I'm Leeeeeeeaving... on a Jet Plane...

And hopefully I'll be back on Wednesday with little Xochi in my arms!

I had great plans to post pictures of all the wonderful things that kept me occupied today but it's now 9:57 and since I'm planning on getting up at 3:15 a.m. tomorrow... I just don't have time.

But briefly:

The kids are tucked in their bed's at my mom's house. Steele could totally sense the excitement - he prayed the sweetest prayer for me before we left and said, "One more sleep and then Mama's gonna get on a plane and go get baby Xochi?!"

I was on the verge of tears all day long, but now that I'm ready to go I just want to get on that plane and get outta here.

My flight leaves at 10:10 and gets into California at noon. Then it's another hour drive to the hospital. Amanda has a doctor's appointment at 11:30 and she's not sure what/when/how they'll go from there. I'm hoping the hospital has internet access so I can at least e-mail some pictures to Justin for him to post.

God is so good. Once again, I am amazed at how He is planning our family.

Some specific prayer requests:

1. Safety - especially on the way home

2. Quick and efficient processing of paperwork

3. Good health - for both Amanda and Xochi

4. For Amanda - that the Lord would give her ever more abundant peace and assurance about her decision. And especially that God would hold her choice - with hormones and emotions it is so hard. Legally, she has 48 hours to change her mind after Xochi is born. She has not given me any indication whatsoever that this is a possibility - in fact, she has said many things to me that have shown she has already begun the separation and grieving process (which means it's very real to her that this is the choice she's making) but we always take a big breath of relief as soon as those 48 hours are up.

5. For me - that God would hold me up, give me peace, give me wisdom and lead me through every step of this grand adventure he is taking me on.

6. For my mom - she started feeling like a cold was coming on today. I'm not too worried but I'm sure she would like to hug and snuggle her new grandbaby when she arrives.

And with that, I need to get to bed!

Blog atcha soon!

Satisfied

I'm really happy with how our yard is coming along this year. I finally feel like things are getting to where I want them. I'm going to try and get out tomorrow to buy two blueberry bushes and some coreopsis for our front planter. Thanks Lisa!

Herbs, artichokes, chard, kale, brussel sprouts, garlic, leeks, green beans, tomatoes and basil.

Strawberries, apples, corn, squash, sweet peas and soon: blueberries and potatoes.

Eggs!
We're planning on painting the hen house this summer.

These girls have been puttin' out one each almost every day.

Some cute help is a nice addition.

Monday....

Man. It's been a long day. I could really use your prayers. Mostly legal stuff. Please pray that all the right paperwork gets to all the right people at all the right times. By Monday. Because that's when Amanda's going to get induced - IF she doesn't go into labor this weekend, which I happen to think is extremely possible. But I've been wrong about that kind of stuff before.....

She's dilated to 2 and we're both feeling extremely relieved that the birthday/birth day is in sight. I think I've got travel details worked out. Except for today. If she goes into labor tonight I don't know what I'm going to do. Justin is at work and well.... I just have no idea how that would all go down. If she gets induced on Monday we'll drop the kids off at my mom's house on Sunday night, I'll drive down with Justin to work at 4 a.m. on Monday morning and then my dear friend Carol will take me to the airport around nine. If you knew Carol, you would know what a blessing this will be. She is one of the most wise, calming women I know. She will be just what I need.

I also don't know how the paperwork situation would be if she went into labor tonight. But I decided earlier this morning that this is the Lord's deal. Number one, I don't have enough emotional energy left to deal with it and number two, more than anything - I want to be obedient to the Lord in not worrying about it and not choosing to push things along in my own strength. He will work out all the details. I am confident.

I am praying I'll get some good sleep tonight as I've been tossing and turning and having nightmares for the last few nights. I want to be fresh when the time comes for me to go.

Doc's Appt.

Membranes stripped.

Could mean something.

Could mean nothing.

Swimming Fingers

A little update:

This morning I was talking with a friend of mine who is a dula and we were discussing the status of little Xochi. She recommended a couple of things to help get Amanda's labor started and also told me a funny story about laboring with her 6th? 5th? pretty sure 6th child. She said she had tried some things to get labor going and mentioned to her midwife that it really, oddly enough, felt like she could feel little fingers in her um... you know... hoo ha. Well, wouldn't you know - when baby Katherine was born she was born with her hand up by her cheek. She musta been tickling her mama all along.

So I was talking with Amanda this afternoon. She went swimming with her family today and really started to feel some strong contractions. Changing from braxton hicks in the front to stronger, more painful ones lower down and in her back. Then - you won't believe this - she said that she told her mom that it totally feels like she can feel little fingers in her um... you know... hoo ha!!! GET OUT!! I couldn't believe it and told her the story of my friend this morning. It was hilarious!

Justin is off unti Wednesday so NOW would be perfect timing. But you know how babies are with their perfect timing.

Also, Jodi (and I think someone else) had asked about induction on the 28th. Amanda said she talked with her doctor again last week and this time the doctor told her that it is their policy to not induce until 41 weeks. Sooooo.... with that little policy in place we could be lookin' at June 8th.

