Tonight was the night. We gave in. We tried to hold out until 6 months was upon us. But alas we couldn't wait. SHE couldn't wait. It was time.
Hadarya had rice cereal at dinner time. She began to show interest in our food, eating utensils, cups, and began losing interest in her bottles about 10 days ago. BUT we wanted her to be 6 months old. We wanted to travel without the hassle. We wanted to avoid as many food allergies as possible. Plus our friends all said that rice cereal was blah and that their kids did not like it.
Well, my friends, our daughter LOVED it. I think she's going to like pretty much anything that can go in her mouth. She ate the entire serving and probably would have had more if we'd let her.
We made 1 tbls of rice cereal with 1 oz of formula. It was on the runny side so she could suck on the spoon like she does her bottle. It took about 6 sucking motions and she figured it out! She got how to eat off a spoon. It was so cool to watch her figure it out and see the connections made. She didn't even make much of a mess and the little that got on her face, she licked off with her tongue!
We are going to try it a little thicker tomorrow and give her only rice cereal through Saturday. Then we are going to start on the green veggies... mmm, that should make changing diapers fun!
Mar 20, 2007
Taking the Red-Eye
Two weeks ago tomorrow (can I actually use past tense with future tense and write it in the present tense???) Hadarya and I flew to Philadelphia on the red-eye. Yiftach was attending a two-day conference and we decided to join him for an extended weekend to visit with our dear friends (who introduced us and married us) we had not seen since they'd moved to Voorhees, New Jersey, 2 1/2 years ago.
I was pretty nervous taking such a long flight, with a change of planes, by myself and my daughter. Fortunately, for me, I had a first class ticket all the way there and my daughter is amazing, so I needn't have worried. She slept like a champ through security, into the bjorn, and into the first class seat. She settled in nicely on my chest and snoozed the entire way. She awoke in Atlanta and stayed up for the hour layover, but fell asleep as soon as we got back on the plane!
Our time was great in New Jersey. Hadarya stayed on California time, so she slept until 9:30 AM every day! She had so much fun playing with Rebecca, 11, and Josh, 5. They were so loving and kind and helpful. Josh loved feeding, changing her diaper, and putting on powder. They both rushed downstairs to see her first thing each morning and fought over who got to push her stroller!
We spent the day (the three of us) touring Independance Hall in Philly while they all worked and went to school. We had breakfast at Cereality (a cereal bar) which was so yummy and then walked around the historical monuments in 30 degree weather. Hadarya loved the cold air and being out and about. She took her nap just before we got to the Betsey Ross House, so we only saw the gift shop.
We tried to go to the mint, where the coins were misprinted, but cameras are not allowed inside at all...and we were told to take turns or not go at all. It was quite stupid, actually, that none of the brochures had mentioned this and didn't they think that tourists would always have a camera??? Since it was visible, we couldn't really say we didn't have one. We even offered to leave it at a desk and check it... but that is not an option. So we left in a huff and ended up seeing an amazing interactive exhibit at the Federal Reserve Bank,
We spent Shabbat with Alyssa, Stephen, Rebecca, and Joshua. We had a lovely and yummy Shabbat dinner and stayed up late talking and reminiscing. Shabbat morning we went to see her new shul, meet some of their fabulous friends, and just take in an East Coast Synagogue. You don't have to work so hard at being Jewish on the East Coast. Their synagogue has 1100 families and 600 kids who attend Sunday School. It's unbelievable. They are getting ready to break ground for an amazing new building and we look forward to being at Rebecca's Bat Mitzvah to see it and celebrate.
Hadarya flew better than many adults and had a wonderful time wherever we went. Her only freak out moment, was on the way home on the crowded plane. She was fast asleep before we ever took off and another child, about 14 months old was screaming his head off two rows in front of us. He stopped and then started again at some point when it was ok to take off your seatbelt. I know this beacause Hadarya suddenly awoke screaming and would not calm down with a bottle or cuddling. I got up and climbed over two seats and moved towards the back of the plane, away from the screaming child and his mother, who remained seated in an aisle seat. As soon as I got far enough away that you could not hear the screaming, Hadarya calmed down. I felt so bad for her to awaken that way. We stayed standing in the aisle until the boy calmed down and fell asleep and Hadarya was back asleep too.
Our next stop: Yosemite. Next week.
I was pretty nervous taking such a long flight, with a change of planes, by myself and my daughter. Fortunately, for me, I had a first class ticket all the way there and my daughter is amazing, so I needn't have worried. She slept like a champ through security, into the bjorn, and into the first class seat. She settled in nicely on my chest and snoozed the entire way. She awoke in Atlanta and stayed up for the hour layover, but fell asleep as soon as we got back on the plane!
Our time was great in New Jersey. Hadarya stayed on California time, so she slept until 9:30 AM every day! She had so much fun playing with Rebecca, 11, and Josh, 5. They were so loving and kind and helpful. Josh loved feeding, changing her diaper, and putting on powder. They both rushed downstairs to see her first thing each morning and fought over who got to push her stroller!
We spent the day (the three of us) touring Independance Hall in Philly while they all worked and went to school. We had breakfast at Cereality (a cereal bar) which was so yummy and then walked around the historical monuments in 30 degree weather. Hadarya loved the cold air and being out and about. She took her nap just before we got to the Betsey Ross House, so we only saw the gift shop.
We tried to go to the mint, where the coins were misprinted, but cameras are not allowed inside at all...and we were told to take turns or not go at all. It was quite stupid, actually, that none of the brochures had mentioned this and didn't they think that tourists would always have a camera??? Since it was visible, we couldn't really say we didn't have one. We even offered to leave it at a desk and check it... but that is not an option. So we left in a huff and ended up seeing an amazing interactive exhibit at the Federal Reserve Bank,
We spent Shabbat with Alyssa, Stephen, Rebecca, and Joshua. We had a lovely and yummy Shabbat dinner and stayed up late talking and reminiscing. Shabbat morning we went to see her new shul, meet some of their fabulous friends, and just take in an East Coast Synagogue. You don't have to work so hard at being Jewish on the East Coast. Their synagogue has 1100 families and 600 kids who attend Sunday School. It's unbelievable. They are getting ready to break ground for an amazing new building and we look forward to being at Rebecca's Bat Mitzvah to see it and celebrate.
Hadarya flew better than many adults and had a wonderful time wherever we went. Her only freak out moment, was on the way home on the crowded plane. She was fast asleep before we ever took off and another child, about 14 months old was screaming his head off two rows in front of us. He stopped and then started again at some point when it was ok to take off your seatbelt. I know this beacause Hadarya suddenly awoke screaming and would not calm down with a bottle or cuddling. I got up and climbed over two seats and moved towards the back of the plane, away from the screaming child and his mother, who remained seated in an aisle seat. As soon as I got far enough away that you could not hear the screaming, Hadarya calmed down. I felt so bad for her to awaken that way. We stayed standing in the aisle until the boy calmed down and fell asleep and Hadarya was back asleep too.
