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

Half Way There!!

This week marks 20 weeks. I am halfway there!! It is amazing. AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! My old clothes don't fit, I have almost officially transfered to maternity garb, the ultrasounds and dopler radios show there is life within me. I feel this little life within me - just about every day now...and I still CAN NOT believe I am pregnant. Thank you God. "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."

It is so crazy to think that in a few more months, our lives will never be the same! I am so incredibly thrilled for what is to come. Paul continues to talk to and sing to the baby, in addition to listening to his/her heartbeat every night before bed. Pretty soon he should be able to feel some kicks (they are getting stronger). We are so blessed.

Being not too far out from the sting and pain of infertility, I ask anyone checking in...please join me to pray for those that now carry this heavy cross. St. Gianna, St. Gerard, St. Ann, St. Rita, St. Collete - please intercede for these couples and plead for them before our Lord. Amen.

Meet Our Baby!!

Here is the picture from this morning's appointment.

Quick Update

Updated Belly Shot. 18 weeks.
Tonight we heard the baby's heartbeat. Mom and Paul were with me - it was thrilling. We recorded the heartbeat and have been playing it over and over again since the appointment. All is well, I am growing according to schedule. We got an update from the Institute that my hormone levels are recovering (thank you for your prayers). And, as of the last week or two, I am feeling the baby move - I love the little flutters and kicks. This is so miraculous. We should have updated baby pictures after tomorrow. Stay Tuned!

Is it the baby or just digestion?

(contributed by Paul)
We have now reached week 16 and everyone says this is when you may start feeling the baby. So night after night we are trying to feel if he or she is communicating with us by tapping. It is amazing what you notice when you are silent and just listen or feel. We haven't made first contact yet . Although Elisabeth thought she had felt the baby moving and then again and again and again and again and again and then she asked is there a pulse in your fingers ? Needless to say the baby is still masked to us except by Elisabeth's growing belly.

The Lord has brought much joy to us through this little one. We are greatful for that gift of being able to start a family. Only 5 months to go hard to believe we are almost half way to our first face to face meeting . Kinda makes you excited!

PS: (prayer request from Elisabeth)
Last week we got word from the Institute that my progesterone took a nose dive. From something like 44.8 to 23.6. They were not TOO terribly concerned, but my progesterone shots are increasing substantially. Prayers are greatly appreciated that God will protect our maluski (little one).

Second Trimester!!!!!

So I hit the 2nd trimester on Wed. My anytime sickness seems worse the last two weeks. I was disappointed at my first sickness of the 2nd trimester and thought..."liars." The infamous "they" said you feel better...but NOW i find out it it not necessarily on the same day you hit #2. Now "they" say it may be another week or two, or three. Oh well - being pregnant is just wonderful, so I don't mind. :)

BUT the awesome news - is that my progesterone levels are doing great!! If anyone knows anyone about hormone levels, or would like to compare to this chart from the PPVI...
Here is my synopsis:

1/10/2007				~ 20 DPO			39 Days Past LMP
				4w6d			HCG	10,414
				4w6d			Progesterone	26.3
1/22/2007				6w3d			Progesterone	26.3
2/5/2007				8w5d			Progesterone	27.4
2/21/2007				11 weeks			Progesterone	50?
3/6/2007				12w6d			Progesterone	44.8

We got a call from the institute that my levels were so great (high zone 3) that means my shots go from 200 ml twice a week to 100 ml once a week! Wohooo! Which is very nice since the shots have become more annoying as time goes on. They will let me know after two more levels (~1mo.) if I can discontinue.

As I have said before, I am amazed every step of the way that I get good news. I say in my head "are you sure?" "I am doing that good?" "There is REALLY a baby in there?" :)

The Heart is Beating Strong!

12 Week Update:
okay, well really 11 weeks and 5 days...but close enough!

Today I had an appointment at the Birth Center for my first official check up. The best part, I got to hear the baby's heart beat!!! After a long appoinntment of paperwork and reviewing history and turning down all the genetic screening options (anmio, etc)...I finally got to sit on the table. The midwive put some jelly on my belly and within 30 seconds "woah, woah, woah, woah." She commented that the baby was very active because we kept hearing scratching noises. She said he or she was moving around. :) This all still seems totally unreal.

