6 Month Report

Our precious bebe is now 6 months old. She is doing so well. We went to the Ped the other day and the lady at the front desk said she looked very...healthy. I joked that was code for chubby! H is a beautiful, lovable, kissable CHUB!! She is 21 lbs and 27 inches, wearing 12 month clothes (who sizes these clothes anyway?). Laying on her tummy she pushes herself backwards and is just started to attempt to pull up on her knees. She loves to bounce, and SCREAM (squeals of joy really).


Here is a new picture of her in my favorite sleeping position















Meeting her great-grandmother's twin sister

Grandma & H

Debt Freedom!!!

I am just blogging to share our wonderful news....we are debt free (except the house)!!!!!! This is HUGE for us as we have been struggling to overcome a significant chunk of consumer debt that we began our marriage with. For the first couple years of married life, I don't think we reduced our debt...just shifted it all around. Two years ago we were introduced to Dave Ramsey. We purchased his book on tape for around $25. This was some of the best money ever spent. It is SUCH a different philosophy and mindset to live this way. I have given up a salaried job with benefits to be a stay at home mom...and now, we are richer than we have ever been!! I am amazed that with the inspiration from Dave, we have come this far in just two years. While struggling with infertility, one thing I heard often "God has a plan." Of course, it was not our plan to be "well off" to have children. God, however, has ensured that all things come together for the good of those who love Him. On to Baby Step #3, a fully funded Emergency fund, to keep Murphy (Murphy's Law) out of our life.

The Babies Meet!

It was hard to get a picture of two dads holding their squirmy babies. Here is the best I came up with. Hopefully Becky had better luck.

Welcome Baby G!

Okay, so for our family, we are a little late in updating the blog on this...but I just got permission from the proud new parents to post a picture of cousin G. Isn't she just beautiful??!!

We are so thrilled that H has a little cousin to grow up with. Congratulations Steve and Becky and Welcome G! We can't wait to see you again!

Side note for non-family blog readers: G is another NaPro miracle...and of course, named for the powerful intercession of her saint. Praise God for His blessings.

Growing so fast!!

Neither of us can believe how fast our little bean is growing! Today we had a couple new firsts. This morning was H's first taste of "solids." She has been mimicking us so well at the table, I decided to pull out the rice cereal. It was as if she said "what have you been waiting for?" There was only one little "pppbbbttt" - before she ate up all that we offered her. No gag reflexes, no spit backs, no ugly faces. So it is rice cereal for a few days before we pull out the steamer, blender and food mill and start making some baby-food veggie purees.

Next, our friends opened up their "mountain" for sledding. So we had our first play in the snow with sledding (3 trips down the hill). We were on a half-deflated tube, so we didn't go too fast. :)

And, H has added raspberries to her repertoire. Here is a cute little clip:

Shampoo/Bath Wash Recommendations

I guess I am now taking requests for blogs. :-P Here is what I have found out. My mother-in-law had it right all along! Burt's Bees has a great baby line. I just purchased the Baby Shampoo and Wash from our local health food store. It smells delicious and is phthalate free. Since I need something for our cloth wipes (we don't like to leave a smelly bum smelly) - a drop of this product is enough to make a sudsy wipe solution. If you can't find the products locally, they are reasonably priced on Amazon.

I have also heard California Baby Products recommended as safe. They are phthalate free (see their statement here) and a bonus on this, they are sold at Target.

While looking at the Burt's Bee's line, I was also shopping for face wash and face cream. I would like to go organic on some more products I use...but they seemed a little greasy. I need to hear from more people before I rub carrots on my face! :)

BPA's and Phthalates

Watch out...I am getting "greener" by the minute. Well, Paul is protesting as I write this. Okay, I can't say I am "green." But I am on a BPA/Phthalate watch - since it involves all the products which we are currently actively using: Baby Shampoos, Pacifiers, Bottles, Teethers.

For fellow Cloth Diaperer's - what wipe solution do you use? Bum Genius now makes a bpa/phthalate free product...or see the BG! founder's blog for more info.

Next...for BPA Teethers and Pacifiers, go back to the Nature Mom's blog.

I am sure Paul will consider disowning me if I keep posting along these lines. Follow Nature Mom's blogs for more info! :)

Bebe au Natural

So most of our family knows we are trying to do things "naturally":
- Surgery to heal my Endo, leading to a natural conception
- Natural child birth
- Cloth diapers
- Baby Wearing
- Breast feeding
- prefer wood toys to plastics
I am planning to make our own baby food, and just got this great book on the topic.

