Saturday, May 29, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
This n That **Updated
I have been meaning to post sooner, but the time keeps getting away from me! I love spending my days taking care of Tommy and reality is slowly sinking in that he is our son and that we are parents. Seriously, how did this happen? It has been such a whirlwind.
My parents arrived last Wednesday evening so I have been busy spending time with them. Unfortunately my mom slipped on our stairs and sprained her ankle pretty badly on Friday night. She has been on crutches and keeping her foot elevated ever since. Needless to say this week has been very different than we had planned. Thankfully she saw a doctor today and is walking around with a boot cast. I know she wishes she could have been doing more around the house this week, but I'm just glad they are here. It's been wonderful to watch them become grandparents for the first time.
Here are a few pictures from the past couple of days.
The teens at youth group got this huge puppy for Tommy!
Grandpa
Grandma
Baby toes
Today I had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Stegman - it was the follow-up to my March appointment and I was supposed to get the results of my hormone panel. Because of all that has been going on this past week I decided to cancel the appointment. I would have had to make the 2.5 hour drive up and back by myself and I was just too exhausted after everything that has been going on.
Believe it or not I was finishing up the hormone panel during all the adoption craziness. I'm glad that I was able to complete it because I would hate to have to start over. I'm curious about the results, but I know that I have a bit more flexibility with my schedule now that I'm not teaching. Hopefully I can re-schedule soon and hear what Dr. S has to say. I don't feel as much pressure to schedule surgery as I did before Tommy arrived. I think we will see what happens in 2010 and then possibly think about it in 2011.
One of the best things that happened this weekend was a visit from All You Who Hope!! It was sooooo wonderful to see K, R and little Clara. We love hanging out with them and look forward to Clara and Tommy growing up as friends. They brought Tommy two sweet gifts - some wall hangings for the nursery and a beautiful little children's book about adoption. I got teary eyed just reading one page, so I haven't gone through it yet. Thank you for visiting us! We can't wait to hang out again.
I am still overwhelmed by the power of these blogs... the incredible friendships formed and the deep prayer shared. I would have never dreamed this was possible.
Here are a few pics from their visit. (I couldn't get my video to upload, but you can see K's here.)
Blogger Husbands
Blogger Babies
My parents arrived last Wednesday evening so I have been busy spending time with them. Unfortunately my mom slipped on our stairs and sprained her ankle pretty badly on Friday night. She has been on crutches and keeping her foot elevated ever since. Needless to say this week has been very different than we had planned. Thankfully she saw a doctor today and is walking around with a boot cast. I know she wishes she could have been doing more around the house this week, but I'm just glad they are here. It's been wonderful to watch them become grandparents for the first time.
Here are a few pictures from the past couple of days.
The teens at youth group got this huge puppy for Tommy!
Grandpa
Grandma
Baby toes
Today I had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Stegman - it was the follow-up to my March appointment and I was supposed to get the results of my hormone panel. Because of all that has been going on this past week I decided to cancel the appointment. I would have had to make the 2.5 hour drive up and back by myself and I was just too exhausted after everything that has been going on.
Believe it or not I was finishing up the hormone panel during all the adoption craziness. I'm glad that I was able to complete it because I would hate to have to start over. I'm curious about the results, but I know that I have a bit more flexibility with my schedule now that I'm not teaching. Hopefully I can re-schedule soon and hear what Dr. S has to say. I don't feel as much pressure to schedule surgery as I did before Tommy arrived. I think we will see what happens in 2010 and then possibly think about it in 2011.
One of the best things that happened this weekend was a visit from All You Who Hope!! It was sooooo wonderful to see K, R and little Clara. We love hanging out with them and look forward to Clara and Tommy growing up as friends. They brought Tommy two sweet gifts - some wall hangings for the nursery and a beautiful little children's book about adoption. I got teary eyed just reading one page, so I haven't gone through it yet. Thank you for visiting us! We can't wait to hang out again.
I am still overwhelmed by the power of these blogs... the incredible friendships formed and the deep prayer shared. I would have never dreamed this was possible.
Here are a few pics from their visit. (I couldn't get my video to upload, but you can see K's here.)
Blogger Husbands
Blogger Babies
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Overwhelmed with Gratitude *updated with pic
I have been overwhelmed with gratitude in so many ways over these past weeks and days. I will have to post later about all the many ways.
Today I received a big package in the mail... I immediately knew it was our stroller because of the writing on the box. I was so excited because I LOVE this stroller! We knew we wanted it as soon as we saw it in the store.
I was so curious who purchased it for us because it's such a generous gift and I knew that it wasn't from our parents.