Unfortuantely, Paul was not able to attend. But I made sure to schedule the next appointment so he could. I need another person there to help remind me - this is real! Next appointment will be around 18 weeks, along with a level 2 ultrasound at that time. Every step is like a giant milestone. I am so blessed to not have ANY spotting or cramping. So far, all is good! Hopefully I can have Paul log an entry on our Birth Center tour soon. Thank you for all the prayers - they are clearly working and resulting in what I can say is a very easy pregnancy thus far! Again, MIRACLE!

And now, for those that wish to see my growth updates...here is the first Belly Shot:

Baby Update

Every Week I get an email update - which among other things, tells us about the baby. Thought I would share it with you. Check out the picture! It is really exciting.

Your Baby
Your baby weighs about 7 grams, is about 2 inches long, and in an ultrasound will look a bit out of proportion. He or she has toes, eyes, ears, fingernails and lips, but the head is still about one-half the total size of its body. Don't worry; this will change as your baby grows. Click here for an image of a baby at 11 weeks.

Everything looks good! I am starting to grow, just a little. My hormone levels have consistently been right around the "normal" line and as of today I am only one week from my SECOND trimester! :)

And - Paul and I toured the Birth Center yesterday. It is kind of crazy imagining giving birth outside of the hospital...but the idea is growing on us!!

adoption on hold

Paul and I told the agency. Their policy is that we go on hold until we have the baby. At that point we are no longer eligible for the infant adoption program. We would be eligible to continue towards a mixed race adoption, enter the foster program or pursue international adoption. We feel strongly that God has lead us to the adoption process. After the baby arrives we will pray about what direction God leads us.

Just a Quick Update

Things are still good! We praise every day we are one step closer to 2nd trimester (and a little more clear of risk of miscarriage). Every day is a blessing. The all-the-time sickness comes and goes, as does exhaustion - but what a gift. Today I hit 9 weeks and was amazed to see the little ticker (see two posts below). Our Maluski looks like a tiny person and no longer a tiny tadpole. We are so in love! Girl or Boy? You will have to wait till September to know that! ;-)

Our Miracle is doing good!

So Blessed

To All,
Thank you for the outpouring of love, support, encouragement, prayers and congratulations. We really are just marveling at this miracle...and still trying to believe it really is...we really are...pregnant! I received such a lovely note from a friend that helped me reflect, for the first time, on the fact that God has chosen to bless us. It is as if He has finally said "See, I have not forgotten you." After all the novenas we prayed, and our many, many attempts at surrendering the matter. And now, we are just in awe.

We LOVE reading the updates of our baby. It is amazing that it is growing so fast and developing so well. Occasionally, Paul or Uncle Keith will start talking in the room and I will realize they are talking to the baby. :) Keith made a special request that I start eating polish food. The baby might have to wait for that one, as I can only "stomach" so much now.

We decided to give the baby the nickname, "maluski." It is pronounced (ma-lu-shki) and means "little one." There is a Christmas carol, sung to the infant Jesus "O Maluski" which I have heard was one of John Paul II's favorites.

And, on another note...why this blog was started in the first place: We were recently notified by our adoption agency that there are two more potential "situations" on the horizon. We have much prayer to undergo to find God's will with regards to adoption. Certainly, we hoped we would have one or two kids by now. This would also us to grow our family pretty quickly...but it is such a different perspective from here. We will try to keep this in God's hands as much as possible. Right now, we are just trying to see what happens at the ultrasound (scheduled for Tuesday) before making any decisions. We will keep you posted on all fronts! ;-)

another update :)

It has been awhile, and I appologize for the delay in this update. We had several conversations before we decided to put this update online.

Paul and I recieved very good news. Before we say just what that is....here is the prelude. Our cousin's came over recently and delivered this very special toast. "And they went to visit their cousin, Elisabeth, who was found to be in her 6th week. She who was thought barren. For they know, all things are possible with God."

Reflecting on the scriptural meaning of my name, Elisabeth. Reflecting on the meditations of barren women in the bible - we were so blessed to recieve this toast. And we truly TRULY are blessed.