I imagine some of you are probably a mite confused about the whole due date thing and why in the world I thought Xochi would arrive earlier. Amanda's due dates have been jumbled from the start. She was not sure when she got pregnant and there were some other factors that could have made it more difficult to determine an accurate due date at the beginning. Her first due date was May 8. Then June 2. Then "probably more like" May 20. She's also moved and had 3 different doctors during this pregnancy. It's all confusing and there are so many variables. BUT, one thing for sure - she has to come sometime!

I informed Justin today that I'm going to give him my password and show him how to post things so that he can update you all while I'm in California. So be sure and give him a hard time. ;-)

Dropped

Amanda said she went to bed last night feeling like something a little different was happening and when she got up everyone told her Xochi had definitely dropped. So this is good... another step closer. A good friend who's having her 5th baby said at least this should help get her further dilated.

I'm not feeling as impatient as I was a few days ago though. I'm definitely going to blame that one on hormones. But I am feeling super duper excited. During every single thing we do I think to myself, "Pretty soon Xochi will be with us when we do this!" Yay!

I also got a wise word of advice from my dear friend Amy. Some of you may not know this but Amy is also due with her 5th baby in June. Adia and their daughter Ava are only 2 weeks apart and it looks like Xochi and their newest little one will be about the same. It's so fun to raise families together with dear friends. Anyway, back to the advice. Amy and I were on the phone the other day and she said, "Well, I have one thing to say...." I was waiting for some wise, biblical revelation from the other end of the line..... "Watch lots of t.v."

Hahahahahaha!!!

Very wise words. And actually, it's been a great help to endure these last few days - especially when Justin is at work. Thank you, reality t.v.!!

Well, that and books. I checked out a load of 'em from the library the other day:

Found Style



Amy Butler's Midwest Modern



What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations



Bringing Up Boys



Simple Gifts to Stich



Between barbecues, Costco, parades, house cleaning, running, gardening and the myriad of bumps and scrapes that have arrived with warm weather and shorts....

they're helping to pass the time.
I'm thankful.

Ashamed

I am so ashamed of myself. What a bad bloggy friend I am. I'm ashamed because waaaayyyy back at the beginning of February I did something SO fun; something that included two extraordinary, FUNNY, wonderful women.... and I never blogged about it. The worst part is that now that I'm looking back at these pictures, I am remembering what a totally fabulous time I had and wishing that I could do it again.

Anyway, I'll quit being so vague. Way back in February Martz gave me a call and said she was flying from Minnesota all the way to Seattle to do some work for her super cool job and was going to have some extra time. She wanted to know if Michelle, Lisa and I might be able to meet her and hang out. Um..... let me think about it a minute..... YAH! You see, Martz was my very first commenter that I didn't know in real life. I just about freaked out the first time she left a comment. Close behind her, becoming one of my most faithful and supportive commenters, came Michelle. Michelle is married to Kris who is Martha's huband Zuddy's sister's birth son. Did you catch that? Michelle married to Kris. Kris has a birth mother. Kris' birth mother is Zuddy's sister. Zuddy is married to Martha. AND, Kris and Michelle live in Seattle. And Lisa, well Lisa is just an all around great, creative super-decorator-lady - always up for a good laugh and a few oysters.

So I drove down to Seattle and picked up Michelle. Michelle and I went and poked around a yarn store for a while - feeding our shared knitting addiction. We also stopped and got cupcakes here. I'm glad I saved it for after dinner because otherwise I might have died on the spot from it's deliciousness and then I never would have gotten to meet Martha. Then we went and picked up Martha and went to Elliot's for dinner. And I kid you not - we talked and laughed hysterically for like an hour and half before we even ordered one thing!! It was an absolute riot. Then we ate oysters and salmon and a really great salad and I just about cried when I had to say goodbye. Unfortunately Lisa couldn't make it this time around, but we'll catch ya next time around Lees!

Here's one final tidbit of information. You can't see the whole thing in this picture - but I had an adorable tunic/dress thing on, if I do say so myself. Last month I tried washing it (in cold water even) and it was totally ruined! I thought about saving it to make something for Adia but I was too distraught so I just threw it away. Wahhhhh!!!

Only a 3 Year Old

These are the things that daily make me laugh.... the things that pretty much only happen to 3 year olds.

We have a rule in our house. The rule is: you only poop in the big toilet. Pee? Well, for three year olds... while it's not preferred, it is acceptable to go in the "little toilet." So I'm sitting at my computer at the dining room table and I glance in to Steele in the bathroom on the little toilet. After hearing a couple of big exhales from him I say, "Are you pooping on the little toilet?"

From Steele: Ohh Noooooo....... as if it just happened to him and he had no choosing whatsoever in the matter.

So he gets up and, with his jammy bottoms around his ankles, waddles his way penguin-style over to the big toilet. To finish, I guess.

When he calls me in to wipe him I glance at the little toilet and all that's left in there are a couple smears. So I say, "Did you dump your poo?"

From Steele: Yah. I did. I dumped it for you, Mama.

Thanks for that, son.

As I begin cleaning up the little toilet I hear this...

From Steele: Hey! Where'd my underwear go?!?!

Only a three year old. I sure am glad the chances are pretty slim that I'll lose my underwear when I go the bathroom.