I was SO overwhelmed when I read on the card that it was from the blogger ladies!!! WOW. I don't even have words to express how grateful I am for your love, prayers, support, encouragement, sisterhood and now your amazing generosity. I will think of you each time I push little Tommy in the stroller. I can't thank you enough! You gals have truly changed my life over these past couple of years. For that I am forever grateful.
I especially want to thank this lovely lady. I can tell that she was responsible for pulling this together! Ann, you are such a sweet soul. I was so grateful for your prayers during Lent. I know that your prayers helped us get our miracle!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will offer up a Rosary in thanksgiving for all of you. And I will post a picture once we have the stroller assembled!
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Look at Tommy's new ride!
THANK YOU again to everyone who contributed to this generous gift. Ann will be sending me the list of names soon so will know who you are!
I continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude at all the love, prayers, support and encouragement we have been receiving! I already knew we had amazing family and friends in our lives. It has been so wonderful to share this journey with them and to watch them fall in love with our precious little boy.
Today I received sweet gifts in the mail from two bloggers... LifeHopes (who was my prayer buddy this Lent) and Life in Mazes (who prayed for me during Advent.) Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!!
My parents arrive tonight from California and I can't wait for them to meet their first grandchild!!
Without a doubt the best thing that happened today is the letter I received from the birthmother. I will share more about her and this letter later. I will just say that I was moved to tears and started to feel a deep sense of peace about this adoption.
Jesus, we continue to trust in You.
Today I received a big package in the mail... I immediately knew it was our stroller because of the writing on the box. I was so excited because I LOVE this stroller! We knew we wanted it as soon as we saw it in the store.
I was so curious who purchased it for us because it's such a generous gift and I knew that it wasn't from our parents.
I was SO overwhelmed when I read on the card that it was from the blogger ladies!!! WOW. I don't even have words to express how grateful I am for your love, prayers, support, encouragement, sisterhood and now your amazing generosity. I will think of you each time I push little Tommy in the stroller. I can't thank you enough! You gals have truly changed my life over these past couple of years. For that I am forever grateful.
I especially want to thank this lovely lady. I can tell that she was responsible for pulling this together! Ann, you are such a sweet soul. I was so grateful for your prayers during Lent. I know that your prayers helped us get our miracle!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will offer up a Rosary in thanksgiving for all of you. And I will post a picture once we have the stroller assembled!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Look at Tommy's new ride!
THANK YOU again to everyone who contributed to this generous gift. Ann will be sending me the list of names soon so will know who you are!
I continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude at all the love, prayers, support and encouragement we have been receiving! I already knew we had amazing family and friends in our lives. It has been so wonderful to share this journey with them and to watch them fall in love with our precious little boy.
Today I received sweet gifts in the mail from two bloggers... LifeHopes (who was my prayer buddy this Lent) and Life in Mazes (who prayed for me during Advent.) Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!!
My parents arrive tonight from California and I can't wait for them to meet their first grandchild!!
Without a doubt the best thing that happened today is the letter I received from the birthmother. I will share more about her and this letter later. I will just say that I was moved to tears and started to feel a deep sense of peace about this adoption.
Jesus, we continue to trust in You.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friends visit Tommy
We have had lots of fun visitors over the past couple of days. They have brought us delicious meals, sweet gifts, baby supplies and lots of LOVE!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Our First Day
Thankfully we have had a great first day at home with our precious little Tommy! We were released from the hospital at 5:30pm and made it home by 7:00pm last night. We fed the baby, fed ourselves and tried to get situated in the house. Everything changes having him in the house!
It wasn't a bad first night, even though I didn't sleep much. I couldn't help it! Between the feedings and changings, I was pretty nervous at every little sound he made. I know there is a huge learning curve here, so I hope to learn what all of his adorable little sounds and squeaks mean.
We had our first pediatrician appointment this morning and everything is looking great. He is healthy and still weights 8 pounds. We will go back next week for the second visit.
I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. We have received packages in the mail (including a sweet gift from this blogger) and delicious meals from friends. We are so grateful for all the love and support.
It's such a gift that my hubby and I can both be home during these unforgettable days. The only schedule that matters is when Tommy eats, sleeps and poops. ;) It's amazing how nothing else matters.
Here are a few pictures...
The happy family at home
Meeting his friend Luke
Our little Maryland crab
Snuggling is the best!
It wasn't a bad first night, even though I didn't sleep much. I couldn't help it! Between the feedings and changings, I was pretty nervous at every little sound he made. I know there is a huge learning curve here, so I hope to learn what all of his adorable little sounds and squeaks mean.
We had our first pediatrician appointment this morning and everything is looking great. He is healthy and still weights 8 pounds. We will go back next week for the second visit.
