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!