While I'm here, this subject leads me to another favorite.

Kirkland Household Surface Wipes

I think I've mentioned before that, while I'm not too keen on using tons of chemicals, sometimes you just have to learn to live with the carcinogens. Especially if they come in the form of these babies. (Disclaimer: I have no idea if these contain carcinogens. I just thought it sounded funny)

I have these things all over the house and my absolute favorite use for them is on the "little toilet." A couple wipes after use and they're good to go for another round. They also work great for middle o' the night pee spraying incidents. (again, only 3 year olds) I have them in the kitchen for wiping down Adia's booster seat after a meal, or giving the counter tops a quick wipe-down. I think they've even cleaned dog puke off our wood floors. And the best part is that I actually prefer the Kirkland ones over their Lysol counterpart.

a) They're cheaper

b) They smell better

c) They have a cool "scrubbing" side that actually works

d) They're cheaper

Chocolatey Goodness

I keep thinking I should be blogging about something... but the truth is, I can not stop thinking about anything but this little girl every. single. moment! And when I'm not thinking about her (and when she'll arrive, how she'll arrive, where I'll be when she decides to arrive etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.).... I eat. A lot. Non-stop. And I crave dessert. Every night. I did manage to accomplish finishing about 8 loads of laundry today. It's a miracle, I tell ya. Every 10 minutes or so, though, I would realize that I was staring off into space thinking about.... none other than.. little Xochi! The rest of the day I kind of wandered around the house thinking and scrounging for food. I was able to get out for a 3 mile run this morning but now I'm feeling so antsy that I could easily go out and run another 3. I've been sleeping terribly for the last couple of nights - which is also very unusual for me. This is a girl who's been sleeping through the night for well over two years and now, I've been waking up at least once a night. It sucks. My kids and my husband keep waking up too... and then they wake me up. And then I stay awake and think some more.

Tonight I whipped up a batch of no-bake cookies in between watching Dancing With the Stars and the Bachelorette. Justin was licking the spoon and said to me, "Thanks for the chocolately goodness, hon."

I looked right at him, gave him a little "what up" and said, "You've got 144 lbs of chocolatey goodness right here" .....which I then promptly followed up with a booty shake.

Go ahead - you can just call me Shaniqua.

Nothing

Don't worry - my absence does not mean that little XM has decided to make her appearance. Even if I don't have time to pack a sufficient supply of clean underwear and have to turn pairs inside out, I will make sure I post to let you all know when I leave.

I talk with Amanda just about every other day (I decided it's probably not a big deal if you know her name - I just wanted to be sure and be respectful. But she wouldn't mind.) Anyway - I talk with her every other day or so and she's pretty miserable. But no more miserable than any other pregnant woman is at this stage of the game. She went to the hospital Monday night because she's been having some pretty bad swelling in her legs and pains in her stomach. They checked her this time - still a one. Hmph. She's been having more frequent contractions and says some of them are starting to hurt. She got up in the middle of the night last night and she said it hurt her so badly to walk. Frankly, I am more impatient with this baby than I ever was with Adia and Steele. I don't know if it's because it's been so long since we've had a baby or because travel plans etc. are still so sketchy or a combination of both. Probably a combination.

Anyhow, our current travel plans are that Amanda will call me as soon as she thinks she is going into labor. I will then try and find a flight and fly down by myself. Steele's birth grandmother (Kathy - Chelsea's mom) is going to pick me up at the airport and drive me to the hospital. *Hopefully* just in time to see Xochi's grand entrance. If they discharge Xochi from the hospital within a day or two then the two of us will fly home together. If we have to stay longer, Justin is going to drive down with the kids to get me.... um.. us. How cool is that? US! But see what I mean? Sketchy. Basically, there are only a few ideal moments of each day that Amanda could go into labor that will get me down there in time.

And that's it. Amanda and I agreed that we're going to make as many plans for ourselves as possible because babies generally decide to arrive right in the middle of important plans. So tomorrow's plans? Hopefully the farmers market again in the morning and then a 30th birthday party in the evening. Not hugely important, but plans nonetheless.

An Hour

4:50 pm : Leave my house and drop off my very last piece of Jazzercise business at the post office.

4:55 pm : Drive through the library book drop-off and say goodbye to about ten childrens books that have become dear friends over the last few weeks. That's how it always feels anyway, when I drop off library books - as though I am saying farewell to a good friend. Goodbye! Hope to see you again soon!

4:57 pm : Wave to a friend, an organic dairy farmer who goes to our church as he drives by in his big diesel pick-up truck.

5:00 pm : Stop to browse through a wonderfully sweet local home and garden store. Drool over a couple pieces of wooden jewelry, calculate in my mind whether or not I can justify buying four little bird dessert plates on clearance for $5 each. In the end, I purchase two TAG tea towels to make a couple more aprons out of. One for myself and one for ?

5:20 pm : Arrive at our local children's consignment store. As I walk in I notice the cutest little crib bumper which I don't need but would look adorable in the kids room if I ever get bored with the current one. Cream with polk-a-dots and red gingham trim. It's only $4.99 so I decide to buy it. Out of the corner of my eye a red rainjacket peaks out from a rack. $5.49. A little big but it will do nicely to replace the boy's rain jacket Adia was wearing when I left the house. I look at the tag to see what brand it is and the name tag says "Sosche." Curious.