I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. We have received packages in the mail (including a sweet gift from this blogger) and delicious meals from friends. We are so grateful for all the love and support.
It's such a gift that my hubby and I can both be home during these unforgettable days. The only schedule that matters is when Tommy eats, sleeps and poops. ;) It's amazing how nothing else matters.
Here are a few pictures...
The happy family at home
Meeting his friend Luke
Our little Maryland crab
Snuggling is the best!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
He's Here!
It's K from Allyouwhohope and I couldn't be more excited to bring you this long-awaited news! Below is an email I received from Gina and Troy just minutes ago:
Well, he kept us waiting, but he is finally here! I will send more pictures later when I have access to a computer. But here are a couple from my phone.
Thomas Joseph
Born: May 12th at 3:18 p.m.
Weight: 8 lbs 5 oz
Length: 20 3/4 inch
Thomas Joseph is not a family name, but we chose the name for many reasons. He can be Tommy when he is little. Thomas when he is naughty. And Tom when he goes to college and thinks he is all grown up. Notably we chose it for St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas More who is the patron saint of adopted children. Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk, whose books I was planning to enjoy next week on my now canceled silent retreat. St. Thomas the Apostle, to remind his parents to never doubt. And as a side benefit, as everything comes back to college football for us, Tom Osborne the famed Nebraska Cornhusker coach for 25 years and Tommy Trojan the USC mascot (so we are both happy). Joseph is of course the adoptive father of Jesus. He is also the patron saint of workers, people in doubt and social justice. Gina prayed to St. Joseph a lot - knowing that he trusted completely in God's plans for his family, no matter what.
We could not be happier. Everyone is healthy. 10 fingers, 10 toes and all of that. We will most likely bring him home on Thursday!
Well, he kept us waiting, but he is finally here! I will send more pictures later when I have access to a computer. But here are a couple from my phone.
Thomas Joseph
Born: May 12th at 3:18 p.m.
Weight: 8 lbs 5 oz
Length: 20 3/4 inch
Thomas Joseph is not a family name, but we chose the name for many reasons. He can be Tommy when he is little. Thomas when he is naughty. And Tom when he goes to college and thinks he is all grown up. Notably we chose it for St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas More who is the patron saint of adopted children. Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk, whose books I was planning to enjoy next week on my now canceled silent retreat. St. Thomas the Apostle, to remind his parents to never doubt. And as a side benefit, as everything comes back to college football for us, Tom Osborne the famed Nebraska Cornhusker coach for 25 years and Tommy Trojan the USC mascot (so we are both happy). Joseph is of course the adoptive father of Jesus. He is also the patron saint of workers, people in doubt and social justice. Gina prayed to St. Joseph a lot - knowing that he trusted completely in God's plans for his family, no matter what.
We could not be happier. Everyone is healthy. 10 fingers, 10 toes and all of that. We will most likely bring him home on Thursday!
Troy and Gina
In God's Time
All things happen in God's time. I continually have to remind myself of this.
We have been waiting for this precious child for so long... for 5 years of marriage, for the year that we have been pursuing adoption, for the two weeks since we heard about this situation, for days since we thought she would deliver at any time, etc. And yet it will all happen, perfectly, in God's timing.
I have always struggled with patience and the Lord continues to work on this area of my life. Every moment of these past two weeks I have had to surrender my will to His and trust in His plans. Jesus, I trust in You always.
We will head towards the hospital soon so that we are close when the SW calls to say it's time! As of this morning she was still dialated at 3 cm. They started the pitocin at 7:00am and it looks like she will deliver naturally at some point this day. We will be with the birthmother and the baby as much as they let us! It sounds like we will have 24-hour access to the nursery, but I'm not sure what the set-up will be like. We have a hotel room in case we need it.
Thank you again for your constant prayers. I continue to be overwhelmed by your outpouring of love and support!
We have been waiting for this precious child for so long... for 5 years of marriage, for the year that we have been pursuing adoption, for the two weeks since we heard about this situation, for days since we thought she would deliver at any time, etc. And yet it will all happen, perfectly, in God's timing.
I have always struggled with patience and the Lord continues to work on this area of my life. Every moment of these past two weeks I have had to surrender my will to His and trust in His plans. Jesus, I trust in You always.
We will head towards the hospital soon so that we are close when the SW calls to say it's time! As of this morning she was still dialated at 3 cm. They started the pitocin at 7:00am and it looks like she will deliver naturally at some point this day. We will be with the birthmother and the baby as much as they let us! It sounds like we will have 24-hour access to the nursery, but I'm not sure what the set-up will be like. We have a hotel room in case we need it.
