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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Book em' Danno~!!!!

Flights are booked! We got an incredible deal with Continental, the best price ever of our 4 trips to Mumbai. Gerry being a Veteran really came in handy and it saved us about $1200.00, and we got the bulkhead with bassinet for the return trip already reserved. My hubby ROCKS! We are planning on trying to use our vacation club membership (which also saves us a ton of cash) and stay at our second home...The VITS hotel. Apparently it has also become a second home for some of the staff of SI. I think we started something?!

Yesterday was my Dad's 70th birthday. My brothers and sister planned a surprise party for him in Niagara Falls and everyone traveled from far and wide for the big event. Unfortunately us, being SO close to the birth of our little one, we couldn't make it. Thankfully we will be able to celebrate in person in just a few months when they come for their six month stint to Arizona. My Dad is such an amazing man. He has been a huge support to me over the years. Always believing in me, supporting me and giving me unconditional love. I am the baby of the family and very much a 'Daddies Girl.' My father worked 45 years to support his family. Never missing a day of work (difficult when its your own business I suppose), working in all the outdoor elements Canada has to offer, 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. None of us wanted for anything. We have SO many spectacular childhood memories, of ski-dooing, vacations, boating, etc. He raised 4 wonderful children and we all have learned to appreciate and excel in our chosen careers, because of his wonderful example he set.

Daddy's Girl,1972

Gerry has grown to love my parents like there were his own. Last year we had a medical scare with my father and it really hit home. All of us kids realized how lucky we are to have him in our life and I for one never take one day with him for granted. That is why Gerry and I try and spend SO much time with my Mom and Dad when they are here in Arizona. Life is much too short to not spend time with the ones you love. You can never get that time back. Gerry sadly lost his father suddenly 13 years ago. I unfortunately never had the honor to meet this great man. But, I know we would have hit it off with his love of fishing and the outdoors. My Dad and Gerry have become much more close since their snow-birding adventures and it is wonderful to see that Gerry is able to have that relationship with him as I know it means the world to Gerry.

So, to my Daddy, I love you more then you will ever know, I am blessed to have had you as a positive and constant support in my life for so many years and I am so excited for you to meet your newest grandchild very, very soon.

We spoke with the Docs the other night and got an updated belly shot of KT who is at the clinic resting till Birth Day! We can't wait to see her and give her a huge hug. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing KT in all her glory on Skype with the Doctors. Her smile was as big as day, as I am sure was mine. She looks incredible and says she feels great and 'Yes, the little one is kicking up a storm.' I hope we get there in time to feel it first hand. Thanks again Docs, it was GREAT to see you both too!

35 week baby belly

We are leaving on the morning of the 21st and will arrive on the evening of the 22nd. We have booked our trip till Sept. 14th to allow us enough time to take care of the necessary paperwork and take as much in of India as we can for our last visit for a while. As of now KT's cervical stitch will be cut on or around the 18th and we are hoping for delivery on or about August 24th.

I got to share some of our journey today with the girls at work. With starting a new job, many of them had no idea what we have been doing up till now. They were surprised and so supportive and blown away at our story. I even shared our magazine article with a few of them and one girl, became so emotional she had to compose herself before returning me the magazine. It was very humbling. Makes me realize how lucky we are to be where we are despite the struggles and pain we have endured. Tomorrow will mark one week till we are jet-setting once again! WOOO HOOO!

Your Baby at 36 weeks:

Your baby continues to put on weight at about ½ pound each week. This layer of fat will help your baby regulate his body temperature after leaving its climate-controlled womb. In fact, your baby will be 15 percent fat at birth (and KT ... well that's another story). Even in the womb, your baby can listen, feel, touch and see. The only thing separating him from living in the outside world is a little thing called the birth canal.

Other highlights this week:


His gums are firm with ridges that look somewhat like teeth, though his actual pearly whites won't start breaking through until he's between three months and a year old. Your baby has definite patterns of sleep and wakefulness—opening his eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. Your baby will become alert and turn his head toward light and sound just as a newborn would—except when you put on that Celine Dion CD. Then the baby puts his hands up, turns away and gurgles, "Oh no you didn't!" Your baby is now around 18½ inches long and nearly 6 pounds—just about as big as a breadbox!

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14 comments:

Mandy said...

