Thursday, July 31, 2014

last everything

We've reached the point where everything we do is potentially the 'last ____ before Baby.' It's fun and scary at the same time.

We did this in November, ya know? We had our last date night, our last neighborhood walk sans stroller. Our last this, our last that. And then...it wasn't. After a brief three-day stint as parents, it was back to life as usual- only with more tears and less hope. More childless grocery store runs, trips to church that didn't involve a stop by the nursery, and walks with only the dog for company. And it was like each (normally mundane and un-noteworthy in itself) thing hurt a little bit more just for remembering that the previous time was supposed to be the 'last.' So I swore that next time...which is now...I wouldn't celebrate the lasts. I wouldn't commemorate them at all, just in case. In an attempt to help my potential future self, the one that has suffered another failed or disrupted adoption...I don't know, it seemed like it could help. But now here I am, and here I am celebrating each last. It's like I don't learn.

Sometimes my heart's capacity for hope freaks me out. You should know better, heart. More hope=more hurt!! Calm down! But it doesn't listen, so I sit here full of hope and praying I don't regret it later.

It could happen anytime. Her 'official' due date is Monday, the 4th, but it's not a scheduled induction or c-section, so when she actually appears is anyone's guess. I find myself kind of thinking she might come on the 7th. That would be exactly 9 months after Ellison's birthday. Wouldn't that be awfully weird and poetic? Or something. Then again, I'm putting in a hard vote for earlier. Like now. We're ready, I'm up to my ears in nerves, and like...let's just get this show on the road. For better or for worse, I'm ready to know how this chapter of the story ends.

Last night was our (maybe) last tennis match. We've crossed several things off of my 'not done yet' list from Tuesday- like packing our own suitcases, reading some baby/parenting books (Baby Whisperer FTW!!!), sterilizing the bottles, and getting a shade/mirror for the car. 

Oh, I don't think I've shared this yet, but my current favorite interaction with strangers is happening with great frequency. It goes like this:

Store clerk/random visitor at work/stranger in store notices us buying baby things and/or talking about babies/maternity leave.

Stranger: Oh, do you have a baby??

Me: Not yet, but we're expecting one soon!

Stranger: Oh, how exciting! When?

Me: She is due August 4!

Stranger's jaw drops as they look at my not-exactly-flat, but definitely not nine-months-pregnant stomach. I beam as I feel skinnier than ever under their scrutiny. 

Stranger: ...ohhhhh...umm...congr...

Me: We're adopting.

Stranger, visibly relieved: OH! Well, that is awesome, congratulations!! That explains a lot!!

(we have a good laugh and I still feel really skinny)

People say a lot of uneducated and unintentionally hurtful things about adoption, too, but this one is hilarious to me and really never gets old. I will miss it. Although if things go well and I'm toting around a newborn in a week or two, I suspect I will still get to have some I-feel-skinny moments when people (who don't know that she is adopted) comment that I look GREAT for having a two week old baby! I think I will not bother to inform them that I didn't give birth to her and just take the compliment. ;)

33 comments:

  1. It's not just hope your heart is abounding in, but faith, and that is precious in the sight of God. It's courageous. It's only because of Him.

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  2. I love that! I would so take the compliment of looking super skinny right after "giving birth". haha I am so excited for you! I love that you are so excited as well, no matter what it's better to have the excitement I believe :) Have you mentioned her name yet and I missed it?

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  3. Our (hopefully!) son was born on the 21st, and our birth mom's final day of revocation is the 4th. We're anticipating placement on the 5th. And I'm with you. It is a bizarre time, this waiting. This hoping. This sincerely praying for God's will, and yet totally getting why/how it could turn out not how your heart so sincerely hopes that it will despite what you've prayed. This wondering if everything will change, or if it will all still be the same in a week. And yes, to the random conversations with people at the store. ;) My heart and my prayers are with you, Erika.

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  4. i think sometimes you just can't help how you think and it's totally plausible that this WILL be the last this time. Hold onto the hope and faith! i am praying so hard that this works out for you guys!

