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August 27, 2008

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!!




August 18, 2008

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!!

August 13, 2008

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)."

August 10, 2008

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!!>

August 5, 2008

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.