Our next stop: Yosemite. Next week.
Mar 14, 2007
Marveling at my Daughter
So for no apparent reason, today, March 14, 2007, I suddenly noticed things about my daughter that I had not noticed before. Things she can do, easily, readily, and excitedly.
I wonder, "When did she learn that?" "Have I been missing it for a long time?"
Here is what I noticed:
1. She pulls hair. Lots of it. (note to self: cut it off next week)
2. She had developed a keen interest in what we are eating (grabs for the plate), how we are eating, (watching us use utensils is a big eye opener) and no longer so thrilled with her liquid only diet!
3. She has discovered her toes, but isn't so sure exactly what they are all about.
4. She laughs deeply and often at the slightest hint of our funny voices or giggles.
5. She is almost sitting up on her own (10 second rule and then boom!)
6. She looks all over for us when we leave the room.
7. She wears a size 3 diaper.
8. She has at least six delicious rolls per thigh.
9. She holds my face with her hands if I get close to her face on the changing table.
10. She can definately see much clearer and that keeps her curiousity peaked when we are out and the napping to a minimum if she has too much to see and learn.
I marvel every day at her existence in my life and all the amazing things she does.
I wonder, "When did she learn that?" "Have I been missing it for a long time?"
Here is what I noticed:
1. She pulls hair. Lots of it. (note to self: cut it off next week)
2. She had developed a keen interest in what we are eating (grabs for the plate), how we are eating, (watching us use utensils is a big eye opener) and no longer so thrilled with her liquid only diet!
3. She has discovered her toes, but isn't so sure exactly what they are all about.
4. She laughs deeply and often at the slightest hint of our funny voices or giggles.
5. She is almost sitting up on her own (10 second rule and then boom!)
6. She looks all over for us when we leave the room.
7. She wears a size 3 diaper.
8. She has at least six delicious rolls per thigh.
9. She holds my face with her hands if I get close to her face on the changing table.
10. She can definately see much clearer and that keeps her curiousity peaked when we are out and the napping to a minimum if she has too much to see and learn.
I marvel every day at her existence in my life and all the amazing things she does.
Mar 13, 2007
Gotta Brag
Tonight I took Hadarya to the monthly Board of Directors meeting for our synagogue. She normally falls asleep about 7 PM or just shortly after, but with the time change she feels it is her right to stay up until at least 8 PM. So she dozed in the car until we arrived and then happily hung out, listened to the conversation, had a bottle, and watched people.
We didn't leave until 9:01 PM at which time my happy, smiling baby (who distracted everyone with her cuteness during my report) promptly and silently fell asleep.
When we arrived home she needed a diaper change badly and she opened her eyes wide at the ability to stretch out and nicely lifted her legs for me to remove the extra 5 pounds on her tush. I laid her down in her crib and she rolled over onto her back and stared straight into my eyes while we sang the S'hma and V'Ahavta.
She rolled onto her favorite side, clutched her handmade taggie, and was fast asleep.
I know that this is not typical. I know that we are getting spoiled. I know that it could end. But while this sweetness and ease of bedtimes lasts... we are loving every last second.
I have to go stare at my beauty sleeping for a while!!!
We didn't leave until 9:01 PM at which time my happy, smiling baby (who distracted everyone with her cuteness during my report) promptly and silently fell asleep.
When we arrived home she needed a diaper change badly and she opened her eyes wide at the ability to stretch out and nicely lifted her legs for me to remove the extra 5 pounds on her tush. I laid her down in her crib and she rolled over onto her back and stared straight into my eyes while we sang the S'hma and V'Ahavta.
She rolled onto her favorite side, clutched her handmade taggie, and was fast asleep.
I know that this is not typical. I know that we are getting spoiled. I know that it could end. But while this sweetness and ease of bedtimes lasts... we are loving every last second.
I have to go stare at my beauty sleeping for a while!!!
Feb 28, 2007
Extraordinary
Our daughter is EXTRAORDINARY. There is no question about it. She is remarkable and amazing. While we might be biased as her parents, there is way too much evidence to prove these statements.
Hadarya has had a runny nose since Sunday but we think it's related to teething issues not a cold. She has had less of an appetite and is sleeping more, but no fever, no crankiness, and no sick issues. She has also had a lingering red diaper rash that rears its ugly head more during the day. We cannot seem to rid her of it yet she never complains, whines, fusses, or cries about it.
We've been waking her up the last few nights to change her diaper (allowing us to sleep through the night knowing we've added more cream upon layer of cream to protect her private areas) and give her a bottle to in order to make sure that she is getting enough food.
You would think she would cry to be woken up from sleeping to get her diaper changed. Maybe she would fuss to be pulled up from her warm bed and cozy blankets. Possibly she would just sleep through it all and let us finish quickly. BUT no, not our EXTRAORDINARY daughter.
Our EXTRAORDINARY daughter opens her beautiful eyes and looks at me with a huge smile on her face. She giggles and waves her arms and kicks her legs a hundred miles a minute. ALL of this in the middle of the night. She let's me change her wet diaper, talk sweetness to her lovely face, and cuddly her delicious body against mine as she willingly gulps a few more ounces of her bottle.
Tonight our EXTRAORDINARY daughter went out to dinner with friends right at the time she usually falls sound asleep. She was napping and we picked her up to take her in the car. She had a ball at dinner, ate her dinner, and hung out with all of us way past her bed time. She then went out for dessert and laughed and smiled at everyone. She actually laughed out loud as I changed her diaper and put on her jammies and then snuggled with Aba and fell fast asleep.
Yes, our daughter is EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE, and AMAZING. We are blessed to have this beautiful being in our lives.
Hadarya has had a runny nose since Sunday but we think it's related to teething issues not a cold. She has had less of an appetite and is sleeping more, but no fever, no crankiness, and no sick issues. She has also had a lingering red diaper rash that rears its ugly head more during the day. We cannot seem to rid her of it yet she never complains, whines, fusses, or cries about it.
We've been waking her up the last few nights to change her diaper (allowing us to sleep through the night knowing we've added more cream upon layer of cream to protect her private areas) and give her a bottle to in order to make sure that she is getting enough food.
You would think she would cry to be woken up from sleeping to get her diaper changed. Maybe she would fuss to be pulled up from her warm bed and cozy blankets. Possibly she would just sleep through it all and let us finish quickly. BUT no, not our EXTRAORDINARY daughter.
