No words necessary!

Thank you Jennifer!!

Officially Approved!!

Yep that's right. Scot and I received our Certificate of Adoption Approval. It actually says...

Scot David Smith and Rebecca Jan Williamson Smith are officially approved for adoptive placement by The Gladney Center for Adoption as of this 17th day of the month of November in the year 2008.

The exciting waiting period begins. We've already completed our first education requirement. We took our infant CPR and safety class on November 17th. So we don't have to complete another education class until February, but I've already scheduled our Caring for your Newborn class on January 12, 2009. We're even signing up to get email through Gladney and then in December we're going to get a 1-800# in preparation for possible calls from birth mothers.

As my husband told Gladney in his interview..."Becca tends to look at life as the glass being half empty." Which is true but I still can't believe he said it. I do have my moments of optimism and that's why I'm including this little comment below. I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

A Quick Message...

Well this past Tuesday Scot dropped off our completed photobooks at Gladney. One of our caseworkers loved them and said they were wonderful. They weren't over the top and it didn't look like we were trying too hard. They definitely represented who we are as a couple. In fact, she said that most likely we would be picked pretty quickly. Also, we were told that they were completing the approval of our home study and we should hopefully receive our letter of approval by the end of next week. Then the applying for grants begins.

It's all so exciting, surreal, and difficult at the same time. Someone once told me that the adoption process is lengthy for a reason. It's not just for the background checks, fingerprints, and all those other "fun" items we completed on our checklists. The lengthy process allows Scot and me to grieve, but with that comes clarity and realization. Realization that at the end of our journey, great joy and love will come into our lives. I know now what she meant. At times I still hear myself being a little bitter and sad, (for those of you on the other end of that my most sincere apologies) but then I remember one day soon someone will give me the opportunity and blessing to raise and love their child as my own. Ok ok...so moving on.



We finally broke down and ordered the crib and baby furniture. I couldn't wait anymore. We decided it was better to buy a little at a time instead and everything at once. I also found a great deal on a bassinet that I just couldn't pass up. I told Scot I wouldn't buy anything else until we were matched. Let's hope I can stay true to my word. Of course it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't. Once we receive the baby furniture I'll post some pictures. No plans for the nursery until we're matched and we know if the birth mother is having a boy or girl. If you know me...then you know I'm a planner and a little OCD and that's why we're waiting.

Glitter Graphics Maker & MySpace Layouts

A Surprise to ME!

So never in my entire life have I ever written poetry. I don't know too much about poetry except for what I was taught in high school and college. Poetry is something that my mom writes easily and beautifully. However, for one reason or another last week I sat down at my computer and wrote a poem. It was an interesting event that took place. This might sound silly, but it was sort of an out of body experience but not exactly. It's hard to explain, and it only took me 20 minutes to complete. I hope you enjoy it, and I know I'll treasure it for always because it may be the only poem I ever write.

The Dream Draws Near

I never imagined it would take so long;
I strive to be patient, brave, and strong.
I sit and wonder who you’ll be
And hope and pray that you’ll love me.

I dream of the day you’re in my arms:
I love you, hold you, and keep you from harm.
I count all your little fingers and toes
And kiss your forehead, eyes, and nose.

I wait and wait for that final day
I know our little one will come our way.
I’m calm, I’m patient, God’s plan is clear
And I know the day we dream draws near.




By Becca Smith (October 13, 2008)

The Waiting Begins!!

Today was the day we've been anticipating. We had our 4 hour interview with Gladney to complete our home study. I was worried and anxious for nothing as usual. Scot was great because he was calm and he took it all in stride.

