Sunday Thoughts

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Shhh! Don't Tell Anyone!!!!

I have to be fast. My mom doesn't like me to use her computer and with all the drooling I do she will figure out quick that I was messing around with it.



She has gone a little crazy. I call it Crazy Christmas Mama. She saw a picture on Pinterest and so she thought I needed to be like that baby.

Well, I'm doing the best I can but that baby can sit up and I can't and I REALLY like to put things in my mouth (it really is the best way to find out about them you know!) and I like to wiggle a lot! So I hear a lot of NO NO NO.

Then she saw more things on Pinterest and she thought I should make these ornaments. (If you are a greandparent don't look any farther!!!!!! Grandma Allen this means you!!!) I tried but - holding still isn't my best thing yet. SO she puts me in the chair that I eat in (I think I am going to eat) and all of a sudden she comes at my foot with paint. It wasn't too bad but I really wanted to play or eat or something else.

I am hoping that with the presents open maybe things will be back to normal. Maybe Dad and I can keep her off Pinterest!!!



5 Months

Oops! We forgot the sign!

Alex is 5 months! He is getting bigger and can do more!  He is taking a bath in the regular tub and eating rice cereal. He loves the bath. He kicks his legs to splash and laughs and giggles. He also loves to look at himself I the mirror. He even licked the mirror one night and was so shocked that it was cold.

 

Alex is rolling over! He can only go from his back to his tummy so far. This is great until he gets tired of being on his tummy and then he cries. We think he will roll tummy to back any day now but it hasn’t happened yet.

 

He likes:

His jumpy chair

Baths

 

Grabbing his toes

Going places

Chewing everything!

What a cutie!

 

Doesn’t like:

Naps

Socks

Rice cereal that is super runny

4 Months

 

Alex is 4 months! He is getting bigger and stronger everyday!  He is starting to help wash his hair in the bath.  We went to Bass Pro Shop to see the Christmas decorations and he was great. He seems to get a little overwhelmed in big places but he enjoyed waving at all the people (with Jake’s help!).

 

November 14 they gave me a shower at work. Jake was able to bring Alex. He was so charming! He hasn’t been passed around much but we gave it a shot and he was darling! Lots of ladies held him and he smiled and cooed at all of them.

 

He likes:

His jumpy chair

He's a little short so he jumps on this!

Baths

Going places

 

Doesn’t like:

Naps

Socks

 

Update:  I know this is super late (he was 4 months on November 14) but maybe it falls under the better late than never clause?

Merry Christmas

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Wishing you and yours a VERY Merry Christmas!

Sunday Thoughts

Sunday Thoughts

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Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran’s Day!

 

We are so grateful to those that serve our country in all branches of the military. My grandfather served as a marine in World War 2. Alex has members of his birth family who have served and others are now serving our country.  I have had children in my class at school whose parents were deployed. It is hard on the family. If you are a veteran- Thank You! If you are the family member of a veteran- Thank You!

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3 Months Old

Alex is 3 months old!

 

Alex is 3 months old already. Lots of things have changed but the things he likes and dislikes are about the same. I am back to work and he is handling it really well. (Me not so much. You can see how late this post is. He was three months on October 14!!)

He weighs 15 lbs and is just starting to wear 3-6 month clothes. He seems to be long through the body and have shorter legs. He wears some of the 0-3 pants.

He likes:

His swinging chair

Baths (now he sits in a plastic tub and splashes!)

Going for a walk

Pretending to stand up

Giggling, laughing and cooing at us

Watching us eat

Sitting up with help

Loves music (all kinds)

He dislikes:

Burping (he kicks and fights as it gets closer!!)

Wet or dirty diapers (if he is fussy that is the first thing we check

When his bath is over

Being too hot (he would love to be in just a onesie all day!)

Happy Election Day

Today is Election Day. We have had 5 phone calls just today about going to vote! Luckily we have early voting on our state and we are done. If you haven’t voted yet please-go soon! We are so lucky to live in a country where voting is easy and safe.

