Sunday, March 29, 2009

Who says a watched pot never boils? Shortly after my last post, when I discussed wishing to see some signs of Spring, these popped up!


We are enjoying the fresh air, as we prepare our big family vegetable garden.
Easter weekend we are attending our second round of Adoption classes. I'm excited for that, as it makes me feel like we are making progress.

As we get closer, friends and family are full of questions (mostly, how much longer, which I'd also love to know. LOL). In an effort of updating this blog a little more, I've decided to open the floor for questions. Don't be shy! Anything you wonder about the process itself, about how we plan to incorporate our child's culture and adoption story into our life, my theories on the show LOST, whatever!. E-mail me your questions or post them in the comment section. If you wondered about something, chances are someone else has too.

In the meantime, enjoy the spring. Get outside. It's an amazing and beautiful time of year.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

WELCOMING SPRING

Time for Spring Cleaning and a new look. I find myself staring at the trees and the grass, waiting (and willing) the world to turn green. Any day now. In the meantime I've given the blog a fresh new look. Another season of waiting behind us. We're back to Spring, where we began our journey one year ago.
It has been a long time since I last posted. I probably lost my audience by now, but will continue to write since I feel it is important to keep this log for our future baby to read one day.
Nothing much is new. We believe our match will come in July or August. Followed by travel 4 or 5 months later. So while July seems right around the corner, the homecoming (which could be anywhere from October to December) seems years away. I think this wait is getting unbearable now, I can't imagine holding that picture and not being able to have our baby with us.

The good news is once we get that match, I have permission to do some shopping. In the meantime I window shop and plan nurseries in my mind.

I read a lot about bonding and attachment with your adopted child. One thing we definitely plan to do is what is now referred to as "babywearing". Not only is it common in Korea (and growing in popularity here in the states), but the benefits are wonderful. I found an article about babywearing, and highlighted a few to share:

Wearing your baby helps you develop a secure mutual attachment.

Babywearing increases parental sensitivity to a baby's needs.

Babywearing simulates the sensations of pressure, motion, warmth and security of the womb.

Carrying your baby in a sling reduces her level of stress hormones.

Babywearing can greatly reduce crying and fussiness. It also helps your fussy or tired baby fall asleep.

Babies sleep longer and more comfortably when in a sling.

Sling babies have a reduced incidence of colic and are less susceptible to vomiting and excess spitting-up.

Toddlers who were/are carried in slings initiate separation sooner, and become more self-reliant.

Babywearing has been shown to strongly benefit premature infants and lower their mortality rate.

Parents who wear their babies can more easily accomplish daily activities, tasks and chores.

The natural movement and stimulation provided by being in a sling promotes neurological development.

Babywearing gives children the message that they are safe, secure and loved.

Babywearing is the most comfortable way to hold a baby. You can use a sling on your shoulders, back or hip distributing your baby's weight evenly.

So I'm looking around and I think I like the babyhawk (see picture below), which can be worn in the front or the back. Our baby will be bigger than Livija and will not fit for long in her tiny snugli. This one gets good reviews and comes in some beautiful fabrics. The stylish fabrics was probably the selling point for me. LOL. Although if we are matched with a boy, I think Imants is leaning towards the camoflauge one.