Updates

Most of this is WAY over due...sorry about that.

The most important thing is that we now have a nephew.  On March 15, Alicia, my sister-in-law went into labor and, a few hours later, had a baby boy, Brian Patrick Eaton.  Their family lives in Virginia, so unfortunately I have not been able to see my nephew yet in person.  But Nate has posted several pictures on Facebook and, honestly, the little guy is adorable!  My parents (Brian's Grandpa and Nonna Eaton) are in Virginia right now enjoying their new role as grandparents.  Early next month I am going to New Jersey to stay with Anne and we will make the trip down to visit Nate and his family, very much looking forward to that!

In all honesty, my cardiologist appointment did not go as badly as I feared it would.  It turns out, in the last ten years, an entirely new specialty has developed called "Adults with Congenital Heart Defects."  There are doctors these days who make this a field of study and practice.  I find this hilarious since 10 years is almost exactly how long I have been in need of a doctor like this.  I guess I'm never going to stop being at the cutting edge of cardiac medicine.  So the doctor we went to see last month will be like my medical supervisor and she will send me to the specialists I need to go to.  I don't know how I feel about having more than one cardiologist, but I guess it's better than going to the wrong doctors!

Our social worker is coming for her biannual house visit.  This is more depressing than it should be, I think.  I would like to believe we are closer to having a child, but as far as I know nothing new has happened.

While we wait...

Two months ago Nathan and I became officially certified foster parents.  Since then the wait has been a very big, but unspoken part of our lives.  I've been wondering, since then, what are acceptable baby-related activities for prospective adoptive parents.

We plan on painting the baby's room, but haven't done it yet.  I've been knitting baby hats and booties like crazy.  I bought a couple baby outfits, just one or two in case we get a call out of the blue and need to be ready right away.  And yes, we have picked out names, more or less, Nathan doesn't like to make "concrete" pronouncements until he absolutely has to.  But the girl's name we picked so far is Natalie Joyce and for a boy Elijah Tarbert (it's my paternal grandmother's maiden name).

But part of me is scared that having done even these few and necessary things, we might be "jinxing" oursevles in some way.  I don't know many other adoptive parents, so I don't know how far ahead or behind we actually are.  Part of me wants to buy all the nursery furniture we need right now, car seats, toys and everything and just have the room absolutely ready for the little one.  We told the agency we would happily accept twins if the chance arose.  Should we have secondary names picked out, just in case?

I don't know how much of  this is "in case" and how much is just masochistic.

The Problem with Winter

I love colder temperatures, I love dark nights and using the fireplace.  Everything about winter appeals to me, except of course for snow.  My biggest problem with winter has only developed lately.

Winter seems to bring on the weight gain.  It's the perfect time for hot, fatty home-cooked foods and staying inside spending time reading or talking with Nathan.  There is no bike riding and very little walking outside. 

This year is the first time I've noticed this.  I just got back in from being on my bike for the first time this spring and I feel sufficiently wiped out.  I hope this doesn't last too long.