New Furniture!

There's a new addition to the nursery...



It looks pretty funny to me that it's not all pretty and made up but the crib bedding is pending! My mom has graciously accepted the mission to make the bumpers, crib skirt, diaper stacker, and hanging caddy. The mobile of 3 bears came with the crib but we'll have to jazz those up a little - either with some tiny clothes are at least some matching bows! I have the blankets in the crib because they got moved out for the diapers in the dresser. The crib came with a "drawer" on casters, but it was pretty flimsy and Bill said he would make me a better one. I plan on putting the bedding and extra blankets in there.

Don't know what we are going to do with the 2 blank blue walls yet. We originally had a tall bookshelf where the crib is so we didn't hang anything there. I'm sure something will come to us, but I'm not having any moments of creative genius yet.

Viability

Found this on the FF August Due Dates board that I have stalking....

Babies born at this week of gestation and their corresponding survival statistics:

21 weeks or less: 0 percent survival rate
22 weeks: 0–10 percent survival rate
23 weeks: 10–35 percent survival rate
24 weeks: 40–70 percent survival rate
25 weeks: 50–80 percent survival rate
26 weeks: 80–90 percent survival rate
27 weeks: greater than 90 percent survival rate

Today 'D' is 24 weeks and 2 days (but who is counting?) pregnant based on her due date. Little Roo is 22 weeks and 2 days gestation, so she just reached these statistics.

Also from Friday (according to the pregnancy calendar):

Week Twenty-Four

• Bring on the bulk! Baby gains about 6 ounces this week. The weight is in muscle, bone mass and organs.
• His body begins to fill out with his appearance increasingly becoming more like a newborn.
• Taste buds begin to form. If mom drinks something strange or bitter, baby may be observed showing his distaste.
• Little creases have appeared on his palms. The muscular coordination of his hands has improved as he sucks his thumb.
• Over the next seven days the sweat glands will be forming in the skin.
• His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
• This week your baby is officially considered viable.
• Baby weighs 1.3 pound (600gm) and is 11.8 inches (30cm) long -- almost the length of a ruler!

Each day that passes is one step closer to a nice fat baby! May 28th is the marker for the third trimester!

I am getting all the cloth diapers ready... most are ready to go! I love getting fluffy mail! Found some mei tai carriers that other moms were wanting to sell so I have a few of those coming soon. One is going to end up being a gift... so they aren't all for me!! I found a pretty Hotsling from another mama that I can't wait to use with Little Roo. Did I ever mention that I have a Moby wrap too?? Yes, it's baby crazy here!

I did order some new babylegs.... they are adorable!! They were having an Earth Day sale so if you ordered two pairs (I picked up strawberry shortcake and green dots) then you got a pair of the organic cotton for free. Couldn't pass that up!

Guess Who Called?

Bill and I were heading out for some errands last night and the phone rang. It was D! She called to tell me how her doctor's appointment went that afternoon. I was very surprised and so happy!!

Little Roo is doing fantastic. Perfectly healthy in every way! She will be 24 weeks on Friday (reached viability!) and so far D has gained a whole 9 pounds. She said her tummy popped and she finally looks pregnant.

Each time we speak, we have both opened up more, trusted a little more with our thoughts and feelings. D told me that speaking to me has brought her peace with her decision, it's feels right. We are both looking forward to having lunch and meeting face-to-face.

I need to bring something for them.... I'm thinking bright, lovely flowers in a vase that they can enjoy at home for a while. I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable with a "gift". Too dumb??

Adventures In Diapering!

I got a majority of my "fluffy" mail over the last few days. I was anxious to try it out on a "victim".... who better than my pal Pooh? He's been strapped into the carseat for the last few weeks in an attempt to foil Biscuit's kidnapping of Pooh from the nursery.

Here's Pooh in a chinese infant prefold, newspaper fold, secured by a yellow Snappi. Not too shabby for my first try.

I first attempted to use one of the newborn prefolds, but Pooh has a rather round tummy and an even bigger rear so the "wings" in the back wouldn't reach around to the front. Had to size up!


Newborn size Prorap.... might be a little tight because the prefold underneath it is infant sized, not newborn. I like that the cover is notched for the cord.


Newborn size Imse Vimse (Swedish for itsy bitsy) day cover. I like this one a lot, it's very soft, and of course, the bear print!


bumGenious! one-size diaper.... a little big with the insert stuffed in it. It probably won't fit Little Roo until she is over 8 pounds. They are definately going to be Bill's favorite because it's easy to put on and fasten... no prefolds or Snappi's involved.... so we'll call these the "Daddy Dipes".

After the Cottonbabies seconds sale, I have 20 of these bad boys! Bill wouldn't let me buy all pink ones.... I can live with that.




Update to the meeting with 'D'.... She contacted her social worker today to let her know about her doctor's appointment tomorrow and that 'G' was going to take her, not me. Then she said that she wanted to set up a lunch meeting with us in the next few weeks so all four of us could meet in person. Sounds like we are going to get together at the beginning of May. Her social worker, who we have been working with, will be there as well to help us get off to a great start.

