I can't believe I have a 9 month old! This is going too fast, someone make it slow down!!!
We had our 9 month well baby visit today. Fortunately that one doesn't come with any shots! As of today, Little M is 12 lbs. 1 oz. and 24 inches long. He's still not quite on the growth charts, but he's following the curve so there's no need to worry. Dr. J was very pleased with his growth and development. She told us we were doing a great job with our little man and to keep it up.
We did have an area on the back of Little M's head that our OT was concerned about. We weren't too stressed since Little M had an MRI in December as part of the DMD work-up, and it came back all clear. Dr. J took one quick look and told us it's Plagiocephaly. Basically he has a flat spot. We can work with a plastic surgeon and get him fitted for a helmet, but now that he's sitting up more there's a chance it will even out on its own. Dr. J said it's really just a cosmetic thing and it's up to us what we decide to do. Mr. Temmie and I will discuss it more, but for now, we think it's small enough not to worry about.
Other than that we got a clean bill of health. :) Up next is to keep working with early intervention to get Little M caught up developmentally. He still needs practice rolling over and sitting up. Although he did sit up, unassisted, for about 20 seconds the other day. We can also work on introducing foods with cow's milk in them like yogurt. We have to determine if Little M still has a cow's milk protein allergy or if he out grew it. Keep your fingers crossed that he outgrew it!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Forever a Family
This is going to be epic in size....I don't want to forget a single moment!
To quote a wise sea sponge (Sponge Bob): It's the Best Day Ever!!!!!!!
There are two days in my life that can claim that title: 8/17/02 and 2/17/11...the day I got married and the day I officially became a mommy. :D
The day started out like any other day off. Little M woke at 7:00ish and I handed him to his daddy. They went to the couch to have a bottle and watch the morning news while I tried to catch up on some sleep. I got up about 8:30 and the hustle and bustle started.
Aunt M took Miss Miss and ran a quick errand while I cooked some bacon for breakfast. Mr. Temmie and I started to get ready and Little M went down for a nap. Aunt M and Miss came back and we ate breakfast. Then Mr. Temmie ran to get his suit from the cleaners while I finished getting ready and got Little M in his suit. It was busy, busy, busy all morning. Trying to get 5 people dressed up for court and out the door on time is no easy feat, but we did it and we all looked great. Especially Little M and Miss Miss. :)
We left the house at 12:35 and made a quick stop for copies that I forgot to make the night before. Then we hit the freeway and headed for the court house. At this point I didn't know if it was nerves, a heavy breakfast or just car sickness, but my stomach was in knots. I was sure I was going to puke. But I held it together. We got to the courthouse at 1:00 and found parking with no trouble. Well almost no trouble. Turns out there is a Sheriff's deputy working the parking booth at the court house. Upon arrival he had to look in our car (checking for bombs I guess, the only bombs we had were in the form of dirty diapers!). He asked if the babes were buckled appropriately and we told him of course. Then he asked why "mom" wasn't buckled. We're pretty sure he was referring to Aunt M in the back seat, but I wasn't buckled either. Aunt M told him it was because she forgot, what with getting the babies secured. She also told him she was over 18. He told her it didn't matter, that he could write her a ticket that moment if he wanted to. But he didn't. And with that we were rolling up our windows and heading into the parking garage. It was then that everyone in the vehicle agreed, the deputy reminded us of Gomer Pyles.
Once we were parked, it was a circus getting all the diaper bags and babies out of the car. And since Miss had fallen asleep we needed a stroller too. So it took some time to get loaded up to head into the court house, but we did it. We were slightly confused as to which floor we needed from the parking elevator. Fortunately there was a court house employee on board with us. He let us know that "P1" was the level with the holding cells and we didn't want to go there. Plus, he told us, they didn't have a sense of humor on the floor. So we chose level 1 and arrived in the entry to the court house. Next up, getting through security with 3 adults, 2 babies, a stroller, a car seat and a million bags.
