Fun Weekend

Could it really be the last weekend in July?!   This summer is flying by!   Now that we are getting settled with our new addition, I feel like we are just hitting our stride, I'm not ready for school to start in a month.   This weekend was busy, but fun.   It's the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Ensrinement Festival and an extra fun time to live in the Canton area.   Every year we look forward to the Hot Air Balloon Invitational when our sky is speckled with the beautiful balloons!   This was the scene this morning:

Every time we see this sight, we talk about the year a balloon unexpectedly landed in our neighborhood.   It's still a wonderful memory that we fondly recollect.    I snapped this photo on our way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame where Jim and Grant registered to run the 2-mile race.   I was surprised by how many kids participated in the 2-mile.  I was concerned Grant might be too young, but after doing some research and having him train, we decided it would be okay.   After seeing the amount of children running that distance, I realized this must be a new trend?    In races I've been in before, I've not seen so many young ones runs (and I do mean YOUNG) there were kids that looked to be 5 or so.   It was interesting.  Here are some photos.  I was very proud of Grant and daddy!!  

Bread (and Bun) in the Oven

I have started my Christmas list a little early this year. :)   My friend Jen told me about a new sensation in her home recently.   It's "Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day."   After hearing how easy it is to make ...and how much her family loves it, I was hooked!   No bread maker required and just 4 ingredients.    It's a concept that's simple and smart and definitely something I think I could do.  Sign me up!  I just need to get the book and wood paddle-thingy.  Click here for the instructional video, and here for the official website!

As far as my own "bun" in the oven, today I received a call from Lifeforce Cryobanks...they accepted my application to donate cord blood!   I figured they would, but it's nice to get the thumb's up and a walk-through of what to expect.   It sounds relatively easy, and thankfully my doctor is familiar with  the collection process so I think we're in good shape.  They will send me the kit at the end of September (at 36 weeks) and we'll just standby until it's go-time!    Although I'm only 27 weeks, labor has been on mind lately, as I am determined to have a natural childbirth (yes, I'm serious).   Lol.   I'll save that story for another post, but I am trying to prepare for the experience of a pure labor/delivery if possible.  That's all for now, my bed and giant pregnancy pillow is calling!:)

27 Weeks!

Officially 27 weeks pregnant!    Hard to believe next week marks the beginning of my third trimester!   Thankfully, things are continuing to move along wonderfully.  The baby is kicking like crazy, my monthly checkups have been normal, and I feel good, which is a blessing in and of itself!   It does feel strange to have such a little baby in the house and be pregnant at the same time, but I am loving every minute.   It's nice that we already have baby items out (like a changing table, diaper bag, bottles, etc.) and I don't have to pack them up.   We can get double use out of everything.   It's also neat to see the boys continue to grow and bond with Karolina...and their unborn sibling.   I'm really trying to soak up the joys of each day, this is such a happy time. 

I am also doing something new with this pregnancy/delivery that I am really excited about.  My friend Jennifer told me about donating cord blood.  We can't afford to bank it, but there is an opportunity to donate it for stem cell research.   Cord blood is so valuable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use it, and have it go toward a great cause, instead of pitching it in the trash.  I wish I would've known about it with my other pregnancies!   Click here for the website and application.

Pretty Girl!

Thank you to my friend Jayme who took a few pictures of Karolina last week.  What a heart-melter!   So beautiful.

Also, thank you to Cara who e-mailed with a recommendation for a nursing shawl:

Hi Brooke,

I saw on your blog that you were looking at nursing shawl...I loved this one, and it doubles as a stroller/pumpkin seat shade when sweet baby naps. :) If you buy from them, they're $34.95. I still wear it, even after my youngest baby just turned 4! :) Good luck...there's a lot of baby gear to sort thru...we are so happy for all of your beautiful blessings!

Have a great day!

 Click here for the link.  Thank you Cara!

What's New in Babyland

With Karolina finally getting settled, and baby #5 on the way in 3 months,  I finally started to make lists of the items we will need with little ones in the house again.    It's been a few years since I ventured into the world of baby gear, accessories, nursery necessities, etc.   I'm always amazed by the new inventions and products.  Talk about a booming business!   Choices galore.  Since Garrett was born, one new item I am excited to get is a nursing cover:

I am also REALLY loving the new stroller we bought in Poland.   It was a painful purchase at the time because it was NOT in our budget, or something we had planned for.  However, with the broken sidewalks and cobblestone streets, our umbrella stroller was just not cutting it.  Poor Karolina's head would knock on the metal sides of her stroller every time we went over a bump, she was constantly being jarred, and woken up from naps as we walked.  We knew we needed a durable, street-smart stroller that would protect her noggin but still be somewhat lightweight.    We bit the bullet and bought the very pricey Peg Perego Skate stroller.  The good thing was, it was about $75 cheaper in Poland for some reason, so that eased the sticker shock slightly.  Here is the snazzy Skate:

Looking back, it WAS worth the investment.  It is, hands down, the best stroller we have ever owned.    In addition, we can use it as a bassinet for the new baby and also add a jumper seat and turn it into a double stroller.  Score!   Here is a video of the whole setup.
Here is Karolina hanging out in her Skate at a cafe' in Poland:

At least we can cross that off the list!   Along the same lines, I saw this new "Comfort Embrace" wagon from Radio Flyer.  I don't think we'll get it, but it's such a practical choice for the zoo or pulling around 2 little ones.  It's the first Radio Flyer for infants (and can be modified to grow with your children).   Great idea!

That's about as far as I've gotten for now.  It's been fun to browse the overall "must-have" and "best new items" lists,  but still need to compare prices and read reviews about the few things we are still looking for.   This baby gear stuff is exhausting!  Lol.  

