Sweet Potato Update

Just thought I would give you all and update on baby Gracie. I went for a Dr.'s appointment and Ultrasound yesterday. I have been having a ton of pressure down on my left side and on my back. Guess I know why now. The little booger is already 2 lbs 10 ounces and loves to sit on my left side. She was beating the crap out of me with her feet and hands and then just in constant motion. She is a hyper child LOL.All the pressure I have been feeling was just that. The tech did an internal just to make sure my cervix was good and it was fine. My amniotic fluid is up thank goodness but my placenta is still low. Thank goodness it hasn't more closer to the cervix. I am still on a moderate bed rest and need to take it easy. Her heartbeat was nice and strong and my blood pressure was good. They took some blood to check my AIC and to see if I was anemic because of how tired I have been. I am now 4 pounds up from my pre-pregnancy weight. I am doing really good with the weight issue. I just hope I can keep it up for the next 2 months.
I am just anxiously waiting her arrival. I have so much to do to get ready.

The Day We have all Been Waiting for...

The post you have all been waiting for. Kiarrah is Now officially one of us by name. She has always been one in our heart but now it is official. A dream has finally come true. Let me start off by saying that I couldn't sleep at all Thursday night. I was so afraid that we would wake up and someone would be too sick (Kiarrah and Reynaldo both have strep throat or a virus but are on antibotics) or that we would get a call that court was canceled. I just was so full of fear that something would make this day not happen.
Kiarrah woke up that morning announcing that "Today was her special Day". She kept asking who all was gonna be there and would get excited with each person we said. I was beyond amazed with the amount of support and love we received. We were accompanied by 15 additional people that were family and friends. The judge was amazed and said that was the most people she had ever seen come out for an adoption finalization. There is also 5 in our family so we filled the courtroom. She was brought to tears and I believe she felt the presence of God as we gathered together for this joyous event. It was different for her than most adoptions. Even our attorney was moved by it all. Kiarrah was quite the young lady answering the judges questions. Everyone awwed when she answered who she was sitting by when she said my mommy, daddy and my brothers. When Dominic was asked if he wanted a sister he said no. That just proved how much of a real family we are. Typical answer from a typical brother LOL. It was funny because they chose to ask my husband all the birthday and birth places questions that he just had no clue about. That brought much laughter in the courtroom. Finally the lawyer moved that she would present the answers and he could confirm. He was so nervous. I was so full of emotion that it was hard to hold back the tears. I just thought so much about how God put my family together the way he did. I thought a lot about how the birth mother would feel. It was such a roller coaster of emotion. We ended the session with pictures. I will be sure to post some later. We also saw so many of the Divisions employees that we have worked with throughout the years that joined us to celebrate. In a way this was the ideal location because it is where it all began those 8 years ago when we became foster parents. We had many visitations, and evals and appointments there. Now a final closure of the road of fostercare and adoption. We went out to eat to a DELICIOUS diner afterward with some people to celebrate. It was wonderful!!! She received many heartfelt gifts that she will treasure always.
We ended the evening with a houseful of people and cake and pizza(kiarrahs favorite food) I wish my family could have been out for this but I know that we were in their thoughts all day. It would have been the icing on the cake. Kiarrah was surround by those that love her and support our family. What more could we ask for. Thank you to all who were there. We love you all.

Update on my Sick Kiddos

Well, We are off to the Dr. tomorrow am. The fevers just will not stay down. Kiarrahs was low grade all day and then tonight it started spiking again. Reynaldo's is super high and he has had two soaks in the tub to keep it down. I finally called the Dr. and she had me up the meds a little and told me to keep doing the bath thing if it doesn't get lower and to push fluids. Kiarrah has been thirsty but Rey hasn't. I just get so nervous when they are like this and it always happens when he is out of town. UGH. Please pray that we can get through the night with no trips to the ER and that I don't get whatever it is. They are not showing any signs of anything else bothering them except for headaches.

Toothpicks needed

Anyone have any toothpicks to hold my eyes open? I am so tired. The Butterfly woke me up at 3 am crying that no one was cuddling with her. She came in my room and crawled in my bed where I was fully stretched out enjoying the fact that I had it all to myself. When I cuddled her close I realized that she was burning up with a fever. It was 102 under her arm. Started Motrin and couldn't get it to break until around 5. I have been alternating both Tylenol and Motrin for her. Rey then came in at 5 and was also burning up. Poor little guy has been sleeping in my bed all morning. He is miserable. All they have complained about is that their heads hurt. All I want to do is go to sleep but that is not possible with Ki being awake. Even when she is sick she is mischievous. She is alittle calmer though and easier to manage. I just pray it all leaves the house by tomorrow. Friday is the adoption and we will not miss it for the world.

