Going Crazy!

Okay, so the reason we are considering a different option is because we found a waiting child that we are in love with, so we applied to adopt her. There is one other family who has decided to proceed with her as well, so now we are waiting to hear who Holt believes would be the better family for her. We have been in "limbo" for over two weeks now and it will be at least another week before we hear anything. This is a very hard thing...and my heart is breaking. The other family decided late to proceed, so I kind of had it in my head that this little girl could be ours. That was a mistake. We are told not to bond with the waiting children for this reason...I got too attached and was picturing this little one in our family. I should have known better. I had another "Give it to God" moment and am leaving it in His hands. If we the chosen family, I will be so thrilled, and if we are not...it will be very upsetting, but then God is telling me to proceed in Ethiopia. The saddest part for me will be deleting all of her information. I used to look at her picture every day...not wanting to go one day without seeing her pretty little face. Since we found out there is another family in the mix, I have tried to distance myself, but that is so hard. I fell in love with this little girl! Dear God, please do what you think is best for this little one and keep this mommy strong.

Beanbag Tournament

Last night, we held a beanbag tournament at Courtside here in Dubuque. We opened it to our friends and then they opened it to their friends. A good time was had by all! It was nice to just get out of the house and hang out with other adults! We are truly thankful to those that came out in support of our adoption. You have no idea how grateful to are to all of you. Next up is bowling in March. I won't bombard Facebook with that yet. But, that will happen. Oh yes...it will. God Bless Our Family & Friends.

Up in the Air

There have been alot of changes with the Ethiopia program lately and, frankly, it doesn't seem as though many of them have been good. The process is even longer now and isn't getting any cheaper. I have found myself wondering what I am getting into. I know that in the end, time will not matter, and a year really isn't a long time. We have considered another option (no, not pregnancy) and will see how it pans out. I will certainly keep everyone posted. Until then!

A Bit On The Confused Side

Admittedly, I am a bit confused. When we last met with Fred, he told us he would have our rough draft done in a couple of days. Here it is, a couple of weeks later and still no draft of the homestudy. I called the office and Holt was not sure where it was. Now, I am a bit concerned. Seems like the little steps are taking extra time now, too. And I must keep reminding myself, things get done in God's time, not mine. Patience.

We Passed!

We had our second and final homestudy today and we passed!  Now, we have to wait to get our finalized paperwork and submit our immigration forms.  Then, we submit our dossier and get put on the list.  I imagine the next couple of steps will take at least a month, but at least this hurdle is behind us.  A big thanks to Fred, our homestudy case worker.  He was so nice!  On to the next step!!!!

Home Study Numero Uno

Our first home study is on Tuesday!  We are excited about it.  I can't really say that I am nervous.  The other adoptive moms have said that it isn't a big deal.  Hopefully, my house won't look like a tornado came through it!  As long as the children don't beat on each other, I think we are okay.  Just in case, we'll keep our fingers crossed...

The Next Baby Steps

So, for those of you following this, you may be wondering what is next.  To be honest, I am kind of thinking the same thing.  I have been taking things step by step because I am not exactly sure what is required of me to pass the next step.  I know that we need to get our home study done.  Hopefully, we can do that in the next couple of weeks.  I would love to have that done before Thanksgiving, but it is hard to say if we can make that happen.  Then, we wait for that to be finalized and we file our immigration papers.  That basically is permission for Troy and I to adopt from Ethiopia.  Once we get that, our dossier is complete and we submit it to Holt who sends it to Ethiopia.  We get placed on a waiting list and we wait for a call!  Once we get that call, we travel to Ethiopia for one week and while there, we meet our little girl and go to court.  Hopefully, we will pass that and then we go home.  I believe that we are here again for about two months.  The last step is to go get our daughter and bring her home!  That last part is the best!  Thank you again to everyone that has supported us thus far.  You have no idea how much this means to me.