While I don't consider either of us to be particularly "green"...this is the way our life is going. Recently, ABC news did a report on harmful chemicals in baby products. This caught my attention because it warns these chemicals can affect future fertility. While I realize that every generation has their own warnings: butter vs margarine, etc; I am also of the firm belief that endometriosis (and so many other health conditions) are largely affected by the environment. The premise of the recent news report is that "phthalates" are being found in infants' urine. Phthalates, as I understand, are found in plastics and leach into the products contained by them. Since we are a plastic society, that means almost everything poses a threat. Babies are more at risk because of their sensitive systems.

So, Paul and I began talking last night about the topic. It seems that the "safer" baby products, would be those not contained in plastic. Paul somewhat joking suggested that we will have to look for glass baby bottles for our next child. This morning I came across a link to this blog which discusses the topic. It seems glass bottles are coming back, as well as stainless steel sippy- cups. Shameless plug to grandparents: I have added a few to my Amazon wish-list as the days of sippy-cups may be coming before too long.

I certainly don't know what the answers are...but, for now, we seem to keep moving in the direction of au natural. That IS different than hippie, right???? :-)

Dressed up for Today

H's First March for Life

Awake for a few minutes to pose in front of the Washington Monument









H and 3 Fathers :)









Made it all the way to the Supreme Court, and still asleep

Every day, more lessons learned!

Before H made her way into our arms, vaccinations were a topic that Paul and I discussed and researched. I was convinced I wanted to selectively vaccinate and I carefully chose a pediatrician that would allow us that flexibility. Two things changed for us since then:
1. I got whopping cough in my last trimester (which I do NOT recommend)
2. That carefully chosen pediatrician gave my baby a shot when she was two days old, which left me shaking and in tears (there was much more to this story...but overall, I was not happy with the office)

I decided to switch to a more popular pediatrician to maintain my sanity. While I love the doctor and the office, they do require all vaccinations be given in a timely fashion.

Last week, H had her 4 month shots. Subsequently, I stayed up all.night.long with a feverish, crying baby. From that night, I learned that my instincts for dealing with a feverish child were right on! Next, I learned that when taking a rectal temperature (as our Dr recommends), it is a good idea to be awake enough to deal with the OUTcome...if you know what I mean (not only did I have a feverish baby...but I had poop - all over). I also learned that baths are WAY more fun at 3 AM, at least according to H.

So, we have now survived three rounds of vaccinations - each with their own challenges. I still have research to do on this topic - for moral reasons, as well as the hope of making the right decisions for my baby.

Oh, and re: sleeping....I have also learned that swaddling is amazing! I have not swaddled Hannah since she was a newborn. It is quite different, and slightly hilarious, trying to swaddle an 18 pounder...but she naps so much better. There is more on the topic of sleep...but I will save that for another post. :)

Spit Up - Schmidt Up

Spit Up....really, who cares? With H passing the 4 month mark...I have gotten to the point of saying "who really cares that my shirt is wet and smells of sour milk?" Or H's for that matter. At 1 month, when she would spit up on herself, I would quickly change her clothes...or yell at Paul for attempting to use her clothing to clean it up. Now, the leather computer chair where I sit has a white trail of spit up from back to bottom - I noticed it two days ago and haven't done anything yet. My shoulder is wet, H's shirt is wet. No clothes are being changed.

My current clothes-change policy: If we can go out in public without people looking at us in disgust, then the clothes can stay on. Poopy clothes (where H has "pooped out her diaper) get changed, because that is just gross! :) Oh, and Paul and I can use whom-evers clothes to wipe up whatever mess (excluding poop, of course...gross!).

My last bad-mommy moment is worth sharing. H was sitting on my lap as I was typing away the other day. She started fussing, but wasn't all out crying. I let her fuss on my lap as I continued to compute. After a couple minutes, I turned her around. Her chunky-milk spit up was beginning to dry on her sad face as she looked at me pathetically. Paul and I both laughed. She got cleaned up, eventually, with some one's clothes. :)

Yes, I still love being a mommy!

Happy New Year!

Warm wishes and a Happy New Year to all our family and friends. As I sit here, I am typing with my little "milk faced" miracle and H wishes you the best as well!

We had a lovely holiday with the grandparents and a great New Years with the godparents. It is so wonderful to share our gift with everyone else. We had so much fun, it will probably take us a week to recover. I have plenty of pictures to download and more to write, but for now, as I wait for bean to wind down for a nap (so I can take one too) I wish you a glorious New Year and I pray that 2008 has miracles in store for all of you.