Claimed for Christ

This weekend we celebrated Karolina's baptism, a moment we have prayed for for a long time.   I was a teary mess, but I wouldn't trade the emotions of the day for anything.  It was another dream realized.   To have the opportunity to baptize our child and to have her receive her first sacrament, was an honor.    After her baptism, we celebrated with friends and family at a party thrown in Karolina's honor.   It was one of the best days on record!   To be enveloped in so much love, and in the company of  those we care for and respect so much, was something I just tried to soak up and thank God for.   The good things in life are made even sweeter when they are shared with people you love, and that's how we felt yesterday!   She is here today because of God's hand, but also because of the "team effort" of prayer, gifts and support along the way,  and we wanted to thank those who made our prayer a reality! I don't have pics available from the party yet, but here is a little recap of Karolina's baptism.   Oh, happy day!

Our friends, the Gerber's.  They are Karolina's Godparents, and we are Godparents to their youngest, Cecilia.   A happy crew here!

Our friend's, the Willit's.  An amazing bunch,  (with 3 of their 5 kiddos).  They drove up from Georgia to celebrate the big day!  You can check out their show on Sirius 159/XM 117 (The Catholic Channel).  They host "The Catholics Next Door."

Party time!   Ready to cut a rug (or a tooth) at her big event. :)

Home Sweet Home

"There's no place like Home"- Dorothy.:)

Truer words were never spoken!     We received a wonderful surprise on Friday.... the return of Jim and Karolina!    Last week we got word that there was a SLIM chance they could return from Warsaw a few days early, but it was not likely.   We didn't hold our breath, but we DID do a lot of praying,  and finally heard on Thursday that they would be back 3 days early!

You could barely contain the boys and me, and it was made even sweeter by our neighbors and friends who shared in the excitement. Our neighbor girl Meghan, made signs on our street to welcome them home: 

The boys and I also made a sign for the airport:

They flew into Cleveland and arrived at about 11:30pm (after a few delays). Jim and Karolina traveled for 24 hours and they were both exhausted. The moment we laid eyes on them, it was like heaven. We hugged, cried, and inspected how the other had grown/changed.    I had 2 video devices all ready to go, and NEITHER worked for the big moment! My phone kept closing down when I hit the "record" button, and a Flip recorder we borrowed had a dead battery. I am bummed we don't have a record of that moment on film, but it's certainly imprinted on our hearts, and with a few photos:

Jim said Karolina did GREAT on the long trip, and I was proud of both of them, Jim is my dad-hero. :)   Needless to say, the weekend was one for the record books.  The beautiful weather, lazy schedule, and watching the boys fawn over their sister was more than my heart could contain.   Any apprehensions I had about the boys bonding with her, were quickly dispelled.

  They adore her, and have requested to do everything from changing her diaper, to brushing her teeth (all 2 of them), to feeding her and pushing her in the swing:

I had to laugh out loud on Saturday morning when I heard voices coming from her bedroom.   She was napping, and when I went to investigate, I witnessed this scene:

Incredibly, she was STILL sleeping!  Although I am sure she may have been dreaming that people were watching her.  Ha ha. 

We wrapped up the weekend with Sunday mass, then a day in the country with friends.   Karolina her new friend ( and our Goddaughter) Cecilia!   Despite Cecilia thinking her new gal-pal was a snack at times, they got along famously. 

We also went swimming which may have been my favorite, as Karolina fell asleep in my arms.    Throughout this entire journey, I marvel at God's hand, His timing, His "perfect match" and all the angels who have aided along the way. A year ago, we were still struggling with worry that we wouldn't be able to afford the expense,  and fear of the unknown.   If I've learned anything, it's that when God calls, it's not only important to listen, but to TRUST and jump in with complete blind faith.  Look what He can do!!!!!!!   
  I will never be able to thank Lina, our adoption agent enough.   She, along with everyone at St. Mary International Adoption agency, Magda, and all the other families I met through the Polish adoption blogs, were such a Godsend in terms of preparing us, and leading the way with their own stories and advice.  
Today is officially "paperwork day" as we get the mountains of legal documents scanned and sent to the right people.   Thanks for your prayers..they are powerful and God is good!

The Final Countdown!

The end is near!   Well, maybe it would be more appropriate to say the beginning.    Jim and Karolina will be HOME next Monday night, that's less than a week until our big reunion!    We may jump out of our skin, we are ALL so anxious to be together again.

Last week was Karolina's birthday, as well as our 1 month "Gotcha Day" anniversary.   It was nice, Jim got her a cupcake and we sang to her via Skype.   This weekend we also started getting the bigger baby items up from the basement and getting them ready.  Our high chair is cleaned and ready for Miss Karolina's first meal at home!

Her baby swing came in the mail too!   Fun-filled  days ahead, swinging with her big bros!

Things are coming together!   We just need the following ingredients:  1 husband/daddy + 1 beautiful baby girl.:)



I'm thankful this is a short week.  The weekend was fun with GREAT weather (thank you, Lord)!   We spent the day in Amish country with my friend Jen and her family.  We toured a chicken farm and learned a lot.  I learned brown chickens produce brown eggs, and white chickens produce white eggs (don't laugh, I know I must not be the only person who didn't know that)!   Lol.    These are cage-free chickens and here is ONE ROOM of them.

There are 32,000 total in this barn.   It was so neat!   We also learned that "passing an egg" is painful for chickens and is basically the equivalent of having a baby for them.  Poor gals!  

Lastly, the other countdown continues: 24 weeks today. Grant took this photo, I am officially 6 months preggo!

The baby is the size of an ear of corn. :)    Speaking of that, I have a doctor's appointment, better scoot!