Thank you again for your constant prayers. I continue to be overwhelmed by your outpouring of love and support!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Update
I just got off the phone with the social worker... the birthmother is dilated to 3 cm and they gave her a cervix-softener to help move things along. Right now the plan is to start pitocin tomorrow morning. They think it's likely she will deliver naturally sometime tomorrow.
The SW will call us in the morning and keep us posted as things progress. The birthmother wants us to be in the delivery room and be the first ones to hold him!! I was so thrilled to hear that's what she wanted! We will have full access to him in the nursery, so I think we will get a hotel room right near the hospital. I'm still in disbelief at all of this.
I truly can't thank you enough for your prayers!! I have never experienced the power of prayer in such an incredible way. Thank you again!
Here are a few pics from our day today...
Can you tell we've been doing a lot of nesting and spring cleaning?
We picked up two more pieces of furniture for the nursery:
A toy box that will also be a night-stand near the glider
And shelves for the closet
Our bags are packed and we're ready to go as soon as she calls! Looks like this baby will be born on 5-12-10. Did anyone guess that date?? It's also my brother's birthday!
The SW will call us in the morning and keep us posted as things progress. The birthmother wants us to be in the delivery room and be the first ones to hold him!! I was so thrilled to hear that's what she wanted! We will have full access to him in the nursery, so I think we will get a hotel room right near the hospital. I'm still in disbelief at all of this.
I truly can't thank you enough for your prayers!! I have never experienced the power of prayer in such an incredible way. Thank you again!
Here are a few pics from our day today...
Can you tell we've been doing a lot of nesting and spring cleaning?
We picked up two more pieces of furniture for the nursery:
A toy box that will also be a night-stand near the glider
And shelves for the closet
Our bags are packed and we're ready to go as soon as she calls! Looks like this baby will be born on 5-12-10. Did anyone guess that date?? It's also my brother's birthday!
7:00pm
The birthmother is being induced tonight at 7:00pm. If she doesn't progress, they will deliver the baby by c-section.
Please keep praying!!!!! You are all the best!
Please keep praying!!!!! You are all the best!
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Waiting Game
It's hard to believe that almost a week ago we were chosen by the birthmother and thought the baby boy would be arriving the very next day! What a wild roller-coaster this week has been. I am grateful for the extra time to get ready, but at this point we are so ready to meet the little guy!
I ended up spending 6 hours at school today. I helped with the play rehearsal and put together plans for the teachers who are covering my classes. It's all still so strange and surreal. I have gone through so many different emotions... I've been in shock, numb, excited, nervous, emotional and exhausted. As I said, it's been nice to have the extra days to prepare our hearts, minds and home for this baby. But it's a bit of a let-down to wait for his arrival after thinking it would be so quick!
Like all things, it's in God's hands and God's timing. And as my friend told me today, "The Blessed Mother is all over it!" I couldn't agree more! We have been so covered in prayer - I know this is what has gotten us through the chaos of this past week. Even though I am still nervous that something might go wrong with the adoption, I also have a great sense of peace that this is the answer to our prayers.
I can't say thank-you enough to everyone for all the love, support, prayers and encouragement during this time. I'm so glad that so many people are sharing this journey with us!
The latest news I have received is that the birthmother will be induced (again!) tomorrow. I would imagine that a c-section will be done if she doesn't progress again, but who knows!? At this point I'm tired of guessing when the baby will arrive.
Please keep praying - especially for the birthmother, that she has a healthy delivery and recovery and that the Lord fills her heart with peace. Thank you!
I ended up spending 6 hours at school today. I helped with the play rehearsal and put together plans for the teachers who are covering my classes. It's all still so strange and surreal. I have gone through so many different emotions... I've been in shock, numb, excited, nervous, emotional and exhausted. As I said, it's been nice to have the extra days to prepare our hearts, minds and home for this baby. But it's a bit of a let-down to wait for his arrival after thinking it would be so quick!
Like all things, it's in God's hands and God's timing. And as my friend told me today, "The Blessed Mother is all over it!" I couldn't agree more! We have been so covered in prayer - I know this is what has gotten us through the chaos of this past week. Even though I am still nervous that something might go wrong with the adoption, I also have a great sense of peace that this is the answer to our prayers.
I can't say thank-you enough to everyone for all the love, support, prayers and encouragement during this time. I'm so glad that so many people are sharing this journey with us!
The latest news I have received is that the birthmother will be induced (again!) tomorrow. I would imagine that a c-section will be done if she doesn't progress again, but who knows!? At this point I'm tired of guessing when the baby will arrive.