Pretty Baby

Just a quick blog from the road to share a couple pictures we had done. Is it just me or is this child just too cute??? People have told us we "do good work." We hope we can continue to bring the world more beautiful children in the future. ;-) Merry Christmas to all! More updates to come later!

Advent Reflection

Wow. What a time to reflect. Last year at this time we were writing about our advent. The season of anticipation. Last advent we were filled with new hope. Our home study was complete, we had gotten our first "situation" phone call about a possible adoption opportunity - we were anxious with anticipation that we might meet our child in 2007. Little did we know that a child was about to come to us in a way that was beyond what we thought possible. Of course, with God....all things are possible.

We guesstimate that H entered our lives around 12/20. Last night, I had the opportunity to kneel by my bed and watch her sleep. To see our baby girl, with her hands in that precious baby sleeping position (fists clenched, arms raised above her head in "strong man" position), my eyes filled with tears as I watched her - breathing, smiling, dreaming. She is so beautiful. What is even more amazing, she is ours. For the first time we are not watching a friend's baby, we are gazing upon our child.

2007. Anticipation. Certainly we don't have anything to ask for this Christmas. We have everything we have been hoping, praying, wishing for. H is our gift. H is all we want for Christmas! We are so thoroughly grateful that God chose to bestow this grace upon us, that he decided to make us parents of this amazing child.

Congratulations to our friends that have recently welcomed (or are preparing to welcome) their own miracles into their lives. We can't wait to meet your blessings as well!

She dosen't care if I sing off-key

How amazing to have someone that loves you SO unconditionally! I have found out, by accident, that H is TOTALLY and completely amused by my singing. She just smiles and smiles like I am the best thing in the world! I love being a mommy!

Here is an updated video clip so you can see our lovely H-bean.

The Newest Member of the Catholic Church!

Our H-bean is a Catholic! At 2 months and 6 days old, on my grandmothers birthday, Hannah was baptized by water into the Mystical Body of Christ. Her uncle Keith conferred the sacrament and did a most excellent job with his homily. H's uncle David also participated by reading the story of Hannah from 1st Samuel (and as you can see in one of the pictures, was also our video guy). She had SO many people come from far and wide to celebrate her initiation and meet her for the first time.
It was a wonderful baptism, followed by two wonderful parties. We are grateful for everyone that traveled to be with us and for all those locally who helped in so many ways. This is another moment that we have so long awaited. If you inhale deep enough, you can still smell the faint aroma of the chrism oils. We are so excited to pass on the gift of our faith to our daughter.

H-Bug

Thanks to Aunt Kathy who turned our H into a ladybug for Halloween. We will not be going trick or treat this year...but H is dressed up and looking cute tonight. We also carved pumpkins (papa, momma and baby pumpkin) and made carmel apples (yum). We will post more pictures later.

Happy Halloween and a Blessed All Saints Day!!

The Sleeping Saga

The newborn honeymoon (of sleep) has worn off. When we brought her home, H slept quite a bit. She would easily fall asleep while nursing or in our arms and sleep pretty much any where we put her. That was then. :) I have been trying to establish some sort of bedtime routine...and at least, trying to put her down around 8pm. Occasionally, miraculously, it will work. Oftentimes, 8pm becomes 9pm and then 10, 11 and wah-lah, she is asleep by midnight.

In addition to the many parenting books I have received, I now have two solely dedicated to the topic of sleep. Right now I am reading the "No Cry Sleep Solution." It is pretty good...but I haven't gotten to the solution part yet. I am too tired (j/k)! :) One of the things that I read was that oftentimes a good nap means an easier bedtime routine.

So yesterday, H had an awesome nap so I was all geared up for an easy night. I decided it would be a good night to try to get her to sleep in her crib. 8pm we were upstairs, nursing, rocking and she fell asleep. "Yes!" 8:15 I handed her off to Paul to put her in the crib. 8:17 - crying. Settle her down, 8:20 crying. After several such attempts, she was out of the crib. An hour and a half later, she was peacefully asleep again. Crib attempt Take 2. After a few minutes, crying again. So I tried the "lay hands on the baby to let her know you are there" attempt. After 30 minutes and numb fingers, I slllloooowwwllly moved my hands and crept out of the room. By the time I was in the hallway, she was awake! (was she ever really asleep??) However, she was groggy. "Great" I thought "I just need something to make the crib seem more familiar to her." I thought about leaving my shirt, but I kinda needed that. I decided her favorite mobile would be just the thing to make her feel comfortable. So I moved the mobile up to her crib. Her mobile plays classical music...."just the thing to settle her and put her into a deep sleep." Five minutes later I went to check on her....