The bags made it through with no hassle. So did Aunt M, Miss and the stroller, Little M and the car seat and Mr. Temmie. I set off the alarm. I thought it was the silver bracelet I forgot I was wearing. Nope. Still set off the machine and earned a date with the wand. Apparently my bra straps did not agree well with the metal detector. Or as my pops said, "The chain mail set it off huh?" Love ya papa! =)
It was during all the security hub-bub that I was approached by a man in a suit. He asked if we were the Temmie family. I said, "Is it that obvious?" He told me the baby gave it away. He was our fill-in attorney since the guy we hired was made partner and was busy with higher profile cases now. I liked this new guy better anyway so it worked out well. He walked to the court room with us and explained how things were going to work. He told us Mr. Temmie and I would be sworn in and have to answer some questions. He also said they were easy answers and it wasn't anything we needed to study for so not to worry. We also reviewed the documents we would sign in front of the judge and the judge would sign as well. At this point our family support started to arrive.
We hung out in the hall for a few minutes waiting for stragglers to arrive. Then it was time to enter the court room. Mr. Temmie, Little M and I took our seats at the front table while our family filled the seats behind us. And we waited. And waited. And waited. At one point, the court clerk came in and asked who in the room was NOT there for the adoption. Three little hands in the back row went up. They were there for the next case. And then we waited some more. At one point, the attorney leaned over to let me know this was pretty typical and that the judge is never late, being as we couldn't start without him. :) While we waited some more, I learned that our attorney and his wife had adopted 3 children so he was a pro at this stuff. He also told me that I was allowed to do whatever I needed to care for Little M during the hearing. He said his daughter had screamed through her entire hearing. I think he mentioned that because Little M was starting to get fussy. At that point I leaned my forehead against Little M's and asked him if he was getting sleepy. He held so still and looked at me right in the eyes. I whispered to him that I love him and this was his big day. He smiled and then started to close his eyes. So I cradled him and wrapped his blanket around him and he was out. And just as he dozed off, the bailiff entered and told us all to rise. It was time!!
In came a couple of clerks and the judge. At this point our attorney was letting the judge know why we were there. It was all formality since the judge KNEW why we were there. I was trying so hard to listen to every word so I could lock it in my memory forever. But all I could think was, Little M's head is cradled in my right arm, I'm going to have to raise my right hand when they swear me in. How am I going to do this without waking him?!?!
After a few more formalities, the judge told us he usually holds these hearings in his chambers. But he was told that there were too many people for that. He said he was so thrilled to see such an amazing support for our family and he knew this baby is a loved child. He also said he was impressed with the last line from the home study report. I can't remember EXACTLY how it went (still worried about being sworn in!) but basically the social worker said there wasn't a better home in the world for this baby and that we had bonded so strong nothing could break us apart.
And then is was time. The court clerk said, "Please raise your right hand.". I managed to get a strong hold of Little M's head and support his back with my left hand/arm. I raised my right hand and swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before God and these witnesses. The attorney then asked Mr. Temmie a series of questions along the lines of "do you understand what you're getting into and you still want to proceed?" He said yes to all his questions and signed the papers. It was then I noticed just how bad his hands were shaking. Mr. Calm, Cool and Collected was a nervous wreck! Next it was my turn to answer. But before I did the judge broke in and said, "Basically, there is no return policy". :) Then the attorney asked if I had heard my husbands answers and was he telling the truth. Yep. (o.k. so I was a little more professional and composed, but still the same answer). He asked if I knew what we were getting into and was I ready. YEP! And then he ambushed me.
Let me just say on a side note..I had already turned on the water works before the hearing started. My dad reminded me that 2/17 was his father's birthday. So an already special day just had another layer added to it. So now as I sat in that court room, answering yes to every question I was asked, the attorney then asked if I wanted to make a statement about how I felt at that moment. At that moment, Temmie = hot, blubbering mess! I lost it. I couldn't even speak. Mr. Temmie started to cry too (although he'll tell you some dust blew into his eyes at that exact moment). I finally pulled it together enough to tell the judge that this tiny, sweet little boy was my world. He was everything we had wanted and we were so thrilled and proud to be his parents. At that point the judge said a few more words about how impressed he was with our support system and asked the grandparents to stand up. He asked them if they had anything to share. My mom said that from the moment they found out about this baby he was part of the family and she was so happy the day had come to make it official. My dad, ever the comedian, started his comment with a joke about "Not being accustomed to public speaking". We all laughed and the judge told him he would cap him at 20 minutes. My dad then went on to talk about what a blessed event this was and what a wonderful future was waiting for us. Mr. Temmie's grandpa was there too. Technically he is Little M's great, great grandpa by blood and great grandpa by adoption. He told the court that he was proud of us and so happy we were becoming a little family.