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  5. As I read this post, the words from the Love Chapter in 1 Corinthians kept coming to mind. Your capacity for hope, even when your mind would tell you to stop, is, I think, in direct correlation with your capacity to love: "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Your daughter is being born into such love. She is one lucky little lady, and I can't wait to hear that she's here.

    Praying that she comes soon, and safely, and that all of your "lasts" are soon replaced with the best kind of "firsts."

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  6. You TOTALLY get the free pass to take all the "you look GREAT for x weeks out from giving birth" comments. Soak it up. There will be enough not nice things said, so take the good when it comes!

    Also, your heart is amazing. I love that you have this much hope and that you can enjoy celebrating the lasts! I'm feeling good about this, and I REALLY hope I'm right!

    LOVE YOU!!!

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  7. So stinking exciting! What a story of God's redemption if she comes 9 months later - wow! How significant!!! Dismiss that fear from the enemy and embrace that you are ABOUT TO BE A MOM!!! oh my - I can't wait to find out. The suspense is going to kill me over the weekend!!! LET US KNOW RIGHT AWAY WHEN SHE IS HERE :)

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  8. I can't believe she's coming so soon!!! I'll have to stalk social media waiting to hear the news! If you lived here I would bring you many gifts and meals. (It's the thought that counts.) We liked Baby Whisperer, too. The babies never fell asleep as easily as the book said, but the routine is fabulous. Lifesaver!

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  9. This is perfect: "that all of your "lasts" are soon replaced with the best kind of "firsts."" I hoping the same for you too!

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  10. My heart is so hopeful and happy for you! I'm with the other Amanda -- I have a good feeling about this, too, and I hope we're both right! But either way, no matter what happens in the next few days, weeks, months, I have no doubt that you can (and will) handle whatever life throws your way with inspiring strength and grace. Until then, we are all anxiously and eagerly awaiting the news of her arrival and can't wait to "meet" her!!! Sending lots of love and hugs to you and Matt!

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  11. 1. Praying, praying, praying that all these things really are the "last."
    2. You have a lot of friends named Amanda.

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  12. I will be thinking of you guys all weekend and next week if need be and really really hoping that these things will most definitely be the last and then you can celebrate all the glorious FIRSTS!!! :) (did all those and's bother you?! :P).

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  13. You're heart is strong and I commend you for it! My heart is hanging on with yours, but I think it's slightly weaker! ;)
    Hoping the day arrives quickly, safely and all your dreams come true! You and Matt deserve a baby in your arms!

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  14. So exciting! At this point, whether you are carrying the baby or not, it's the same waiting game and it's hard to be patient. Hope the Baby Whisperer gave you some good tips. I loved that one. Many prayers coming your way!

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  15. Ha to your last comment, yes, totally take the compliment!!

    And I'm glad you haven't allowed past disappointments to steal your joy and completely crush your hope, so don't feel regretful about that at all!

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  16. I'm with ya - take the compliment!! :)

    Praying daily!

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  17. I tried to comment earlier and apparently Google didn't think it was an acceptable comment... Oh well! I'm so excited for you! Yesterday when you didn't blog I took it as an announcement that baby girl was here! I tried to talk myself down, but you know how that goes. I checked Instagram about 100 times just in case.

    When I was a nanny and my boss had her youngest I took the girls to all their activities while she stayed home with the baby. I was in a mommy and me gymnastics class with the youngest girl. We were out on the gym floor rolling around and I'd been picking her up. Someone we talked to regularly was asking her about her new baby brother. Some other mom, who I hadn't talked to much in the past, commented on how I looked pretty good for just having a baby. Not I looked great or anything, just okay. I went home and started a diet. :)

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  18. Praying... Hoping that all these little things are your LAST!
    Your capacity for hope & joy in inspirational and contagious.

