31 weeks progress photo

During the pregnancy my DH has been taking photos of me. Many of my support groups have seen them up to 20 weeks. But I just got lazy and haven't been able to Photoshop some words etc into the other ones we've done since then. But I feel like it's been a good 15 weeks since my blog was updated with a bump photo. Here's the not so official 31 week photo. I have the official one on my camera lol.

But this should do for now. Hopefully on my next post I'll have the compilation from 20 weeks to 31 weeks. There are a few missing weeks but at least there's some :)

Nothing new to really report. As of late I've been getting cramps (OB said it was likely just small contractions) and a ton of pressure in my pelvic region. I now understand why many women waddle in their third trimester. I'm a little sore and certain activities are becoming harder to do but I'm honestly surprised I made it this far along without having any real soreness. So I count myself as one lucky lady. 9 weeks left!! Give or take.

Yes, I'm one of those women

For as long as I can remember I have always had a huge affinity for Christmas. It wasn't the gift getting but more the sense of excitement and happiness that would fill my heart. I love giving gifts on Christmas. Things that I'm able to customize, my signature move is giving gifts that can't be bought in a store and if they are they have a personal touch that makes it one of a kind.

Now why am I talking about Christmas when it's September? Because I can't wait for it to come! Yes I've already started to listen to a few Christmas songs here and there. The way the songs make me feel it's just euphoric and energizes me. Just makes me a chipper cheerful person. Gasp! My personal favorite is Josh Groban, that man makes my heart melt when he sings.

Last year Christmas marked an ending to one heck of a dismal year. Loss of my grandfather in October, then the loss of our 4 children. It was overall a lot to take in for the year. The one thing besides my obviously wonderful husband and support system was the magic Christmas puts in my heart. Sure I cried a bit more especially at certain Christmas songs but it always seems to lift me up when I need it the most.

I'm that women in the office who decorates her cubical to the nines, equipped with a 8 foot wide fire place a little 4 foot tree (with a Canadian joker hat ;) Have to represent my home country). Garland and a little fake red plant. Slowly as I've been working here others have gotten into the spirit and it's really warming to see how others get into it. :) This year I won't be able to do it but I have someone in training ;)

I just had to share my joy for Christmas. While it may be far off and while this may be received with eye rolls and grumbles, I ask you, what's wrong with a little cheer and magic before the day even gets here?

Not to mention Christmas means our daughter will be with us. Our Christmas miracle we've been wishing for, for 4 years. "I'll be home for christmas" will have a special place in my heart . *Big tear* words can't describe how that feels, how hard it was to get to this point and how grateful we are. Christmas will always be magical for me now there's a whole new dimension of sharing that with your child hoping they find the same excitement and cheer of the holidays.

I will light a candle on that day for all the moms out there with children in their arms and children in their hearts. I will make my sole Christmas wish that you are blessed beyond your wildest dreams. (I just teared up writing that, I truly truly mean it)

What a huge weight was lifted today!

I want to shout from the roof tops! My 10 year green card is being printed and shipped to me!

This is huge! No one knows but we've been having added stress of the removing my 2 year conditions from my Green card. Everyone who gets a Marriage visa gets a 2 year conditional GC first before the 10 unless the couple has been married for 2 years. We were one month shy of 2 years when we got my visa approved. "DOH!".

For the removal of the conditions we supplied them with a nice $500+ check and 2 inches worth of supporting documentation of our marriage (they're heavy into finances, must have a joint bank account, loans, rental/mortgage together, signed documentation showing Power of attorney and beneficiary things. All which without having to designate goes to your spouse (at least here). But you have to have written documentation showing that. So after all of that info was provided we got back a letter saying it wasn't enough evidence. Insert frustration and added stress this momma didn't need. So Paul and I spent a good month gathering whatever else we could find, 3 affidavits from friends and it was really stressful. I mean having to worry about possibly being deported and not getting to go back for possibly 10 years if they denied my application while your half way through your second trimester, not good at all and well turns your world upside down.

Today I got an email from the USCIS that my case has been processed and with the new evidence provided they are approving our petition. Holy crap what a huge weight off of our shoulders

Now onto our last 2 steps  1. applying for birth abroad so Anastasia has duel citizenship. and 2. application for US citizenship for me, which I can start in December of this year but will likely wait until Anastasia is a little older than a month to start that grueling process. Same type of stuff we have to do and more expensive fees.

Sorry I just had to share in our delight!

This has certainly been a process overall and we've learned a lot about the immigration process. If any of my readers need help and are going through the same things I can't stress VisaJourney.com enough. It's an amazing site that saved us having to get a lawyer. By giving ample examples and explaining the process while talking to others who have gone through this and are going through it helped us immensely!