Kicking!!!!!

I went with Cathy to her appointment last week and it was AMAZING. I got to feel Ari kick, he was so active when I put my hand on her belly to feel him. I am so happy that I got experience that, I think that kicking is something that every mom wants to feel, and I got to! His heart beat sounded strong and steady and the doctor said that both Cathy and Ari are doing great. The induction is set for June 26th! 36 days away, I cannot believe it, he is going to be here before so soon!

We got an email yesterday from our social worker saying that she had a meeting with Cathy and that they discussed the birth plan. The plan has remained the same in that her best friend will be in the room during the delivery to support her. Cathy now wants Jeremy and I to join her in her room after the birth to care for the baby. She doesn't want to feed him or care for him because she doesn't want to get attached. I am glad that she recognizes that but just the talk of an attachment forming is very scary. Jeremy and I being in the same room with the birth mom, best friend, social workers, doctors, and of course the baby is very emotional and scary. We are going to be first time parents and we are expected to care for him while everyone is watching. We are going to be excited and nervous and Cathy is going to be sad and nervous and that is a lot of different emotions in one small room. I want to make sure that we are always aware of her feelings and don't hurt her but our emotions are going to be so strong, and honestly I am just scared that us all staying in the room she might change her mind. The hospital has now said that we can have a room for ourselves after the birth if Cathy says that she is okay with us being there. She has not said yet if she is going to be okay with this but we will know soon hopefully. I have emailed the SW back to make sure that the plan is still for the baby to stay in the nursery if we are not there and not in Cathy's room. As the day gets closer our fear builds that things can still change and he can be ripped away. I have faith in Cathy and the decision she is making and how she feels about it right now.....but the bond and emotion is strong, I hope she still has a sense of peace on the birth day. The first 48 hours are going to be very emotional and stressful, we need everyone around us to pray and send positive energy to Cathy, Jeremy and I, and Ari.

Today was my baby shower and it was great day. Surrounded by friends that support us and are excited for Ari to be part of our lives. It was a great celebration of baby Ari and how close he is to being home. Thank you to everyone that has continued to support us through this journey. We are getting close to the end but we still need prayers and positive energy because he isn't home yet. Thank you again!