Our EXTRAORDINARY daughter opens her beautiful eyes and looks at me with a huge smile on her face. She giggles and waves her arms and kicks her legs a hundred miles a minute. ALL of this in the middle of the night. She let's me change her wet diaper, talk sweetness to her lovely face, and cuddly her delicious body against mine as she willingly gulps a few more ounces of her bottle.
Tonight our EXTRAORDINARY daughter went out to dinner with friends right at the time she usually falls sound asleep. She was napping and we picked her up to take her in the car. She had a ball at dinner, ate her dinner, and hung out with all of us way past her bed time. She then went out for dessert and laughed and smiled at everyone. She actually laughed out loud as I changed her diaper and put on her jammies and then snuggled with Aba and fell fast asleep.
Yes, our daughter is EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE, and AMAZING. We are blessed to have this beautiful being in our lives.
Feb 27, 2007
This and That
Hadarya has had an amazing few weeks.
She turned 4 months old on February 8th.
She slept through the night the week before. (10-12 hours!)
She had her shots on 2/16 and handled them like a trooper.
She traveled to San Jose to meet her Great Aunt and Great Uncle.
She spends lots of time in her exersaucer.
She holds both her head and her back very steady.
She pulls up with her hands to a standing position and loves to jump.
She loves her new bumbo chair borrowed from her friend Maital.
She talks non-stop and is practicing her low, gutteral tones.
She smiles at everyone and anyone.
She is tall and healthy except for a runny nose (her first cold!)
She kicks up a storm on the changing table (her favorite place).
She has diaper rash because she now sleeps through the night (she doesn't complain)
She has begun scooting herself backwards by pushing off anything and everything.
The best part of the day is coming home to her smile and hugs.
We are looking forward to our trip to Philadelphia next week and more exciting adventures.
She turned 4 months old on February 8th.
She slept through the night the week before. (10-12 hours!)
She had her shots on 2/16 and handled them like a trooper.
She traveled to San Jose to meet her Great Aunt and Great Uncle.
She spends lots of time in her exersaucer.
She holds both her head and her back very steady.
She pulls up with her hands to a standing position and loves to jump.
She loves her new bumbo chair borrowed from her friend Maital.
She talks non-stop and is practicing her low, gutteral tones.
She smiles at everyone and anyone.
She is tall and healthy except for a runny nose (her first cold!)
She kicks up a storm on the changing table (her favorite place).
She has diaper rash because she now sleeps through the night (she doesn't complain)
She has begun scooting herself backwards by pushing off anything and everything.
The best part of the day is coming home to her smile and hugs.
We are looking forward to our trip to Philadelphia next week and more exciting adventures.
Feb 22, 2007
Gonna be a Flyer
Hadarya took her first plane ride on February 9, 2007--4 months 1 day old. We traveled to Northern California to visit her Great Aunt and Uncle and her cousins who came in from Chico and Sacramento to visit. It was a glorious trip!
We decided to leave on Saturday morning so we'd have at least one good night's sleep at home and she could fly close to her bottle and AM nap time. Our daughter had been sleeping through the night for about 10 days at this time, so we were hopeful that a flight wouldn't change things.
She is so alert and curious that she bypassed her usual 8:20 AM nap in favor of looking at the great things in the SD airport. We boarded the plane as pre-boarding passengers; which really means the head of the line! I was surprised to see the whole line of people right behind us as we struggled to get into the seats with all our stuff.
We were very lucky because there were extra seats on the plane and Hadarya got one to herself! She promptly fell asleep before I even buckled her into her car seat and slept the entire way.
We had a glorious weekend with all her cousins and Great Aunt and Uncle. Everyone delighted in her smiles and holding her and feeding her. Aunt Judy was thrilled to hold her and laugh with her and Uncle Ron was tickled to feed her. Cousin Eddie drove in from Sacramento and got the best deep belly laughs from our girl. Cousin Wendy and her girls, Cassidy and Callie drove in from Chico and stayed through Monday.
We all had fun hanging out, going to the mall, and taking lots of photos. Being together with our children, creating memories to last us a while helps ease any pain at living so far away. We can't wait to see them this summer!
We decided to leave on Saturday morning so we'd have at least one good night's sleep at home and she could fly close to her bottle and AM nap time. Our daughter had been sleeping through the night for about 10 days at this time, so we were hopeful that a flight wouldn't change things.
She is so alert and curious that she bypassed her usual 8:20 AM nap in favor of looking at the great things in the SD airport. We boarded the plane as pre-boarding passengers; which really means the head of the line! I was surprised to see the whole line of people right behind us as we struggled to get into the seats with all our stuff.
We were very lucky because there were extra seats on the plane and Hadarya got one to herself! She promptly fell asleep before I even buckled her into her car seat and slept the entire way.
We had a glorious weekend with all her cousins and Great Aunt and Uncle. Everyone delighted in her smiles and holding her and feeding her. Aunt Judy was thrilled to hold her and laugh with her and Uncle Ron was tickled to feed her. Cousin Eddie drove in from Sacramento and got the best deep belly laughs from our girl. Cousin Wendy and her girls, Cassidy and Callie drove in from Chico and stayed through Monday.
We all had fun hanging out, going to the mall, and taking lots of photos. Being together with our children, creating memories to last us a while helps ease any pain at living so far away. We can't wait to see them this summer!
Feb 6, 2007
No Babyland Blues
It's amazing that just over a week ago I thought the world was crashing down on me and I couldn't handle all the intense pressure I was putting on myself to BE to everyone and do whatever needed to be done well.
My daughter sleeps through the night. 5 nights in a row with last night not waking up once!
My daughter cuddled with me after her bottle and flashed her gummy grin often.
My daughter held onto the sides of her bathtub and steadied herself into a sitting position.
I made a delicious dinner that we actually ate together uninterrupted.
I pulled out clothes for our trip this weekend to SF.
My house is picked up and within my living standards.
I returned 4 phone calls and held long conversations.
I followed up with 2 business parties I booked for this month.
and it's only 8:30 PM. Wow, I might actually have time to read my book!!!
My daughter sleeps through the night. 5 nights in a row with last night not waking up once!
My daughter cuddled with me after her bottle and flashed her gummy grin often.
My daughter held onto the sides of her bathtub and steadied herself into a sitting position.
I made a delicious dinner that we actually ate together uninterrupted.
I pulled out clothes for our trip this weekend to SF.
My house is picked up and within my living standards.
I returned 4 phone calls and held long conversations.
I followed up with 2 business parties I booked for this month.
and it's only 8:30 PM. Wow, I might actually have time to read my book!!!