5:28 pm : The clerk at the consignment store tells me I have a $19 credit. Sweet.

5:30 pm : Drop off Juno at the DVDXpress. Sniff. Goodbye to you too. I'd keep you if I could. You know I would. Pick out some bananas. Pick out some oranges to make this again - hoping I'll get the chance to can some. Get myself a 24 oz. fountain diet pepsi. Mmm. My favorite. You know I'd bring you home too if I could, little soda fountain machine.

5:40 pm : Pay the grocery clerk and chuckle to myself and to him about how money seems to magically shows up in my wallet thanks to my super budgeting hubby and his all cash system.

5:42 pm : Stop and talk to Rosa Maria at the mexican restaurant. We talk about Mexico, Xochi, my grandmother, air plane tickets... I like her. She says we should get together and I think we should. It's good for my spanish.

5:49 pm : Drop off a video at Blockbuster.

5:50 pm : Head home where my starving family is awaiting my arrival and Justin is already putting rice on for our Chicken Curry from Fix, Freeze, Feast. It was super yummy.


An hour. A little bit of time but a lot of refreshment.

These pictures have nothing to do with anything
They're just funny... and cute.

One More Project?

I'm a crazy lady, I know. All I need is one more project before Xochi arrives, right? I've been searching Craigslist for bookshelves. We have so many books - especially kids books which I LOVE - but really, no place to put them. We have one nice, decent-sized bookshelf in the living room that I bought from Martha Stewart's line at K-Mart. It is surprisingly well-made and fit miraculously into the space between our fireplace and the wall - with literally an inch to spare. It could almost have been built in. We also have another very small bookshelf in the kids' room that should really be painted a fun color. I currently have books stacked up on the floor and books in the basement in boxes that haven't been brought out since we moved here 3 1/2 years ago.

I found this one this morning about an hour and a half away from us. Justin just got off of work and is still down there (Seattle area) so he can pick it up as long as the seller gets back to us. Please, please, please.


The listing said there are two of them - I would LOVE to get both but we can't spare the funds right now. If we get it, I think I'll paint it and put it near our front door. Here's one thought I had: Some of the shelves are adjustable. I was thinking about taking out almost all the shelves on one side and putting some coat hooks in there - sort of like an entry piece - and then putting books on the other side. What do you think? Would that be cool or weird?

Of course, I'd have to see how many books need a home first. I want to be sure that I don't do anything to it that can't be undone. But imagine - if I leave the top and bottom shelves on the right side and take out the rest. Then maybe a little mirror under the top shelf, two or three hooks. A place for shoes or a basket under the bottom shelf and maybe a basket on the top shelf or a place for keys, hats, etc? It might be neato.

Unexpected

I received an unexpected e-mail this morning that brought some sad news. My grandmother in Mexico, whom I have never had the chance to meet, passed away on Thursday. Those of you that have been reading my blog for some time know that I have siblings from my father that I have never met and several that I have met only in the last few years. Since finding my older sister several years ago I have wanted to find the time and money to make the trip down to meet my grandmother - but between adoptions, the business and raising babies I never got the chance to go.

It's been a hard day for me. I've been crying off and on. I called my younger sister and brother and shared the news with them. I also only recently met them (within the last 2 or 3 years) and it was difficult news to give. I've gone back and forth from feeling sadness for myself - death is so permanent and I feel like there is an unknown part of me that is now gone forever. But I also feel so sad for her - that she never got a chance to know that despite her son's terrible choices - she had beautiful grandchildren who wanted to know one another and wanted to know and love her.

When my mom and father were first together, they lived in Mexico for a while. My mom was pregnant with me while she was there and my grandmother Maria (or Mimia as my sister and brother in Mexico called her) was always kind to my mom despite terribly awkward circumstances. My mom showed up to another wife and children in Mexico - although she didn't know it at the time.

I am so thankful for my older brother Beckett - although I have never met him I know that he is not like my father. He is a good man. He has integrity and love. He has been married for many years, has two children and has been caring for Mimia so she didn't have to live in a nursing home. I'm thankful that even though her son essentially abandoned her, Beckett did not.

The grief is challenging to process- the loss of someone I didn't know but who is a part of me and a part of every one of my siblings. My mom and I discussed some ways to memorialize her and to somehow bring a bit of closure to the situation. You may hear more about Mimia as time goes on but for now, I'm going to rejoice in our coming new life as I grieve the one that is gone. I'm going to give thanks to the Lord - for even though death is hard to bear - God, in His loving kindness, is giving much to be joyful for.

I've also decided, in Abuela Maria's memory, to make one little change:

Xochi Mariellen

And the Moral of the Story is....

You should definitely not try and suck down as much kids toothpaste as you can until your mama and papa find you.

In the end, it always comes back to bite you. Or in this case, comes back up to bite you.

Xochi 38 weeks (tomorrow)

A had a doctor's appointment today.... BUT... they didn't even check her!! What is up with that?!?! They only weighed her - she has gained 4 lbs since last week. She's having tons and tons of contractions and she said they're starting to hurt.

