Two years ago, Patrick and I had one of the most important phone calls of our lives.
After the call ended we received a message that said, “Both mom and dad feel terrific about the adoption match and want to move forward.”
Since that moment our lives have been filled will more joy, more love, more happiness (and yes, more chaos) than we ever thought possible.
So much so that not long ago we found ourselves on another life-altering phone call and decided to say yes to this adventure AGAIN!
We are beyond excited to welcome Cole’s sibling (by genetics and by adoption) into our lives and our hearts later this year.
We’ve seen, first-hand, the beauty of open adoption (although we are not ignorant to the trauma that is adoption and how it impacts everyone) and are prepared to move mountains to support this tiny little human and their birth parents.
Whether you believe in prayer, positive thoughts, good vibes, or healing energy, please send it all to everyone involved, and if you’re in a position to do so, we would greatly appreciate your financial support as we raise funds to cover some of our adoption-related expenses. We hope that by inviting you into this process you will consider yourself as a part of the loving community we hope to build around our children as they grow up together.
It's official! Mama Winter and baby girl have entered the third trimester!
Baby girl has a strong heartbeat and continues to be a little wiggle worm inside the womb. Mama Winter's current cravings include pistachios and cotton candy grapes (who doesn't love a salty/sweet combo!?) and she's feeling healthy and happy that everything is going so well.
We're eagerly anticipating baby girl's arrival sometime in the next 8-10 weeks.
Birth mama, Winter had her 22 week OB appointment this week and our little lady is growing perfectly. :)
She measured 3 days shy of 22 weeks and is 1 pound 1 ounce big. The ultrasound tech was able to feel her kick and said that she's a strong little lady.
So far there are no signs of gastroschisis and everything appears to be progressing normally.
Birth mama is still struggling with morning sickness and fatigue but loves feeling baby girl kick. At this point the plan is to induce in early November so we're getting close!
We’ve reached the 20 week mark!!!
With a tentative plan of inducing around week 37, we’re over halfway there!
Mama Winter says that baby girl is moving and grooving and she can feel her kicking! Winter’s current pregnancy craving (when she’s not navigating morning sickness) is french fries. 🩷
Yesterday, I (Nicole) was able to join Winter for her 16 week ultrasound. It was incredible to be included in such a special moment and so wonderful to see baby wiggling around on the screen.
The ultrasound tech wasn’t sure she’d be able to identify the sex of the baby at first due to how active baby was, but towards the end she was able to confirm that it’s a GIRL!
According to the doctor baby girl is “perfect” and growing right on schedule. At this time there are no signs of gastroschisis, however due to Winter’s health history and previous gastroschisis pregnancy, the high risk OB will be doing monthly ultrasounds to make sure everything continues as expected.
The doctor would like to induce Winter by 37 weeks to ensure both she and baby have a healthy delivery, which means baby girl will likely be arriving end of October/early November.
Cole is THRILLED to be a big brother.
At birth Mama, Winter’s next ultrasound appointment we will (hopefully) be able to find out whether baby is a boy or a girl! We will also be able to tell whether baby has any health concerns like gastroschisis (which was the case with her pregnancy with Cole).
Winter has asked me (Nicole) to attend this appointment with her, so next week Cole, grandma and I will be making the 7 hour drive to visit for a few days and see our precious babe via ultrasound!!!
