Would you please take a moment and sign this petition?
It's about the adoption tax credit which makes it possible for some people to adopt who couldn't otherwise afford to do so. And if you feel like it doesn't effect you, it does. If you pay taxes, you are paying for all of the kids in the foster care system. This credit helps lessen that burden and give some of those kids loving homes!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Saturday, November 5, 2011
goings on
I thought I had updated here about our daughter, but apparently I did not.
It's true: Having a second child takes up a lot more of your time! Especially when said child is colicy and doesn't like sleeping much.
Madison was born at the end of May and, aside from the first six weeks be r.o.u.g.h, is a total joy. She reminds me a lot of Kasen, who adores her. The feeling is mutual, too. She just thinks he is the coolest thing since sliced bread. (He's currently singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" to her and showing her what to do with her hands.)
She's now a master breastfeeder, master sleeper and such a blessing to us!
As far as adoption stuff goes, it's sort of on hold indefinitely at this point. I have some medical issues and family issues we are dealing with and I honestly can't handle more on my plate at this moment. Jumping back into actively searching for a birthfamily and all that entails just isn't in me right now.
I woke up this morning with complete peace at how our life is right at this moment, but also with the feeling that maybe when Maddy is about 3, it would be time to start either seeing if by some chance we are able to get pregnant on our own again or hop back on the adoption bandwagon.
Honestly, I can't imagine going through another pregnancy though. This last time was hard on me, though I think part of it has to do with the medical issues I'm dealing with. I see a specialist in two weeks and will hopefully finally have some answers and start getting things straightened out.
That being said though, if someone approached us and we felt the situation was right, we'd definitely move forward with it.
I do know one thing though: I love being a stay-at-home mom and wife. It's totally my calling.
It's true: Having a second child takes up a lot more of your time! Especially when said child is colicy and doesn't like sleeping much.
Madison was born at the end of May and, aside from the first six weeks be r.o.u.g.h, is a total joy. She reminds me a lot of Kasen, who adores her. The feeling is mutual, too. She just thinks he is the coolest thing since sliced bread. (He's currently singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" to her and showing her what to do with her hands.)
She's now a master breastfeeder, master sleeper and such a blessing to us!
As far as adoption stuff goes, it's sort of on hold indefinitely at this point. I have some medical issues and family issues we are dealing with and I honestly can't handle more on my plate at this moment. Jumping back into actively searching for a birthfamily and all that entails just isn't in me right now.
I woke up this morning with complete peace at how our life is right at this moment, but also with the feeling that maybe when Maddy is about 3, it would be time to start either seeing if by some chance we are able to get pregnant on our own again or hop back on the adoption bandwagon.
Honestly, I can't imagine going through another pregnancy though. This last time was hard on me, though I think part of it has to do with the medical issues I'm dealing with. I see a specialist in two weeks and will hopefully finally have some answers and start getting things straightened out.
That being said though, if someone approached us and we felt the situation was right, we'd definitely move forward with it.
I do know one thing though: I love being a stay-at-home mom and wife. It's totally my calling.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Just thought I'd do a quick update since I haven't said a word since November... and it's May!
I just finished scrapbooking 2010, which included a whole section on the adoption fundraiser yardsale we did. Made me wonder what if... though we haven't had any leads since the one in November. Fate, I guess.
This pregnancy - geez. I have pretty much been sick since I got pregnant. For awhile there, if I got a week of being healthy, it was a miracle. Then I went an entire month (yay!) and got sick again. Still getting over that one. (Nasty cold virus that led to a sinus infection and bronchitis. Neal, Kasen and both of my parents got it, too.)
Not counting the constant nausea (still having that!) and your normal pregnancy pains, plus PUPPP again (a fun, extremely itchy pregnancy rash), I've had bronchitis three times, the flu, pink eye, pharyngitis, my first ear infection, two sinus infections and I have no idea how many colds. My immune system is apparently completely shot this time around. I've lost track of how many times I've been on antibiotics.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to not being pregnant. I've been too sick to really enjoy this pregnancy like I did Kasen's. Add still being nauseous all the time, and I'm just ready to have this baby. Thank God I discovered Unisom. The kind with only Doxycyline in it is safe during pregnancy, helps you sleep AND takes care of nausea! I don't take it during the day otherwise I'd be sleepy all the time, so I deal with the nausea using Tums and food. I went two nights without it recently and spent most of that time running to the bathroom or carrying/sleeping with a bucket, just in case.