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So, certainly, this is the biggest surprsie of our married life. We are THRILLED. We don't know yet what it means for the adoption - and will continue to keep you posted via this blog. For now, I am under the care of Dr. Hilgers through the PPVI Institute for hormonal support. Thank you for all of you that have prayed us to this point!!! Please continue to pray for the Blessed Mother and St. Gerard's intercession for this new life inside of me! With all our love!

an update

At the adoptive parent panel, we were told by the couples to listen for our social worker to say she had a "situation." That was how she tended to introduce a possibility. A few weeks ago we got a call from our social worker. She had a "situation." So, the situation was that there was a 21 year old girl considering adoption. She was half hispanic and the race of the father was unknown. She also used crack in the first few months of pregnancy - but had stopped and was in rehab. I talked to Paul, we called a friend that is a pediatrician, and decided that we wanted our profile to be shown. We decided not to tell anyone, so as to avoid the infamous "have you heard anything yet?" question at each instance of communication.

It was a little bit of a rush, at first. But as we didn't hear anything for several weeks, we assumed we were not chosen. We just heard from the social worker today that the girl changed her mind. Please pray for this girl. We never got the overwhelming sense of "this is it." I guess the expectation is that we might get a few such phone calls before "the one." We are so glad we have this board to keep everyone updated. Thank you for your prayers for us as well. xoxoxo

Welcome 2007

What changes will this year bring? We are optimistic about 2007.
With regards to fertility - it is has been a long journey; here is the rundown:
10/2002 - married
10/2003 - began infertility testing
3/2004 - first surgery
6/2005 - second surgery
9/2005 - third & major surgery
12/2005 - began adoption research
3/2006 - choose an agency; started our wait
10/2006 - officially approved

As 2006 has been mostly "adoption focused" for us - we have been able to toss out the charts (temporarily) and forget about "trying to conceive." This has been a blessing. But, moving on from the dream of conceiving to the dream of adopting was interesting, to say the least. There are so many different emotions wrapped up with the adoption process. Having our parenting ability questioned, going through interviews, doctor's visits, background checks - all this to welcome a child into our house. One of the great lessons we have learned from others is that when we receive this great gift (and finalize the adoption), unquestionably, that will be our child. A child we have long awaited.

We are optimistic about 2007. That is not to say we will be blessed with a child by the close of the year, though hopefully that is the case. We are optimistic because, for the first time, we have no additional testing/poking/prodding/interrogating/interviewing to endure. We are as far as we can come on our journey to parenthood. The rest is completely out of our hands. Although I long to look into the future and see our family with a bustling house full of children, again, out of our hands. For the first time we look forward to our future, the one God has planned for us. We look forward not in expectation of the house full - but we look forward, one child at a time. Thank you all for your continued prayers and love. Happy New Year!

Chrismas Wishes

First, please let me extend our wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas. We hope the birthday of our savior brings renewed joy into your homes. This year, Paul and I wanted to wait to celebrate the liturgical Christmas season. We waited to purchase a tree, set up decorations, do baking, etc. And now, today is the first day of Christmas! This was, of course, preluded by wonderful family gatherings and meals. But we look forward to the days ahead to celebrate and reflect on our blessings.

What a year. And hopefully one year closer to the blessing of a child. We recieved several wonderful baby-wishes this year. Especially in the breaking of Oplatek. Every year we follow the polish custom of breaking bread (chrismas wafers pronounced oh-pwah-tek). This is a custom where those gathered have a chance to express well wishes to one another. The theme for us this year was "may all your baby dreams come true." In addition to oplatek, this was expressed in gifts received. Thank you for all that have us in their thoughts and prayers. It means so much!

I am very tempted to do a "year in review" type blog...but we will wait until next week for that!! Love you all!

no news is no news

So, yup, posts have been much less frequent lately. There is not much going on in the adoption front. We are still approved, we are still waiting. Generally, we don't hear anything unless we ask...and we have been too busy to ask these days.

Dec 1st I started my new position as the Campus Minister at the catholic high school. It has been a very busy week (two weeks) trying to learn the ropes and learn the inner workings of high school life. I think once it starts rolling things will pick up. It is just these darn ropes that are so tricky. Someone told me they thought the new job would be a good distraction for us in this wait. It is certainly a distraction...but it also adds a new dimension in our road to parenthood. To daycare or not to daycare. We have always discussed that I would be a stay-at-home-mom. God knows (and hopefully He will let us in on the secret soon) - what will happen. Perhaps a modified version of staying home & working. Perhaps job sharing? Perhaps in-home care? A whole 'nother world of discussion to discuss!

Set your DVD to Record...or Watch Dr Hilgers this Friday night!