Feb 4, 2007
Sun and Sand ~ not babyproof
We spent the weekend in LA to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. We waited until the end of the week to make the final decision to go to see how my week at work was and my emotional IQ.
There were no specific plans for the weekend, other than my sister-in-law's request to spend time with us. Her friend was throwing a dessert party Saturday night and they were going out on a date for dinner beforehand. The entire family was having brunch on Sunday somewhere. No details were given except the time of the party.
So off we went and had a great, late lunch with Nana and Saba before heading over to play with Cousin Jonah, Doda Shlomit and Dod Dave. We spent a couple of hours hanging out with them before they left for dinner and then met them at the party. It was a nice day doing lots of things.
Brunch on Sunday was at a place called Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica. While Nana had told us it was on the beach and Jonah could play in the sand, we did not really comprehend that it was ON THE BEACH. Literally.
Therefore the stroller with the sleeping baby was not going to make it to sit in the sand at the table. SO we turned around and put the stroller and car seat back in the car. We woke the baby as we put her in the Bjorn and carried the backpack diaper bag and sat at a table without any shade. In the sun. In the sand.
The only seats left at the table were the ones facing the sun, so we sat; with a 4-month-old who had no hat (we didn't know we were going to be here) and no sunscreen (too young) facing the hot morning sun. The diaper bag sat in my lap as the only other option was the sand at my feet, which were in socks and closed toe shoes.
We covered our daughter in a blanket to block the sun from her skin and face so she could at least see and held her as long as she allowed. The diaper bag was tall enough to provide a shade for her sitting on my lap, but that only lasted a few minutes.
I left the table when she got fussy, spit her pacifier into the sand, and needed a bottle. I discovered a shady area that led into an inside seating area; with no sand and no sun. More appropriate for a baby. So I sat by myself and fed her on the bench by the hostess stand. I sent my husband out to sit with his family and eat.
We were pretty angry at the lack of understanding, respect, and sensitivity. They have a child... Would they have sat with him at 4 months old in the sun? What was wrong with being inside? If we'd sat where they were at the table, we could have shielded her from the sun with our bodies, but then they would have had to sit facing the sun. It was not a good morning for us with family and the 1-1/2 hours we spent with them just made us upset.
When they went off to see the rest of the beach and the ocean, we left for home. Spending time with them was one thing; exposing our daughter to the hot sun and sand was another. We opted for the safety and comfort of our daughter over family. We do not regret it.
There were no specific plans for the weekend, other than my sister-in-law's request to spend time with us. Her friend was throwing a dessert party Saturday night and they were going out on a date for dinner beforehand. The entire family was having brunch on Sunday somewhere. No details were given except the time of the party.
So off we went and had a great, late lunch with Nana and Saba before heading over to play with Cousin Jonah, Doda Shlomit and Dod Dave. We spent a couple of hours hanging out with them before they left for dinner and then met them at the party. It was a nice day doing lots of things.
Brunch on Sunday was at a place called Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica. While Nana had told us it was on the beach and Jonah could play in the sand, we did not really comprehend that it was ON THE BEACH. Literally.
Therefore the stroller with the sleeping baby was not going to make it to sit in the sand at the table. SO we turned around and put the stroller and car seat back in the car. We woke the baby as we put her in the Bjorn and carried the backpack diaper bag and sat at a table without any shade. In the sun. In the sand.
The only seats left at the table were the ones facing the sun, so we sat; with a 4-month-old who had no hat (we didn't know we were going to be here) and no sunscreen (too young) facing the hot morning sun. The diaper bag sat in my lap as the only other option was the sand at my feet, which were in socks and closed toe shoes.
We covered our daughter in a blanket to block the sun from her skin and face so she could at least see and held her as long as she allowed. The diaper bag was tall enough to provide a shade for her sitting on my lap, but that only lasted a few minutes.
I left the table when she got fussy, spit her pacifier into the sand, and needed a bottle. I discovered a shady area that led into an inside seating area; with no sand and no sun. More appropriate for a baby. So I sat by myself and fed her on the bench by the hostess stand. I sent my husband out to sit with his family and eat.
We were pretty angry at the lack of understanding, respect, and sensitivity. They have a child... Would they have sat with him at 4 months old in the sun? What was wrong with being inside? If we'd sat where they were at the table, we could have shielded her from the sun with our bodies, but then they would have had to sit facing the sun. It was not a good morning for us with family and the 1-1/2 hours we spent with them just made us upset.
When they went off to see the rest of the beach and the ocean, we left for home. Spending time with them was one thing; exposing our daughter to the hot sun and sand was another. We opted for the safety and comfort of our daughter over family. We do not regret it.
Feb 2, 2007
All Nighter
8:30 PM - 4:44 AM
Hadarya slept so well, despite the massive diaper episode (see previous post) and slightly interrupted sleep pattern. At the point that she let us know she was up she had managed to wiggle herself from the bottom of the crib to the middle side and was bumping her head into the bumper. She is trying so hard to roll over that when she gets into that position she arches her back and tries to move onto her side. This causes frustration.
We gave her the pacifier and she settled down... for 10 mins. Then we tried it again and she settled down... for 10 mins. At this point (5:10 AM) we brought her into our warm bed and she fell right asleep snuggled against her Aba. Ima had to get up in less than an hour, so Aba got the joy of her sweet, warm body. This time she slept until 6:45 AM and awoke happy and smiley.
The best part of all, is that we not only got a great night's sleep but she did not need a bottle in the middle of the night. We will see how the weekend goes, but I think we've moved into the sleep all night category! WOOHOO!
Hadarya slept so well, despite the massive diaper episode (see previous post) and slightly interrupted sleep pattern. At the point that she let us know she was up she had managed to wiggle herself from the bottom of the crib to the middle side and was bumping her head into the bumper. She is trying so hard to roll over that when she gets into that position she arches her back and tries to move onto her side. This causes frustration.
We gave her the pacifier and she settled down... for 10 mins. Then we tried it again and she settled down... for 10 mins. At this point (5:10 AM) we brought her into our warm bed and she fell right asleep snuggled against her Aba. Ima had to get up in less than an hour, so Aba got the joy of her sweet, warm body. This time she slept until 6:45 AM and awoke happy and smiley.
The best part of all, is that we not only got a great night's sleep but she did not need a bottle in the middle of the night. We will see how the weekend goes, but I think we've moved into the sleep all night category! WOOHOO!
Feb 1, 2007
Three Diapers Later
After her 8 PM bottle she promptly fell sound asleep. Since we were not at home, she happily snuggled into her carseat, hugged her homemade taggie blanket, and slept, well, like a baby. We got home about 45 minutes later and began the transfer to her crib. Warm and cozy against my chest, I got a whiff of the baby scent. . . except according to super sniffer daddy it was not the lovely baby scent we love.