But - the end is near! I'm scheduled for a c-section on May 31, which means I've only got about 3 weeks left. Or less, if I go into labor before that. (Is it selfish that I'm kind of hoping I will? You know, after 37 weeks when I'll be considered full term anyway...) She's dropped - wait, I don't think I posted about that - IT'S A GIRL!!! - but I'm not dilated at all.
No name picked out. Just can't decide, so we're taking a list of our favorites and she'll get a name once we meet her. :)
I just finished scrapbooking 2010, which included a whole section on the adoption fundraiser yardsale we did. Made me wonder what if... though we haven't had any leads since the one in November. Fate, I guess.
This pregnancy - geez. I have pretty much been sick since I got pregnant. For awhile there, if I got a week of being healthy, it was a miracle. Then I went an entire month (yay!) and got sick again. Still getting over that one. (Nasty cold virus that led to a sinus infection and bronchitis. Neal, Kasen and both of my parents got it, too.)
Not counting the constant nausea (still having that!) and your normal pregnancy pains, plus PUPPP again (a fun, extremely itchy pregnancy rash), I've had bronchitis three times, the flu, pink eye, pharyngitis, my first ear infection, two sinus infections and I have no idea how many colds. My immune system is apparently completely shot this time around. I've lost track of how many times I've been on antibiotics.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to not being pregnant. I've been too sick to really enjoy this pregnancy like I did Kasen's. Add still being nauseous all the time, and I'm just ready to have this baby. Thank God I discovered Unisom. The kind with only Doxycyline in it is safe during pregnancy, helps you sleep AND takes care of nausea! I don't take it during the day otherwise I'd be sleepy all the time, so I deal with the nausea using Tums and food. I went two nights without it recently and spent most of that time running to the bathroom or carrying/sleeping with a bucket, just in case.
But - the end is near! I'm scheduled for a c-section on May 31, which means I've only got about 3 weeks left. Or less, if I go into labor before that. (Is it selfish that I'm kind of hoping I will? You know, after 37 weeks when I'll be considered full term anyway...) She's dropped - wait, I don't think I posted about that - IT'S A GIRL!!! - but I'm not dilated at all.
No name picked out. Just can't decide, so we're taking a list of our favorites and she'll get a name once we meet her. :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
413 days: stepping away
We had the home visit to update our home study and after talking with the social worker, we've decided to step away from adoption for the moment. Not take it off the table completely or anything, just take a break.
There are a few things that led to this decision.
We had a possible situation recently that I didn't post about. I wanted to wait and talk to the birthmom about everything before I even mentioned it on here. Sadly, it's a no-go and our thoughts and prayers are with her.
However, that situation made us pause and think some things through.
From as far as we can figure, we believe she was due around the same time as me. That made us hesitant to move forward with it because there's no way I could travel out of state at the end of my pregnancy or shortly after giving birth (most likely by c-section, no less). I don't know the laws of her state, but some require that you stay in state with the adopted child for a certain period of time. This would have meant living in a hotel room with a toddler and two newborns after basically having abdominal surgery. Can you imagine?
Also, everyone says going from one child to two is the hardest. Neal is worried about how I will handle the transition and wants to make sure we are all adjusted to that change before adding another baby to our family.
So, we made the decision to put everything on hold. If someone were to call within the next couple of months with a newborn ready to be picked up, I think we might still consider it. But otherwise, I think we are going to just take a break from worrying about it, prepare for this baby's arrival and take time to settle into that.
The money from the fundraiser will continue to sit and earn interest and we'll revisit adoption in a year or so. If for some reason we decide two children are enough, we'll find some adoption-related organization or adoptive family to donate it to.
I am so, so grateful for... well, everything in my life. My daily "problems" are nothing compared to what so many others are dealing with and while I've known this for a long time, it became exceptionally clear today when my dad and I volunteered to help search for three missing people near where we live.
