Baby Strokes

Dearest Baby,

Somewhere out there you are becoming.

You might be just a double pink line right now, or, a flutter on an ultrasound screen.  You might be the size of a peanut...or a watermelon...who knows?  You are probably growing and developing.  Your heart is likely beating and you are certainly (already) beautiful.   

That being said, little one, there are so many things I wonder about you.  I wonder how you will find your way to our arms.  I wonder where you're going, how you're being cared for, who is carrying you.  I do wonder these things.

Sometimes I lay awake at night trying to imagine our story.  I trust that we'll find each other soon.  And, I also trust that when we find each other, our story will be magical.  It will give people goosebumps when we share it.  (You're going to be one of those kids who gives people lots of goosebumps...I just know it.)

You see, there's a fairy tale unfolding here.  I know I won't appreciate its beauty until I know how it ends.  That is the thing about fairy tales...we don't get to understand the magic of the story until we read the ending. 

But......I do know a little bit about the ending of this fairy tale, though.



So, keep on becoming.  Keep on growing and developing.  Keep your heart beating and stay beautiful.  We're going to find you soon, Super Baby.

....soon. 

Love,

Your Mama

(Our books have been in the hands of the agencies one week.  We have gotten news that they are reviewing our home study and will let us know when we are "active".....we wait with hopeful anticipation).  ;)


1.  My Father-in-law painted our nursery.  It is AH-DORABLE.  Pics to come in a future blog.  Larry, you ROCK!


2.  I have been busy teaching summer school (and sweating to death in the 100 degree, sans air-conditioned, building) and completing my 2012 Book Camps 4 Kids season.  They were, once again, a hit - thanks to my mom for help!  :)


3.  We are trying to figure out what we'll need for newborn stage...better to be prepared than not, right?  Thanks to my sister for a very comprehensive list!  We plan to register in a few weeks.


4.  I am getting excited for a family baby shower that is being planned to help us get prepped before I head back to school (thanks Melissa, Mom and my high school friend, Lisa).  I already feel overwhelmed at the thought of a shower...it is surreal...and humbling, to be quite honest.  I am so lucky to have family and friends like I do.  Blessed.


There have been (of course) suggestions and ideas about when we should do a shower.  I am so excited to have a family shower "pre-baby".  The logic is this:  the more we can be prepared before "Back-to-School", the better!!! 


5.  Patrick is busy taking classes and kicking butt on his macroeconomic course.  He is going back to school for Business Management.  I am so proud of him - now that he is managing his team of IT professionals, I see the skills he possesses.  He has such a way with leadership...it is amazing.  He puts his Life Coaching into practice daily. 


6.  Catching up with girlfriends.  :)  This summer has been quite social as I've gotten together with friends frequently.  From Twins games to dinners to outings in the cities to wine tasting, I am realizing that I will rely on these friends to help me stay grounded as we wait for our baby to become a reality.  (I am a bit sad to forgo my annual trip to TX to visit my dear friends...but, we have had to rearrange our priorities for "baby-to-be" and that means saving, saving, saving)! 


7.  We took a newborn class through the hospital.  It was fun, AND the only room I've ever been in in my entire life where I was the skinniest woman there!  No, I haven't lost weight (dang).  Every woman in attendance was at least 8 months preggers.  I felt a little funny...out of place, maybe...but, we are expecting, so, we need to be prepared!  ...and, being the skinniest woman in the room was fun...I might try to find other pregnancy classes to attend when my self-esteem needs a boost.  (Oh, who am I kidding...pregnant women are cuter than I could ever dream to be!!!  Bellies and all!) 


So, in our class, we learned to swaddle and such.  We may need a refresher in the coming months, but, again..."try to prepare for anything" is our motto.


8.  Enduring the heat.  90+, no rain in weeks and high humidity....needless to say, we've had many pool days at the Funaro's!


9.  Learning a bit more about life.  :)  I have learned a valuable lesson about this waiting period, as well.  It can sweep up your thoughts and emotions pretty quickly.  If I'm not careful to enjoy this time right now, the uncertainty of our situation can overwhelm me and cause me to forget that there are beautiful moments now with my family, friends, career and life in general that will change 180 degrees when our match is made.  So, if you hear me reminding myself out loud, "Beth, be present in this moment" - you'll understand why.  I haven't lost my mind.  I'm not engaging with an imaginary friend.  I'm reminding myself that my life right now is amazing...and it will change....and I want to be present in these moments NOW, pre-baby, to my fullest capacity.


I know that this will be a memory sooner or later and that our lives will forever be changed by our future child.  So, we'll soak up the sun.  Enjoy the calm and quiet abode and try to prepare as much as we can! 


As always, prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated!  xoxo