Our Boy

My absolute favorite picture of Samps!

This blog has been sittin around for the last week or so. I didn't publish it when I first wrote it, I guess thinking that it would make it "more" real.

The last month has been a whirlwind of visits to the vet office. Our big boy wasn't acting well and isn't getting much better. After numerous visits, we are finally getting somewhere, but not exactly where we thought it would be or want it to be. We've had to make a very difficult decision on what to do about our boy. I see a more difficult decision in the near future. The outcome is inevitable.. Although my head understands, my heart is having a hard time with it. It's so hard to see him go downhill, he's not his usually peppy self, and he looks at me with those big brown eyes. He can no longer sit, and can't stand for long periods of time, so he mainly lays around all day. His appetite is almost non existent, but at times he will eat if I hand feed him.

I remember when I was pregnant with K we were worried how he was going to act with a new baby. He hadn't been around babies, or kids for that matter, other than a few occasions. Our fears were soon put to rest! He was so good with her. The first couple weeks he was nervous and wondering why that thing in the bassinet kept making noise. Before too long he would come get us if she stirred or cried. He adjusted well to not being the center of attention any longer. I think he knew with in a year or two he was going to be in for some pretty sweet treats! 

Twins

As I was reading a book last night to K for bed, The New Baby, we come to the part about Mrs. Bunn being in the hospital room with two other mothers. One of the mother's has twins. K says "Mom, I'm going to have twins." I said, "You are! That would be wonderful." She said,"Yeah, a baby brother and a baby sister and me, that makes three mom. Three of us!" The fact that she STILL wants a baby brother AND sister speaks loud volumes. I love how she throws her addition learning into her statement but the way she said "three of us" kinda scares me. Almost like she's already planning little children against parent tactics...

Everybody Else Is Doing It

The first bows I made :)

Making hair bows that is. It seems like every time I turn around someone else is making hair bows. After looking at the price of hair bows and the price of supplies (some of which I had from cosmetology school) I decided to start making them myself! It's actually pretty fun and it's quick and easy project. I like seeing it all come together in a matter of minutes. Now, if I could only get Miss K to wear them longer than 2 seconds!

I love making this kind!

My little honey bee and butterfly.

The butterfly bow to match a butterfly shirt Miss K has. My fav one so far...

Time is slowing down...

or so it seems! We've been "officially" waiting for 6 months now. The first three months flew by! These last few... not so much :( For a number of reasons I'm sure. These are the reasons I have come up with 1.) Although "officially" waiting for a baby for six months, it's been more like 2 1/2 years or so. 2.) Miss K is adamant about getting a baby brother or sister - now. And it's getting harder and harder trying to explain the situation to her. 3.) I'm going to be the big 30 this year. Although that shouldn't matter either way. It's in the back of my mind that my age is going to make a huge difference . 4.) There seems to have been an abundant amount of pregnancy/newborn news. Or maybe I'm just noticing it more. Anyhow, it doesn't make waiting easier. I know I've said this a gazillion times.... and I'll say it again.(and probably again) I do NOT want to speed up the process for the birth mom. It's going to be an extemely difficult time for her, and for her sake I'm okay with waiting. In due time, "our' birth mom will find us and it will lead to the baby meant for us!

I like free things!

I'm all about free stuff! (who isn't?) I just snagged a free baby sling from Seven Everyday Slings.  Use promo code FAMILY2011 for a free baby sling (while supplies last).  I did pay $11.95 Shipping and Handling (and there is the option of  size exchange insurance for $3.50 ).  Not bad at all for a Baby Carrier valued at $48! After you purchase your sling you will then get a promo code for a FREE nursing cover as well. I didn't even think to write it down (and I certainly don't recall it) because I'm still on the fence about trying to nurse our adopted baby. Anyhow, I've heard that the slings is all a hoax and they "steal" your money, but I did pay with paypal (my preferred way of paying) and I received the sling within a couple of days. Technically it's not FREE if you think about the shipping, but I think $12 is a decent price for a super cute sling. Now I have a guide for making my own later :)

Where's my baby brother or sister?

So, I've realized that maybe, just maybe we jumped the gun on being so open with K about adopting. I know she doesn't truly understand, and all she knows is that "one day" she will get a brother or sister. In the beginning we really struggled on whether or not to tell her, or exactly WHAT to tell her. We've always tried to be honest with her about everything. At her 3rd year well child check I mentioned to her doctor about adopting. Immediately he said we needed to start talking with her about it. Explain it to her (as best we can), read her books pertaining to adoption, answer her questions and don't leave her out. I asked, "but what if it takes two or three years? Isn't that a long time to "just be talking about it?"" He said, "Yes, it is, but it could also be tomorrow and then you have wasted a day." So, we started talking to her about a baby brother or sister she would "one day" have. Oh and btw she is finally saying baby brother OR sister, but she still insists on having both!

We went to the IAC's annual picnic in Raleigh this past weekend. I can't say I had the best time ever, but certainly not the worst time either. I kinda felt in limbo. We can't really relate to those that have adopted, we can to those who are waiting, but at the same time we do have a child already and that sets us apart from other waiting couples. Anyway, Miss K enjoyed her time there! She had so much fun playing with the other kiddos. After we left we had been driving maybe 10 minutes and K said, "Mom, you forgot to get my baby brother or sister!"

And it's because of that statement that I think maybe, just maybe we talk a little too much about her baby brother or sister she will "one day" have.

Getting her face painted!

She picked a butterfly... because "they are so pretty mom!"

Watching the magic show.

Lovin' the magic show!

A Change of Plans

So I recently found out that a "waiting" family with children on average has a longer waiting period than a couple without children. Needless to say I was a little disappointed about not being told upfront. Granted, it would not have changed our decision, but I would've liked to have known from the get-go. So from this recent information, we have decided to wait on painting and decorating the nursery. Since we are military there is no guarantee that we will be here in the next two years. We really, really want to stay here, but it's not up to us and I would hate to put all the work into getting the nursery perfect, have no baby, and then find out we have to move. So... as soon as we are matched you can bet I'm gonna be painting away!