Reminiscing

As the 23rd and the 26th of October approach, I'm reflecting on the past 2 years. The 23rd. was the day we received the phone call that would change our lives forever. On the 26th, we met the beautiful young lady who would give us the most special gift we could ever be blessed with. However, we chose to keep this a very private matter, basically only telling our immediate families and a couple friends! I've never been able to keep a secret, not to mention one that was SO EXCITING! I even looked back in my blog archives, and although I didn't write often, I never even slipped any details! Here's my post from Oct. 29, 2009

"I just realized it's been that long since I've updated my blog. We've been busy helping my Sister and Bro-in-law move into their new house. Working lots, finishing our new bathroom, and spending time with family. (DID I MENTION BUYING NURSERY FURNITURE, PRINTING DIRECTIONS TO THE HOSPITAL, WASHING ITTY BITTY BABY CLOTHES, STERILIZING BOTTLES, AND FINALIZING PLANS????)

Here's some pictures of the awesome job my Hubby, Dad, and Brother did on our new bathroom!

Love it!

It's so nice to finally have 2 bathrooms in the house, even if we don't want to use the old one at all!!!

Bathrooms? Who cares about that. WE HAVE A BABY ON THE WAYYYYYY!!!!!!!

(That's what I really wanted to say!)

"I recently started reading the Prayer of Jabez. I remember people talking about it before, but never got interested enough to actually read it and study it. I started reading the words everyday last week. It's pretty amazing. Today, I started reading the study guide. I already feel it's going to do great things for us. My favorite line I read today says,
"Think of it this way: instead of standing near the river's edge, asking for a cup of water to get you through each day, you'll do something unthinkable- you will take the little prayer with the giant prize, and jump into the river! At that moment, you will begin to let the loving currents of God's grace and power carry you along. God's great plan for you will surround you and sweep you forward into the profoundly important and satisfying life He has waiting."
-Bruce Wilkinson


The prayer is found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 if you're interested.


Oh, Bless me indeed!"

Man, I'm still impressed I didn't burst at the seams as I withheld such wonderful news! Hee hee hee! I love looking back and putting our journey into perspective. I wouldn't change a thing. 

A Major Update is In Order!

So, we've been amazingly busy and blessed over the last 2 months! I'll try to do my best to fill in the details of our exciting journey!

On Friday, October 23rd, I received a phone call and email from Kelsie at AC, stating that we had been chosen by a Birth Mom (BM) who wanted to meet us. (enter squeals here!!!) After learning some details, and speaking with our Caseworker, we decided that we would love to go to the agency to meet this amazing BM. The nerves flowing through our bodies all weekend long were enough to make a girl crazy! Monday morning we got up and drove the 3 hours to Columbus, freaking out the entire time. We got to the office a bit early, and had plenty of time to freak out in the parking lot before heading inside! Our main goal was to not come across as the dorks that we are. We tried really hard!

This was us sitting in the car, cool as cucumbers!

I won't share a ton of details about BM for her privacy, but let me tell you, when we finally were face to face, it was like nothing I could have imagined. She was sweet and smart, her words brought me to tears more than once. From the moment we met, Justin and I had nothing but respect for this sweet adorable girl. We talked for hours, as if we had known each other for years. Needless to say we left that meeting feeling very great about the situation, but also being cautious with our emotions. With adoption, nothing is a guarantee until the papers are signed. Oh did I forget to mention BM was 36 weeks pregnant when we met?!?!?!? (squeals galore!!) Her due date was Thanksgiving day, what an appropriate day for a blessing!

She had not found out the gender of the baby, and we told her we didn't care either way. Every week that she went to a check-up, she called us and gave us an update. Like clockwork, every time she said she would call, she did, and we were so grateful for that.

To be continued......(this may take a few posts!!!)

One of those days....

UPDATE:

Megan and Josh brought home their beautiful little miracle, Aliyah Nicole, today!!!! She's beautiful and they are so thankful for their amazing gift!

It happens every once in a while. (ok, more often than not!) I wake up feeling like it's a "poor me" kinda day. Then I snap out of it, and focus my energies toward more important things. A very wise person told me recently, instead of worrying about it, why don't you pray about it?

So that's my new plan. (not that I never did that, but I'm making a conscious effort) AND today it just so happens that I have something very important to pray about. I have mentioned about someone I met through AC who's BM (birth mother) was induced Sunday night. They have been traveling back and fourth to the hospital to feed the baby and spend whatever time they can with her. The time to sign the papers is at 5:30 today. They need our prayers. The BM, the baby, and the Mommy and Daddy-to-be will be going through a difficult but wonderful transition. There are no guarantee's, but we are praying for the right thing to happen. Will you help me, and focus your energies to pray for this family? It is greatly appreciated.

New Fundraiser Idea?