But never fear! I would never leave you without more information. I did my homework and asked A about her last two pregnancies and here's what she told me. She had her son when she was only 15 (maybe just 16). She was dilated to 1-2 cm for a week before she delivered him. She went to the hospital "too early" (her words) and was in labor for 26 hours, pushed for 5. Ugh. How awful is that? But, she said it was because she was so young and so small and that she really should have stayed home to labor a bit longer. No epidural, the doctor broke her water. 7 1/2 lbs (ish) 19 inches long.

With her daughter (4 or 5 years ago?) she was also dilated a couple of centimeters for a week before she delivered. She labored for 7 hours, didn't push for very long and out she came. No epidural, doctor broker her water. 7 lbs 14 oz and 19.5 inches long. At her last docs appt. they told her they predicted Xochi would be about 8 lbs. Everything is still looking good. I may have told you this already, but A asked about getting induced and the doctor said she would do it around May 28 but that she was pretty certain Xochi would arrive by that time.

And that's all I've got! I'm off for my run!

Funny Parenting Mistake #234

Not to be confused with Justin's #234 which happened last week.

This morning, at about 6:30 am (not an unusual time for Steele to wake up) Steele woke me up saying he had wet his bed. Now, he's been night trained for months and months and has had maybe 3 accidents since then. But anyway, Steele has a hard time waking up in general - but when he wakes up from wetting his bed he has a really hard time. It's almost like he's not fully awake or something. He was crying, so I told him to shut his bedroom door so as not to wake up Adia and I set off to get him a new pair of pajamas - which we now keep in our basement next to the washer and dryer.

Of course though, not unusual for Steele, he proceeded to cry and wail as I went downstairs and by the time I got him changed and in bed with me, Adia had woken up. She doesn't usually wake up until about 7:30 (truth be told - I had sort of wanted her to wake up early this morning since her afternoon naps have been a little late... but anyway...). So Steele and I go in to get Adia and I begin stripping Steele's bed.

Adia asks what we're doing and I tell her that I'm taking Steele's blankets off because he wet his bed to which she responds, "I wet my bed too Mama." In my head (and actually, I think it even came out of my mouth) I said, "No you didn't, you have a diaper on." And then I look at her and she is grabbing her jammies and saying she's all wet. As I pick her up, I instantly realize my mistake. You see, it was the same mistake Justin made last week. I had forgotten to put a diaper on her to sleep. I guess the answer to the question I've been wondering about is clear after 2 nights of sleeping in a pee-soaked bed. No, she will not wake up at night if she pees her pants.

So two full loads of laundry and two full changes of clothing before 7:15 and my morning is off with a bang! Before even one full cup of coffee! (which I'm back on by the way) Ah man, I totally laugh at myself sometimes. The funny thing is that I seriously looked at her last night with her jammies on and thought to myself.... I cannot forget to put a diaper on her....

Mother's Day Gift for Me and You

I told Justin that the only thing I wanted for Mother's Day was an ipod armband to go running with. So, he obliged, sending me off to Target and then Best Buy (only after searching Amazon) to try a few on and buy the one I liked best. I ended up with the DLO Action Wrap. The guy at Best Buy told me they had just gotten them in. I guess that means they're a new model 'cause I haven't been able to find the model I got on-line anywhere yet - even on the DLO web site. I tend to be picky about this kind of stuff and knowing this, I tried a handful on. I really hope this one works out ok.

Since I'm not teaching Jazzercise regularly right now I've been making sure that I choose an alternative workout. I never really ran growing up - in fact, I used to get terrible shin splints from running - but I have really been enjoying it lately. I've been running intervals on my treadmill for probably close to a year but the weather has been so beautiful lately - it's been glorious to get outside. So far, I'm not going too far - from my house, through town to a main road and back - almost exactly 2 miles.

I realized though, that I get a little bored running. I love Jazzercise because it is such a great workout and it's super fun - I get to dance to all sorts of hip music. I really need to start bringing my ipod along on my runs. Thus, the armband case.

But what would a new running armband be without some good running music on the ol' ipod? I pulled some songs I had, purchased a few new ones and put together a running playlist for myself tonight. And - for fun - I thought I'd share it with all of you! I'm thinking about keeping a current running playlist in my side bar. But for now, I hope you enjoy this one!

1. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
2. Mr. Brightside - The Killers
3. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
4. Untouched - the Veronicas
5. Check Yes Juliett - We the Kings
6. Here It Goes Again - O.K. Go
7. Fighting - Yellow Card
8. Just Dance - Lady Ga Ga & Colby O'Donis
9. Starlight - Muse
10. Switch - Will Smith
11. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
12. Let Me Go - 3 Doors Down
13. Viva la Vida - Coldplay

*Note: I put them in this exact order - trying to increase and then decrease the tempo a bit for warm-up and cool-down. All my Jazzercise training is still being put to good use. I'm going to try and run the whole set - should be over 3 miles, I'm guessing.


In other news, Justin had to work today so I spent Mother's Day on my own. It's fine with me as I'm used to him being gone frequently on holidays and we don't usually celebrate these things too much. We went to dinner last night and had a nice time. In honor of the day though and in light of our upcoming events, I rented this movie to watch again.