From an Email:
"I am so pleased to announce to you that Dr. Hilgers will be the feature of a one hour interview on national television beginning Friday, December 8, 2006 at 7 p.m.CST. This interview was taped about two weeks ago with Raymond Arroyo of EWTN at Christendom College at Front Royal, Virginia. It was taped in their library with a student body live audience.

I hope that you will put this on your calendar or set your Tivo so that you don't miss this important interview. Please also let everyone associated with your center know and your clients as well. It helps spread the message of our work."

Tis the Season to Be Jolly (Paul)

As this season of advent approaches it is a time of preparation I teach my 8th grade CCD students. Some of them get it and others look surprised. Its kind of funny. This year I was one of the surprised ones. It hard to believe that it is already this time of year. Getting so wrapped up in work and estimates and Elisabeth's new job and normal responsibilities the idea that this is a time of preparation slipped my mind. We are supposed to be preparing our homes and our hearts for the arrival of a baby. A king is promised to come. One who will bring peace to the world and to us individually. Although Christmas time may come and Go I am choosing this advent to prepare my mind and heart for a baby that is promised. One that will be ours. Maranatha Come Lord Jesus and See the blessing you have created for us some where.

May your Advent be a fruitful one and may the Lord's coming fill your home with Joy.

An EXCELLENT article on Infertility

Dear Family & Friends,
PLEASE READ THIS!!!! Someone on my infertility board posted a link to this article. It is, perhaps, the most comprehensive and honest look at what we go through. I hope that it brings you insight on the struggle of Infertilty. God Bless You All & Happy Thanksgiving!

Adoptive Search Panel

So, last night I was on my own to attend the Search panel discussion (while Paul was teaching). This is where we hear from "the triad." The triad consists of the adoptive parent(s), adopted child and birthparent(s). The search panel consists of one of each of these that have searched and found someone in the last couple years.

The first was an adoptive parent. Her son sought and found his birthmother when he turned 18. Since her son was 7 when he was adopted he did have a memory of his birthmother. In this case the mother and the birthmother formed a friendship and now refer to him as "our son" and joke about how he has two mothers. There always seems to be one case that is a little over the top.

The second was a daughter and birthfather that were reunited last year. This case was unique because it is very rare that a birthfather will keep the agency updated hoping to one day reunite with his child. Hearing from this man gave good insight. He was 15 when his daughter was born. His parents wanted to adopt and raise the baby - he was the one who talked everyone into giving the baby up for adoption. He was very respectful to the desires of the parents - to wait until their daughter turned 18 for her to search. She wanted to wait until she was out of college. Now they both speak of the relationship, the challenges and brought thoughts such as what happens after the reunion. Hearing from the daughter really helped me see that her parents are her parents, regardless of what happened with the search. She also helped me see that some degree of openness (letters, pictures) is not a bad thing. She didn't have any of that and said it has been overwhelming trying to learn names and relationships in her new extended family.

Also, the idea of the fact that the child is going to want to search was addressed. It is not a bad thing. It seems to just be a necessary, "finding oneself" right of passage for a child that is adopted. Even though a percentage of reunions never happen, or rejection may occur, the child will know and have closure on that part of their life.
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On another note...I just accepted a new job as the Director of Campus Ministry for a catholic high school. I am thrilled to finally have the opportunity to do what I want (full time ministry) - but nervous as to how the adoption will play into this change. I know God has this plan that is slowly unrolling. It is just difficult to see directly in front of you when you want to know the big picture. Hopefully the job will be a good distraction from the wait.

Reproductive Medicine & Catholicism

Yesterday there was an article published in the Washington Post about NaPro Technology and Dr. Hilger's work with the Pope Paul VI Institute. Read the article by clicking here. The only argument from the Institute was that it was published in the religion section rather than the health & medicine section. While we were pursuing treatment with Dr. Hilgers there were concerns because we were pursuing "catholic" treatment. No, we were pursuing morally acceptable treatment.

Overall, the article is pretty balanced. Of course there are some ridiculous comments: "They might as well be advocating prayer for infertility," said Richard Paul, a fertility expert at the University of Southern California. "The reason that this is dangerous is because women have a biological clock, and while they are using up time with less effective therapies, time may run out." Though we are not (yet) in the statistical success rating, I think it would be quite difficult to find a woman who considers her treatment a waste of time.

