Gathering: The Precursor to Packing

I started packing today...or at least "gathering" the things that will eventually be packed. I figure that this baby has been full of surprises thus far and to not be prepared would most certainly ensure getting a last minute call that "it was time, come now". So, step one was getting all Alex & Cullen's clothes gathered. Check.

Next is charging the cameras, kids iPods, DSs, Mobigo, etc. And making sure we have all the batteries and cords for each.

I also pulled the carseat out of the box and washed the bundle me. Still seems so surreal. That an actual baby will go in there. And come home with us FOREVER. I mean, ya we have been through this twice before, but adoption always amazes me! We are so excited to bring home Baby Caden/Kayden! Only a week and a half to go now.

Due Date

It's been another crazy week around here. We've been busy gathering last minute baby items, making travel arrangements, filing for FMLA, etc. According to all the other docs, baby would be scheduled to arrive early next week. So we made plans. M made plans. And the doc that M saw today....made other plans. March 3rd!

I guess that means we won't be leaving tomorrow as planned.

Surprisingly I am pretty ok with this latest twist. I have had total peace all week long and trust that this delay is also for good reason.

However I am still starting to pack now anyways as this baby has proven to be full of surprises!

Progress

Feels like we got some things accomplished this weekend! I painted the nursery a nice neutral color and put the crib up today. This is REALLY happening, isn't it?!?

It also feels like I turned a corner today. For some reason, Friday and Saturday were really difficult. I could feel myself getting increasingly anxious. Not the "so excited you can barely stand it". But rather the "sick to your stomach, what if this whole thing falls apart" type of anxious. Felt super emotional all day yesterday. I kept telling myself that it was normal and it would only be a matter of time, but I hated the feeling.

But during church this morning I was reminded how God did not intend for us to experience anxiety.

(Phil 4:6 NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

So once again, I have given it back to God. I know that He has brought us to this point for a reason and I trust His perfect plan for our lives. And somehow, that makes everything better.

Let Go. Let God.

Yes, that is apparently the lesson I am to learn from all of this.

As you could probably guess...gender is still unknown. But delivery day could be as soon as next week! This baby sure likes to keep everyone on their toes!

Must. Keep. Busy.

So if I said I wasn't obsessing over tomorrow's appointment, how many people think I'd be lying? Ya, me too. Can't help it. Won't fight it. Need to know.

Will it be Caden William or Kayden Elizabeth?

Checklists

We are quickly approaching the home stretch. Only a few more weeks to go. Tomorrow is the big day...hopefully we get to find out pink or blue! And, soon after, have a delivery date!!!!!!

It's no secret that I am a big checklist type person. And although I still feel overwhelmed at the amount of stuff still left to do, we have accomplished a lot.



Checked off the list as completed:
Infant carseat/stroller/playard/bouncy seat/bassinet
Ordered Crib
Purchased necessities (diaper bag, diapers, wipes, onesies, gowns & jammies, bottles, pacifiers, etc)
Picked out names
Applied for FMLA
Sent in 90% of homestudy update paperwork
Fingerprints
TB testing for the Adults
Homestudy visit

Still left to accomplish:
TB testing for the kids
Physical for me
Fingerprinting for Shawn
Paint the nursery
Move furniture & set up crib
Borrow swing

Reflecting on our Visit

We had such a wonderful weekend with Cullen's birthfamily. It's been so long since we have seen Melissa, and it was great to meet Sam and the boys. Cullen and Vincent look so much alike! And all three boys have that same sweet personality. At times I just sat back and watched the kids interact and felt so blessed that they all have this amazing opportunity with one another.

I talked to my sister the other day about the visit and she said, "I just kept thinking it was strangely normal. Like they were just another part of the family and always had been." And it's true. I think this is one of my favorite photos. If captioned, it would say so much. My mom, looking over my sister's shoulder. My sister holding Cullen's full biological brother. An extended and blended family brought together by love.

Birthfamily Visit

We have been having an awesome time visiting with Cullen and the Baby's birthparents, Sam and Melissa!

What a Difference a Week Makes

So much has happened in this last week and I wish I had more time to go into detail! But we have, yet again, seen the mighty hand of God move over our lives. And I can't wait to see His whole plan unfold!

Melissa had her sonogram on Tuesday and we were so anxious to find out a due date. We had anticipated waiting another 3 to 4 months, so you can imagine our surprise when they told her it would be more like 3 to 4 WEEKS!!!! wow. Wow. WOW.

Needless to say it has been a crazy week as we consider all that still needs to be done. I've bought bottles, diapers, wipes, onesies, sleepers, pacifiers, a car seat, a bouncy seat, etc. Mom and Aunt Nancy bought us a new pack-n-play and friends have lent us all sorts of things. We are overwhelmed with everyone's generosity.

We had also hoped to empty out the nursery and start painting. But Melissa, Sam and the boys will be coming to visit instead!!! Which we are so happy about. We'll get to meet Sam and the boys and see Melissa again for the first time in almost three years. We are so excited and know they are too.

Will try to post again soon. Only one more week until the more high-tech sonogram which will hopefully tell us the gender. Pink or Blue?