Jocelyn

She has helped support me through this process. I started this blog as a way to let family and friends know the latest happenings and as a record of our process. I never thought of it as a way of support for me. A few blogging friends changed that. They are going through the same process and understand some of my feelings like no one else could- that the adoption process is emotionally complex, draining and difficult to express. I have valued Jocelyn's support and encouragement and she has helped me so much. Today, was a very sad day for not only her but all of those around her. Although we've never met, my heart brakes for her. I know she is a special person who will be an incredible mother.

My beautiful friend...

I have the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Seriously. They are just amazing, inspirational people. I am super lucky.

One of my super close friends has a baby girl. She works full time and pumps, pumps, pumps. Her baby is on formula and breast milk because she has just never made quite enough. Actually, her cutie pie daughter just started eating solids too (sweet potatoes are a hit...carrots an acquired taste). Recently, her milk supply started to decrease more, so now she is pumping with even more fervor. So every hour and a half she pumps. Well, this is no easy task while you're working and she is FANTASTIC at her job (and obviously an absolutely fabulous mother, spouse and friend).
Today, she told me that the reason why she was pumping 8 times a day was also for Judah...because she loves him too. She has some put away for him. I just can't think of a better gift. I know how much time and effort it took and I'm just so touched and feel so grateful to have her in my life. Such a great friend. What a neat connection they will share. I love that Jude has her as a special person in his life. Very special. I just cry when I think of my beautiful, beautiful friend.

New Pictures!

Isn't he beautiful!?!!!! We think so.

Do you think we look alike?

The first time my parents saw Jude's picture, they had the same reaction, "He looks like you did as a baby!" I thought this reaction was very funny. So, to end all doubt, my mom emailed me this picture of myself as a baby. My first reaction was that Jude is SO much cuter than I was. But, we do have a similar brow (I love his little brow. I think it's much easier for a boy to pull off the distinct brow). My mom says we have the same brow and lips. All I know is that he is meant to be in our family and I love him more than everything.

I apologize, although I'm a somewhat dedicated blogger, I am NOT a formatting specialist...yet.

Now they can tell I'm expecting!

Today I was in Babies R Us obsessing over strollers (you know, big vs. small and features vs. weight). I made a few BFFs there (at least in my mind) who were offering me advice, such as pros/cons, etc. Finally a brave woman asked, "Are you pregnant?"- so I cheerfully explained, "No, I'm adopting!" My new best friends happily cheered and I felt such a real part of the "almost mom" club. It's a really really fun supportive club. I was hooked.
I came home today to a package waiting for me. I LOVE packages (even when I know that inside is a book I ordered for myself). But, I hadn't ordered anything. Inside was this fabulous t-shirt. I am going to wear it every single day. After one little taste of the club, there is no turning back. I'm advertising.
The shirt was from one of my real BFFs, Christa...who is even way more supportive and fun than the Babies R Us crowd.
Oh, and yesterday when I was feeling impatient and anxious, I dyed my hair really dark. It was an impulse move. I forgot to ask the Babies R Us group how they felt about it. They are good with advice.

Shots, round one...check!

Last week we got our first round of shots...I feel proud and accomplished (it doesn't take much for me to get boastful and even a tad smug as the result of seemingly small tasks). We still haven't heard a new word or seen a new picture. I just feel so impatient. As of today it is four weeks since we received our referral for baby Jude...Keep your fingers crossed for a court date- or at least a new picture soon. For everyone it's different, but I think this is the toughest part of our journey to Jude yet. At least for me, I'm super anxious. Tommy is a bit more breezy than I am...My unrealistic dream to bring him home by Thanksgiving was gone a week or two ago, but I'm still holding out hope that he will be home by Christmas... I can't wait to have a court date to obsess over. Yes, I am still listening to Lori :) and that's why I'm posting. The next post will be much more exciting- because I will either have a date or new pictures...I just know it!

Happy to hear...

that Jude is in the care center. At the care center he is being cuddled up with and he may even get a little chunkiness to his thighs...Although no where near the cuddles he's in for (or the chunkiness) with us! I'm not sure how long he's been in the care center- truthfully, I was afraid to ask for fear he was still in the orphanage. So, I am just so happy to know for sure that he's being well taken care of.

Happy Birthday Jude!

Today Jude is 3 months old! We are just dying to hold him...We haven't heard any updates as far as possible court dates yet, but we will post as soon as we find out. I really hope to get more pictures of him soon! He is just growing up so fast :)

The night of our referral...

Holding my baby for the first time...So happy and so in love. But, now I'm just dying to really hold him.

Judah's name!

The night after we received our referral for Judah, I obviously couldn't sleep. Here is the result of my 2:00AM project.