Sew Mother's Day Gifts

Check.

For the Aunt

For the Mother

this is me taking pictures for my blog at 5:59 when we're supposed to be at dinner at 6:00


To do before Xochi arrives: clean kids' bedroom mirror with Sprayway

Surprise Guest

This past Tuesday evening as it was heading toward 5 o'clock I was sitting in my front room chair chatting on the phone with my mom. Now, for a firefighter's wife, these hours around 4 and 5 o'clock are probably the most challenging hours of the day when my husband is at work. When most families would be preparing for their papas (not potatoes, daddys) to get home, my children are staring at me - as they've done a hundred times throughout the day - as if to ask, "Ok, what next?" And I, as their mama - knowing my husband will not get home for another 15 hours, have the responsibility of figuring just what it is we are going to do next. Most of the time I have no freakin' idea and by 4 or 5 o'clock I'm usually fresh out of anything good. Plus, I usually have low blood sugar around this time which makes me really confused and all I really want to do is run to the taco truck and call it good. And so it was on this particular Tuesday evening (Cinco de Mayo).

I had decided that we would run over to my mom's house and exchange some of our Fix, Freeze, Feast meals. That would burn up at least an hour and a half. As I was about to get off the phone I look out the window to see someone waving at me. Now, I should back up here for a moment. Last Friday night I was invited to a neighborhood barbecue. While there, I met two Mexican men. One of them lives a couple doors down with his wife and three boys. His friend spoke some english but he spoke very, very little. As usual, I took the opportunity to practice my Spanish and chatted with them for a while. Cesar, my neighbor, and his wife work down the hill at a Mexican restaurant that we frequent. I'd seen his wife and two of their boys outside before - it was nice to meet him.

So I look out the window and standing there outside my gate, side by side smiling, are Cesar and Rosa Maria. I quickly got off the phone and went out to say hi. They began hurriedly explaining to me (in Spanish) that they both needed to go to work and that their babysitter had canceled on them (the other friend at the party) and would I watch their baby for a couple of hours. I'm sure I sat there for a moment just staring at them - all sorts of thoughts running through my head. I don't even know these people. I would never drop my baby off at a stranger's house. What do I say to them?!? So, at first I said no, telling them that I was just about to leave to go to my mom's. They said they would leave his car seat for me if I wanted. What?! And then it hit me. There I was, only moments earlier, trying to figure out something to do with my evening. And here they were, moments later, desperate for my willingness to serve them.

And so I said, with a smile on my face, "I am a Christian and I want to serve you in this way. We all need help sometimes so yes, bring him in, " realizing only later that the Lord was impressing this on my heart:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22: 36-39


And so, in came sweet, little 8 month old Hernan. My kids LOVED him. Steele was the cutest. As soon as Cesar left, Steele started hopping around, clapping his hands exclaiming, "Maybe this is our new baby! Maybe this is our new baby!"

No son, we don't get to keep this one. But you know adoption is the norm in your family when your son thinks babies just get randomly dropped off on your doorstep. Then Steele wanted to hold him. So I sat Hernan on Steele's lap on the couch and Steele began directing me, "Mama! Mama! Get this baby a toy!" It was too funny.

Poor Hernan. Look at his eyes. Silently pleading, crying out...
Please! Get me out of this crazy house!

I called Justin at work and told him we had a baby at our house. He sat there on the other end of the line wondering to himself if someone, knowing we have adopted children, had brought a baby to us to take care of.

You know adoption is the norm in your family when your husband thinks babies just get randomly dropped off on your doorstep.....

The Many Faces of Adia Moon

And a little bit of Steele

Guantanamera

I have no idea where Steele learned the bum slap.
Although, now that I think about it, it could have been here.


Sneakin' Finney

Carrie Nada Nada

(In actuality, I think it says "Will the judges please reveal their scores."


It' Raining, It's Pouring

Doctor's Appt.

I had a doctor's appointment today (did I throw you off with that post title?). I was having some weird symptoms.... stomach pain, chest tightness, back pain, gas, bloating... hey, I try to be honest here. And you know what he told me?

Stress!

No, really. Me? Stress? Now?

Ha ha! I pretty much knew that's what it was but you know how those things go. The more you think about it, even though you tell yourself it's probably stress, the more stress you feel about it. Ah well. He said if I want I can take a little Prilosec for a week or two and that will help.

My doctor is a wonderful man who also happens to go to our church. I was talking to him a bit about the baby and told him A is dilated to one already. He asked if it was her first baby and when I told him it is her third he said, "Well, that baby will probably be born within a few days then..."

I don't know why, but for some reason when he said that it just hit me. I'm sure my eyes popped open. In my brain I was screaming, "In a few days?!" I was prepping myself for at least another week or two.

What the heck am I doing blogging?!?! I need to get some things together before this little girl arrives!

But let's hear it. What do you think? Days or weeks? What have your experiences been - especially for those of you that have given birth a couple times?

We're gonna have a baby!

We're At A One!

That's what A said to me today when she called to tell me how her doctor's appointment went.

So 1 cm down, 9 more to go.

As we all know, those 9 more could take hours, days or weeks.

But at least it's progress!

Exciting!!!!

Tea Towel Apron?

