Another Checkup and All is Well

Today's OB/Gyn appointment went well. Britnei gained 3 lbs since her last appointment, and didn't get lectured at this time. That is always good. The social worker talked with her one-on-one again today, which she hates. I think the talking to people like the nurses and social workers is the hardest part of all of this for her. She really dislikes talking to most people.



The doctor confirmed that the baby is doing just fine, and growing along as expected. She is measuring 32 cm which is just right at 32 weeks. Sorry to tell her he is not bigger than expected and there is no reason to think he will come any earler than the week of the 20th of April.

Everything else is going as planned. Todd and I picked up the crib on Sunday. We quickly lamented the loss of our truck, though we love the Jeep, it was nice to be able to transport things like that easily. Luckily Stephanie and Steve have a truck and live near Babies R Us. THANKS STEVE!

The Check's In The Mail

Big step completed this week- our application to the county was submitted, as well as the payment for the fees related to the home study process. It is only a matter of time until the county contacts us to do the first of the 3 home visits, and starts contacting our references. We hope this will be a painless process, but you never know. Wish us luck!

Quick Correction

I used the term "co-parent" in the last post. It technically be co-custody. I know it sounds nearly the same but it is not exactly. I will get the exact specifics and clear this up for those curious about this.

Happy Valentine's Day!

OK technically this post is going in on Friday the 13th but Valentine's Day has a much better ring to it. Before I get started I want to wish my parents a HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY! They are the most amazing couple we know and really admire them and their relationship.

Britnei had the first of her now bi-weekly OB appointments this week. See most recent ultrasound posted here as well. It sure is different from the peanut shaped blob we saw so long ago. He has her nose we can tell. It sure is cute! Todd went with her since Mark had to go to New York for work. Britnei and "Pickle" are doing really well, her BP, glucose, and other levels are all looking good. Her ankles are swollen but that is to be expected and the stairs at school are getting rough for her but she is really doing well overall. She is preoccupied with her upcoming 18th birthday. Dinner at House of Japan is the plan, and oddly enough childbirth classes the next day. We will be present for both. She is getting a bit moody about this stuff, she keep asking why she needs to go to the doctor so often and complains about having to talk to the nurses or social worker. Not sure what to tell her, it is part of the process.

We had great news from the attorney today. The legal process should be pretty painless for us, and based on a meeting she had with the new Probate Court judge. His statement to her: "Alternative families will not have any problems adopting as long as I hold this seat." She submitted 2 gay couples in the last 3 weeks and had no issues at all. Good to hear but sad that we have to worry about things like this.

So, here is the plan:

• Finalize our pre-placement application


• County contacts us and holds the first of 3 visits


• County does background checks


• County meets with Britnei


• County approves us for placement (we certainly hope)


• Pickle is born (YEAH!!!)


• Mark and Todd take Pickle home under "babysitting agreement"


• 3 days after birth Britnei signs over custody


• 6 months later adoption is finalized by county court


• Todd applies to be co-parent


• THE END

Not to oversimplify this or sound overly confident but this seems to be going very well for us, and we know that there are still warning spots, pitfalls and disappointments that can happen. We are staying postive and focused on this and making our dream of being a family come true.

We did experience our first "Oh, we can't do that we will have the baby" moment. Etta James is coming to Columbus, we both ADORE her and seeing her live would be amazing. The concert is May 2... hey she was on "Austin City Limits" recently we can just watch a re-run and be happy at home with our son. It's a much better way to spend a night! Ask us how we feel after 6 months or 6 years. By then getting a sitter for a night won't be a big deal. Two weeks, we want to be by his side.

That's all for now... more in 2 weeks or so after the next appointment or blog-worthy event.

Happy Valentine

Quick Update

Well, we are now certified in CPR... let's hope we never need it but we are at least prepared. The class was quick. It was scheduled for 3 hours but we were done in an hour. It helps that the American Heart Association has simplified the CPR and choking procedures. When I was first certified as a lifeguard there were several different procedures depending on the age of the victim. It is all pretty universal now.

Another fun fact is that the instructor was gay, and the owner of the agency that provided the training is a lesbian. I am sensing a trend here. The GLBT community is really cashing in on this adoption thing!