 

We started a new tradition in our house and Jake took Alex with him to vote. The ladies helping to keep things running smoothly thought Alex was wonderful. They even gave him his own sticker!

Sunday Thoughts

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Sunday Thoughts

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Sunday Thoughts

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Sunday Thoughts

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Sunday Thoughts

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2 Months Old!

Alex is 2 months old already. I am amazed at how fast the time has gone and how much he has grown!

September 14, 2012

 

He weighs 12 lbs 12 oz and is 23 inches long (up 5 lbs 9 oz and 3 inches from when we brought him home!)

 

He likes:

His swinging chair

Playing on the floor

Baths (especially splashing in the sink!)

Going for a walk

Pretending to stand up

Giggling, laughing and cooing at us

Loves music (all kinds)

He dislikes:

Sleeping on the couch

 

Wet or dirty diapers (if he is fussy that is the first thing we check

When his bath is over



Taking a nap in his bed during the day (he sleeps great at night)

Showing his wounds

 

              Shots

 

 

 

 

 

Alex is a great baby! He is usually happy and if not we can change his diaper or easily help him be happy. We see more and more of his personality everyday. I am excited to see what the next month will bring!

The Story part 2

A few weeks ago there was a documentary about birthmothers on TV. I wasn’t going to watch, but somehow did watch a few minutes just to see how it was. The show followed three expectant mothers who had chosen to place their babies for adoption. It was interesting to see how these expectant mothers bonded together, how they made their decision and their hospital experience.  In the documentary, the hopeful adoptive parents and the expectant mother were separate. They didn’t seem to spend any time together.

 

Our experience was very different. We got the call to come to the hospital at 5:00 am July 14 and were there by about 6ish. We went into K’s room where she was resting (the medication had just kicked in). We were in and out as different doctors came in and privacy was needed. Things were progressing nicely (according to a nurse) and by 9:30 Jake was out in the waiting room and the baby was on his way. Alex was born at 10:30 am. I am so grateful and honored that K and her mom allowed me to be there. Jake and I spent the next 2 and a half days hanging out in K’s room with her family and the baby. We all took turns holding him, feeding him and changing his diaper. The hospital found a room for Jake and me so we were able to stay Saturday and Sunday night.

Jake holding Alex for the first time!

It was wonderful to meet K’s brothers and sisters and spend time with them. We were able to look at the baby and see who he looked like. Did he have K’s eyes or one of her siblings? Was his temperament like her or one of her siblings? It was a wonderful time.

I was really nervous about Monday and signing the papers. I wasn’t sure how it would go- or how K would feel and react to it all. Her whole family was there with her when she signed the paperwork. There was such a feeling of support in the room.  It was wonderful.

In the documentary, the girls placing their babies were in a room alone with a caseworker to sign the papers. All three were very emotional and I felt so bad that these young mothers were alone at such a time. For us, our lawyer talked to K first and then came to get us for our part at the end. He left and we thanked K, gave her our gift and since K was being checked out told her and her family to take all the time with the baby they needed and wanted. 

Our experience was so much better – not easier but K had so much support. It was an emotional day but a day filled with happiness and some sadness. When K left she looked gorgeous. She was absolutely glowing and we made plans to see them again.

Getting ready to go home!

 

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Remember

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I remember where I was on September 11, 2001. I was on my way to work when I heard what was going on. We had hard time getting information about what exactly was going on and anything really. Since I was teaching school, we needed to have as normal a day as possible- not easy! My sister was living in the Washington DC area at the time; although she did not work near the Pentagon.

 

This is a day to be thankful for what we have, the country we live in and the freedoms we have. It is a day to let your friends and family know how much you care

Sunday Thoughts

The Story part 1

Six weeks ago we brought Alex home. About six weeks before that we found out about him. 

We have been hoping to adopt for along time. (as you already know) We did do lots of things to get our names out there.

