Love at First Sight

I am completely overwhelmed with the kindness and support people are giving our growing family.  Many are just as excited as we are to have Oliver enter our lives.  It means the world to us to be able to share our joy with people who we care about and people who just want to help us as much as possible. We are so incredibly lucky.

Today, at bus duty, one of my students, who is from a family I adore, gave Oliver some gifts.  The simple act of kindness and caring completely moved me.  It's nice to know you aren't alone in this journey.

I also had my first baby shower today with other administrators whom I appreciate all their love and support.  Simply being around others and talking about my son got me.  I never thought I would be here and be a mom, but here I am.  One of the gifts was a necklace for me with a card that said, "I chose this gift for you... because I wanted you to have something special to wear...for looking forward to the very moment you meet your little one...and a reminder every day after that of the magic in that moment!  God has a plan for how we become mothers and it doesn't matter that each plan is unique...the outcome is the same; it truly is Love at first sight!"

I am touched by every person who asks me questions, who gives me support, who answers my questions, who gives me advice, who just listens and so on.  I can never repay the amount of love Andy and I have received, but I will definitely try.  Thank you for infinity!  I can't wait for that moment of holding him.  

Less Than 50 Days

Reality hit this weekend as we continue to get the nursery ready.  We have less than 50 days until we meet our son.  FIFTY DAYS!

Each Monday, one of our routines has been checking a pregnancy app to see how big Oliver is and what is developing.  Yesterday, we hit the 33 week mark.  It is so surreal.  We talk everyday about Oliver and how Oliver is going to be here before we know it.  I'm scared, nervous, and so incredibly excited to meet him.

Yup, less than 50 days.

Skype...EEK!

There are no words for what just happen.  None.  I don't think I can adequately express the awesomeness that just occurred.  My heart is warm and fuzzy all over the place and a complete stranger caused it.  :-)

We had plans to Skype the birthmom today.  The hours before the Skype call were nerve wracking because I wanted things to go extra smooth.  When I get nervous, I have a good habit of cleaning my house...which I did with 311 blaring.  And, yes, I was splotchy!  How could I not be?

The call came, our hearts skipped several beats.  Before we knew it, we were looking at this beautiful lady and her adorable daughter.  Her two-year-old started off by asking us our names.  ADORABLE. I asked them about the pet parade they went to yesterday.  We asked the daughter if she wanted to see our pups, which she did.  Our puppy, Amy, couldn't have been any cuter.  Her daughter kept asking to see our dogs.  Eventually, she went with her grandma to read a book to give us a chance to talk to the birthmom.  Having that face-to-face conversation was so unbelievably amazing.  We'd say stuff and we'd get to see her smile.  It. Was. Awesome.

She talked to us about the birth plan.  She wants us there for everything.  She wants us to be a part of his first feeding.  She asked if we wanted him circumcised or not, which we had NO idea we would get to decide.  The amount she is including us in this journey is amazing.  She told us she had a doctor's appointment today and everything looks great.  He is very active (especially when she is trying to sleep).  His heart rate is 160 and he even kicked the doctor.

I asked if we could see her belly.  She knew we'd ask :-).  The feeling of seeing a woman's belly who is carrying your child is indescribable.  Andy, the man of few words, said, "Oh wow!"  I glanced over to him and saw this huge smile on his face.

We showed her Oliver's room, or what we have started.  She was excited to see it.  I had sent her pictures previously of his room and the letters we were going to paint.  She made a comment about the letters and how much she liked it.  We showed her out of Oliver's window and where he'll play.

We had a moment to talk to the birthmom's mom.  I told her we think so highly of her daughter and she is giving us such an amazing gift.

I can't pretend to know what is going on in the birthmom's world or any of the emotions she is having.  She smiled the entire time, and we could tell by her body language, she felt relieved.  Each time we talk, things feel so right.  This lady is incredible.

8 weeks and counting.

Look at Him

April 27, 2014

In our school district, we have a Steak Fry to celebrate years of service, retirements, teacher of the year, and other major achievements.  Little did I know I would have a moment that changes my life.

During this ceremony, I received an e-mail with the birthmom's medical records during her pregnancy.  Attached was this sonogram.  That blob is my son.  MY SON.  Holy crap!  That feels amazing and scary all at the same time!

Your Room

May 31, 2014

To My Sweet Son,

Your Dad and I started your room today.  Something as simple as picking out paint colors and furniture made us so incredibly happy.  It sunk in that we are preparing room for you in our home.  We are getting your room ready, your sanctuary, your space to play and you will be here in two months.  Your Dad and I looked out of your window as we painted.  We never really took time to do that in the past.  I became a little teary-eyed because you will soon be here to enjoy the view with me.  

We never thought this would actually happen to us. We are so lucky to be your parents.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Answered Questions

We are able to talk to the birthmom yesterday.  She had her 30 week appointment so we got to hear about it.  Everything is going great!  Apparently, Oliver moves around All. Of. The. Time.  Even the doctor commented about how active he is.  :-)  We asked if it was possible if she could record his heartbeat, which she said she would try.

We were able to ask some questions about her that we thought of like what she liked to do as a kid, what her heritage is, and anything she knew about the birthdad.  She was completely open to answering anything, which was amazing.

She, too, asked us a few things.  She very much wants us to be a part of the birth. She even thought about what hotel we should stay at so we could be close to the hospital.  :-)

She asked if we have started his nursery, which we coincidentally started 2 days before.  She became excited when we talked about it and even when we talked about the view from his room.

As the conversation started winding down, I opened up to her in the awkward manner only I can do.  I told her that words can never express how thankful we are for her and for Oliver.  We could never repay her for her allowing us to be his parents.  We shared with her that the amount of courage she has is amazing and we completely understand how hard this is for her.  Again, she said she was happy she could make our dreams come true.

Another remarkable conversation with a brave lady.

Family Reactions

Our family and close friends are incredibly excited.  INCREDIBLY.  I think some of the best reactions have come from Jude.  When Laura told Jude we were having a boy, he became super excited and wanted him to come over and play.  When Laura was garage sale shopping for the baby, Jude asked Laura when she would be done shopping for "Olver" or "All-ver."  When he saw me, he said, "Sawah, do you have a baby in your belly?"  My response: "No, Jude.  I'm just fat."

Good thing I love this kid.  He's going to be such an awesome big cousin.