She was waving her arms and kicking her legs in utter delight! Smiling, cooing...talking to her mobile, lol. She loves this thing too much! "So much for that idea!"

And now, tonight after pathetic napping, she was asleep by 7pm. She fell asleep in our bed and I am too afraid to move her yet! We will keep you posted.

Visiting Pittsburgh

This weekend was our first official trip. We drove out to Pittsburgh for a long weekend, then hopped over to our favorite place...Steubenville. H did great! She is such a wonderful baby! We are counting the days now until her Christening and can't wait for everyone to meet her. The latest feat...laughing. It doesn't happen too often, but she laughed for (AT?) both of us today. Occasionally she cracks herself up. Earlier she must have been having a conversation with her guardian angel - she was talking and cooing to the air (and cracking me up). She is a wonderful, precious gift!!

Our Pumpkin!

We took H to the Pumpkin patch the other day and had so much fun picking out pumpkins! Daddy is responsible for propping her up like this and giving her red knees! And as you can see we are getting smiles now! At the bottom is the first one captured on film courtesy of grandma!

H is 1 month old!

It is hard to believe that already a month has passed since we met our daughter for the first time. She is awesome! It is a gift that I am able to stay home with her. It is amazing how fast each day flies.

H is talking to us, cooing and every so often we get a smile. We are amazed at her strength. Yesterday she held her weight on her legs. When we put her on her stomach, it is almost as if she is ready to crawl! We are incredibly grateful and blessed to be parents to our beautiful baby girl.

This Weekend's Pictures

Hanging out with the new Busia















Papa in his new gear (thanks Joe :)




















Proving to Grandma that H roots for the Red Sox




















And H showing that "Waking up is hard to do!"

Meeting Grandma & a video

SOOOOO in love!!!!

Oh my goodness. I don't think we could have ever imagined the utter joy and overwhelming love that a gift of new life could bring. Our Hannah is our "Gift from God" (that is the meaning of her name). Some people have asked us why we choose the name, Hannah Rose. Well, aside from the meaning of Hannah...over the years of struggling with infertility, I have been inspired by the story of Hannah in the bible. I remember telling Paul, I know this is the name God has for our child. So, that sold him on Hannah. Since I chose the first name, he decided Rose was the perfect middle name, after St. Rose of Lima. Coincidentally, she was born on the feast of another St. Rose. Her story is pretty cool too!

So the last several days have been a series of adventures. While everyone talks about the lack of sleep...no one told me it would be because I can't bear to close my eyes around her! She is so incredibly precious and I adore watching her face as she sleeps. Paul has been amazing. I get midnight snacks, breakfast and sometimes even lunch in bed. Just a little while ago he was mopping...then vacuuming. In addition to all his help with the house, he is an awesome Papa! He loves holding her and is diaper changers extraordinaire...which is wonderful since she has peed on him several times. :)

Yesterday, we went to Mass and got a few more family pictures. You can see the slide show here. Thank you for all your emails, prayers and well wishes. We are truly TRULY BLESSED.

SHE IS HERE

shes here
my 1st daughter and she is very beautiful like her mother
she coos and cries but not for long when the food train comes rolling along
i am so proud to be a father and God has been so gracious to allow us to raise one of His children
she was 8lbs 4 oz, 19 inches long and delivered at 2:21 am on the 4th of September 2007
i was the first to hold her as i caught her in delivery
as of this post she is 17 hrs old and i have changesd 5 diapers and been through three outfits.
elisabeth is also doing well and recuperating thanks for all your prayers

Am I Nesting....Finally????

Due to the Whopping Cough, I have not had ANY motivation, energy....anything for the last month. Finally, I think I am starting to get a little energy back. And I think, finally, today, for the first time....I may actually be nesting!! Wohooo! I have done the laundry, the dishes, straighted several rooms, helped Paul on his job site. For the first time I am having minor indicators (nesting and others) that labor may be on it's way. It still could be several weeks away, but it should be coming before TOO long! Though Paul asked the baby to stay put 3 more weeks so he can get to a good place on his addition....I am telling the baby "whenever you are ready!" We will keep you posted!