I am glad to know that it is causing a little controversy out there. For two reasons, 1) if there is controversy others will know about it. 2) I would love to have other people studying & challenging the research. Really, their success and patient load should be saying something to mainstream docs. Please spread word of this article!

OFFICIALLY approved

Well, this homestudy process lasted much longer than we thought, but as of yesterday, we are OFFICIALLY approved. Technically, according to our agency's policy, we have been waiting 7 months and 3 weeks; But now, if a girl comes to the agency and asks to see all the profiles, we could be in the running.

There is no word on how long (before we receive a placement) it just depends on girls coming forward. Please pray for women that may be struggling with the decision to place their babies for adoption. Please keep in mind that though we have an agency, an independent adoption can still be facilitated. We hope to send out our "Dear Birthmother" letters to friends and family before the end of the year. The purpose is that if you come across someone hoping to adopt, you can share our profile with them. We will keep you posted. Thank you again for all your prayers and support.

Please pray for this family...

We just received news of the death of one of Paul's former classmates. What makes this so tragic is his wife delivered their first child on Friday night via C-section. On Sunday she was expecting to see him at the hospital...but he didn't show. The police were called and found him dead at their house. It is moving us because Paul recently re-connected with him. We were invited to their baby shower. Paul and he spoke just a few weeks ago.

I absolutely cannot fathom becoming a mother and a widow in the same weekend. Please pray for the "W" family, and the repose of this young man's soul.

The Events of last Friday....

Friday night we thought we were going to Fr. Keith's church to surprise their cousin for his 30th birthday party. When we went to meet him in the chapel, they opened the doors and the chapel was FILLED with our bible study friends (around 30 people). I almost had a heart attack!! I was ushered to the front of the room as all was quickly prepared for Mass. Fr. Keith led a Mass to start our time of waiting with prayers and lift us up with hope. The gospel read was of Mary's fiat and visit to Elizabeth who conceived in her old age. The homily was lovingly directed to us and I cried the WHOLE time. Thank goodness someone had a tissue, because I was not prepared for this!

After the Mass everyone migrated to the church hall which was beautifully decorated, a full spread of yummy food all prepared by Becky. As we walked in she was selling raffle tickets and people started to play shower games. The first was a quiz about us. Where were we born, what was our adoption agency, what was the name of our dog, etc. Some of the answers were quite creative.

Another game was the baby word unscramble. As this particular group of friends is very "fruitful" and are quite current on their baby shower games, I think Aleeca unscrambled all 10+ words in less than a minute.

These pictures were cutting the cake and giving out the raffle prizes (while holding our goddaughter, M):


Other local family friend's showed up and through out the night we got to update our friends and recieve congratulations. During the car ride home I had the opportunity to hear Paul's reflections. In additon to what I posted previously, he said "I feel like I am on the other side of the fence now and this feels like it is becoming more real." When we got home we took time to open the gifts and cards. Once again, overwhelming. We were grateful for the opportunity to opt out from doing this at the party. But, from all the resulting generosity, we now have a stroller, car seat, pack and play, BRU gift cards and HALF of our adoption fund raised!!!!!!! I agree with Paul, looking at the baby gear makes it seem more real. Now, all we need is a little bum to fill that seat!

Again, we just feel so incredibly blessed. Another god-incidence part of this whole thing was that last week was the week for our homestudy report to be written up & approval granted. So, officially, literally, we are started our wait time surrounded by friends and family lifting us up in prayer at the Lord's table. I am confident this prayer is helping us prepare and surrounding us with grace needed. We don't know how long the wait will be, we don't know what little soul God has to bless us with...but we are so grateful that we can relax in being more prepared for whatever surprises lie ahead.

"God has given YOU to us!"

It is 2:30am the morning of October 7th. I have jotted down our thoughts and hope to post the full report soon (with pictures - Becky, can you email me a few :) . As some of you may check the blog later, I wanted to write something.

We are just about speechless. Certainly we are overwhelmed at the outpouring of love, support and generosity. As Paul said "when we began the process, we entrusted everything over to God...and now God has given us You (becky, steve, keith, all our family and all our friends) to pray for us and give us strength in this journey."

Thank you. Everyone, thank you.
We love you and are so grateful for your friendship and love.

(((Keith, Becky and Steve. we are speechless. we love you. we are so thankful God has given us you!)))