Off to the changing table with a sleeping baby to get her fresh enough to go to bed for a long long night. She actually stayed asleep while I took care of business. Then she peed all over the clean diaper but mostly on the top of her onsie. Off with that diaper (while she semi-awoke and stayed happy). We had to wipe her down, take off the pads, and the clothes. We put another diaper under her and got the diaper rash cream ready to go and SHE PEED AGAIN! Off with that diaper and wipe her down again and start over. By this time, she was awake and not so happy.
We NASCAR PIT CREWED her on the ottoman (since there was not a clean pad on the changing table) and together we got her into new jammies. We had a bottle ready and she topped off with 2 more ounces at 9:30. She was so completely asleep that she allowed us to put her in the crib without making a move or sound.
Hmmm...we could be in a for a good night! At least we can hope.
Off to the changing table with a sleeping baby to get her fresh enough to go to bed for a long long night. She actually stayed asleep while I took care of business. Then she peed all over the clean diaper but mostly on the top of her onsie. Off with that diaper (while she semi-awoke and stayed happy). We had to wipe her down, take off the pads, and the clothes. We put another diaper under her and got the diaper rash cream ready to go and SHE PEED AGAIN! Off with that diaper and wipe her down again and start over. By this time, she was awake and not so happy.
We NASCAR PIT CREWED her on the ottoman (since there was not a clean pad on the changing table) and together we got her into new jammies. We had a bottle ready and she topped off with 2 more ounces at 9:30. She was so completely asleep that she allowed us to put her in the crib without making a move or sound.
Hmmm...we could be in a for a good night! At least we can hope.
Jan 25, 2007
Overwhelmed
Today is a tough day. For no particular reason Thursday, January 25th is hard.
I am finding it increasingly difficult to balance work, being a mom, running my business, finding time for myself/my husband and keeping my house clean, laundry done, and food cooked... all that does not include doing anything fun nor does it include returning any phone calls or making phone calls just to chat or grocery shopping or going to the movies or reading.
I am just too tired.
I have no energy by the end of the day.
I feel like I am barely bobbing on the surface and the water is going to close in over my head.
....and all i want to do is spend time with my baby and do mommy things and not have to worry about paying the bills.
I am finding it increasingly difficult to balance work, being a mom, running my business, finding time for myself/my husband and keeping my house clean, laundry done, and food cooked... all that does not include doing anything fun nor does it include returning any phone calls or making phone calls just to chat or grocery shopping or going to the movies or reading.
I am just too tired.
I have no energy by the end of the day.
I feel like I am barely bobbing on the surface and the water is going to close in over my head.
....and all i want to do is spend time with my baby and do mommy things and not have to worry about paying the bills.
Jan 22, 2007
Big Day in Babyland!
We have a RN who comes out once a month to check on Hadarya's development, height, weight, motor skills, etc. It's really cool because she is funny, calm, talkative, and stays for over an hour. We actually get a chance to ask questions, show her things, and see how well Hadarya's doing without feeling rushed at the doctor.
SO our daughter weighs 13 lbs 15.5 oz and is just about 25 inches long! She has grown tremendously and is doing very well. She is doing many things she should be for her age and many things ahead of schedule. I know I gave a list of her things she does right about 3 months but there are more fantastic things.
Today we showed Pam, the RN, how Hadarya has suddenly, in the last week, been able to hold her head and chest up at a 45 degree angle. It's great! So she happily showed off and laughed and then SHE ROLLED OVER! We thought it was a fluke and so we put her on her tummy again and she ROLLED THE OTHER WAY!
We tried for a third time and she did not disappoint. Over she went with lots of pushing of her leg and clearly realizing the concept. Once on her back she pushed her leg and arched her back getting ready to roll back over. She has not done the reverse roll yet, but we are on our way of bigger accomplishments than eating our hands!
That's our girl. Delightful. Happy. Intelligent. We can't wait to see what she does next.
SO our daughter weighs 13 lbs 15.5 oz and is just about 25 inches long! She has grown tremendously and is doing very well. She is doing many things she should be for her age and many things ahead of schedule. I know I gave a list of her things she does right about 3 months but there are more fantastic things.
Today we showed Pam, the RN, how Hadarya has suddenly, in the last week, been able to hold her head and chest up at a 45 degree angle. It's great! So she happily showed off and laughed and then SHE ROLLED OVER! We thought it was a fluke and so we put her on her tummy again and she ROLLED THE OTHER WAY!
We tried for a third time and she did not disappoint. Over she went with lots of pushing of her leg and clearly realizing the concept. Once on her back she pushed her leg and arched her back getting ready to roll back over. She has not done the reverse roll yet, but we are on our way of bigger accomplishments than eating our hands!
That's our girl. Delightful. Happy. Intelligent. We can't wait to see what she does next.
Jan 18, 2007
5 PM - the witching hour
Our daughter is amazing. There is no other word to describe this beautiful being that loves to play, hang out with us, be read to, and sleeps well. She is on a somewhat of a schedule due in part to us and mostly due to her. She eats breakfast at about 7 AM and then plays for an hour or two. She naps for 30-45 minutes (sometimes an hour if we are lucky) and then eats lunch around 10:45 or 11 AM. Within the hour she crashes for a good 2 - 2 1/2 hour nap. Snack at 3 PM and plays nicely until about 4:15- 4:30 PM. Usually she needs a nap again at this time for about an hour. THEN we hit 5 PM.
For the last week she has become a different child at the stroke of the clock at 5 PM. She begins crying and fussing and flailing and being really really mad. Nothing we have done helps. She can be fine at 4:55 and turn at 5. She refuses the pacifier. She kicks her legs if you try to cuddle her. She screams if you read a book. She wails if she is put in the carseat. She can't stand her room nor her beloved changing table that just 15 minutes before made her smile and giggle! We have had quite a few days of the little Miss!
We know that she might be a little hungry (she eats 6 oz every 3 1/2 - 4 hours) so 2 hours after a huge bottle, she should not be starving enough to wail like she does. We are trying, sorta unsuccessfully, to figure out her nighttime routine. We were determined not to give in to her screaming and pacify her with a bottle last night. She had a fantastic day and was happy as could be until the clock struck 5. So we tried everything again.... to no avail.