Our DIY Maternity Pictures

Two Pics from the PA Shower

The Latest

First - thank you everyone for your prayers for my health. The verdict is Whopping Cough, aka Pertussis. This was a surprising diagnosis. The scary part about this is it is aka the "100 day cough." I am still very much struggling with coughing/breathing/sleeping. Paul has been wonderful throughout and has eased all my fears about his ability to be a good labor support. He has proved he is up for anything! Continued prayers are very much appreciated.

Next, I had my 36 week appointment yesterday. We are awaiting the results from the Group B Strep test. I had my first cervix check and learned that I am 1cm dialated and the baby IS head down!! Wohoooo!! The check was a little painful b/c baby is still way up high. The heart beat has been lower than before (130s) - but still in normal range. Also, this baby continues to let me know (s)he is okay despite my sufferings. This morning I feel like a punching bag as a matter of fact. After our appointment, we had a "Early Home Care" class. The nurse went over with us the variety of things we can encounter postpartum and with a newborn. It was helpful to understand what is normal vs. when we should worry.

Tonight is week 3 of our Childbirth class. The first two weeks have focused on how to know you are in labor, the stages of labor, as well as breathing and positions for relaxation. Hopefully, Paul has payed close attention. Between my coughing fits and discomfort, practicing deep breeathing and relaxation techniques has been quite challenging. Tonight our class is focused on breastfeeding.

Finally, my belly is still growing. Manuevering around myself is much tricker than ever before. I have gained 35 lbs so far (eeek, a little much)...but all is well. I am just amazed that the baby now weighs approx 6lbs and that a whole little person is still swimming around inside of me. Even now as I type, my bladder is being head butted, while I am being kicked in the ribs (at the same time). We are so excited to meet and hold our little miracle.

Only a few more weeks to go!!!

Prayer Request

I have not updated because I have been struggling with bronchitis for the last two weeks. Instead of improving, things seem to be getting worse. This morning, due to my coughing, I popped something (a muscle) in my already very sore back. I have been in contact with doctors almost daily and am currently waiting for the birth center to open to see what to do for today. Prayers are greatly appreciated and I will resume regular updates when I get back up to speed.

33 week update

I just got back from another midwife appointment. I am still on track and the exciting thing is the baby is currently head down. (S)He could still be planning on a few more turns, but they do an internal exam around 36 weeks to confirm the position. If Maluski decides to turn and stay that way, then the game plan is to work with a chiropractor first (in a manuever that allows for a little more room in the pelvis), then the next effort would be the external version done in a hospital. The midwife said they have about a 60% success rate in turning the baby successfully with those efforts. Sadly, because of the threat of litigation, neither the midwife nor local doctors will do a breach delivery. What that means is - please send up prayers that Maluski stays happily nestled where s(he) is right now!

While examining me, the midwife showed me how to feel for the head, rolled my fingers over the neck, and pointed out where the back is (right side) and said that I am likely to be getting kicked in the upper left side. I have just felt so many random movements (and we watch them now too) it has been hard to figure out exactly what is going on in there.

A fun side note to the baby, there is a new ob/gyn doctor who just moved to town to do her residency at Reading Hospital. She has gone through the program at Omaha and is trained to be a medical consultant for NaPro Technology. We got together with her last night and hit it off! She is very cool and we have so many things in common. Her husband is still looking for a job to move to Reading - and it sounds like he and Paul will hit it off when he comes out too. I have been praying for a MC (Medical Consultant) to come to the area, so she is an answer to prayers. AND, our meeting last night opened up an opportunity to tell my midwife about this extra training of hers (and what I do on the side). It is exciting and I have been trying to get that conversation started as well. So, if you get a chance, send up a few extra prayers that we can convert Reading to NaPro technology!! :)

Upcoming Updates:
Baby Shower scheduled for Monday
Birth Classes start next Thursday
Interviews with prospective Pediatricians
Baptism tentatively scheduled for Novemember

Sharing Pictures

Hopefully when the baby comes I will be much more efficient at sharing pictures!! Here are a few from our activities in the past month.

Paul's 30th Birthday Party and then July in Steubenville (a special spot where Paul proposed 5+ years ago)

Nursing in Public by Christopher West

As we contemplate the challenges that come with nursing a child, I just found this link to an awesome article by Christopher West about nursing. He is such a blessing to the Catholic church...I just thought I would share. :)

I also have some awesome experiences to share regarding the Steubenville youth conference. Since we are off to Steuby again tomorrow for 5 days, I will have to save those for another post when I return. Prayers for all our friends and family!!

Whenever I rest my arm on my belly...