They first interviewed us together. They asked us questions about our expectations for the baby as far as education, social, etc. They also asked if our family was supportive of us adopting in general and adopting a biracial baby. (OF COURSE!!!) Here are just a few other questions they asked:
- How will we introduce/expose our child's culture to him or her?
- What if your child asks why we adopted him or her and why he or she looks different?
- What activities do you look forward to the most in sharing with your child?
- How do you feel about sharing pictures and letters with the birth parent(s)?
- Do you have any preconceived notions of a birth mother?
- What losses do you think birth parent(s) experience with adoption?
- What losses do you think you experience with adoption?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses in your marriage?

Then they interviewed us separately and asked us about our family life, parents, marriage, and good and bad life experiences.

So now all is said and done. They told us everything looks good. We should receive our letter of approval by the end of the month. We'll be sending in our portfolio for approval this week. They said typically a baby should be placed with us in 6-12 months. Now the waiting begins!!!!

Quick update

In addition to our home visit this Wednesday, we now have our 4 hour inteview with Gladney scheduled. It will take place Tuesday, October 7th. Then we just wait for approval. Once our home study is approved, then I can start applying for grants, send in our portfolio and wait to be matched. Have a great week everyone!!

Rollin' Along

Gladney called today FINALLY!! I know we started everything on August 18, 2008 but it seems like forever because I AM IMPATIENT . Things are rollin' along now.

Our home visit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1st. OMG!! Next week. There will be plenty of cleaning this weekend. May the force be with Scot this weekend because I'm sure I'll be a terror on wheels with a smile of course.

Quick update

We submitted all of our paperwork and our home study fee and post-placement visit fees to Gladney. We're just waiting for the phone call to set up the dates to begin our home study. Love you all!!

Changes have begun

Tonight was a tough night because we filled out our Statement of Faith. Scot and I know that we believe in God, but when you have to actually write it down it's not so easy (well for me anyway). Actually having to describe our spiritual beliefs and how we would teach our child about spiritual growth was not something I even thought about when I was pregnant. This entire adventure makes me see so many things and people in an entirely different light. It's almost as if it's my period of enlightenment, and I'm finally coming into my own. I believe Scot is seeing the world in a different light as well. In the beginning I thought we would be stressed out all the time, but more and more I'm finding that we are (dare I say) relaxed, laid back and mellowed out. For so many years we've strived to be patient with each other, use kinder words towards each other, and compromise...suddenly that's exactly what's happened. I'm not a very patient person, but I feel myself becoming more patient. You know how you always wonder, "Why did that happen to me or to us, and how am I supposed to see the good in something bad?" It's hard to explain, but I'm just now realizing that there is good coming from those terrible incidents from years ago, and I truly believe that they were preparing us for this point in our lives together. Now for some less deep topics.

Wednesday, August 27th, we submitted the majority of our paperwork and 25% of our adoption fee to Gladney. We've been cleared by the FBI, and the only few things left on our checklist is the background check and Scot's Dr. appt. Before we know it, it'll be time for the home study. Speaking of the home study...

We started making changes to the house to prepare for the home study and ultimately for the baby. Scot and I are so excited. A few weeks ago we painted the guest bedroom a smokey topaz and the room now has furniture and a queen-sized bed. It's actually very cozy. Then we also painted our bedroom (koi pond) and it has new furniture as well. The study/work-out room is complete too. We had so much fun painting together. However, I don't plan on painting again until it's time to prepare the nursery.

Other than that we're keeping busy, working, trying to save some money and have a little fun every now and again. For Labor Day Weekend I cooked a brisket for the first time and it turned out awesome. All of our friends loved it. We had a great time. In addition, I know Scot's looking forward to the Toby Keith concert this weekend. It was a little surprise from me so we're both excited. Hope you all enjoy the pics, and we'll talk to everyone soon. Later taters!!

WOW!

Sooooooo...we attended the Adoption Orientation. All I can say is that our brains are overloaded with information! Everyone at Gladney was super sweet and very professional. The orientation was even entertaining and full of history. If you've never been, you should visit their museum at the agency and definitely watch the movie about Edna Gladney, "Blossoms in the Dust." I haven't seen it yet but I've heard it's wonderful.