After 45 minutes of off and on crying and tears... we decided to that maybe we should change her diaper and start "fresh." Well, that was it. She had a pretty wet diaper and was her usual happy self when she was changed! I cannot believe it. She loved her mobile that only minutes before had set her off. She smiled, laughed, hung out, and was our amazing beautiful daughter again. So we are going to hope that we have solved our bewitching hour and we are going to go for the diaper change at 5 o'clock again today. I can certainly handle that better than screaming and crying for an hour!
Now if we could just get her bedtime pushed back to 8:00 PM again...
For the last week she has become a different child at the stroke of the clock at 5 PM. She begins crying and fussing and flailing and being really really mad. Nothing we have done helps. She can be fine at 4:55 and turn at 5. She refuses the pacifier. She kicks her legs if you try to cuddle her. She screams if you read a book. She wails if she is put in the carseat. She can't stand her room nor her beloved changing table that just 15 minutes before made her smile and giggle! We have had quite a few days of the little Miss!
We know that she might be a little hungry (she eats 6 oz every 3 1/2 - 4 hours) so 2 hours after a huge bottle, she should not be starving enough to wail like she does. We are trying, sorta unsuccessfully, to figure out her nighttime routine. We were determined not to give in to her screaming and pacify her with a bottle last night. She had a fantastic day and was happy as could be until the clock struck 5. So we tried everything again.... to no avail.
After 45 minutes of off and on crying and tears... we decided to that maybe we should change her diaper and start "fresh." Well, that was it. She had a pretty wet diaper and was her usual happy self when she was changed! I cannot believe it. She loved her mobile that only minutes before had set her off. She smiled, laughed, hung out, and was our amazing beautiful daughter again. So we are going to hope that we have solved our bewitching hour and we are going to go for the diaper change at 5 o'clock again today. I can certainly handle that better than screaming and crying for an hour!
Now if we could just get her bedtime pushed back to 8:00 PM again...
Jan 12, 2007
Transition to the Crib
After a my first week at work adjusting and having Hadarya still sleeping in our room, we decided it was time to try the crib full time. She just wasn't really sleeping well enough for us... she was getting up at 5 AM but not ready for her day and then refusing to go back into the pack and play. Then I had to get ready for work in the dark and be quiet in order to not wake her up. It was time.
SO we ventured into our first night on Saturday night. She was as happy as can be as we put her into her crib with all her blankets and things from the pack and play. We kissed her, sang the Shema, and let her put herself to sleep. I was the one nervous and worried that we wouldn't hear her (monitor and she's 50 feet down the hall) or that it'd be too hard to get up and go into her room in the middle of the night. All for naught... she slept, well like a baby!
The move into the crib went very smoothly and we are all getting good sleep because of it! She routinely goes to be around 8:00 or 8:30 and sleeps 5 - 6.5 hours at a stretch. We know we are so lucky that she wakes up happy and lets us know that it's time for her to get up and get a clean diaper and bottle. We are working on a smaller bottle in the middle of the night to wean her off that. Then she goes back down until around 6:45/7:10 AM.
It's been a better week balancing mommy hood and working mom because I am getting a good chunk of sleep and my baby is happy. Now we just have to get through the next challenge: teeth.
SO we ventured into our first night on Saturday night. She was as happy as can be as we put her into her crib with all her blankets and things from the pack and play. We kissed her, sang the Shema, and let her put herself to sleep. I was the one nervous and worried that we wouldn't hear her (monitor and she's 50 feet down the hall) or that it'd be too hard to get up and go into her room in the middle of the night. All for naught... she slept, well like a baby!
The move into the crib went very smoothly and we are all getting good sleep because of it! She routinely goes to be around 8:00 or 8:30 and sleeps 5 - 6.5 hours at a stretch. We know we are so lucky that she wakes up happy and lets us know that it's time for her to get up and get a clean diaper and bottle. We are working on a smaller bottle in the middle of the night to wean her off that. Then she goes back down until around 6:45/7:10 AM.
It's been a better week balancing mommy hood and working mom because I am getting a good chunk of sleep and my baby is happy. Now we just have to get through the next challenge: teeth.
Jan 7, 2007
12 Weeks, 3 Months
Today is the end of my daughter's 12th week of life... she will be 3 months old tomorrow 01-08-07. It's hard to believe that a quarter of a year has gone by so quickly and that our lives have forever changed. She has changed so much in these 3 months that I wanted to capture as much as I could remember. While we think we have a genius on our hands and delight and revel in every accomplishment, we recognize that most of these are "normal" baby things to do!
1. Hadarya laughs out loud.
2. She smiles the biggest grin ever when you talk to her.
3. Hadarya LOVES books and being read to in Hebrew and English. (Yeah!)
4. She holds her hands together in front of her.
5. Hadarya kicks her gym to make the music go.
6. She grabs the links that dangle from all her "big" toys.
7. Hadarya slept in her crib all night.
8. She loves to cuddle in bed with us.
9. Hadarya carries on a conversation with different sounds and tones.
10. She loves her bedroom and actually lights up in smiles and laughs when we enter her door.
11. Hadarya can't get enough of her mobile hanging in her crib.
12. She holds her head almost perfectly steady at all times.
13. Hadarya tolerates tummy time --she pushes up her chest and head!
14. She has begun to put things into her mouth and chew.
15. She LIGHTS up in smiles when I get home from work.
It's been a whirlwind few months and I am glad that they are behind us. We are getting into the swing of things with our Princess and finally feeling like we are caught up with our new life.
1. Hadarya laughs out loud.
2. She smiles the biggest grin ever when you talk to her.
3. Hadarya LOVES books and being read to in Hebrew and English. (Yeah!)
4. She holds her hands together in front of her.
5. Hadarya kicks her gym to make the music go.
6. She grabs the links that dangle from all her "big" toys.
7. Hadarya slept in her crib all night.
8. She loves to cuddle in bed with us.
9. Hadarya carries on a conversation with different sounds and tones.
10. She loves her bedroom and actually lights up in smiles and laughs when we enter her door.
11. Hadarya can't get enough of her mobile hanging in her crib.
12. She holds her head almost perfectly steady at all times.
13. Hadarya tolerates tummy time --she pushes up her chest and head!
14. She has begun to put things into her mouth and chew.
15. She LIGHTS up in smiles when I get home from work.
It's been a whirlwind few months and I am glad that they are behind us. We are getting into the swing of things with our Princess and finally feeling like we are caught up with our new life.
Jan 2, 2007
Made it Through
Back to work and not too bad. Being a minimum day (done at 12:30 teaching), Daddy home sick, and very well planned certainly helped. Either way, it was actually very nice to be on a schedule and on the move all day long! The first day back is getting back to basics and cleaning out our desks and remembering the rules. For the first time in 14 years of teaching I did what I needed at my job and then left to come home to my family and do no work. It felt great!