Adoption Tributes

This is one of the most beautiful Adoption Tribute slideshows I have ever viewed. This woman and family are just so amazing that I had to share. God Bless them. I am warning you ahead of time. You need tissues.

Is it August Yet

My husband has left for three days for an IT conference in PA. I am already feeling so overwhelmed. It is so hard to be with my kids alone. To top it off I am soooooooooo tired and just downright achy. I had a hard time sleeping last night. It didn't matter which side I slept on both hips just hurt and my lower back. Today I feel so crampy and just slow at moving. I ended up getting sick this am after having a brief reprieve from it for a few days. Oh well. Can you tell I am feeling down? The kids don't have school again today for some teacher in service day. I can't believe how many days these kids get off. No wonder they are in school until the end of June. I am going to try and be alittle productive today. I need to come up with some kind of menu for the little party after "the butterflies" adoption ceremony.
Best hit those recipe books.

Question of the Week

What is one thing you want to accomplish in your life by the end of the summer?

Feeling Blessed

I can't believe that Kiarrah's adoption will be finalized the end of this week. We have been waiting for this day for years. I am just so honored and blessed by the people that want to be there for this special day. When the boys were adopted it was the same way. I thank God for my friends and family and my church.

Whirlwind Weekend

I am pooped! What a jam packed weekend. That is not a complaint though. I just know I need to rest a little more than I actually did this weekend. I am paying for it today.
Friday I went to an awesome concert at my church that was done by our Worship Pastor and the Choir. My husband is in the choir. It was an amazingly uplifting evening of worship and fellowship. My kids were home snug in their beds with a babysitter keeping a watchful eye on them. Just the kind of night I needed. I went along with a friend and she was an awesome Date. Love ya Luz. Saturday I ran some errands after getting to sleep in until 9 am. We then had a BBQ with Our Pastors. I finally got to know them better on a more personal level and we had many laughs and fun.
Sunday!!! Mother's Day!!! Awww I am amazed at my husband and children. I am so lucky. They made me breakfast in bed! We went to church for a beautiful service and then I had my buddy, my pal over for another cookout. I guess we should actually call it a cook in. We got our grill but now need outdoor furniture so that we can actually eat outside.
My children made me all kinds of goodies at school and Sunday school. Dominic gave me so many kisses yesterday and kept telling me that he loved me. For the most part they even were pretty well behaved. That was all I wanted for Mother's Day.
All in all it was a wonderful weekend spent with family and friends. Just the way I like it.

Dear Gracie

Dearest Gracie,
I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to lose all of the contents of my stomach tonight after dinner. I do hope that you got the nutrition that you needed from my grilled Boca Burger, bean salad and Pickles. Maybe it was the pickles that threw you over the edge. UGH! I had hoped to get by today with out throwing up and fought it many times since this morning.
I would also like to thank you for the return of " my girls" I paid good money to have them removed 7 years ago and you are reminding me that my money was well spent ( along with the help of the insurance company too). It looks like it is time for me to purchase new " over the shoulder Boulder holders." I do hope after breastfeeding that they will shrink but not slink. I want them to be perky like they were before. Maybe I can use the bras as a hammock for you as you grow and I shrink.
The stretch marks are really lovely too. I mean I had my share of them from my fatness before and didn't think it was possible to get anymore. Boy was I wrong. I guess I will call them my badges of honor for being blessed with you.
I can't blame not seeing my feet on you because I couldn't see them before but this waddling is something new! Especially when trying to climb the stairs. Awww the many joys of pregnancy.
I do hope when you are born you realize how much I love you and even though I am complaining and miserable now it will all be worth it in the end.
Love, Mommy

Click Take a Pic

Kiarrah in her favorite Shirt. It is so fitting for her personality

Strike a Pose.

Kiarrah and one of her Godmothers. They don't get to see each other often due to college but they love each other.

Private Blog

I have had a couple people email me that they want to be readers of my private blog. I just need you to send me your google email account address so that I can invite you. mademombygod@comcast.net. If you don't use a google account ( which is free btw) you will not be able to comment.

