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

Entering Third Trimester

Only three short months to the due date! Thank you to everyone who answered our poll, posted comments and sent me info on baby items, child care research, pediatrician questions, etc. They are all very helpful and will be put to good use.

We have received family medical records and reports from the birthmother's doctor appointments. Most importantly, baby is healthy. I logged on to babycenter.com and have been getting updates so we can follow the baby's development. It says that the baby is opening and closing his eyes now and even sucking his thumb. Amazing! I can't wait to meet him.

I've looked into travel planning for July, but it's probably going to be a last-minute booking. Lots of options to consider though - hotel, long-term stay, condo? Drive or fly?

Our packed bag for the hospital will actually be several bags, a few suitcases and a car seat. No complaints here! - Jodi

Baby Stuff

We went to Babies R Us this weekend. Man oh man do we need the stuff. And there are so many options. So, I'd like to ask all you parents out there ... what were some of the must-haves for you? What were some features on those items you couldn't live without? Or you wish you had? Any and all info is appreciated. We need to get some basics before we go to Florida, so we're looking at Travel Systems, Pack N Plays, diapers, bottles, etc. Anything and everything we'll need in the first two weeks until we get back to Wisconsin.

Fire away! We need your input.
-Jodi

It's a BOY!

I just realized I forgot to include that It's A Boy! It's kind of funny at this point. My sister has four boys and Dan's sister has two boys. It's all boys all the time! Actually Vicki's little guy is only two weeks old, so Ethan and our son will be the same age. Three of her boys were born in July too. I guess this little guy was destined to be in our family.
-Jodi

Big News!

We've been absent from the blog for a while ... but for good reason! Dan and I have received a match from a birthmother. Yes, you read correctly. The baby is due in July. Our baby!

Over the last few weeks we've been busy with paperwork, phone calls, and the hardest of all ... trying to contain our excitement in public. There have been many a happy dances being done in our household. Lots of smiling and even some tears of joy. If all continues to go well, we'll be parents this summer. Sometimes I still can't believe it.

We're not sharing details of the birthparents or the situation surrounding the adoption out of respect for everyone involved. Although we're surrounded with joy and excitement, there is also a very tough situation/decision involved on the other end. We hope everyone understands.

We've also been busy talking baby names, signing up for child care, looking at nursery decorations. All the fun stuff. We're so excited, I don't even know how to explain it. We have lots to do in a few short months to prepare, but we're ready for it all. Dan and I are going to be parents!
-Jodi

No News But Good News

We heard last night that the birthmom hasn't made a decision yet. The good news about that is that we're still in the running. Hopefully we'll hear something soon. -Jodi

Big Purchase

Dan and I have bought a crib! That's right, we now have a crib and baby bedding. We haven't put the crib together yet, and won't until we need it, but it's here. We actually saw it a few months ago and really liked it, but we felt kind of weird buying it. Or at least I did. But last weekend, we brought that exciting piece of furniture home. At some point we're going to paint the room too. Just haven't thought that far ahead yet. Decorator I am NOT.

Thanks to everyone who commented or emailed me about the recent opportunity. We're still waiting to hear so I don't have any updates on that yet. I did call to follow up last Thursday and they said they would get back to me ... still waiting for that for that return call which I have to admit is a little disappointing. Hopefully, they are working on things behind the scenes.

Until next time ... -Jodi