Finally celebrating my birthday as a mom

Tomorrow is my 35th birthday, and finally i'll be celebrating as a mommy with my daughter and husband by my side. I've been waiting for this day for a long time and tonight I got to celebrate with Bella, Chris, my parents, my sister and niece. It was a great dinner and nice to have everyone around on this special day. Here are some pics of the day.

All ready to party

Hanging out with Pepere and Memere (my parents)

With Matante Renee (my sister)

Bella and Mommy

Bella with Mommy and her cake

Izzy and Daddy

All tired out after and exciting night

Isabella's First Photo Shoot

This photo album customized with Smilebox

Our First Month

has been absolutely amazing. We have been getting to know each other more and more everyday and learning so much. Who knew it was a complete learning experience on a daily basis.
Not much time to write as baby Bella is waking up but here is a Smile Box to keep you all going for now.

Stay tuned for the photo shoot pictures.

This photo album generated with Smilebox

Speechless

What a feeling....

it is to be someone's mother. To have someone rely on you to nurish, guide and protect. Someone so innocent looking at you to love and hold. I was warned before the baby arrived that I would be a complete zombie for the first 6 weeks, that I wouldn't know what I was doing from one day to the next, that my life would be like a robot of feeding and changing diapers, but it hasn't been like that at all. Since Isabella has arrived I have been living on an hour or two of sleep here and there but my body has adjusted nicely. I have great days of feeling awake, and alert, and when I do feel tired, I wait for her to nap and I go nap. I then wake up a new women. It's amazing how fast your body can adjust to such a large change. I thank god, I have Chris around to take care of the cooking and shopping for me. He has been amazing. Unfortunately, he is going back to work tonight for a few days, but I feel confident that we will be ok. I would love to have him home with us for the next year, but I understand it can't be done and will be strong about it, to make it easier for him.
Don't get me wrong, Isabella does have her moments where we are working to please her for an hour or so, but none of it isn't worth it. Those little silly looks she makes when she wakes up, or when she calms down always make us laugh. She has brought so much joy into our lives already and it's only been 9 days. I can't imagine what it will be like in the coming months. So to finish off, our update is that we are adjusting well and she is amazing. Here's a little sneak peak of our princess.

Our Journey comes to an End

Our little miracle finally arrived on September 5th 2011, at 3:24 am, 7lbs 4.9oz, 19 3/4cm bringing our long journey to parenthood to an end. We are now officially parents and could not be more in love. I cannot begin to describe how much we love her and would definitely go through all the pain and heartache again if I knew the ending was such a special little girl.

Mommy and baby are doing great and daddy is adjusting quite well and taking his role as daddy quite seriously. He is a big help and loves his little girl very much.

Here is a look at our first few days with Baby Isabella Donna Fournier. If you are anything like me I would grab the tissue box.

This free slideshow generated with Smilebox

Thank you all for your continued support throughout our journeys and years of rollercoaster emotions. I can still hardly believe that we were blessed with such a miracle and appreciate every single moment I have with her, even on only a few hours sleep. I have never been so happy and am looking forward to all the little adventures to come.

I would lastly like to thank our daughter, Isabella for joining our family and finally making us feel complete. We love you so much litte one. xoxo

Maternity Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, my friend and I went out to a beautiful area, here in Kamloops, and we did a maternity photo shoot. She was able to capture our little miracle in a way we were not able to and in a way that will be cherished for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much Sherry for taking the time to do this for us. We are so thankful and grateful. xo

Getting Closer

Everyday is another day closer to meeting and holding our little princess. I have felt many emotions in the last few days, from being sad that the pregnancy is almost over, as I LOVE being pregnant, to excited to meet Isabella and make sure she is ok, to scared of the labour and birth part.
I know i'm not the first women to go through it and definitly won't be the last but it's the first time I go through it and I have no idea what to expect. It's the fear of the unknown that is getting me. Will I make it to the hospital in time? Will I be able to deal with the pain? Will it last forever? How much will it hurt? Will I do it right? Will my little girl be okay at the end of her adventurous journey? All these questions go through my mind everyday; however, the joy of knowing she will soon be hear to hold and cuddle and feed and teach and guide through this crazy world she is about to enter is over powering the fears. I'm always imagining what/who she will look like? What kind of personality she will have? I'm so anxious to know, but i'm already not wanting her to grow up too fast.
I have been feeling great with only a few aches and pains on a daily basis but nothing I can't handle, just normal part of the journey. Izzy is settling in quite nicely with her head down where it belongs for her to make her grand entrance. I'm officially not allowed to be alone for long periods of time anymore, as we are too close to the finish line but that's ok, I like the company.
I have been off work for 2 weeks now and loving every minute of it. I've been getting some much needed organizing done and alot of relaxing. My daily afternoon nap has been great and I think Isabella is enjoying that as well. She is moving around during the day, doing alot of flip flopping from side to side and hiccups here and there but not much kicking. I don't feel any pain from her at wish which i'm greatful for.
Well i'm guessing the next post may be the one, the one that will introduce you all to our little one. YAY.!!! Still can't believe this is happening.

