Hi. I’m going to try and write a short one this time. We’ll see if that’s possible. Either way, I have a lot of fun pictures to share, so at least scroll through for those.
I’ve been trying to stay off of social media and post non-baby related things until they’re here because I know once they’re born, I won’t be able to stop. But because so many people are asking about how things are going and apparently a lot of people read my first story, I wanted to send a quick update/thank you.
Most important update: the babies are still in there and still growing. This Sunday, Oct 7, they will be 33 weeks along. It’s also our second wedding anniversary. Two big milestones.
We were recently out in LA and we got to feel our surrogates stomach for the first time - talk about a milestone. The babies are moving like crazy. With all the limbs flying around in there, poor Lisa (surr) can hardly sleep, eat, or breathe, but she’s just the sweetest person and she still sends us a weekly belly picture with a smile on her face. She always wears the same outfit too so we can really see the progress. Here’s last weeks picture:
THANK YOU to everyone who has been supportive: offering help, asking questions, and sending gifts.
We have had four baby showers so far and tonight is number five! Tony’s coworkers are having a little happy hour and they went in on a gift. It’s our last official shower and it should be a good time.
We had one party hosted by Tony’s family in Wisconsin, which was cool because it was the first baby shower Tony and I had ever attended! It was really cute. We got to see some family and we got a lot of great baby gadgets. If you follow Tony or me on Facebook, you might have seen a painting we received at that shower from Tony’s cousin, Anne. It’s one my absolute favorite things and as my neighbor said, “Yep, if something happens in the house, you take the babies, then you take that painting.” I agree (I’ll take the pets too though, don’t worry).
We were almost late to our first shower because, at the last minute, we decided to make some banners that had the babies names on them. Other than my sisters and our surrogate, no one knew the names yet! We’re in full share mode now. The names are Emerson Tyler and Lillian Mae. Tony’s grandmother and a great-great-grandmother on his dad’s side of the family were both named Lillian Mae. Tony’s great-great-grandfather, married to Lillian, was named Emerson. Obviously, Tyler is my first name and it was Tony’s idea to use it as a middle name.
Our nextdoor neighbors on either side of us got together and invited the whole block over to our house for a neighborhood shower. It was a great turnout and it really reinforced that we have amazing neighbors and a really supportive community. Everyone commented on the painting as well. We put it right above our fireplace and you see it right when you walk in the front door.
My sisters and my parents also had a baby shower at our house. They worked their butts off putting it together and it was really, really fun. Tony commented at the end, “The Ecklunds sure know how to throw a party.” I was shocked by how many people were able to make it from all over the place and I totally appreciate it. We’ve never had that many people in a place we’ve lived, and on top of that, it was family, good friends, we got more gifts for the babies, and everyone was talking about how it’s all so exciting.
We really have been trying to learn a lot about being parents. It’s not easy. We’ve been reading books and blogs, talking to friends and family, watching shows, and even observing people out in the wild. At the same time, I’ve been trying to remind myself that I’m ready and that I’ve been ready and, like everything else I care about, I’ll give it my best shot. A lot doubt creeps in and sometimes I hear people mention things and I think, ‘what are they talking about?,’ and I make a mental note to google it later. Having these baby showers and connecting with so many people over how exciting this is has made me look forward to the new Ecklund-Koubas’ arrival more than I thought possible.
One of my favorite moments from these showers was when some of the kids in the neighborhood gave us parenting advice. It was genuinely some of the most thoughtful advice I’ve received about being a parent and these neighbor kids will be great babysitters. They’ve already offered.
So many good tips, but here are some of my favorites from the kids:
As you can see: they’re hired.
We’re still getting settled into our new house and with the parties and the babies, the deadlines really crept up on me. For the most part, we’ve made some major progress. I got some very creative nursery ideas from Pinterest and I’m really proud of how the nursery turned out. I chose to paint a nature theme with mountains, trees, sky, and animals. I did my best to keep it pretty gender neutral, simple with big shapes and contrasting colors, but also fun, and hopefully something they can grow into.
This twin rocker is pretty nifty and both Tony and I can fit on it. :) It’ll be perfect for two little ones.
A baby palm tree we took from our yard in California before we sold our house.
They already have a fierce protector. Rusty.
Rusty :)
Doing my best to get organized!
We’ve already received so many diapers! Tony’s friends had a shower they called ‘Huggies for chuggies’ - you bring the diapers, we’ll bring the beer. Will one of my friends please get pregnant soon so I can go to another one of these or throw one for them?! This was such a good idea and they wrote some heartwarming messages on the diapers for those 3am changes. These are a few approved for all audiences:
Drink a BEER; poop!; This is what unconditional love is!; SKOL VIKES
So now, we happily wait. As much as Lisa is ready to be done with the discomfort, and we’re eager to meet them, we’re all happy to let them grow in the womb a little longer.
See you soon babies!
