Holding Pattern

We are officially in a holding pattern. Just circling, waiting for the call. It's "next week" and we haven't heard any updates. In fact, the adoption lawyer didn't hear from the birthmother last week. We're not sure what day her appointment was, but hopefully we'll hear soon. For the time being it is business as usual.

I thought maybe, just maybe, baby Tyler would come today and he'd be able to share his birthday with his Grandpa Paynter. No such luck. There are four family birthdays in July, so we'll see how that goes.

We took the weekend and got registered for gifts. Lots of options, but we've also gotten lots of advice from friends and family, which helped. We also went to the Brewer game, cleaned the house, did a bunch of yardwork, went to church, visited my grandpa and had a date night. Saw The Hangover at the movies. Entertaining movie and I even laughed out loud a few times. Full weekend, but very productive.

Until the phone call ...
-Jodi

Tyler is almost here!

The latest update we have is to plan for next week. How's that for pinning it down? Actually, we're relieved that we have a little more time to pack things up. As well as Tyler having a little more time for development and growth. The birthmom's blood pressure came back down last week, so they are giving him a little more time in the womb.

So, it looks like Tyler Addison will be joining the world the week of June 29th!
-Jodi

Moving in Fast Forward

Tyler is coming! We received a call on Tuesday and the takeaway was that Tyler will be here sooner rather than later. We're excited he's coming, but the circumstances surrounding the early delivery are the tough part. As we mentioned before, the birthmother has skin cancer and needs to have treatments that they can't start while she's pregnant. Then on Tuesday at her doctor appointment they became concerned about preeclampsia. She goes back in tomorrow and then we'll find out what day they are going to do a scheduled c-section.

So, we've pushed things into high gear so we're ready to go. We're excited and nervous, but most of all ... I can't believe it's finally happening. I am going to be a MOM and Dan is going to be a DAD.

I'll update tomorrow when we know the day Tyler is entering the world.
-Jodi

Back to Back Updates!

Dan here with a quick update. Yesterday night, we had some friends' families over and grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs. We had five little ones over and playing on the living room floor. It was nice to see the kids eating, playing and having fun and their parents. Some stories were read, some cars were raced, and everyone had a good time. I did note that one of the fathers looked plum tuckered out by nights end, but it may have been due to playing volleyball in the crummy weather earlier in the day.

Today, we went to visit little baby Leo for the first time. He's only a week old and his parents are first timers just as we will be. As I held him, I couldn't help but think about what it will be like to hold our baby boy for the first time. Hopefully, we'll find out sometime in the next six weeks. The crib is complete, the furniture's setup, and even the stuffed animals are in place. After putting together Tyler's room, it somehow seems more real to me. I'm so excited and can't wait to meet him.

But while we're excited and preparing to become parents, the birthmother is dealing with a nerve racking situation. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family. Please keep her and Tyler in your thoughts and prayers. I know I will.

Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone who's given us hand me downs, baby advice, and support in general. We really appreciate it!

May God smile on you and your family today...

Dan

Slacker Jodi Here!

I know I've been absent from here for quite a while. Sorry, for those of you who are still checking. Things have been crazy busy trying to get ready for the baby. Since it's been so long ... I'll give you the short version of updates:
- We've decided to name the baby Tyler Addison. Tyler because we like it and Addison is after my grandfather.
- The room is officially painted (as of last night) and we hope to set up the furniture tomorrow. The upstairs is a total disaster area right now.
- Crib is 3/4 of the way set up and we bought a mattress.
- We've gotten lots of newborn hand-me-downs to help get us through the first few months. Thanks Sharon, Courtney, Angela and Vicki!
- We bought the Chicco Travel System. It's still in a box in the garage, but it's here.
- We have a Pack N Play from Jayne (my mother-in-law). She had one at the house when Austin and Adam were little, so we're using that for the trip.
- Deanna (my sister-in-law) gave us a bunch of things too that she's been saving - glider, baby jogger, wagon, etc. We also got back all of the Brewer clothes we've bought for the boys over the years.
- Speaking of Brewer gear, Dan has been buying and saving Brewer clothes for years for our little boy. Don't be surprised if he's wearing Brewer gear every time you see him. :)

Now for some quick updates on the adoption situation. Baby is doing well and as of last week, they were estimating his weight to be 4 lbs. 2 oz. He's right on schedule and the due date is 7/18. However, one absolutely horrible situation has presented itself. We found out in the last couple of weeks that the birthmother was diagnosed with skin cancer - melanoma. It is pretty serious and she's been sent to a cancer center for treatment. Obviously they can't start chemo while she's pregnant, but they are going to do some topical surgery and treatments. I can't even pretend to imagine what that poor girl is going through. Dealing with either of these situations would be difficult, but to have them both to deal with is unimaginable. Although I think about her and the baby daily, my prayers include a little something extra for her. She needs strength during this time.

With all of this going on, Dan and I are pushing everything into high gear. They may have to take the baby early so they can start treatments, if needed. Today is week 34 so baby Tyler is getting more and more ready every day now. I've washed the baby clothes I have and have packed a little suitcase for Tyler. Next week, I'll pack our bags.

I'll get better at posting here so I can keep everyone updated. Keep those thoughts and prayers coming for us, Tyler and for the birthmother.

Thanks. -Jodi