9th Month

We are still digesting that we are pregnant, let alone 9 MONTHS pregnant. Mommy and baby are feeling great. A few aches and pains but nothing we can't handle. My last day of work was July 28th 2011. I felt quite alot of pain in my pelvic area that morning and came home after an hour of being at work and hardly being able to walk. I'm guessing it was the baby dropping but i'm not 100%, I have a Dr's appointment tomorrow and i'll know more. My work suggested I go on sick leave to assure the safety of our baby and I agreed. The last week had been a hard one going into work. So I'm starting my mat leave 2 weeks earlier than I originally planned but I have been enjoying my time since. I've been able to take a much needed nap in the afternoons and I have been focusing on baby, which is the most important part.
We are now in the month of August, the month our little princess is due to make her grand appearance. Are we ready? Wow, what a question. Physically we have everything and more of what we need for her arrival home. Emotionally it's exciting, scary, emotional, all mixed into one big smiling moment. We have no idea what to expect once she arrives and we are ok with that. We can only go one day at a time. I have never been so worried about anything else in my life, but I'm thinking that is just the mommy in me. I worry about everything. I look around my house completely different, hazards everywhere. As a couple Chris and I have been together for over 10 yrs with dogs to keep us company, we are definitely ready for the next step; however, are fully aware that it won't be easy. We feel our love and support for one another will overcome. We have been through so much to be blessed as we are, it will surely make us stronger in the end.
The countdown has begun, and I keep imagining the day, how will it happen? Where will I be when labour begins? Will it be day time or night time? Will it all be okay? Will Chris be with me or at work? Will my family be around? Will I be able to handle the pain? Will I be able to handle the joy? Will our princess be okay?
So many questions that will soon have answers. We are sooooo excited. I still can't believe we WILL be parents within the next 5 weeks.... Yahoooooo!!!

Baby Shower

On July 16th 2011, my sister and brother in law hosted our baby shower. It was such a great day with many friends and family. Looking back at the pictures I realized just how happy and glowing I am. Something I never thought I would get to enjoy and here I am living a dream.
We had a BBQ with men, women and children included. It was a casual day with good food and good company. I would like to send a special thank you to all who helped us celebrate and a BIG THANK YOU to Renee and Pat for hosting such a great day. It meant to world to us.
Here are some pics of our special day ( i'm having issues uploading so this is all you get sorry)

Baby Nursery transformation complete

As many of you know, we used to have a beautiful nursery ready for a little boy. Well, when we found out our little miracle was to be a girl, we decided to start over and make is special for her. Here is the finished product, and I can now reveal that her name will be Isabella Donna Fournier. Her middle name is the name of Chris' late mother, she watches over us everyday and i'm sure will watch over and protect little Isabella when she arrives. We sure wish she was here to meet her but she will always be with her and us in spirit.

This free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

8 Months!!

Here is my 8th month update picture. In the last week I have become quite round. Some of maternity shirts no longer cover the full belly and as you can see above, some of the long t-shirts I used to wear are also getting too short. Thank god for maternity pants to cover the gap.

Baby girl has been sleeping alot more lately and only wakes up a few times a day to say hello. Usually around 10 am, 3pm, 7pm and 3am. She seems to be on a little routine already.

We have been feeling great. On our last Dr's visit we were right on track where we should be, my uterus was at 30cm and I was 30 weeks, which I was told is how it should be. I have been maintain a good weight gain of 1/2 lb to 1 lb a week and it seems to only be in the belly, which i'm not complaining about.

I am still in shock on most days, although I feel her and know it's real, I still can't believe I'm the one that is pregnant. I'm not looking at someone else who is pregnant and dreaming, i'm the one. I catch my reflection in the mirror and just smile. I think if it wasn't for the growing bump and the occasional kicks I would still be in denial.

I worry everyday that she will be taken away from us, but I realize that is just old wounds coming to the surface and we will all be ok. I figure God wouldn't give us such a beautiful gift just to take it away.

We are almost done with the nursery, we are just waiting for the bedding to finish it and post the pictures. I have alot of the items on my registry so we still have a few weeks to go to see if we receive the items and then we will be complete.

This weekend I took some more baby items out and her swing and toy box are out in the living room and I also packed her hospital bag. I'm almost in need of a full size suitcase for her. I know I won't need that much and I will thin it down but it got me thinking to packing for a vacation in the future, we will need a bus just for her items. :)

Anyways, that's it for this weeks update. We have a Dr's appointment this Thursday and I look forward to hearing her little heart again.

Daddy and Mommy and Baby First Picture

Congrats to the Lebold Family

Congrat Steph and family. It's been such a long and painful process to get to point where you are finally booking your flight to go pick up your little girl. I'm so happy to have been around to share this wonderful experience with you and can't wait to see you home, all toghether as it should be and should have been a long time ago.
Safe travels. xo

Congrats to Tammy Sidney Josina and Sophie!!