And with that the judge signed the papers. Done aaaaaaaaaand DONE. IT'S A BOY!! We snapped a few more pictures and then left the court room so an arraignment could take place. Once we were in the hall we passed out blue bubble gum cigars and shared some hugs and a few more tears. Mr. Temmie, Little M, the attorney and I all headed to the clerks office to get copies of the adoption decree and order new birth certificates with our names in the parent fields.
The whole process was about an hour with 50 minutes or so waiting around. But it was absolutely amazing. I've know from day one that this little guy was my child. But after the hearing, sitting in the car (I rode in back on the way home to feed Little M, he was STARVING!), Little M fell asleep holding my hand. He was sound asleep but still had the tightest grip on my hand. And in that moment I finally felt like a mom. No more waiting for someone to come pick him up. No more feeling like the baby sitter. He's my son. I'm his mom. Mr. Temmie is his dad.
We are forever a family.
To quote a wise sea sponge (Sponge Bob): It's the Best Day Ever!!!!!!!
There are two days in my life that can claim that title: 8/17/02 and 2/17/11...the day I got married and the day I officially became a mommy. :D
The day started out like any other day off. Little M woke at 7:00ish and I handed him to his daddy. They went to the couch to have a bottle and watch the morning news while I tried to catch up on some sleep. I got up about 8:30 and the hustle and bustle started.
Aunt M took Miss Miss and ran a quick errand while I cooked some bacon for breakfast. Mr. Temmie and I started to get ready and Little M went down for a nap. Aunt M and Miss came back and we ate breakfast. Then Mr. Temmie ran to get his suit from the cleaners while I finished getting ready and got Little M in his suit. It was busy, busy, busy all morning. Trying to get 5 people dressed up for court and out the door on time is no easy feat, but we did it and we all looked great. Especially Little M and Miss Miss. :)
We left the house at 12:35 and made a quick stop for copies that I forgot to make the night before. Then we hit the freeway and headed for the court house. At this point I didn't know if it was nerves, a heavy breakfast or just car sickness, but my stomach was in knots. I was sure I was going to puke. But I held it together. We got to the courthouse at 1:00 and found parking with no trouble. Well almost no trouble. Turns out there is a Sheriff's deputy working the parking booth at the court house. Upon arrival he had to look in our car (checking for bombs I guess, the only bombs we had were in the form of dirty diapers!). He asked if the babes were buckled appropriately and we told him of course. Then he asked why "mom" wasn't buckled. We're pretty sure he was referring to Aunt M in the back seat, but I wasn't buckled either. Aunt M told him it was because she forgot, what with getting the babies secured. She also told him she was over 18. He told her it didn't matter, that he could write her a ticket that moment if he wanted to. But he didn't. And with that we were rolling up our windows and heading into the parking garage. It was then that everyone in the vehicle agreed, the deputy reminded us of Gomer Pyles.
Once we were parked, it was a circus getting all the diaper bags and babies out of the car. And since Miss had fallen asleep we needed a stroller too. So it took some time to get loaded up to head into the court house, but we did it. We were slightly confused as to which floor we needed from the parking elevator. Fortunately there was a court house employee on board with us. He let us know that "P1" was the level with the holding cells and we didn't want to go there. Plus, he told us, they didn't have a sense of humor on the floor. So we chose level 1 and arrived in the entry to the court house. Next up, getting through security with 3 adults, 2 babies, a stroller, a car seat and a million bags.
The bags made it through with no hassle. So did Aunt M, Miss and the stroller, Little M and the car seat and Mr. Temmie. I set off the alarm. I thought it was the silver bracelet I forgot I was wearing. Nope. Still set off the machine and earned a date with the wand. Apparently my bra straps did not agree well with the metal detector. Or as my pops said, "The chain mail set it off huh?" Love ya papa! =)
It was during all the security hub-bub that I was approached by a man in a suit. He asked if we were the Temmie family. I said, "Is it that obvious?" He told me the baby gave it away. He was our fill-in attorney since the guy we hired was made partner and was busy with higher profile cases now. I liked this new guy better anyway so it worked out well. He walked to the court room with us and explained how things were going to work. He told us Mr. Temmie and I would be sworn in and have to answer some questions. He also said they were easy answers and it wasn't anything we needed to study for so not to worry. We also reviewed the documents we would sign in front of the judge and the judge would sign as well. At this point our family support started to arrive.