Her social worker is very happy to facilitate this meeting, knowing that it will help her in the process and through the birth. I know if D didn't really want to meet us and wanted to remain completely detached, she would have not suggested that we meet to her social worker. At the beginning she didn't think she wanted to meet us until the actual birth, so these are some huge steps for her. I am interested in getting to know little things about them.... we've already covered some of the big stuff. What is her favorite movie, color, food, anything that I can pass on to Little Roo! I know that as she gets older, I imagine that her interest to feel a connection to her birth mother will increase.

Bill did another triathlon on Saturday morning.... he did really well!! I'll ask if he wants me to post any pictures to share.

Oh Bummer!

I'm a little bummed. 'D' called me today and said that her boyfriend is taking her to the appointment next Tuesday. I'm not going. She had originally asked me to take her because she isn't driving and her boyfriend was out of town when we thought the appointment was this week. He's going to be back next week and she said "Now you don't have to worry about taking time off work, I've got it worked out with G."

So I'm a little disappointed, but she doesn't know that. I stayed very upbeat and I just said "Make sure you tell me how it goes!" I think she was concerned about inconveniencing me and my work schedule, although it's not a problem at all. It probably would have been a little strange that our first face-to-face meeting was at a doctor's appointment! She didn't think she'd be having an ultrasound either so I probably wouldn't have been doing anything but staying AWAY from the business end if you know what I mean!

D said she tried making photocopies of all the sonogram pictures since she wants me to have those for the baby book, but she is having problems because they are coming out dark. Perhaps she will trust me enough to scan them and return them to her. Before we hung up, I asked her if she and G have considered getting together with us for a casual dinner some time and she said that sounded great. She is going to talk to G and call me tomorrow.

If anything, this is a good point for me to remember not to get too emotionally invested during this whole process. This is part of the up's and down's of the adoption journey. D can change her mind at any point. I need to remember that. Hope for the best, prepare myself for the worst.

Anyway.... enough of my boo-hoo's..... I talked to Brock the other night. He updated us that their dossier is in China and they hope that they will be updated with their LID (logged in date) soon. They only get a status once a month so they are patiently waiting. I would be a complete wreck!!! Hope they get good news soon!

Pregnancy Brain!

I called D since I had not heard from her since last week. She was going to call me back about her appointment and what her final decision was about having me come with her. I left her a message and said that if she didn't call me back, that I was assuming that she is going on her own and that was OK. If she did want me to go, that she needs to call me back so I can make some arrangements for work!

She called me back a little while later. She apologized and said that her appointment was for the 17th and not the 10th like she had originally guessed while running out the door. She checked her phone calendar to make sure. She was still comfortable with me being there. Promising to call me back in the next few days, we'll work out a plan.

Our phone conversations have definately gotten easier, lighter, and more comfortable. We both talked about how our weekends went and how we celebrated the Easter holiday. I could tell that she was so happy to hear that both our families are able to get together for dinners without traveling for hours to see each other. I know she did not have this growing up and it is important that her baby gets this experience. In all, we sounded like two friends just catching up, saying a quicky "Hi!" so I am very encouraged by how our relationship is progressing.

Easter at our house was great! It was nice to have a little time with my mom and Bill's mom to talk baby stuff! We went through all the tiny clothes hanging in the closet and my latest projects for the baby. My mom brought her patterns to make the crib bedding and I liked the Laura Ashley one the best (less ruffles and work) so we'll have to start shopping for fabric in the near future.

My uncle is going to give my cousin away when she gets married next year. Bill's parents are buying a beautiful house and had pictures to share with everyone! It seemed like everyone had a piece of good news to share. It was a great holiday!

Somebody Stop Me!!

I seriously need to cool it on the cloth diapering sites. Since Monday, I have added to "the stash" and I can see why so many mommies says it is addicting! I promise no more buying CD supplies for a while!!

Here's what's new:

Box of Baby Bits and spray bottle
Naturally Luxe Wipe Solution Concentrate and foaming bottle
Pail Deodorizer and Laundry Booster Lavender Peppermint with shaker

Lavender Eucalan No Rinse Woolwash
Aristocrat Wool Soaker small
4 Diaper Pins (not sure I'll be brave enough to use these, but I don't want the Snappi to snag the wool soaker!)

40 Kissaluvs Awesome Knit Terry Wipes (I've been making my own flannel ones but I don't think you can have too many of these)

2 Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds
6 Hemp Babies Little Weeds
8 Kissaluvs Super Soakers

AND music please...

1 bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Blossom
1 bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Twilight
1 bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Grasshopper
1 bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Butternut
2 bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in White

Now I have two in each color. These are for going out to Grammy's and possibly for "Daddy" doing diaper duty if he can't get the prefolds and covers down. I'm not expecting them to fit Little Roo well until she is closer to 10 pounds but they will last until potty training.

These aren't diaper related....