I found a tutorial for a great tea towel apron a few days ago. I thought I had bookmarked it somewhere but now I can't seem to find it. I can't even remember if it was something on my reader or if I just randomly found it. Any ideas? Have any of you sewers out there seen anything on any blogs you've read lately?

Mothers day is quickly approaching and I need to get sewing!


*Update*

I found it!! In case you're interested:

Tea Towel Apron

More Details

Hey all. Do you guys like knowing all these details? 'Cause it sure helps me to spew it all out so it's not just clamoring around in my brain all day long with no place to go.

Before Steele was born our agency director gave us some very necessary advice. It has proved to be helpful in all of life, but especially in adoption.

She said this to us, "Be flexible."

While it may sound obvious and easy to do - it has been so helpful with our current adoption to keep repeating this to myself over and over again. I have learned that by nature, to have babies - one must be flexible. Babies simply come when they want to, how they want to. If you don't believe me, just go ask my friend Sarah.

I'll tell you a little bit about myself. I'm not a planner. Actually, I'm pretty spontaneous. I do o.k. with change. In fact, I kind of thrive when life is a little on the crazier side. But this adoption? The fact that I pretty much cannot plan anything? It's got me just a little bit stressed. But just a little. ;-) I actually think our constant changing of plans might have everyone around us more stressed than we are. But that kind of stresses me out too.

This might be kind of long so hold tight. I really want to have it recorded somewhere so I can look back on it.

Travel

There are several factors contributing to the travel plan dilemma. We were at Mike and Amy's on Saturday night - Mike has flown and traveled A LOT so we brainstormed out loud with him.

• The first thing is that A really wants me to be there for Xochi's birth. And of course, I would love to be there too. With this in mind, flying down would be fastest and would most likely insure that I get there in time. The drawback is that it leaves me searching for a flight at the last minute, possibly waiting in an airport for hours, possibly having to drive two hours down to Seattle beforehand, having to rent a car/have someone pick me up at the airport to get to the hospital etc.
  

• Another factor is that we do not know how long Xochi will be in the hospital or how long we will have to stay in California after she is born. So far, Xochi is doing well and is healthy, but if she were to have to stay in the hospital for any length of time I don't think it would be wise of us to book a round-trip flight.
  

• Since we are adopting out of state, there is something called the Interstate Compact that we have to comply with. It is an agreement between states that allows us to move from state to state before the adoption is finalized. Even though the adoption will be finalized in Washington (a huge answer to prayer) we have to proceed according to California state adoption laws while we are there. (It's all very confusing and obviously, I'm not using all the correct legal jargon). Laws are always changing. Social workers, hospital directors, nurses, attorneys all usually have different interpretations of what these laws mean. As of now, it looks like Xochi will have to stay at the hospital until A is discharged and then once A is discharged and out of the hospital she will physically hand Xochi to us. This is what I heard from our agency director this morning but as I was reading California adoption laws on-line I read that if birth mother has to stay longer, a doctor may be able to discharge the baby as long as the birth mother has given her consent. I'm going to call our attorney on this. Aside from the hospital, we may still have to stay in California longer until all the necessary papers are filed with the California courts so that we can leave. This, of course, can only be done on weekdays blah, blah, blah. See what I mean? FLEXIBLE.

• I think it will be easiest to make the drive down if we leave Steele and Adia with my parents. It's a 14 hour drive, possibly in the middle of the night and we won't be stopping for much. It might be a little hard even for Steele and Adia who have no trouble in the car. Heck! It's gonna be hard for me! BUT if we have to be in California for a week or so I really want them to be with us. Plus, it would be challenging for my parents to keep them for that long - my mom works two days a week and let's face it, after you're done with the toddler stage, having two toddlers for a week could be tiring.
  

• It would be really nice to have our own car while we're down there. Especially if we are there for a week and also when it is time to leave. We can just get in the car and come home. And for some reason, driving with a newborn sounds more pleasant than flying with a newborn. Just a personal preference I'm sure.
  

Some more details that you can be praying for and giving praise for:

• That the relinquishment papers would get translated into Spanish and to the birth father soon.

• A has an ultrasound with her new doctor today. She is going to see how things are progressing and talk to him about the possibility of getting induced at the appropriate time. Obviously, this is such a personal decision and I really didn't feel comfortable encouraging her one way or the other. And as we all know (see above) babies come when they want to. Steele's birth mother was induced three times over the course of week before Steele decided to make his appearance. All of these things are so small in comparison to the two most important things of course - a) that Xochi is healthy b) that A has confidence and peace about every aspect of the process. I'm excited to hear how/if things are progressing and will give you an update as soon as I have one.

• Praise the Lord for continuing to meet our financial needs! Justin made extra money working for our neighbor last month. A co-worker hired Justin and Steele to do some pressure washing for him yesterday. Today, Justin got called for overtime! Also, I'll get my first ever paycheck for teaching Jazzercise at my center this month! It's about time, I tell ya!

Thank you for continuing on this journey with us. It won't be long now!

Funny

I wish that I could somehow capture or write down all the adorable things Steele and Adia say and do all day long. They bring me such joy. Most recently though, here are some more notable moments.