If you are in Ohio and can spare the time, please go volunteer. It's been a week since anyone has heard anything from them and everyone is starting to fear the worse. They need more people to help search the woods/lakes for clues. I hope to go back again this weekend if my nausea/exhaustion holds off as it did today.
Here's a link to the Facebook page they have set up with details about volunteering and a map about where has already been searched: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode&ie=UTF8&hq&hnear=Howard%2C+Ohio+43028&msa=0&msid=106125659871553788907.0004954668d66c84a8efb&ll=40.436822%2C-82.324591&spn=0.052393%2C0.144196&t=h&z=14
There are a few things that led to this decision.
We had a possible situation recently that I didn't post about. I wanted to wait and talk to the birthmom about everything before I even mentioned it on here. Sadly, it's a no-go and our thoughts and prayers are with her.
However, that situation made us pause and think some things through.
From as far as we can figure, we believe she was due around the same time as me. That made us hesitant to move forward with it because there's no way I could travel out of state at the end of my pregnancy or shortly after giving birth (most likely by c-section, no less). I don't know the laws of her state, but some require that you stay in state with the adopted child for a certain period of time. This would have meant living in a hotel room with a toddler and two newborns after basically having abdominal surgery. Can you imagine?
Also, everyone says going from one child to two is the hardest. Neal is worried about how I will handle the transition and wants to make sure we are all adjusted to that change before adding another baby to our family.
So, we made the decision to put everything on hold. If someone were to call within the next couple of months with a newborn ready to be picked up, I think we might still consider it. But otherwise, I think we are going to just take a break from worrying about it, prepare for this baby's arrival and take time to settle into that.
The money from the fundraiser will continue to sit and earn interest and we'll revisit adoption in a year or so. If for some reason we decide two children are enough, we'll find some adoption-related organization or adoptive family to donate it to.
I am so, so grateful for... well, everything in my life. My daily "problems" are nothing compared to what so many others are dealing with and while I've known this for a long time, it became exceptionally clear today when my dad and I volunteered to help search for three missing people near where we live.
If you are in Ohio and can spare the time, please go volunteer. It's been a week since anyone has heard anything from them and everyone is starting to fear the worse. They need more people to help search the woods/lakes for clues. I hope to go back again this weekend if my nausea/exhaustion holds off as it did today.
Here's a link to the Facebook page they have set up with details about volunteering and a map about where has already been searched: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode&ie=UTF8&hq&hnear=Howard%2C+Ohio+43028&msa=0&msid=106125659871553788907.0004954668d66c84a8efb&ll=40.436822%2C-82.324591&spn=0.052393%2C0.144196&t=h&z=14
Saturday, October 30, 2010
395 days
We're getting our home study updated and just need a few things: New walk through by the court, physicals and background checks
The physicals are done and the lady from the court will be here next week. The background checks though... they are proving to be something of a problem because this pregnancy is vastly different from my pregnancy with Kasen and I have barely left the house.
I need to call them and find out if they can just rerun our fingerprints since they should have them on file from last year or if we need to actually come down to the police station again and get re-fingerprinted.
Trust me I am very, VERY grateful and realize every day how blessed we are, but that does not make constant nausea any easier to deal with. And I know even that could be worse... I could be vomiting so much that I have to be hospitalized or on an IV drip of medicine.
My past two weeks have looked like this
nausea.
dizzy.
nausea.
dizzy.
woah - almost passed out.
nausea.
dizzy.
hey, my blood pressure says I'm dead.
nausea.
dizzy.
Zofran to the rescue! yay!
less nausea.
dizzy.
headache.
sore throat.
fever.
flu. AHHH! (thankfully - the worst of it only lasted 24 hours.)
Sweet relief of codeine. Thank you, Lord!
sleep.
dizzy.
nausea.
headache.
dizzy.
sleep.
nausea.
headache.
dizzy.
Hey let's scare the living daylights out of everyone in my house by almost passing out while just sitting there watching a movie. Could barely even drink my orange juice because my hands were shaking so bad. That was fun.
sleep.
still running a slight fever a week post-flu.
nausea.
headache.
dizzy.
sleep.
You get the idea. I have barely left the house (and the couch for that matter) for over a week. I'm getting at least 10 hours of sleep at night (usually more like 12), plus a 2-3 hour nap around 11 a.m. and am still ready for bed at 6 p.m. and am actually in bed around 7:30/8, after Kasen goes down.