We hung out in the hall for a few minutes waiting for stragglers to arrive. Then it was time to enter the court room. Mr. Temmie, Little M and I took our seats at the front table while our family filled the seats behind us. And we waited. And waited. And waited. At one point, the court clerk came in and asked who in the room was NOT there for the adoption. Three little hands in the back row went up. They were there for the next case. And then we waited some more. At one point, the attorney leaned over to let me know this was pretty typical and that the judge is never late, being as we couldn't start without him. :) While we waited some more, I learned that our attorney and his wife had adopted 3 children so he was a pro at this stuff. He also told me that I was allowed to do whatever I needed to care for Little M during the hearing. He said his daughter had screamed through her entire hearing. I think he mentioned that because Little M was starting to get fussy. At that point I leaned my forehead against Little M's and asked him if he was getting sleepy. He held so still and looked at me right in the eyes. I whispered to him that I love him and this was his big day. He smiled and then started to close his eyes. So I cradled him and wrapped his blanket around him and he was out. And just as he dozed off, the bailiff entered and told us all to rise. It was time!!
In came a couple of clerks and the judge. At this point our attorney was letting the judge know why we were there. It was all formality since the judge KNEW why we were there. I was trying so hard to listen to every word so I could lock it in my memory forever. But all I could think was, Little M's head is cradled in my right arm, I'm going to have to raise my right hand when they swear me in. How am I going to do this without waking him?!?!
After a few more formalities, the judge told us he usually holds these hearings in his chambers. But he was told that there were too many people for that. He said he was so thrilled to see such an amazing support for our family and he knew this baby is a loved child. He also said he was impressed with the last line from the home study report. I can't remember EXACTLY how it went (still worried about being sworn in!) but basically the social worker said there wasn't a better home in the world for this baby and that we had bonded so strong nothing could break us apart.
And then is was time. The court clerk said, "Please raise your right hand.". I managed to get a strong hold of Little M's head and support his back with my left hand/arm. I raised my right hand and swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before God and these witnesses. The attorney then asked Mr. Temmie a series of questions along the lines of "do you understand what you're getting into and you still want to proceed?" He said yes to all his questions and signed the papers. It was then I noticed just how bad his hands were shaking. Mr. Calm, Cool and Collected was a nervous wreck! Next it was my turn to answer. But before I did the judge broke in and said, "Basically, there is no return policy". :) Then the attorney asked if I had heard my husbands answers and was he telling the truth. Yep. (o.k. so I was a little more professional and composed, but still the same answer). He asked if I knew what we were getting into and was I ready. YEP! And then he ambushed me.
Let me just say on a side note..I had already turned on the water works before the hearing started. My dad reminded me that 2/17 was his father's birthday. So an already special day just had another layer added to it. So now as I sat in that court room, answering yes to every question I was asked, the attorney then asked if I wanted to make a statement about how I felt at that moment. At that moment, Temmie = hot, blubbering mess! I lost it. I couldn't even speak. Mr. Temmie started to cry too (although he'll tell you some dust blew into his eyes at that exact moment). I finally pulled it together enough to tell the judge that this tiny, sweet little boy was my world. He was everything we had wanted and we were so thrilled and proud to be his parents. At that point the judge said a few more words about how impressed he was with our support system and asked the grandparents to stand up. He asked them if they had anything to share. My mom said that from the moment they found out about this baby he was part of the family and she was so happy the day had come to make it official. My dad, ever the comedian, started his comment with a joke about "Not being accustomed to public speaking". We all laughed and the judge told him he would cap him at 20 minutes. My dad then went on to talk about what a blessed event this was and what a wonderful future was waiting for us. Mr. Temmie's grandpa was there too. Technically he is Little M's great, great grandpa by blood and great grandpa by adoption. He told the court that he was proud of us and so happy we were becoming a little family.
