And then you lose your job...

Yes, it's true. Tuesday our division informed us that due to the hardship of our economy all of the designers would be let go. Technically my last day is the 13th after a long week of installing our last remaining project. Funny how that worked out!
While we all knew that this was a possibility (they had already let two designers go since the beginning of the year), we had just received a new project and were in the middle of preparing for a presentation. We certainly were not expecting this right now. I had in my mind that eventually leaving my job would be under my terms. I would work up until "our baby" came and then be at home. The timing of this isn't quite what we had planned for. And actually...it's not really about the money so much (while some adjustments must be made), the difficult part of it for me has been about the people I have come to know and build relationships with over the past 8 years of being in the design industry. Not only the people that I work with directly, but our vendors who I work so closely with and have for a long time. I knew that when I eventually left my job as a designer, I would most likely not return to the design field once I went back to work (if I decided to). So, this abrupt change in my life is kind of the end of an "era" for me. I won't ever work in this industry again and even though that's my decision, it's still been what I've done for the last 8 years....and it just feels a little bit strange. I must say, I feel a little bit sad. I've never been in this situation before.
I know that everything happens for a reason. I was very ready for change in my life...I just didn't know it was going to be my job...but I am going to embrace what this change means for me and take some time to find my new direction. Whatever that might be.
I know from being on the building end of the economy and also seeing what Matt's going through on the finance end of the economy that our world is a little scarey right now. I just want you all to know that I hope you and your families are pulling through okay and I pray that this little black cloud that seems to be hovering over us right now soon lifts.
Let's all take care of each other. :)

Update on Potential Birthmother

She chose another family for her baby....
I feel like crying although I'm not really sure why....I think in a way you let yourself start imagining the the life you might share with this particular baby and imagining the way and time in which your life would begin to change. I guess this just wasn't "our baby"...

Memorial Day

Thinking about and honoring those who have given their lives today through the tragedy of war. Wishing peace and comfort to their friends and families and to all of those still waiting to come home. May we always honor and remember those who have made this ultimate sacrifice.

Especially thinking of our dear friend Jeremy Fresques who was taken from us on May 30, 2005 in Iraq. May peace be with him and his family.

Update

Well, there isn't one regarding the potential birthmother and I'm frustrated by the fact that even though I've emailed our social worker twice in regards to "just letting us know when their meeting was scheduled for with the birthmother", that I haven't heard 1 single word. I'm certainly not expecting any sort of answer from the potential birthmother this quickly...all I wanted to know was when the meeting was...or is....or won't be. In the meantime we're just left to wonder....ahhh, the unknown....it's just a big bag of fun!

On another note....we've pretty much finished the painting in the nursery. :) We received our dresser/changer combo, but haven't gotten our polka dot chair yet. :) Probably the end of next week. Anyway...here's the latest. :)

Smiling Faces

It's raining daisies! African Daisies that is. :)

Brittni gave out these seeds to each of her guests to leave with after her wedding. Last year I found them and thought "why don't I plant these!" I'm sad to say that I actually didn't sow them very gently or with much care. I haphazardly threw them out along side our tropical hibiscus...not really expecting a whole lot, but hoping for a surprise. Well...lo and behold this year these little plants started popping up all over a certain area of our yard. At first we thought they may be weeds...but we decided to see what would happen. As these "weeds" started getting taller and taller we started feeling a little more like they were weeds. Then we started seeing tons of buds on them. Literally if felt like it was overnight and they all just started blooming like crazy!! It makes me so happy to see them...I feel like there's a hundred smiling faces saying hi to me!! :) It's been SO hot the last few days and I have been so afraid of losing them, so I thought I better get some pictures while I could and enjoy them while I can. :)

Thanks B! I love the gift you have given us. :)

Some Stirring...

We were presented with a birthmother profile last night to see if we would like our portfolio shown to her. We immediately said..."yes!! Please show this potential birthmother who we are!"
It appears to be a very good situation, however she's only approx. 4 months along and is just in the beginning stages of her search. She wants to get the ball rolling early and seems to know that adoption is what she wants at this point. We will most likely be shown to her with several other waiting families....we're praying for the chance to at least meet with her. Would you mind praying along with us?? :)

A Little More "Buzzing...."

Well, I'm not done yet, but this is where I left off for the time being. :) Some of them are still missing their wings and one of them is missing his legs. :) But I think they're turning out okay. What you you think?? :) (be kind)