We made up pass along cards and gave them to my parents, Mrs. R (of the R House), and anyone else who would pass some along. I left them on tables in restaurants, in public bathrooms (yes, I really did, don't know if it helped but I thought it was worth a try), at rest stops, on bulletin boards, in hotel rooms and anywhere else I could think of.

We had two profiles- on with LDS Family Services and also with Par.ent Pro.files. (If you want more details about Par.ent Pro.files please email me. I am happy to share our experiences.)

I sent out email blasts (it went to everyone we know). I updated them on our experiences, told about our first profile, new profile and our blog (each in separate email blasts- so they heard from us about every 6 months). I let them know how they could help (pray and tell anyone they know about our hope to adopt).

 

I gave a talk in church and let everyone know we were hoping to adopt (as I was introducing myself-it was my first talk in that ward).

 

I  let two groups of ladies know at work. I let anyone else know as it came up or felt appropriate. I told them to feel free to share our information with anyone they know.

 

The response we got to all these things was positive.

 

We had lots of situations that almost worked out. There were a few attempted scams (no one got any money, luckily).

On May 29 (which is my Grandmother's birthday), I got a call from a colleague. We chatted for a moment and I thought she was calling about a job opening I knew about.  When she asked if we were still hoping to adopt, I was shocked. She said she knew someone named K, who wanted to meet us. I gave her our phone number so we could set up a time.  I was shocked and excited to have a message on our machine when I got home (that very day!). I was super nervous but didn’t want K to wait to hear back so I called and we talked quickly. We decided to meet on June 3. I had a hard time thinking of where to meet so I just suggested our home. She seemed ok with that.

We met June 3 and I was super nervous. We spent all weekend cleaning and thinking about how to make a good first impression. I thought through different questions that we might be asked and how to ask questions without being too nosey or pushy. I thought about how to seem warm and friendly (this is very hard for me when I am nervous- I am shy normally and when I get nervous I become even more quiet).

 

When K came she brought her mom with her. I was really glad she had that extra support with her decision.  We had a very good time talking and laughing and telling stories. I was really sad when they left. I had made banana bread but because we were having such a good time I forgot to get it out!

We spent the rest of June texting back and forth and calling. I wanted K to know we care about her but didn’t want to be too intrusive. She had a life before she met us and I didn’t want to cause any problems or discomfort.

 

I am so grateful for all the help we received. All the people who prayed for us, who kept us in mind- even if it didn't work out, passed cards on for us, sent emails for us and who hoped we would eventually somehow have a child join our family.

 

Sorry there are no pictures with this post. I want to maintain K and her family's privacy. Thanks for understanding.

 

Coming soon- part 2!

 

Sunday Thoughts

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Blogger didn't post as scheduled again! Anyone else having this problem?

Sunday Thoughts

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*Note: I had this scheduled for Aug 19 and for some reason it didnt' happen!?! Enjoy it now!!

Happy 1 Month!

Alex is 1 month old today! We have learned a lot about each other in the last month.

Likes:

Making faces

Slowly waking up (there is lots of stretching and groaning during the waking up)

Reading magazines with Dad

Bath time

Taking a walk

Looking people in the eye

Hates:

Wet or dirty diapers

Putting clothes over his head

Being swaddled

Important Facts:

Alex burps easily but some of the burps are so big and loud they scare him!

He makes lots of different facial expressions- not for any reason that we can figure out but they are so fun to watch!

He sleeps well during the night.  We have learned to keep things calm, quiet and pretty dark so he will go back to sleep quickly.

He is already growing out of his clothes! He is not chubby but long through the body. He weighs more than 8 lbs now!

He seems to enjoy machine sounds, the vacuum, the dryer, the dishwasher etc.

We are enjoying every day together! We are excited for what the next month will bring! Some days it seems like Alex has always be part of our life and other days we can't believe he is here. We are so blessed to have him be part of our life and family.

Sunday Thoughts

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