I keep thinking that this can't just be pregnancy tiredness. It can't. This is insane.
But then this morning, my slow and foggy brain put two and two together and I reread the Zofran label: "May cause dizziness, headaches and drowsiness."
So... I've skipped the past three doses and guess what? I'm awake. I'm not too dizzy and I don't have a headache. But the nausea is back worse than it was before.
So which is better? Deal with constant nausea or be a bump on the log and sleep all the time while trying to take care of a toddler?
(For the record, the nausea never went completely away with the Zofran - it just helped calm it down some.)
I'm considering settling for half and half. Take a Zofran at night because I'll be sleeping anyway and take another one in the morning, because it's naptime three hours after we get up and I can sleep then, too. Then deal with the nausea in the afternoon, but actually get stuff done and do more with my child then put a video on for him.
Please let this pass soon.
The physicals are done and the lady from the court will be here next week. The background checks though... they are proving to be something of a problem because this pregnancy is vastly different from my pregnancy with Kasen and I have barely left the house.
I need to call them and find out if they can just rerun our fingerprints since they should have them on file from last year or if we need to actually come down to the police station again and get re-fingerprinted.
Trust me I am very, VERY grateful and realize every day how blessed we are, but that does not make constant nausea any easier to deal with. And I know even that could be worse... I could be vomiting so much that I have to be hospitalized or on an IV drip of medicine.
My past two weeks have looked like this
nausea.
dizzy.
nausea.
dizzy.
woah - almost passed out.
nausea.
dizzy.
hey, my blood pressure says I'm dead.
nausea.
dizzy.
Zofran to the rescue! yay!
less nausea.
dizzy.
headache.
sore throat.
fever.
flu. AHHH! (thankfully - the worst of it only lasted 24 hours.)
Sweet relief of codeine. Thank you, Lord!
sleep.
dizzy.
nausea.
headache.
dizzy.
sleep.
nausea.
headache.
dizzy.
Hey let's scare the living daylights out of everyone in my house by almost passing out while just sitting there watching a movie. Could barely even drink my orange juice because my hands were shaking so bad. That was fun.
sleep.
still running a slight fever a week post-flu.
nausea.
headache.
dizzy.
sleep.
You get the idea. I have barely left the house (and the couch for that matter) for over a week. I'm getting at least 10 hours of sleep at night (usually more like 12), plus a 2-3 hour nap around 11 a.m. and am still ready for bed at 6 p.m. and am actually in bed around 7:30/8, after Kasen goes down.
I keep thinking that this can't just be pregnancy tiredness. It can't. This is insane.
But then this morning, my slow and foggy brain put two and two together and I reread the Zofran label: "May cause dizziness, headaches and drowsiness."
So... I've skipped the past three doses and guess what? I'm awake. I'm not too dizzy and I don't have a headache. But the nausea is back worse than it was before.
So which is better? Deal with constant nausea or be a bump on the log and sleep all the time while trying to take care of a toddler?
(For the record, the nausea never went completely away with the Zofran - it just helped calm it down some.)
I'm considering settling for half and half. Take a Zofran at night because I'll be sleeping anyway and take another one in the morning, because it's naptime three hours after we get up and I can sleep then, too. Then deal with the nausea in the afternoon, but actually get stuff done and do more with my child then put a video on for him.
Please let this pass soon.
Monday, October 25, 2010
telling my parents
I just realized I never posted the picture of my parents finding out we were pregnant.
We sat them down with Kasen, telling them that we wanted a more recent photo of the three of them, and then said, "1, 2, 3... Carrie's pregnant!" waited a beat and took the picture.
This is the result:
Mom's saying, "Wha...?" and Dad's expression needs no explanation.
They were shocked, then didn't believe us, then started crying. It was so awesome! I also got it all on video without them knowing ;)
We sat them down with Kasen, telling them that we wanted a more recent photo of the three of them, and then said, "1, 2, 3... Carrie's pregnant!" waited a beat and took the picture.
This is the result:
Mom's saying, "Wha...?" and Dad's expression needs no explanation.
They were shocked, then didn't believe us, then started crying. It was so awesome! I also got it all on video without them knowing ;)
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