You are truely an amazing woman with an amazing story Rhonda. I too am a daddy's girl(and teh baby at that) and unfortunately we lost my father in law 2 years before our wedding so i never got to spend time with him other than our initial visit. My hubby assumed his responsibilities and thats how i ended up in Jersey taking care of my ML and his sibling.

You dad (and mom) has passed on their amazing genes to u. Cant wait to be where u are with SI and we admire your every step. All the best and safe travels hun.

Carrie Jo said...

Rhonda,

I have two seconds because I'm feeding Bella and typing one-handed, but looking at those pictures, I think you and Gerry are having a boy!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the wonderful sentiments.It is always nice as a parent to hear that you did a great job of raising your family. I found it a very rewarding job as you will too. And having wonderful children didn't seem to hurt. I am so looking forward to spending time with our newest addition. Have a very safe trip. You have our hearts. Give the baby a big hug and a kiss from us. We love you all so very much.
Lots of love as always Dad XXOO

Joy and Kelly said...

I cant believe you leave in less than a week!!!! It is hard to believe that soon you will have a little one in your arms, seeing the docs, then back home with your family (especially with your parents coming to AZ for the winter). You and Gerry will both be amazing parents and I can not wait...
Safe travels

Anonymous said...

Hey Rhondie, Gerr,
SOOOOOO happy for you both. Thinking about Willie and I moving to Arizona for about a month. Perhaps we will stay in your place and take care of our frankie girl!! Godd's Blessings, can't wait to be the catholic godmother.
Love you very much.
Ivonne

Ivonne said...

Almost Forgot Happy Birthday to DAD!
lOVE YOU

Anonymous said...

I've been following your blog for a while and although I've only commented once or twice I have been so excited to see your pregnancy progressing. Enjoy these next couple of weeks together - life is very different with a little one at home - but a great different. Can't wait to read your updates from India!!

Jennifer - from the MA board

Jon said...

Rhonda and Gerry
I wish I could be a fly in the wall of the Hiranandani delivery suite when your baby finally arrives so I could witness the pure bliss and love that you and your husband will feel.
Enjoy these next few weeks:
Chapter 1 of Baby XXXXXXXX W

Anonymous said...

Rhonda & Gerry
Just wanted to send a note to send our love and let you know that our thoughts are with you this week. Just can't believe how quickly (at least for us!) that your pregnancy has progressed.....and to think that you are leaving in a few days to pick up your baby just blows our mind. You both must be so anxious/excited/nervous/thrilled....and all those other emotions - can't imagine how you can concentrate on anything right now!

We have followed along on your blog, reading all the good (and the bad) along the way. Just wanted to let you know that we are so happy for you that you have finally gotten to this point and the birth of your baby is so soon! Over the past number of months I kept my fingers crossed and sent tons of prayers off that your pregnancy would be uneventful.....and were so happy each week that passed. Have enjoyed reading the updates and seeing the photos - what a wonderful nursery! Great job.

Can't think of any parents that are so well prepared - I know you both have read & absorbed tons of information on how to care for your baby and that you have not only the knowledge, but the ability to do a wonderful job. You have been through some tough moments in the past, so this will be a breeze for you I'm sure! I never knew/understood anything about surrogacy before you guys started down this path to having a baby, and hope now that I am more sensitive and considerate towards couples with infertility issues. I have also spread the word to friends and family and hopefully have opened their minds as well.

We are so looking forward to meeting your little one on either our next visit to Arizona, or if/when you make the journey to Nova Scotia....hopefully before the baby's all grown up!

Take care, Love to you all,
Aunt Myrna

Spiritual Dan said...

This is just SO exciting!!!

Thanks for the comment on my blog. Wow, $100 for a dutailier is a great deal!!

Kerrie and Mark said...

Finally the time is here! Your baby has happily stayed put for a long time. I know you will, but DO post pics as soon as possible. Safe travels and all the best for delivery.
Kerrie

Sarah Andrews said...

Congrats on making it to this point Rhonda and Gerry! It's been a real journey but it's all so worth it. I will be so glad when your family hits American soil once again. You all are in my thoughts. Travel safe.

Diana said...

Rhonda and Gerry,
Congratulations! My prayers are with you both as you begin this wonderful journey. Looking forward to seeing pictures. Have a safe journey.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! This is all very exciting!