...baby pushes it out of the way!! It seems like (s)he is always saying "move momma, i need this room!" The last two days I swear there is a "fight" going on in there. Heavens forbid I lean on/lay on my side/belly. It seems that wherever I rest, there is pushing against me! It cracks me up to imagine this little personality developing inside of me already! I have to say...that is not unlike something his momma would do. :)

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!!!!

We just recieved absolutely thrilling, astonishing, miraculous news that our dear friends Steve and Becky are WITH CHILD!!! Having walked the road of infertility, it is a path that you never want to see another person walk, especially someone close to you. As incredible as our pregnancy has been, it has been difficult longing for our friends to share this same experience. They have just recieved their "11th hour miracle" before more advanced NaPro treatment & surgery. We are so excited!!! Selfishly, of course, because now our baby will have a playmate!

Congratulations Steve and Becky!! Many prayers for a healthy, sticky baby! Praise God for NaPro miracles!

Hiccups!

I love them! Maluski has started hiccuping over the last couple days. Last night I was laughing as Paul was trying to sleep because my belly kept bouncing - bump, bump, bump! It is adorable and fun and ahhhh. Life!

AND, I just got a call from the Pope Paul VI Institute that my levels have jumped again (finally) and now - no more shots!! Wohooo! Hopefully my blood draw next week will confirm that my body has taken over and is sufficiently producing progesterone to support the baby on it's own.

Fathers Day

Some say I am a father and some say next year I'll be a father, I personally fall into the former crew. So today i got a few cards and an awesome meal - the perfect fathers day for me. I wonder what next year will be like when we actually have a babe in arms. Not every one get the privilege of having a fathers day but this was my first and i think i can get used to it.With only 3 months left to prepare it is the final scramble to make sure our loose ends are tied up and our home is ready for our child and there is still a lot to do.

Two Posts in One Day!!

I just wanted to share pictures from my Florida baby shower and say THANK YOU again to everyone who hosted, planned (Linda), prepared (JulieAnne), and attended, etc. I had so much fun!

Opening BumGenius cloth diapers from my mom....wohooo!

JulieAnne measuring my girth

Cutting the lovely Noah's Arc cake from Linda


Entertaining William while the ladies play a game (party host, Linda on top right)

William, Elizabeth, Christy & Matthew

Camping while Pregnant...

In 3 words: FUN but HOT!
We spent a lovely Memorial Day weekend with Steve and Becky at Caledonia State Park (near Gettysburg). For the first time I realized that pregnant women really do run hot. Luckily, the nights were plenty cool. Which would have been great for sleeping, if only our air mattress would have remained inflated. AND, oh the joys of waking up at 4am in the wilderness with a "full" bladder. :) We LOVE our Maluski. And Maluski loves 'smores! Aunt Becky kept us plenty stocked. Due to her generosity, the K's were able to feel a little kicking action around the campfire.

And, the good news is...Maluski has godparents! We are so excited they accepted the challenge ahead. Paul and I are so grateful for their faith and prayers in our life, we know they will be fantastic role models for the baby!

Here is the latest growth and development update:
Your baby weighs about 1.5 pounds and measures 8.8 inches from crown to rump (or about 13.5 inches from head to heel). He or she is becoming stronger as its stem cells continue to develop into bone tissue, and its bones become solid through a process called ossification.

Speaking of the baby....

My First Mother's Day!

Sunday was the first Mothers day that I did not approach with fear and trepidation. Mother's day homilies were inevitably a source of grief and tears in the past. This is the first year I survived. I not only survived the day, but was actually a little spoiled. It started out with breakfast in bed, I received a plant from our neighbor, a gift from a friend - a few cards and phone calls. Weird!! But again, amazing, miraculous, etc. Thanks for all who helped me celebrate the day with your kind words. Again, it is yet another day that reminds me to pray for my friends that are still suffering the cross of infertility.

This week is Week 23! I think we are just at the very early early stages of viability. From the updates I read - our baby is almost 1 pound and 8 inches crown to rump (11" head to toe). He or she blinks, hears, swallows. And (s)he definitely kicks! The kicks are stronger. Paul has felt maluski a few times. As I am growing and expanding, I feel the weight I carry. The wonderful weight. Eating is a little harder again because I always feel full. Rolling over in bed - amusing. Bending over, well - I squat. And I believe I am waddling a little more than before. :) It is a very joyous time!

Sorry for the long time no-updates. Our next midwife appointment is Wednesday. We will keep you posted! xoxoxox Elisabeth & Paul