Another good week!

I just wanted to keep everyone updated and share my latest picture from my appointment on Tuesday.  The heartbeat is still strong and the baby is measuring exactly where he/she should be.  It's very hard to not expect bad news as I've never received good news this many weeks in a row but I'm trying to enjoy every second of it.  I will have an appointment every week until 12 weeks unless I feel comfortable going every 2 weeks.  I'm thankful for a caring doctor. :)

The baby is in between the 2 *'s. 

Change of plans!

You know, you hear about people all the time who couldn't have kids and then they decide to adopt and BAM they're pregnant... and it so happens that.... BAM, I'm pregnant! Now, with all of the past miscarriages obviously I am cautiously excited but I'm happy to report that so far we've had nothing but good news.  I am about 7 weeks, 2 days and I've seen a heartbeat and the baby has doubled in size since last week so this is definitely the furthest we've ever made it.  I'm on a slew of medicine including progesterone (2x/day), levothyroxine, prenatal vitamin, folic acid and lovenox (which is an injection).  So far everything seems to be working great.  What does this mean about our adoption process?  Well, we are still interested in adopting and so that is definitely in the future for us but our agency requires children that are in your home to be in the home more than 6 months before they will place a child in your home... so instead of having a homestudy now, which is only good for one year, we will just wait a little while and have the homestudy at a point where we won't have to spend money having another one because of family changes. 

In regards to how I'm feeling - I have all the normal symptoms (which is great) and I advise anyone that can, to wait to talk to me until at least 11:00am.  Otherwise.... well let's just say I'm not the most pleasant person in the mornings. :)  I've told my secretary's it's probably a good idea that I don't talk to any parents - especially those who are complaining - until the afternoon.  I will keep everyone updated and I certainly appreciate any prayers that you can send our way!!

Here are our ultrasound pictures so far! What a difference one week makes... the pictures are 5wks2days, 6wks2days, 7wks2days. 

Approved!

We have officially been approved by our agency! We sent in our application and quickly received a big packet of paperwork outlining our next steps.  Here's a quick rundown of the paperwork that is due now:

-copy of marriage certificates
-tax forms
-insurance letters (saying that we are covered for an adopted child)
-statement of commitment
-family questionnaire (this outlines what we will and will not consider for our child)
-communication form
-fees form
-agency contract
-discipline statement
-refund/complaint procedure form
-release of information form
-release of home study form
-copy of birth certificates
-copy of passports
-family photo
-completed required training

That's a lot, right?  I think so.  Good thing I'm so organized!! Our next step is to hand in our application fee for our home study agency (I have it ready to mail tomorrow) and the home study process should take anywhere from 2-5 months (I've been told).  I am feeling very excited and very anxious.  I'm not sure how we are going to fund this adoption without going into debt but I feel very strongly about the Lord leading us in this direction right now so we will trust in Him and move forward.  I read the book, 'Adopt without Debt' yesterday and have some good ideas on how we can move forward and I am praying about whether or not we should fundraise.  The author outlines a lot of different grant opportunities as well but most of them require an approved, completed home study so I'll have to wait to apply.  A slow and steady pace wins the race!!

Let's make it official!

Welcome to my new blog! I'm so excited to start this very exciting journey of adoption and am thankful that in some way, you are in it with me! Please visit the 'About us' section to learn a little about our story and also to learn some ways you can pray for us throughout our effort to adopt.