Saturday, February 27, 2010

What a day~ Phyllis was SO KIND to go with me to Little Rock's Rhea Lana big sale; racks of clothes everywhere with tables of anything you need *just about* for a baby. I think we scored big on a monitor and a ton of awesome newborn clothes. I've never really bought him anything for a newborn as I didn't think, before our Home Study, that we would ever be able to get him so soon. But our awesome social worker said to PLAN ON IT....so I am! We bought so many adorable little 0-3 month clothes, a pair of sandals just like his Daddy's, and some tennis shoes (pre-walking so just for looks - LOL).

Phyllis then bought him his first "John-John" outfit (she had to tell me the story of how it got its name - after JFK, Jr. during his little toddler years) and had his name embroidered on it. It is SO adorable and his first monogrammed outfit. :) Thank you, Phyllis!!

Changing subjects: that medicine I was told I would have to get in Canada??? Uh, no - the local compounding pharmacist made it for me on Friday and Jeremy is picking it up on Monday. :) Only downfall is insurance doesn't pay for it - but those are the breaks and it is worth every penny if it works!

I really, really have to get started on flooring and paint samples - :)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Day 1 On My Journey to be able to Nurse Ira


After months of research, advice from international specialists and LLL leaders AND 3 rescheduled doctor visits, TODAY I just took the first pill prescribed moments ago by my doctor that will HOPEFULLY make it possible for me to nurse Ira.
For most women, including me when I had Haley 17 years ago, this is just a choice. And, 17 years ago, it was important for me to do. But when you adopt, that adds on a new layer of difficulty that needs creative measures to make the milk appear. THEN, add on the lack of any hormones present in the body due to surgery after Haley's birth. My doctor actually pauses after I ask her for this.......I don't think I took a breath until she started talking.....she agreed to my proposal (supported by the file I brought in with me from studies done by Dr. Jack Newman and others) of me taking Oestrogen and Progesterone (basically, birth control pills) and Domperidone (if I can get it - she thinks I may have to get it from Canada) and wrote the RX's. I told her that I would start pumping in about a month and see how it goes. She has never had such a situation quite like mine but has used this method to help an adoptive couple nurse who had ovaries, uterus, etc...(i.e. made hormones) and this new mom was successful! My doctor gave me some warnings and then said "I want to know if you are able to do this; follow up with me and let me know." :)
So, I just popped my first pill. Please keep me in your prayers as this is an important part of the adoption process for me (the ability to nurse Ira Benjamin).
Fun stuff~

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Our amazing social worker sent the draft Home Study to us yesterday to proof and make sure all the facts she wrote down were correct. I saw on the bottom of the last page where she has already "approved" us! :) Woo Hoo!!

Diapers 11, 12, 13 and 14 are on their way in the mail. We are slowly, but surely, getting there~

I think it is time to pick out a carpet color for the back 3 rooms and pick paint samples........YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ira and Haley both are getting new painted walls.

Someone, pinch me~ this is happening. I love my life.

Monday, February 22, 2010

So, Jeremy and I hit BabiesRUs on Saturday. I think this is the first shopping for Ira we have done together. It was awesome. Jeremy picked out Ira Benjamin's bathtub {yes, if I have forgotten to mention, Jeremy decided on a middle name when I was in Sri Lanka - I LOVE IT!}.
When I was in the Dubai airport, I picked up him this "Touch and Count" book - Peter Rabbit. so sweet. Finally, last night I had to open up his carseat box that has been sitting in my office since the first week of January SO I could start matching up a stroller. It hit me like a ton of bricks that our little man will be sitting in this car seat soon~ {I pulled out my Sleepy Wrap the other day and just held it...can't wait to REALLY put him in there..:) }






Saturday, February 20, 2010

Second night in a row I am fully awake at 4am - is it Mother Nature getting me ready to be a mother to a baby again? :)

10th diaper is here! Something monumental about that!! 11th and 12th diapers are ordered and on their way. Ira's "taggie" came in on Friday. I slept with it tonight. Strangest thing: when I came in from Sri Lanka, while everyone was asleep, I came into his room and pulled his things out of his tubs and went through them all. I guess I had really missed seeing them and being around them.

While we are waiting to be approved for the Home Study, I think I am going to focus on a baby bag....fun and useful! Any points, anyone?

Sweet dreams~

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Am in Sri Lanka but thinking about how much I miss my family. It is crazy!!!

Before I left, was able to pick up the family photos we had made for the APQ. Jeremy emailed to say he has mailed the package to the Adoption Agency in Kansas City. Yay!!!
We had our 2nd (and last?) Home Study appointment right before I flew out with our social worker, Jaclyn. She is fantastic!!

Ira, I bought you a Peter Rabbit book in the Dubai airport; I can't wait to read it to you.
Haley, of course I couldn't resist getting you some MAC makeup!! I know you will love that~

In an internet cafe so will sign off; just wanted to let my family know I love and miss them~

Angela

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Worked Sunday with the fabulous Cherie Flowers Photography for some family photos of all 3 of us; need 2 for the adoption papers and then just need some for us!! There was still so much ice; we slid around the State Capitol but she thinks we got some good ones. I can't wait to see them and mail them off to American Adoptions.

Moved all of Ira's things to a tub, watched it overflow so went to tub #2! (not including the car seat!) I cannot wait to meet him, hold him, love on him and also watch Jeremy and Haley with him.

Thinking about blue/brown/light green for nursery....and as much as I love the round cribs, I think I will be going with a regular sleigh convertible crib for when he outgrows the co-sleeper..just makes more sense and will be easier to find sheets and other bedding.

He is SO alive in my heart - I can feel him