Every time someone asks us if we're still adopting, they have to give us a quarter. Every time we have to tell someone, "There's nothing new.", they have to give us a quarter. Our Adoption Fund jar would fill up pretty fast!

We love talking about it, and telling people about our journey. I just thought about cashing in on the situation!

Obviously, that's a joke. We have been blessed repeatedly since we started. People have been so generous, helping with our finances voluntarily. No asking or begging! Like Friday when I received yet another gift and inspiring card from a very sweet friend from high school. What a surprise and a blessing. Thank you so much!

And last night, while visiting with my Grandparents from Indiana, they showed us a small box from Israel, called a Mite (not sure on the correct spelling) Box, in which they and their friends and neighbors are filling with their spare change for our fund. We were blessed with the stories of the people in their neighborhood are going out of their way to help us. Every little bit helps. They are saving pennies, but it is priceless to us to feel so much love.

So, Yes, we're still adopting. No, we have no news. No, we don't know how long we will have to wait. BUT...............

We have never felt so much love and support and will count our blessings everyday until we bring home our miracle. No matter how long it takes!

P.S. Pray for our friends Josh and Megan as their Birth mother, who has chosen them to be her baby's parents, will be induced this evening. They will soon be the proud parents of their second beautiful miracle through adoption!

Ups and Downs

So, what happened this week? I got to stay home from Highmark all week thanks to the G20 Summit. However, it didn't really feel like I had any free time on my hands, just more time to cook, clean, do laundry, love on Jake and Kayleigh, and grocery shop. Aside from the Jake and Kayleigh part, it wasn't a relaxing week, but I'm thankful.

We had our first glimmer of exciting news on the adoption front, but it didn't work out. We received an email about an urgent situation, in which we decided to have our profile shown. (Normally they wouldn't ask us, they just match up criteria to determine if they will show your profile or not. BUT, in urgent situations, they ask you first.) It turned out that the Birth parents canceled their appointment, which is awesome, because it probably means they decided to parent their child. However, with it being our first time since being approved, we (I) let myself start to get lost in the idea of this situation working out for us. I decided that it's better to be prepared and disappointed, than unprepared and stressed out. So I got prepared. Not over the top, just a few basic things we will need, when the time comes. Then, we found out the time would not be coming soon, or at least not with this situation. I was bummed to say the least. I think it was a good way to break us in, for our first time of actually being able to say, "Yes, we are ready". Hopefully the next time we will get a little closer to being chosen, and each time we will be more and more prepared, emotionally and physically.

It really is exciting, and I'm trying to stand back and look at the big picture. I'm thinking more about buying a car seat, finding a Pediatrician, decorating the nursery, and so on. Important preparations. God already has the right baby ready for us, whether it's already growing in some one's tummy, or just a thought waiting to be conceived, our baby is growing in our hearts, and we will patiently wait for him/her to be cuddling in our arms. *chills*

Simple as that.

So, we didn't get the big climax I was hoping for. I had to email AC about our status, and they informed me that yes, we are in fact, approved. Our profile is in the circulation drawer.

Simple as that.

No exciting moment of opening a letter and reading the great news. No celebratory moment of hugging and kissing my Hubby.

Simple as that.

However, we are very excited. Ready for the next step of this process. The ups, and downs, turns, and twists. Corkscrews. Loops. Headaches, neck pains. Upset stomach. The highs, and lows, excitement and sadness, and more excitement.

Simple as that.

Roller Coaster

I was called out yesterday, reminded that when I started this blog I promised I would update every week. I didn't go back to see when my last post was, but I know it's been a while.

Sorry. Here you go!

I never was much of a fan of roller coasters. I usually end up with a sore neck for days after the quick 30 second ride. I was thinking today about the journey to adoption, and how it's often compared to a roller coaster ride. I think about the many amusement parks I've been to. Getting in line for the ride is like the time from when we started trying to conceive. Getting on the ride is like choosing an adoption agency. The beginning of the ride is the homestudy and all the paperwork, and then, your car is starting to climb up the first big hill. Climbing, climbing, climbing.

That's where I feel we are. We are almost to the top of the hill, ready for the climax and the twists and turns and ups and downs that are to follow. The top of the hill, in my mind, is when we receive our official letter saying we're approved. I'm assuming that there is an official letter. I'm beginning to wonder. It's been a couple weeks since we've heard anything. Patience. I'm trying.

On a different note, we are having our 3rd. and final yard sale to benefit our adoption fund. Saturday, 79 Broad Street, Marianna. Stop by if you're out and about enjoying the covered bridge festivals. We're hoping to get rid of mostly everything left. We have done great with our sales, raising more than $1400 to help bring our dream into reality. Thanks to everyone who donated stuff, came and shopped, and helped run the yard sales. We'll need to think of a good fundraiser for the colder months to come. We have been truly blessed to this point, and are so thankful for the support of our friends and family!