Hadarya had a ball with Grandma, laughing, playing, not napping, and smiling up a storm. She didn't nap much in the afternoon and ate way less then usual. But she was happy and alert. That is until I got home... my beautiful daughter whom I have been home with all day long for 3 months would not share a smile with me, would actually not look right at me, nor give me the time of day. She was pissed that I'd been gone all day! She has not been away from me for that long boy did she let me know that she was unhappy.
It took some time, some cuddling, changing a very poopy diaper, and playing in her crib with the mobile she loves to get her to come around. I am going to be a mom who needs to work to be a better mom--or at least have a full schedule that includes doing for others. What I am going to miss the most about going back to work is being able to be part of a playgroup and interacting with other mommies who have children the same age.
Hadarya had a ball with Grandma, laughing, playing, not napping, and smiling up a storm. She didn't nap much in the afternoon and ate way less then usual. But she was happy and alert. That is until I got home... my beautiful daughter whom I have been home with all day long for 3 months would not share a smile with me, would actually not look right at me, nor give me the time of day. She was pissed that I'd been gone all day! She has not been away from me for that long boy did she let me know that she was unhappy.
It took some time, some cuddling, changing a very poopy diaper, and playing in her crib with the mobile she loves to get her to come around. I am going to be a mom who needs to work to be a better mom--or at least have a full schedule that includes doing for others. What I am going to miss the most about going back to work is being able to be part of a playgroup and interacting with other mommies who have children the same age.
Jan 1, 2007
Happy New Year!
December 31, 2006 ~ The end of a spectacular year for our family and the beginning of a whole new life. We started this morning with Grandparents 101. We went over Hadarya's schedule, feeding amounts, (6 oz!) how she likes to nap (cuddled close to your chest), and practicing the car seat. We had a wonderful time laughing and giggling as the Grandma's practiced with a huge teddy bear strapping her into the seat, carrying it to the car, and trying to make light of the nervousness that I was feeling going back to work full time on Tuesday.
Hadarya must know something is up or realized that she is now 12 weeks old and decided to stick to a great schedule all day and into the new year. She played as usual in the AM after eating and took a 30 minute cat nap at 8:40 AM. She ate again at the 3.5 hour mark and then cuddled into Grandpa's chest at noon, sleeping for just over 2 hours. (She allowed us to put her down too!) She then ate at 2:00 PM and played and ate again at 5:00 PM. We thought that'd be it for awhile and we'd have plenty of time to make it to our friends for a get together and then she'd eat and go down for a longer stretch.
After her luxurious bath she decided she neeeded to eat again and scarfed 4 oz at 7 PM. This made us late to the party but she fell asleep on the way there and stayed out until just after midnight! We had a huge stretch of time. She woke up happy and ate again at 12:30 AM. We got on the road shortly after that in hopes that we would not be in for a long night. Our beautiful daughter did not miss a beat and proved again to us how amazing she is! She hung out until we got home at 1:30 AM and then laid down in her crib. Within 15 minutes she had fallen asleep and stayed there until 7:30 AM. YEP... we got 6 hours straight. It was delicious!
She then repeated her patterns all day today with a long 2.5 hour nap in the middle of the day, (in which we joined her for some extra zzzz's) and has now been asleep since 7 PM. We are hoping that this lovely pattern stays and we have ourselves a great night again.
Tomorrow I am off to my first day of teaching since October 1st. I am excited, nervous, and anxious. She's going to have so much fun with the Grandma's and I am going to love being back in a structure and routine... but now that she has begun to really settle into a pattern, I am going to miss being part of it and miss playgroups. It will be an adjustment and balancing act that will take some time to figure out.
Hadarya must know something is up or realized that she is now 12 weeks old and decided to stick to a great schedule all day and into the new year. She played as usual in the AM after eating and took a 30 minute cat nap at 8:40 AM. She ate again at the 3.5 hour mark and then cuddled into Grandpa's chest at noon, sleeping for just over 2 hours. (She allowed us to put her down too!) She then ate at 2:00 PM and played and ate again at 5:00 PM. We thought that'd be it for awhile and we'd have plenty of time to make it to our friends for a get together and then she'd eat and go down for a longer stretch.
After her luxurious bath she decided she neeeded to eat again and scarfed 4 oz at 7 PM. This made us late to the party but she fell asleep on the way there and stayed out until just after midnight! We had a huge stretch of time. She woke up happy and ate again at 12:30 AM. We got on the road shortly after that in hopes that we would not be in for a long night. Our beautiful daughter did not miss a beat and proved again to us how amazing she is! She hung out until we got home at 1:30 AM and then laid down in her crib. Within 15 minutes she had fallen asleep and stayed there until 7:30 AM. YEP... we got 6 hours straight. It was delicious!
She then repeated her patterns all day today with a long 2.5 hour nap in the middle of the day, (in which we joined her for some extra zzzz's) and has now been asleep since 7 PM. We are hoping that this lovely pattern stays and we have ourselves a great night again.
Tomorrow I am off to my first day of teaching since October 1st. I am excited, nervous, and anxious. She's going to have so much fun with the Grandma's and I am going to love being back in a structure and routine... but now that she has begun to really settle into a pattern, I am going to miss being part of it and miss playgroups. It will be an adjustment and balancing act that will take some time to figure out.
Dec 28, 2006
ENDS...
THE END of my cousins' week long visit to San Diego was today. We've been planning this trip since their last visit in June and never imagined it would be to meet a new cousin. There are 9 months between my cousin and I and we grew up 8 houses apart from each other. Her daughters are Cassidy 7 1/2 and Callie 2 1/2. They were enamored with their cousin beyond any words I could write. They loved reading to her, helping with her diapers, taking care of her, singing to her, talking to her, and just being with her. We tromped to the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, the Natural History Museum, the mall, watched movies, baked cookies, and filled our week. We had a fantastic visit and we're sad to see them go. We can't wait to have them visit in June! It also meant that I didn't dwell on the end of my maternity leave.
THE END of my maternity leave comes with the beginning of the new year. I return to work on Tuesday, January 2nd. I have been off for 11 weeks with my daughter. 11 weeks of adjustment, 11 weeks of diapers and bottles, 11 weeks of watching a teeny bundle grow like a weed into an adorable child who smiles at my voice, laughs at the butterflies in her room, and loves to play with her rainforest gym where she has begun to grab the hanging toys.
I am ready to go back to work and have some structure to my days. I love being home with my daughter but long for some more adult interaction and time pressure to complete things. I know I will miss being with her. I know that she'll be well cared for; Daddy is going to be home M & F and Grandma gets to play on T & Th and Savta gets Weds. They are going to have so much fun! My hope is that I will miss her so much that coming home will be incredibly delightful and our lifestyle will slow down as I will want to just be at home with her after working.