Please keep praying - especially for the birthmother, that she has a healthy delivery and recovery and that the Lord fills her heart with peace. Thank you!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Still Waiting
You would think that by now the one thing I would know how to do is WAIT! We continue to hope and pray for a safe and healthy delivery and a smooth adoption. It's hard not to be nervous, but I will continue to trust in the Lord and his plans.
We got a few more things done around the house and we were finally able to register. If this baby doesn't come tomorrow they will deliver him by c-section. Ahhh, it's still so hard to believe!
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
We got a few more things done around the house and we were finally able to register. If this baby doesn't come tomorrow they will deliver him by c-section. Ahhh, it's still so hard to believe!
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Glider
Another day of waiting and praying over here. It's nice to have these "unexpected" days to get more preparations done. But we are so ready to meet our little guy!
A friend of a friend gave us their glider and I picked it up today. What a gift - it's like new!
I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in our lives. My dear friend L stopped by today with her husband and 2-month old son. They gave us a sweet gift, a bunch of clothes he has already outgrown, some fun snacks to have around the house and a few other essential items. Thank you L!
I also got a lovely gift in the mail from Wheelbarrow Rider. You are too kind - you shouldn't have! Thank you for your generosity.
Please keep praying for a healthy delivery and smooth adoption. Jesus, I trust in You.
A friend of a friend gave us their glider and I picked it up today. What a gift - it's like new!
I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in our lives. My dear friend L stopped by today with her husband and 2-month old son. They gave us a sweet gift, a bunch of clothes he has already outgrown, some fun snacks to have around the house and a few other essential items. Thank you L!
I also got a lovely gift in the mail from Wheelbarrow Rider. You are too kind - you shouldn't have! Thank you for your generosity.
Please keep praying for a healthy delivery and smooth adoption. Jesus, I trust in You.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Baby Stuff
We've gotten a few more things accomplished. Today my hubby put together the crib, changing table and shelf. It's hard to believe that all of this is coming together!!
One of my amazing co-workers let me borrow her bassinet, bouncy seat, and baby tub. She also brought me beautiful flowers the other day!
Another wonderful friend from choir has made it her personal mission to help me get baby stuff! I'm going over to her house tomorrow to pick-up a few things. Somehow she also found us a glider... and now she's working out how to get it delivered. I'm so overwhelmed!
Another dear friend is having her parents bring down their old stroller, bouncy seat, and boy clothes when they come visit for the weekend.
Everyone has been so amazing. I was at school today for a little bit and was in tears multiple times. Everyone is so excited to share this journey with us. And as you can imagine, everyone is totally shocked at how quickly it's all happening. I left school with a bag full of new baby clothes, an umbrella stroller and duck bath toys.
Many other friends have offered to give/loan us their stuff. I can't even keep track of it all. I received a sweet package in the mail today from a friend and I heard that I'm getting a Moby wrap in the mail tomorrow. Ahhh!! I feel so loved!
Two amazing friends are also freezing some of their breast milk for me. Do any of you adoptive mothers have experience with this? I have called around to a few breastfeeding centers and milk banks, but at this point I haven't been able to speak with anyone about it. I figure that I will speak with the doctor about it at the hospital. I'd love any advice you have.
I texted with the social worker today. Apparently the birthmother is having "stronger" contractions today, but nothing serious yet. JUST WAITING!!
One of my amazing co-workers let me borrow her bassinet, bouncy seat, and baby tub. She also brought me beautiful flowers the other day!
Another wonderful friend from choir has made it her personal mission to help me get baby stuff! I'm going over to her house tomorrow to pick-up a few things. Somehow she also found us a glider... and now she's working out how to get it delivered. I'm so overwhelmed!
Another dear friend is having her parents bring down their old stroller, bouncy seat, and boy clothes when they come visit for the weekend.
Everyone has been so amazing. I was at school today for a little bit and was in tears multiple times. Everyone is so excited to share this journey with us. And as you can imagine, everyone is totally shocked at how quickly it's all happening. I left school with a bag full of new baby clothes, an umbrella stroller and duck bath toys.
Many other friends have offered to give/loan us their stuff. I can't even keep track of it all. I received a sweet package in the mail today from a friend and I heard that I'm getting a Moby wrap in the mail tomorrow. Ahhh!! I feel so loved!
Two amazing friends are also freezing some of their breast milk for me. Do any of you adoptive mothers have experience with this? I have called around to a few breastfeeding centers and milk banks, but at this point I haven't been able to speak with anyone about it. I figure that I will speak with the doctor about it at the hospital. I'd love any advice you have.
I texted with the social worker today. Apparently the birthmother is having "stronger" contractions today, but nothing serious yet. JUST WAITING!!
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