Tammy is a friend I met through adoption. She has been going through this process since before I started the adoption process so very long ago. She never gave up hope and has finally received the green light to go get her precious daughter. I am so happy for her and her family, they so deserve this great news.

Have a safe and wonderful trip, i'm looking forward to seeing the whole family together, the way it should be.
xo

30 Weeks

We are growing stronger and stronger every day. Feeling her inside me is the best feeling I have ever felt. Every morning I wake up and wait for my morning nudge. Once she gives me the "good morning Mom" nudge, my day can start on a good note. She has begun moving and nudging...ok kicking me in a much stronger way but I wouldn't change a thing. It makes me feel confident that she is doing well.

At our last prenatal visit she kept kicking the doppler, it was so cute. She is not liking pressure on my belly and let's me know. If I'm holding Ziggy she kicks him or if Chris is cuddling she kicks him as well... attitude already. I love it.

We have 10 weeks to go now before our little one comes out to greet us, and i'm nervous about things I would never have thought of before, like when to apply creams to her bottom, how often to feed her, will I be able to breastfeed, will I be okay with her. I always said I was "ready" when it came to the adoption, but I know realize I was only ready physically, mentally there is alot more to worry about, and since this gets more real everyday, I find myself up in the middle of the night looking up on the internet "when to apply cream to babies bottom" silly I know. But you know what... I love it. I love that i'm having the chance to worry about these things. That it's real and that I will be a mommy in a few months and have to deal with all of it. I love that she is here and I thank god everyday for our miracle.

Happy First Father's Day

Happy First Father's Day to my wonderful husband. In a few months our little girl will be here to greet you and show you in person how much she loves you, but I can tell you know she is going to be the luckiest little girl in the world to have you as her daddy. Everyday I am more proud to have you as my husband and I can't wait to be proud to have you be the father to our child.
Although our lives will be changing in the next few months and it will be 3 instead of 2, I know that our life together will only get better, all because you are an amazing husband and will be an even better daddy.
We both love you so much. and the dogs send you a great big kiss as well for all you do for them. Enjoy your special day. xoxox

Chris enjoying his wonderful gifts from Baby Fournier and the dogs.

I would also like to say Happy Father's Day to my daddy. I love you so much. You have always been there to support me and encourage me when needed. You show me love everyday just by being you. I am the women I am today largely in part because of you and the guidance you have provided me. I can't wait to see you again in a few months and so wish I was able to share this special day with you. I thank you for being you and could never have asked for a better father.

Love you. xoxo

Me and my dad. xo

Week 28. Officially 7 months third trimester.

She has officially popped out and made an appearance. I love you so much Baby Fournier

I'm amazed at the natural curve in my back now. Love it.

Mommy and Ziggy taking a nap with Baby.

My Brother In Law on You Tube.

He wrote this song for my niece. Enjoy!!

Way to go Pat.

Love for our baby girl

I never thought I could love someone so much as I do my little girl. I've had much love and grief for the two adoptions we had to let go but I have never felt love like this before. To know that i'm responsible for this little baby growing inside me is the most amazing feeling in the whole world. Our journey to parenthood has always felt real but there has been nothing as real as this.
Feeling her have the hiccups and kicking me throughout the day is an undescrible feeling.

I have loved and grieved the loss of a child with the previous unsuccessful adoptions; however, this miracle has made our hard journey better in more ways than I can describe. It's the first time in a long time that I can't express how I feel in writing.

Although she will be here in 3 short months, I would love to keep her inside me for a longer period of time to fully protect her from the world and all the dangers out there.

I want her to know that from the first day we found out about her she has been so loved and has meant the world to us. She is our miracle and I must admit she will probably be treated as such for her whole life. Thank you for coming to us the way you did, we will never let you forget how special you are to us all. We love you so much baby girl.

New Due Date

We went for our official diagnostic ultra sound last thursday and it seems I was a little farther along.

Our new date is August 30 2011.

Only 3 months to go and we get to hold her in our arms; however, I love every minute of having her in me and feeling her move.

We are so in love with our daughter already. It's undescribable.

Progress pics so far

2 days after finding out

25 weeks 5 days


2 days later
26 weeks 1 day

27 weeks. The bump has fully made it's appearance.

I'm loving every minute of it.

Our Baby Girl

What a crazy week. My brother and his family arrived last Saturday and we have been busy with our little one with appointments all over. We had the pleasure of seeing our little one on May 24, through a 3D ultrasound, it was absolutely amazing. We also got to find out that we are expecting a little girl. So we have been busy shopping ever since, getting rid of the blue and buying pink. So much fun, she will be so cute in all her outfits. Our visit with the family has also been an exciting one, we have been so blessed in this last week, to have all my family around and to find out about of Little Miracle. I am still crying happy tears, not believing this is happening to us. We have had so much bad news in the last 8 yrs that this seems unrealisitc..then she kicks me and oh...she is real. :) I can't believe how much I can love someone in such little time. I'm so protective of her already. She has quickly become a large part of our lives and she is all we ever think about. I guess that is what parenthood is all about.

Here are some pictures of her 3D ultrasound.