3 weeks, 4 days

Our b/m had another doctor appointment yesterday.  Everything is still going well and we were happy to hear that she is supposed to start thinking about the "adoption plan", when at the hospital.  Our caseworker told b/m that Joel and I are very anxious in knowing at what point we would be able to join her at the hospital on the day of delivery.  We're supposed to meet for lunch after her appointment next week, so hopefully we'll know more then.

3 weeks, 6 days

I feel so touched by the recent generosity of a former high school classmate and his wife, Will and Lindsey Amos.  When they found out we were adopting, they reached out to us and offered us a very sweet gift.  Will asked his aunt, who makes christening gowns and heirloom baby clothes, to make an outfit for Makenna.  She used our pink and brown color scheme to make a very sweet little outfit and a blanket to match.

Joel and I are so grateful for all the kindness and support everyone has shown us.  We feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives and can't wait to share all of that with Makenna.  

4 weeks, 5 days

Today our b/m had a doctor appointment.  Our caseworker was trying to arrange for us to meet for lunch before the appointment.  That didn't work out, but that's ok because something much more special happened.  I was invited to the doctor appointment to hear the baby's heartbeat!  Hearing that sweet baby's heartbeat was like music to my ears.  I felt like I was actually a part of the pregnancy.  It was so nice of our b/m to let me be a part of that.  Makenna's heartbeat was nice and strong, 142 beats per minute.  We're now on the downhill slide.  The frequency of the doctor appointments have moved to weekly.  Hopefully our caseworker will find out, soon, what we can expect on the day of delivery.

6 weeks, 6 days

So it seems that I assumed too much.  After speaking with our caseworker on Saturday, I came to the realization that the events on the day of delivery won't be as cut and dry as Joel and I thought.  We learned to expect the unexpected.  Joel and I assumed (there's that word again) that we would just be there from the very beginning, but it could be that our b/m may not want us there at all.  We are at her mercy.  Joel and I will expect to have to wait on the "call" from our caseworker.  That's going to be so hard.  Our caseworker told me that she will ask our b/m what she feels like doing so hopefully we will know a little bit more when we meet with her in a couple of weeks.

7 weeks, 3 days

Joel and I received confirmation yesterday that Makenna Michelle Hendrix will be born via c-section on Monday, May 24th, 2010.  It's official, but it still seems unreal.  Our b/m had a doctor appointment yesterday and it was made clear that once Makenna is delivered, she will be taken out of the delivery room, straight to us.  That, I must say, was exciting to hear.  I'm curious as to what the hospital's procedures are, as far as adoptions.  I guess we just have to play it by ear.  We will be relying on our caseworker to direct us, for sure.

The next doctor appointment will be either the 20th or 21st of April (we will have to confirm that).  Our caseworker wants me, Joel, our b/m and her family to go to lunch before the appointment.  We'll see how that works out.  Our b/m has been on the outs with her family and things are a little rocky right now, so who knows what three weeks will bring.

I will be having my first baby shower on May 1st.  We are calling it a "necesseties shower".  It will be a rather small shower mainly for Joel's family, but my mom & niece will be there.  I am so excited for that.  Joel's sisters are doing a wonderful job planning it and keeping the details a surprise.  I like surprises.  :)

Again, we continue to wait.  We keep trying to plan little things on the weekends so we have things to look forward to during the loooooong weeks ahead.  My cousin is having her baby today, so hopefully we will be able to see them next weekend.  This weekend I have a baby shower for a wonderful friend, on Saturday, and I am really looking forward to Sunday and being with family, for Easter.  The OSU Spring football game is on the 17th so we'll probably be in Stillwater most of that day.  There are a couple of baby stores that a friend told us about.  I want to check them out!  Wiggles and Giggles & Butter Bean.  How cute are those names?!  On the 18th I am taking pictures for a family session.  Very excited about that!  They are such a cute little family.  We might go camping the 23rd & 24th or get away somehow.  There are lots of places in Oklahoma we haven't been yet.  Weird I know since we have lived here our entire lives.  Wow.  April is totally booked up!  That is so exciting.  Once we are into May, we will be on the downhill slide.

So, until next time.....................