Anyway...we received a very large notebook containing numerous forms to fill out and send back. We're actually half-way there and I can't believe it. I'm so overwhelmed because I want to get it all completed as soon as possible. This process will definitely teach me to be somewhat patient. If you know me at all, then you know I'm not patient. Yes, yes, patience is a virtue (as my mom would say). Tomorrow Scot and will head off to the police station to be fingerprinted. We will send our fingerprints to the FBI to receive FBI clearance.

I think one of the biggest tasks will be to fill out all of the financial forms showing our monthly expenses, debts, and assets. Ugggghhh!! Then we'll have to write our autobiographical letters and then finally creating our picture portfolios. It will be fun but not easy. So that's all for now. Be back to blog again soon!! Love you all!!

Thank you Mom!!

For those of you wanting to read a beautiful poem that my mom has written about our future baby, please click on the link under "Blogging Friends" to your right "OH, WHERE IS THAT ROAD NOT TAKEN? (Mom)."

The Packet Arrived

Finally, Saturday afternoon our packet from Gladney arrived to let us know what to expect when we arrive at the orientation on August 15, 2008. I can barely contain my excitement. Here's our orientation agenda:

- 8:45 am Pastries, coffee, juice
- 9:00 am Introduction
- 9:15 am Domestic Program Workshop (the steps to complete the adoption)
- 11:45 am Lunch
- 12:30 pm Financial Overview
- 12:40 pm Hallmark Video - "Megan's Story"
- 1:00 pm Birth Parent Panel (Real-life stories from young women who are making an adoption plan for their children.)
- 1:20 pm Break
- 1:30 pm Family Services (Info. re: educational programs and family support svcs.)
- 1:40 pm Adoptive Parent Panel (Hear from people who have experienced Gladney adoption and oppty. to ask questions.)
- 2:00 pm Adoption Security (Legal Aspects)
- 2:45 pm Break and Campus Tour
- 3:00 pm Closing Remarks and Checklist

NEW INFORMATION - SCOT AND I HAVE ALSO DECIDED TO SUBMIT A PRE-APPLICATION TO AMERICAN ADOPTIONS TO SEE WHAT PROGRAMS THEY HAVE AVAILABLE FOR US AS WELL. LOVE YOU ALL!!>

A Few Pics of Us

Gladney Called Today

The call came today from Gladney. Woo hoo!! A wonderful lady called to let us know that they reviewed our pre-application and we could be possible adoptive parents in their ABC program. ABC stands for African-American and Bi-racial Children. She did let me know that there was no availability in their Agency Assisted Program which refers to children that are full Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American. I explained to her that Scot and I just want the opportunity to be parents and that race is not an issue.

So on August 15, 2008 from 8:45 to 3:30 we will be attending the adoption orientation in Fort Worth. She told me that I should be receiving our packet regarding the orientation in a few days. Once we attend the orientation then the ball is in our court as to whether we want to officially apply to adopt a child from the ABC program.

Once we submit our application and pay 25% of the adoptive fee then we will begin the home study process which takes 3-6 months.

There are no words to express my excitement at this point. I'm overwhelmed with emotions because I truly believe that next year Scot and I will be the parents of a beautiful child that we can call our own.

The Beginning...

Scot and I would like to "Thank" everyone for their thoughts and prayers during our IVF cycle and the miscarriage. It truly meant so much to us. Family and friends have such a way of coming through when you need them most whether it's happy or sad moments.

The beginning date was July 21, 2008. The day Scot and I decided we would send in our pre-application to Gladney to begin the adoption process. It took awhile for us to fill it out. I never knew there were so many decisions to make in the beginning. We also sent in our fee and our family picture (the picture on our blog).

We do have a few friends that have adopted through Gladney in the past, so we know some things to expect. But as the title of my blog says...this is our Adventure in Adopting. I promise to keep everyone updated because there is so much more to come.