And with that the judge signed the papers. Done aaaaaaaaaand DONE. IT'S A BOY!! We snapped a few more pictures and then left the court room so an arraignment could take place. Once we were in the hall we passed out blue bubble gum cigars and shared some hugs and a few more tears. Mr. Temmie, Little M, the attorney and I all headed to the clerks office to get copies of the adoption decree and order new birth certificates with our names in the parent fields.
The whole process was about an hour with 50 minutes or so waiting around. But it was absolutely amazing. I've know from day one that this little guy was my child. But after the hearing, sitting in the car (I rode in back on the way home to feed Little M, he was STARVING!), Little M fell asleep holding my hand. He was sound asleep but still had the tightest grip on my hand. And in that moment I finally felt like a mom. No more waiting for someone to come pick him up. No more feeling like the baby sitter. He's my son. I'm his mom. Mr. Temmie is his dad.
We are forever a family.
Monday, February 14, 2011
It's like Christmas all over again!
I'm so stinkin' excited!!! I just want tomorrow to get here and then Thursday!! This week is full of exciting stuff and I just can't wait for it to happen!
First, Aunt Meg is coming to town and she's bringing cousin Miss Miss. YEA for play dates!!!
Then Thursday is Adoption Day!!!! All our family and friends are coming to court with us. It's definitely going down and one of the best days ever. :)
And then on Friday one of Little M's godmothers is getting married. We're so excited for her and her soon to be hubby. I even offered to make a cake. It's not going to be a huge tiered number. Just a simple cake to celebrate. :)
So this Monday needs to hurry up and be done so we can get on with the rest of this awesome week!
First, Aunt Meg is coming to town and she's bringing cousin Miss Miss. YEA for play dates!!!
Then Thursday is Adoption Day!!!! All our family and friends are coming to court with us. It's definitely going down and one of the best days ever. :)
And then on Friday one of Little M's godmothers is getting married. We're so excited for her and her soon to be hubby. I even offered to make a cake. It's not going to be a huge tiered number. Just a simple cake to celebrate. :)
So this Monday needs to hurry up and be done so we can get on with the rest of this awesome week!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Birthday party planning
I'm a planner. It's just the way it is. And I LOOOOOVE to host a good party. So with Little M's first birthday rapidly approaching, I've been busy! I spend all my free time thinking of what I want for his party and how to make what I can for less.
The theme of the party was a no brainer. Mr. Temmie said "Monkeys" and I said "Deal!". I already found the cake pan (Thank you W.ilton!). I designed my own invitations and now just need to print them. We have all the "activities" for the kids covered and the menu is just about set. And then I found this:
The theme of the party was a no brainer. Mr. Temmie said "Monkeys" and I said "Deal!". I already found the cake pan (Thank you W.ilton!). I designed my own invitations and now just need to print them. We have all the "activities" for the kids covered and the menu is just about set. And then I found this:
It totally doesn't match the theme of the party. But my inner M.artha St.ewart is pitching a 2-year old fit, yelling "You have to make this, you have to! We NEEED it for the party!!!"
The way I see it (translate that to justify it not matching), is this could be a save and re-use decoration for EVERY birthday party. :)
So I'm going to make it. Just as soon as I catch up on my other crafts..... =/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Adoption Day!!!
We have a court date!!!!
I was so stinking excited to get this phone call. It only took a week longer than I thought. I was home alone with Little M when the call came in. As soon as I saw the caller ID I started yelling, "It's the lawyer, it's the lawyer!!!". Little M thought that was funny and started to giggle. I quickly composed myself and answered. The assistant gave me the date and time. I confirmed what I heard her say three times before I wrote it down and then confirmed one more time. She told me she was going to mail a letter with the details so I could read them there. Bless her!
When I hung up the phone I started jumping and dancing all over and singing, "We have a court date, we have a court date!" Again, Little M is the only other person home. Good thing he thinks I'm hilarious! He started to giggle again, only now with my dancing, he decided kicking his legs and flapping his arms was a good thing to do too. So we did a happy dance together and then called Mr. Temmie first and then all our other family.
We are so excited for February 17th!!!!! (just a side note- that is exactly 6 months from the day we were granted custody of this little guy.)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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