New Blog- thurmondfamily1.blogspot.com

I decided to create a new blog that focuses on all of the new updates with Finn. Because the adoption is almost finalized, I felt like this blog is ready to come to an end. We will keep this blog up, as we don't want to lose any of the memories of our path to our amazing blessing. However, for new updates on our family, please visit: http://thurmondfamily1.blogspot.com/

Visit from our caseworker

Last Thursday, we had our first (out of 2) post-placement visit. She was here for about 30 minutes to see how things were going. It was nice to see her and she enjoyed hearing about all the cute things Finn is doing these days. She also presented us with the contact agreement that Tiana came up with, which paves the way for the openess of the adoption. Typically, this agreement is signed before the adoption takes place, but due to the uniqueness of our situation, we are just now getting it. From the start, we have always said we were open to the standard openness that the agency talks about. Tiana's requests were fairly close to the standard openness, but she wanted us to agree to 5 visits within the first 5 years (in addition to various pictures and letters throughout the years). We felt that 5 visits (although it's just one a year) was a bit much for us. We asked that she would consider 2 visits within the first 2 years and we could see how we feel at that point. I will send as many pictures and letters as Tiana would like, but we just weren't comfortable committing to quite so much openness.

I assume she will agree to the visits we suggested, but we will have to wait and see. There's really nothing she can do at this point, but we still want to respect her as Finn's tummy-mommy. I don't think Tiana realizes just how much her own life will change in the next 5 years (or 2 years for that matter). Although she told us she always wanted to stay in the same town she was raised, the truth is, she may very well change her mind before she graduates and choose to experience college and such.

Now, about Finn. Oh my- he is just changing so fast! His cry is definitely more of a baby cry, rather than the little newborn cry. Still cute to see his pouty face :) He's also making tons of coos, squeals, and gurggle noises....and lots of smiles! He LOVES activity. Whether it's us talking to him, playing with this play gym, or the toys hanging next to his changing table. Sometimes, he gets upset when he's playing and we pick him up! He just loves his toys!!

We also had his 2 month check up a couple of weeks ago. He was 11.6 lbs and 23" long! He's now in the 40-60th percentile (was in the 25th when he was born) for length and weight. He's holding his head up well, and sleeping through the night....well, most nights! We typically feed him around 10pm and he doesn't wake up until 6ish! We are loving the nights we get to sleep longer!! We just feel so blessed to have such a sweet and happy baby. Finn is a miraculous dream come true :)

Pictures!

Here are our latest visitors!


Grammy & Poppy Thurmond














Grandma & Grandpa Mihocko















Marina














And some fun pics :)

Busy Busy Busy!

Wow- what a crazy week! Last weekend Justin's parents came up to visit and spend time with us (okay, let's be honest- spend time with Finn!). We had a great weekend. They watched Finn Friday night while we were able to have dinner with friends. Saturday we took them to breakfast at Byways Cafe, toodled around town, took a walk along the river, etc. It was so nice to spend time with family :)

Last week my parents came up (arrived a few hours after Justin's parents left). I am required to observe various classrooms for a specific number of hours for each of my classes. My parents were nice enough to come up for the week to watch Finn so I could complete my observation hours. It felt weird to be away from Finn a few hours each day, but I knew he was in good hands. It was also so great to spend time with my parents...even in our crowded little condo! My parents also watched Finn on Thursday so Justin and I could go on a date. We had a great time trying a new restaurant and enjoying time together. We knew we had to take advantage of our babysitters one last night...even though we were home by 7 :)

One thing our parents kept saying is how big Finn has gotten since they saw him at Christmas :) He's totally changing and growing everyday! He's cooing, smiling, and letting out little giggles every so often. I can't believe it! He's just the cutest, sweetest little blessing!!! I'll post more pics soon!

Oh, and yesterday, Marina and her mom drove down from Seattle for the day! It was so great to see them and introduce them to Finn! We had a wonderful time (obviously- Marina's always a joy to be around).

I've just been asked to submit some pictures and a letter to our agency for Tiana. I'm racking my brain about which few pictures to send. He's so cute- how will I ever choose! We also have a post-placement visit set up with our caseworker for the week after next. Time is flying by!!!

New Blog Title!

I just realized I better change our blog title now that our adoption is complete and we're a happy family :) Not very creative, I know...I'll work on something more exciting!

I've also attached a couple of pics of Finn starting to crack a few smiles. He makes my heart melt :)