel my little Grande squirm or kick I don't care. Today Brian felt movement through my tummy for the first time. I wish I had a picture of the expression on his face, although it doesn't matter, it's frozen perfectly in my mind forever.

Chubby Green & Grey Elephants

We returned this evening from a spontaneous trip to Portland and while unpacking came across these, our first matching onesies.

Thank you, Erin! 

The onesies are my favorite part of your sweet gift. I can't help but wonder how they will fit and if our babes will wear them at the same time.

Only time will tell...

Little Bitty Onesies...

I just did my first load of baby laundry and Oh My, It Is CUUUUUTE!

(This is my worn-out-[but excited]-after-a-great-day look. :)

It's the little things that are making this soon-to-be life very, very real...

Blessed to be Bumpin' It. 14 Weeks.

We are 14 weeks along and there's no more suckin' it in...

I think he's a boy. Brian's thinks he's a girl. ;)

oooh, babIES!

Just when we thought life was becoming exciting...
Just when things were seeming really, really beautiful...
Just when we were feeling sooo blessed...

God gave us another reason to rejoice.

We have a LITTLE TURKEY 

roasting in the oven until Thanksgiving.

(That's right, People, I'm PREGNANT.)

With Baby #1 due the end of August and 

Baby #2 due the week of Thanksgiving, 

Lord willing, 

our "pseudo twins" will be just 3 months apart.

We've spent the last 6 weeks (since finding out about Baby #2) reeling from God's overwhelming and undeniable presence in our life. We've concluded that He really does have a sense of humor and that His plans really are far greater than our own. 

We can hardly wait to meet our babIES!!!

We are truly blessed beyond belief.

Oh, Baby!

With that said, we realize that 

everything could change in the blink of an eye.

Still, we are joyful.

Here's the story...
On Friday, February 10, we received a call from our case worker saying that we had been chosen by a birth mom.
On Friday, March 9, we, along with our caseworker, met Birth Mom, Birth Dad, birth mom's grandparents and their pregnancy counselor for dinner. We enjoyed over an hour and a half of good conversation and delicious Italian food.
Today, exactly two months since originally hearing about our prospective Baby, I had the pleasure of attending Baby's 20 week ultrasound. Birth Dad and Birth Grandma were present too.


We listened to Baby's heartbeat, heard all of Baby's measurements, and watched Baby wiggle about. Baby is healthy and appears to love sitting with his/her ankles crossed, just like his/her Birth Mama. :) Being there, as potential adoptive mama, was an incredible privilege, one I'll never forget.


Brian and I don't love having to remain so guarded, but due to Birth Mom and Birth Dad's circumstances it is necessary. We can't wait to celebrate fully but for now we are happy and we hope that our family and friends can join in our excitement. 


To all who inquired about our adoption over the last two months, and to whom we replied, 'Yep, still waiting...' : Thank you for caring enough to ask, we appreciate you, we really do! We apologize for holding out on you but thought it necessary to wait until at least our second meeting with Birth Mom, before sharing our news. We have no control in this situation and the birth parents may change their minds, but we know that God has brought us together for a reason and for that we give Him praise. We are thankful that these two (soon to be three) are in our life and we look forward to seeing where this journey takes us.


Please pray for Birth Mom and Birth Dad, and pray for Baby. And if you have a prayer left, pray for Brian and I as we prepare for whatever God has in store for our future!

[Hoping to someday get to call this kiddo something far cuter than 'Baby'...]

What to do While Waiting for Wee One

Soon after embarking on this adoption journey, Brian and I were informed that current BCS adoptive families are averaging a two year wait. 

[Reality struck.]

That is a long (long, long, looong) time. 

I knew one thing for sure, two years is too much thinkin' time. 

Turns out, there's no way around it so here we sit, waiting.

I tried educating myself, but I grew tired of informative reading.

I clung to other's "success stories," but I still had no baby of my own.

I'm taking a break from the books, the stories, and the advice.

My new take on what to do while waiting for Wee One: 

~ decorating the nursery ~

Here's a glimpse into my take on sassy/studly gender neutral nursery decor, minus the bland and with an extra measure of BAM!

The Primary Palette:

Burnt Orange & Turquoise

Accent:

Mustard

The neutrals: 

(so that Baby can manage to catch some shut-eye, despite the not-so-quiet above.)

Light Gray

Cream

maybe even some Brown...

(because I never can seem to avoid it.)

Here you have it, Peops!

A bit of leopard, damask, a touch of whimsy and of course, peacock.

Baby Come Quick! 

The longer you make me wait, the busier your little room is going to become...

The Crib is Up!

And just as cute as I'd imagined it would be. :)

From closing the Craigslist deal, to surprising me with exactly the crib I wanted, to assembling it. 

Thanks, Mr., you done good. 

Surreal moment, let me tell you...

Now all we need is a mattress and bedding. 
Oh, and a baby...

Pst! Hey Baby, I'm dying to meet you, dying to kiss you, dying to love you for the rest of my life. Come quick!!!

Happy to Announce!

Last week Brian and I mailed these out to immediate family members...

Now that our family knows, we get to share our news with everyone else!

* * *

* * * * *

* * *

There are many, many details yet to determined but as we anxiously muddle through the paperwork,

we are happy to announce...

Our little fam is officially in the process of growing and, as one of my family members felt the need to clarify, no, it's not another puppy. :)

We are looking forward to having a little person to love and very much coveting prayer as we continue on this exciting journey!

Hebrews 11:1