Birthmothers

With Mother's Day approaching I am usually struck by such a sadness. Not for myself but for the birth mothers of my children. I guess it has hit me more this year because of carrying my little bundle in my womb right now. How do they feel on that day? Do they think of the child that was either taken away or given up? With Dom and Kiarrah the judge terminated rights after many years because both mothers were crack addicts and didn't want to ( or just couldn't bring themselves to) go through a drug rehab and detox. Neither child was the first born. It was history repeating itself many times. I can't imagine a mother not feeling something or wondering and missing their child. I sometimes wish I could have contact with them in someway and reassure them that their offspring was safe and doing well. Dominic's birthmother gave birth to him and left the hospital and was never seen again. Her need for the drug was so strong that she didn't look back. Kiarrah's mother fought for her but in all the wrong ways. With agression, a drugged up stupor and violence. She is extremely unstable and unable to take care of even herself. Rey's mom surrendered her rights because she felt he was better off with people who could provide for him. She too struggled with the Demon called Crack. She met us through foster care and named us as the people she wanted him to be with She had a deep love for her child and wanted what was best for him. I pray for each mother all of the time. Thank you for allowing me to be the Mother to your offspring.

Wacky Wednesday

I am so tired today. I slept over at the twins house because their parents went out of town. I can't believe my girls are already 13. I was their nanny for 8 years. I took the little butterfly with me and she loved all of the attention. They gave her a bath in their jacuzzi tub and she thought that was AWESOME! Especially when the bubbles from the shampoo started multiplying. We just spent a quiet evening at home after they completed all of their homework.
Rachel got out her stethoscope (a real one) and we all listened to Gracie's heartbeat. It was awesome. I wasn't certain at first if we would be able to hear it. They thought it was so neat.
I had a hard time sleeping. Kiarrah and I shared the bed in the guest room and she is such a bed hog and then I just couldn't get comfortable. Baby girl is laying low in the front of my stomach where it folds when you sit. It even feels weird walking up stairs.
Today I am going to veg and try to fit a nap in. Kiarrah was up so early. I am hoping she will lay down too. I have life group tonight so want to be refreshed. Not falling asleep. I have so much to do around here but hey God didn't do it all in one day, why should I :)

Sugar Rey Funny

Yesterday when Rey came home from school he looks at me and says " So mom How was Gracie today? LOL. I said to him that she has been a little kicker. His response? GOOD!
He is so into her and can't wait for her arrival. I am so touched when he comes over to me and rubs my belly and kisses it. He always prays for her every night " Dear Jesus help Gracie and mommy to have sweet dreams. He is such a sensitive soul.

Sweet Potato Update

Have I mentioned lately that I am SO SICK OF THROWING UP!!!!! This morning sickness has got to go! I don't know how Bulimics can do it. I thought I was in the clear after not getting sick Saturday and Sunday morning but BAM yesterday morning and today I got hit. I shouldn't have even thought I was in the clear! Baby sweet potato has been very active lately at night. She likes to kick away. Can't wait for my next Ultrasound to see how big she has gotten.

Question of the Week

What do you feel is your biggest Challenge as a Parent?

Busy Like a Bee Weekend

Boy am I tired today but blessed. We had such a busy weekend. Friday we got our grill and planted some flowers. It was such a beautiful day. Saturday the kids had their classes at the Arts Academy and then we had some friends over for a mini cookout. We enjoyed a meal of brats, hot dogs, baked beans, and Homemade Macaroni Salad ( it was mighty yummy if I might say so myself). We topped it off with Strawberry Shortcake. It was a nice evening of fellowship with friends.
Sunday was an awesome service at church. I was so blessed by the message. It really encouraged me to get closer to God and to NOT make compromises. I will write more about all of that later. Jim went with our Senior Pastor to minister at another church so I was at service myself. I was blessed with many people that helped me with my kids. If any of you are reading this " Thank You". We had more friends over last night. I am really so happy that we moved where we did. We made sacrifices for this move but what we have gained far outweighs the losses.
Today I am hoping to get the house cleaned alittle and then have some down time. I need to spend sometime doing my devotions and need to try and fit in a nap.

New Foster Parents

I have friends from church that are in the final stages of becoming licensed foster parents here in New Jersey. If you get a chance can you stop over to Michele's Blog to say hi and to offer some encouragement? Thanks

KiKi Funnies

We were walking to pick up the boys from School yesterday and Kiarrah had something in her shoe and says to me " Mommy I have something Spicy in my shoe". I think she meant to say Spiky.

I asked Kiarrah to go in the bathroom and get her spray for her hair so I could style it. She says " You mean the one that makes my hair perfect?