1. Sometimes I let Steele and Adia stay up and watch a little bit of Dancing With the Stars. During the show and throughout the day Adia will turn to me, eyes wide and say with her best announcer voice, "Carrie Nada Nada!"

2. One of Adia's favorite things to do is to creep around, knees bent, hands in front of her and say in the sweetest little high-pitched voice, "I'm gonna sneak you mama. I'm gonna sneak you." I'm going to try and get a video of this one.

3. This morning as the kids were eating breakfast and we were talking about Baby Xochi and birth mothers I said to Steele, "You're going to be the biggest kid in our family." And Steele said, "Yah, I'm the biggest and you and Dee Dee are small. You're tiny Mama. You're this big!" (Holding his fingers about an inch apart in front of him) Then Adia piped in, holding her fingers together in front of her, "You're tiny Mama!"

Awwww... just what a mama needs to hear from time to time.

To Do

Before Xochi arrives....

1. Hang art in kids room, post pics

2. Pack bags

3. Get van tuned up for drive down to Cali and back

4. Clear piles of clothes from bedroom floor so we have room to fit Xochi's cradle

5. Finalize baby name (don't ask....)

6. Wash and fold 57 loads of laundry

7. Call attorney again, 18 times

8. Paint kids toy box

9. Paint picnic tables

10. Explain to blog peeps to never get too attached to anything I say. I change my mind frequently.

11. Plant container flowers outside to welcome little Xochi.

12. Call 80 year old Grandma Nadene, demand to know what brand of skin cream she uses.

Get More Tissue

I guess I didn't have quite the right link for the adoption video. Chelsea e-mailed me the full version this afternoon. I think you'll really enjoy watching it. But like I said, definitely get more tissue.

A bit of background on the video....it was done to show in schools, pregnancy centers etc. as a way to promote adoption as an option for an unplanned pregnancy. The man who made the video filmed several families and ended up choosing ours to focus on which we think is so cool. We feel especially blessed to have this beautiful record of our story to share with Steele.

We have worked with and know many of the people shown in the video. They work at our agency and we feel so honored that we have been able to participate in their ministry to families, birth parents and children.

If you know anyone considering adoption - either birth parents or adoptive parents - please feel free to pass this on to them.

Part 1
Part 2

The Hard Choice

We've been waiting for this to be finished for a couple of years now and I just found out today that it's done.

So grab a box of tissue and click here.

It's such a hard choice.... and such a love-filled and honorable choice.

Ergo or Baby Bjorn?

I know! Two posts within a matter of hours. But, like I told you in my previous post, little Xochi could really be arriving any time now and there are very important decisions to be made. And since this is my last official week of teaching Jazzercise before my maternity leave, baby is beginning to fill my brain even more. Don't overlook the last post though - it's like a 10 on the importance list while this is probably more like a 5.

With Steele and Adia I never really used a carrier of any sort. Amy got me a Maya Wrap when Steele was born and while it is absolutely adorable I found it to be a little cumbersome and restrictive. (Who knows, maybe I never really learned how to use it properly even though I both read through the instruction sheet and watched the instruction video a bazillion times - 'cause I'm a total manual reader) I preferred to have them in the stroller (in my opinion, the only stroller one will ever need) when we were out and in our bouncy seat (certainly not the cutest, but in my experience, the most useful and sturdy) next to me at home while doing chores etc. But a trip to the post office the other day cemented in my mind that I am definitely going to need a carrier. Soon.

While we have been diligent to train Steele and Adia to stay near and obey and while we have never had say a "darting-in-front-of-an-oncoming-car experience", the fact of the matter is - they are still young. Very young. They're children. They are curious and impulsive and I definitely feel much more comfortable having them either contained in the stroller or firmly holding my hands while we run errands. Steele, approaching 4, is definitely maturing more but sometimes his squirrely-ness gets the best of him. ;-) So back to the post office. I was there... I had Steele in one hand, Adia on the opposite hip. I let go of Steele's hand and told him to stay put while I signed something and suddenly I realized, "Where's Xochi going to be during all of this?!?!" I had my first (and hopefully rare) brief moment of panic at the thought of baby #3 and decided then and there that I will just have to use a carrier. I also have a feeling we will not be making a lot of trips out for a while and I'm ok with that too.

So, slings aside, what type of carrier do you prefer? Ergo or Baby Bjorn? If you recommend the Bjorn, do you recommend the active or the original? Am I missing a different good one? It needs to be comfortable for both Justin and I. Justin requested that it be quick and easy to put on. We also need it to hold very securely to us as one of our main uses will be for when we go for walks. We take power walks pretty frequently as a family in the spring and summer - right before bedtime, the fresh air is good for everyone.

So let's hear your opinions!!

And while we're talking about Baby Bjorn - I'll give you two more favs.

I LOVE the Baby Bjorn bibs! I used to only be able to find them at specialty children's stores or on Amazon but now you can get them from Target! Kate will love that. They're soft and very adjustable and catch juicy stuff from running onto their clothes. In fact, I need to buy more - we seem to be prone to losing bibs.

I also really like our Baby Bjorn potty - simple design, doesn't take up a lot of space and about as cute as a toilet can be. It comes in cute colors too.

Photos courtesy of Mike