Snappi Nail Clipper
Organic Cotton Angel Baby T-Shirt (this was on clearance!)

OK, so there's probably ONE more thing on my list and maybe I'll be able to find one on Ebay or so... they aren't cheap, but they are so gosh darn cute!!! Behold the Starbunz covers....

I Got Brave....

... and I called 'D' on her cell phone!

It's been a few weeks since our first conference call and even though I've been wanting to talk to her, I've chickened out a few times. I don't want to come off too pushy but I'm afraid of coming off too aloof as well.

I had it all planned out and knew exactly what I was going to say. Then D answered the phone! We got to chat for only a few minutes because she was heading out the door but she asked me if I would consider going with her to the next OB appointment on the 10th. Ummm... do I have to even think about it??! I said I would be honored and that I only want to go if she was 100% comfortable with it. I don't want her to feel like she has to include me because it is completely her decision.

We left it that D is going to think about it a little while longer and talk it over with 'G' because she hadn't brought it up with him yet. She didn't think he would have a problem with it, but I admire that she is trying to take everyone's feelings into consideration. I also told her that even if she changes her mind before the appointment and she would rather go on her own, that is perfectly OK. No one is going to be upset or angry with her. This is a *huge* step for her to ask me and I can respect all the emotions involved.

I know if I do end up going with her, it is going to be completely emotional for me too. I think it would be a great bonding experience for us. She said several times that she was very happy that I called her and appreciated that I had taken the time to chat. She was nervous to call me first and I can 100% relate to that. At this point, I'm going to have to wait and see what she decides about the appointment.

Wow!!!

Yard Sales Rock!!

So I'm doing my usual Saturday morning cleaning when Paula calls. She says "I'm at a yard sale and there's tons of baby girl stuff here! How fast can you get here??" Well for a deal, I can get there pretty darn fast - who cares that my hair looks like a pack of squirrels have taken residence in there??!

I'm going to have to start cruising the yard sale circuit more - we hit the mother load! Sleepers for $1, 3 piece outfits for $5-7, some items that still had tags on. All was in very good condition, maybe not even worn more than twice. I even picked up a pair of denim overalls. "Grammy Paula" purchased a bunch of outfits for Little Roo too - she is so spoiled already! We haven't published our registry yet, but the aquarium baby bath tub is coming off because I bought it for $5! I washed everything and hung up all the little outfits on tiny pink hangers I got from Target. I have some new outfits that I found at Costco in larger sizes and now it is easy for me to see what is washed and ready and what isn't.

Now we even have baby shoes for the pretty pink outfit too!! Grammy Paula found these!















My parents called about the crib hunt and we've decided to go with a "golden honey" Jenny Lind crib from Babies R Us. Unless I happen to come across something else before then of course. My mom is the queen of sewing and she is going to help me make it "Shabby Chic" style by sewing the bumper pads and dust ruffle. We can find crib sheets in every color to match whatever we pick out.

TRUE CONFESSION TIME!! Bill and Jon went to the St. Pete Grand Prix and I stayed home to run some errands. Well errands for me include Target (cruising the baby aisles), then to Babies R Us, then to Jo-Ann's (cruising for baby fabric), then to the grocery store. I was stopping in to Jo-Ann's for the specific purpose of buying a big spool of white thread for my machine and I was going to buy maybe 1/2 yard of flannel if I found something cute in the clearance section to make more wipes. I knew I was in trouble when the store had all the snuggle flannel on sale for $2 a yard. Oh no!!!! AND there was new prints - I know this for a fact!! So I ended up buying 6 yards of flannel and one panel of fabric that makes a soft book with Pooh on it. OK, I bought enough purple Noah's Ark themed fleece to make a blanket too. I couldn't help it - it was on sale too. I'll have to let my mom have a peek at the new stack when she is over this weekend. Bill doesn't know... don't tell!!

I ordered part of our diaper stash from here. I say "part" because I know from my other friends that diapering is a new addiction and there is always the next cute thing coming out! Here's what we are getting started with and I'm hoping we have enough different sizes to last us a few months:

Bumkins Tote in Red Puppy
Large Bummis Waterproof Tote in Purple

Swaddlebees Changing Pad in Red

Snappi Fasteners in Yellow, Pink, Mint, Lilac

2 Dozen Chinese Prefolds in Preemie Plus
2 Dozen Chinese Prefolds in Infant

bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Blossom
bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Twilight
bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Grasshopper
bumGenius! 2.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper in Butternut

Newborn Prorap Colors Diaper Cover in Pink
Newborn Prorap Colors Diaper Cover in Blue
Newborn Prorap Colors Diaper Cover in Mint
Newborn Prorap Colors Diaper Cover in White
Small Bumkins Diaper Cover in Pink Fish
Small Bumkins Diaper Cover in Cat in the Hat
Small Bummis Super Whisper Wrap in Jungle
Small Bummis Super Whisper Wrap in Froggy Pond
Small Polar Bummi Fleece Cover in Cream