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  19. Ack! My comment disappeared! Let me try again...the 4th...that is SOON!! Hoping that all these day-to-day things are your LAST (sans bebe, that is!). And you deserve all the compliments you will receive while looking radiant and slim while toting around a newborn :) So excited for you and Matt!

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  20. Celebrate those Lasts! I feel so good about this for you and someday soon you will be a mommy. We are just starting the whole adoption process so it will be fun to read about and see your Happy Ending.

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  21. I don't comment often, but I just had to today! I am keeping you guys in my prayers. I am so excited for you during this time!

    We adopted our third daughter. I was out eating lunch the first day home with her (long story but we had some surprise adoption paperwork to do). She was only 4 days old. Some older women were at the restaurant and asked if they could peek at the baby. Well, she was TINY- only 5 lbs 8ozs when she was born- the ladies asked how old the baby was. I said 4 days- they both looked at me and said "wow, you are sure getting around well for having a 4 day old baby". I just said, "oh, she was the easiest delivery for me" It was quite easy for me!

    Can't wait to read your updates!

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  22. Definitely take the compliment! Praying for you and Matt!

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  23. I am really praying that this time you are celebrating your "last everything." I agree that it would be amazingly cool to hold your daughter in your arms exactly 9 months after losing Ellison, but I really hope it happens sooner.

    I can't wait to hear your news and I am praying with so much hope that this becomes a whole new journey of amazing firsts! (Stole that concept from the first Amanda up there.) Enjoy your days and may you wait with calm expectation.

    Okay, really, who am I kidding with my last sentence? I'm not waiting with calm expectation so why would you be?!?!?

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  24. I read this one aloud to James last night - so powerful how the heart and hope and love all survive and thrive. You so beautifully articulated that. We pray with all our might that these are your "last" moments of a family of 2. And the "last" or end of what's been a difficult, long journey. Come on baby girl!!!

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  25. First, congratulations and I am praying for you! Second, if anyone compliments you on being skinny, looking great etc after your baby is here, just smile and say thank you. You don't ever have to explain your family to ANYONE.

    So excited for you!

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  26. Oh my goodness I am right there with you! We still have 7 weeks to go but the doctor isn't sure our BM will go to full term. I am scared (terrified, actually) all the time. As much as I try to prepare myself, I know I'll be devastated if it falls through. A friend of mine who is doing foster-to-adopt gave me some great advice. She said that she was so afraid of losing their first baby girl, she didn't make a baby book, take many pictures, etc. Now they are able to adopt her and she regrets not doing those things. So I am going to be excited (well, try to be) and enjoy these moments because I don't want to look back and regret not taking in these moments out of fear. You should celebrate the "lasts" because most likely they will be! Enjoy this special time. Can't wait to see what God has in store for you!

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  27. I'm over here tearing up in hope and joy for you guys. I'm awfully sappy perhaps. In fact, I'm doing positivity cheers in my head!

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  28. I love this post! I'm so excited for you. It is scary too…but fingers crossed everything goes your way this time around.

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  29. Oh gosh I can't even imagine the nerves and butterflies. I feel anxious myself just viewing this all from afar like I have been the last few years. Your spirit is just so great, Erika. I so admire your ability to laugh and be hopeful and yet also just ever so cautious at the same time. I am praying as hard as I can for a safe delivery, and for this baby to come home with you and Matt. No baby could possibly be more wanted or loved. She would be so lucky to have you two as parents. As soon as we know her name, a monogammed smocked bubble will be on the way from my daughters to your daughter.

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  30. After what you have gone through, I know this must be scary. But I am so full of hope for you guys! This little girl is about to find herself in the middle of so much love, refined by years of waiting and wanting. She is so lucky. Wishing you guys all the best. Can't wait to see the pictures!

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  31. Erika, I just found your blog and I love it. Reading about your journey just broke my heart, but here's to a very happy ending any day now! I can't wait for an update and hope this is the baby for which you have been waiting.

    Also, I cracked up at the interactions you've been having with people and hope you just thank people when they comment on your perfect post-delivery body! They'll be so jealous ;)

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