EUREKA! We found it!

WOW! It has been some time since I have updated this blog and OMG have I been hearing about it! There are many reasons for my lack of maintenance. My usual fallback is “where do I find the time!?” In typical “Marjorie fashion” I can never seem to do just one thing at a time and sitting and typing without interruption is unheard of! My life has taken an insane path of frenzy – the details of which I will spare you. I’m just sticking with “I’m too busy”.

Another – and dare I say primary reason for our absence is that we haven’t had very good luck with doctors since July 24th. “The best OB/GYN in the world" (Dr. Sattar) informed us that they do not take Tiffany’s insurance (contrary to what they told us when we set the first appointment. So, we began the search for a “new best OB/GYN in the world”. We have several friends who are pregnant at the moment, one of which LOVES her doctor (Dr. Cryns) so we started the process all over again and couldn’t get in to see him until Tuesday, August 26th – a full 4 weeks later. We were hopeful that we would hear the baby’s heartbeat so Chris and I took time off work and went with Tiffany. This was without a doubt the most upsetting experience to date. Our appointment was at 3:00 p.m. We were taken to the exam room at 3:20 where we sat by ourselves until 4:20. No nurse – no vitals – no nothing. We were all getting antsy so I went out to the desk to inquire as to the status. The office staff told me that he had indeed been called out for a delivery but had just returned. I thanked them and went back in to update the restless patient. A few minutes later, the nurse came in – drops something on the counter and then snidely says to Tiffany, “maybe someday your delivery will inconvenience someone else’s appointment.” Five minutes later the doctor comes in. We introduced ourselves and told him that our friends (by name) had referred us. He interrupts saying, “If I’m going to get a word in edgewise, I’m going to have to ask “the grandparents” to leave!” I clarified that we weren’t Tiffany’s parents, we were the adoptive parents. He became even more incensed and would not proceed until Chris and I left. All three of us were upset – but not as much as we were when Tiffany came out and told us that she heard the heartbeat and they wouldn’t come get us. Lots more to the rudeness and insensitivity but suffice to say, none of us could imagine letting this jerk and his incompetent staff destroy our blessed experience for the next 6 months. So . . . the pursuit began again.

I called no less than ten different practices because now, I’m in full interview mode. Our mission, that our provider – from doctor to receptionist understands that this is not the “typical” Mommy-Daddy-Baby birth experience. There were three of us having this baby and whoever we chose to be part of this amazing experience was going to have to “get the vision”! After much searching, we were led to an all-woman practice called “CareNet” and the only hospital they deliver at is Bellvue Woman’s Hospital – lovingly referred to as “The Country Club”. By the grace of God, an angel named Michaeline answered the telephone. She "got the vision" and instantly confirmed that I had found the right place! We went to our 3rd initial visit last Thursday, September 7th and all we can say is WOW! What a difference! We did it! We found truly the best fit for our unique situation. They have four female doctors (3 of them Asian which Chris is very happy about.) We didn't get to meet Michaeline but we did meet with Cindy who also really has the heart for her calling. Tiffany is now in her 16th week and full of questions. Unlike Dr. Cryns, they were thrilled to answer Tiffany’s questions. Cindy was patient, caring and extremely educational. The thrill of the day was when we got to hear a nice, hard, healthy heartbeat which made one of us cry. (Ok – that would be me.)

They said that Tiffany is in fantastic shape and everything is right where it should be for this stage of her pregnancy. We have an ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd when we hope to find out whether we are having a little boy or a little girl. We will see the doctor immediately after the ultrasound on the same day. The next day, the 24th, Tiffany has to go back for a procedure called a Colposcopy. Don’t know what it is? Look it up. No real concern. Just a safety precaution addressing a diagnosis from her pap smear taken back in July when she learned she was pregnant.

Tiffany news – we just celebrated her 18th birthday on Thursday, 9/11. She will be 17 weeks along on Tuesday, 9/16 and today, Sunday, 9/14 . . . .(trumpet sounds) she felt the baby move!!!!!! (I just got chills!) She is so remarkable!! Not surprising, she is going through a litany of emotions. One moment she is her usual delightful self and the next minute, she’s crying her eyes out. But through it all, she hasn’t wavered. She stands steadfast that she is doing the right thing – for the baby as well as for herself. She keeps a diary which we will add to the baby’s scrapbook. Her little belly is pooting right out there. I have got to find my camera and get a picture of her on this sight!

I have to send out a special love note to those of you who have added your support to her. Special kudos goes out to Liz – You have blessed her more than you’ll ever know – giving her unbiased insight, encouragement and your friendship. To Jessica - her new aunt. You instinctively treat her like you’ve known her and loved her all of her life and give more advise than even I do! And to Cookie and Hugh (Chris’ mom & dad) who she now calls “Grandma Cookie” and “Grandpa Hugh”. You have drawn her in and treated her like family and have just confirmed that our baby will experience that special love that only grandparents can give. Thank you all for taking this journey with us! WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!!!!!!!