THE END of the 2006 year. It is so hard to believe that an entire calendar year has passed. A year ago we were beginning the adoption process with the County of San Diego, settling into our first home we'd owned for just over 2 months, celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary, and contemplating what path our lives might take during the year.
We never would have imagined the journey we traveled in 2006.
Being connected to the bone marrow receipient who survived the required year before making contact has been amazing. It has been a delight to be in contact with Phyllis and Joel and create a wonderful relationship that extends to their children. We look forward to meeting with them in person soon.
Our daughter's arrival on 10-08-06 has certainly been a much anticipated event but one we were not prepared for at that moment. It has been made the end of 2006 quite the year as we have celebrated at many occassions the miracle of our daughter and welcomed her into our community of family and friends.
Wishing you all a wonderful, exciting, and delightful year for 2007.
THE END of my maternity leave comes with the beginning of the new year. I return to work on Tuesday, January 2nd. I have been off for 11 weeks with my daughter. 11 weeks of adjustment, 11 weeks of diapers and bottles, 11 weeks of watching a teeny bundle grow like a weed into an adorable child who smiles at my voice, laughs at the butterflies in her room, and loves to play with her rainforest gym where she has begun to grab the hanging toys.
I am ready to go back to work and have some structure to my days. I love being home with my daughter but long for some more adult interaction and time pressure to complete things. I know I will miss being with her. I know that she'll be well cared for; Daddy is going to be home M & F and Grandma gets to play on T & Th and Savta gets Weds. They are going to have so much fun! My hope is that I will miss her so much that coming home will be incredibly delightful and our lifestyle will slow down as I will want to just be at home with her after working.
THE END of the 2006 year. It is so hard to believe that an entire calendar year has passed. A year ago we were beginning the adoption process with the County of San Diego, settling into our first home we'd owned for just over 2 months, celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary, and contemplating what path our lives might take during the year.
We never would have imagined the journey we traveled in 2006.
Being connected to the bone marrow receipient who survived the required year before making contact has been amazing. It has been a delight to be in contact with Phyllis and Joel and create a wonderful relationship that extends to their children. We look forward to meeting with them in person soon.
Our daughter's arrival on 10-08-06 has certainly been a much anticipated event but one we were not prepared for at that moment. It has been made the end of 2006 quite the year as we have celebrated at many occassions the miracle of our daughter and welcomed her into our community of family and friends.
Wishing you all a wonderful, exciting, and delightful year for 2007.
Dec 15, 2006
Paying It Forward
There has been a deep desire within me to thank the amazing Doctor who helped her patient find a family to adopt her baby because we were that family and our lives have changed forever. But saying thank you is not enough and money is not appropriate and what do you get as a gift for a doctor without being too personal? So we've hemmed and hawed and done a whole lot of nothing but think about what we want to say and do.
We got the opportunity to Pay it Forward on Tuesday, 12-12-06.
Back in August I got back in touch with a friend who lives in Mississippi with her 5 children. She and the 3 oldest were in our wedding almost 4 years ago. Then the distance and time and life got in our way of being as close as we once were. When we spoke on the phone, she learned of our inability to get pregnant and interest in adopting. The following week she called and told us that her sister's friend was about 5 months pregnant and wanted help finding the baby a home and were we interested.
That baby was not meant to be in our home and our daughter arrived 10-08-06 through the a series of destined events, a super doctor and a very brave woman. After she came home and we had time with her, we realized that we could not take another baby so close in age into our home. There was just no way that we were going to be able to give of ourselves to 2 babies 2 months apart and we felt it would not be fair to anyone; especially the babies.
We let our friend know that we weren't going to be able to take this baby but that we did have at least one if not two other families interested in adopting the baby. This, of course, did not go over well with the birth mom and she was not interested in hearing about the other families. Two weeks later, on 12-12-06 at 4:42 AM, my friend called to tell me that a beautiful, baby girl was born and were my friends still interested.
These friends were people through another close friend who got in touch with me after hearing our story. I had never spoken to them until that morning when I called to tell them that a baby girl had been born and they were parents if they were still interested. After a few shocked comments from them and advice from me, they were well on their way down the parent path.
Today I got an email with beautiful photos of their daughter, Emily Lynne and it made me cry. Today they supposed to leave on a 7 day trip to Hawaii that had been a surprise gift from her husband... instead they cancelled their trip and went to Mississippi to get their daughter.
I now know how to thank the Doctor. I paid it forward and changed the lives of these people and their families; just like she did for me and mine. Emily Lynne is one lucky girl. Her birth mom is one brave woman. This man and woman are now parents and will be home by Christmas with their baby girl.
wow. what an amazing feeling. I can't wait to meet them.
We got the opportunity to Pay it Forward on Tuesday, 12-12-06.
Back in August I got back in touch with a friend who lives in Mississippi with her 5 children. She and the 3 oldest were in our wedding almost 4 years ago. Then the distance and time and life got in our way of being as close as we once were. When we spoke on the phone, she learned of our inability to get pregnant and interest in adopting. The following week she called and told us that her sister's friend was about 5 months pregnant and wanted help finding the baby a home and were we interested.
That baby was not meant to be in our home and our daughter arrived 10-08-06 through the a series of destined events, a super doctor and a very brave woman. After she came home and we had time with her, we realized that we could not take another baby so close in age into our home. There was just no way that we were going to be able to give of ourselves to 2 babies 2 months apart and we felt it would not be fair to anyone; especially the babies.
We let our friend know that we weren't going to be able to take this baby but that we did have at least one if not two other families interested in adopting the baby. This, of course, did not go over well with the birth mom and she was not interested in hearing about the other families. Two weeks later, on 12-12-06 at 4:42 AM, my friend called to tell me that a beautiful, baby girl was born and were my friends still interested.
These friends were people through another close friend who got in touch with me after hearing our story. I had never spoken to them until that morning when I called to tell them that a baby girl had been born and they were parents if they were still interested. After a few shocked comments from them and advice from me, they were well on their way down the parent path.
Today I got an email with beautiful photos of their daughter, Emily Lynne and it made me cry. Today they supposed to leave on a 7 day trip to Hawaii that had been a surprise gift from her husband... instead they cancelled their trip and went to Mississippi to get their daughter.
I now know how to thank the Doctor. I paid it forward and changed the lives of these people and their families; just like she did for me and mine. Emily Lynne is one lucky girl. Her birth mom is one brave woman. This man and woman are now parents and will be home by Christmas with their baby girl.
wow. what an amazing feeling. I can't wait to meet them.
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