I'm hoping my next post will include hands in the air and lots of screaming ;-0

Praying for Patience

It's been 4 years since we officially starting trying to conceive a child. I often think about how different our life would be if we would have been successful within the first few months. Our life would be different, but I'm not sure if it would be better. I am so grateful for everything we have been through, and (no offense to those of you who had no trouble conceiving) we feel "chosen" to take the path we are on. Adoption is not for the weak at heart. We are pulling every ounce of faith we can find deep down inside to get us through this. We are still trying to figure out God's plan, and we are starting to pray for the child that will be ours. We ask that you help us with those prayers.

Adoption Update:
We have completed all the paperwork for the PA homestudy. We are waiting for our agency to set up our home visit, which will hopefully be in the next week or 2. We have been working on our profile, which is the story of our life and pictures which will be shown to potential Birthparents. Once that is all completed, we will receive our approval letter, which will be sent to Adoption Circle (Ohio agency) along with the other things required in Ohio and our profile. Once they review everything, we will be approved and waiting. We are praying that will be by the end of August/beginning of September.

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
-Phillipians 4:19

YARD SALE!!!

We have the best family and friends. They donated their unwanted stuff for us to sell, with all proceeds going to our adoption fund. As you can see, (and seriously this picture doesn't do it justice!) we had A LOT OF STUFF!!!! This picture was taken before everything was sorted and priced. It was humbling to us that so many people took the time to collect their things, and help us out. They gave us some really great things too. My mother in-law, sister's in-law, Mother and myself spent hours Friday sorting and pricing. Even though it was raining first thing Saturday morning, we got up, set up some tents, and hoped for the best. We can't thank our parents, Mel and Wayne, and Heather enough for giving up their Saturday to help us run the sale. Not to mention thanks to Marz and Rick, Adam and Heidi, and Adam and Melissa for all the stuff they donated.

Kayleigh was there, looking cute and making us smile!

Wayne and Callie were trying out the goods to make sure they were suitable to sell!

Our awesome friends, Jack and Katie, who donated many things for the sale, came out to show their support! That's them on the right. See, I told you, we have the greatest friends!

This is Donna and Melanie. Donna generously donated many things, and also stopped by and scored some cool stuff!

So people came from 8 a.m. on, and even the 1 time it rained, their were still people showing up. It was truly a God thing, that the rain held off, and we sold a ton of stuff. I don't know the exact figure, but it was more than we could have ever imagined. AND we still have a garage full of stuff so there will be another sale in a couple weeks. God is so good, and he really is leading us on this journey. People were so supportive, wishing us well, and some even gave us an extra donation for the cause. Amazing. Complete strangers. Caring. For. Us. Amazing.

This picture pretty much sums up the day. We were all exhausted, but Kayleigh was the only one lucky enough to sneak in a few naps!

Thank you to everyone that donated stuff and money, gave their time to help sell, and for the many people that came and bought our stuff. Last but not least, thank you to God for such a humbling experience. We are so blessed.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Expect the Unexpected

That's my new favorite saying. I'm pretty sure it's the only way we're going to survive the adoption roller coaster. Expect the unexpected.

I checked my email this evening, like I do 800 times a day. This time I found an email from AC (adoption circle) informing us of possible adoption situations. Completely unexpected. Not that we are anywhere close to being ready to show our profile, but it gave me hope that there really are situations available. So there was not only 1 situation, but 2. 2 in the same day. One day, we will get those email, and actually be in the position to respond with whether or not we are interested. Crazy.

I've made it known that we are not focusing on the day that we become someone's mommy and daddy. We are focused on the daily tasks at hand; working hard, making money to pay for the adoption, doing homestudy paperwork, and completing a profile. When that's all done, and only when we're approved and waiting, will we be able to focus on that day our miracle is born. Until then, we will go with the flow, and pray for the situations that we read about in the email.

Expect the unexpected.

James 1:2-3

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance". James 1:2-3

I never was pleased with the title of my first blog. I simply settled with that name for lack of anything better. I'm turning over a new leaf, and I'm going to blog weekly. I promise.

Lots of things are changing in our life, not only our blog. Yearning to start a family for many years, Justin and I have decided that God is in control of our life, and he has written our journey to parenthood. We have stepped out of the way and let him lead. This has lead us straight to adoption. There were many other options for us, every conversation lead us to the miracle that can be had with adopting a child. In January, we started looking for an agency and found Adoption Circle in Columbus OH. We've heard many great stories and have connected with a couple happy families who have nothing but good things to say about AC. In March we were accepted into the Domestic Infant Adoption Program, and now the roller coaster ride begins!

Our first Orientation and Education (O & E) was Tuesday, May 19, 2009. We were in a room filled with many couples who understand what we've been through, because sadly, most of them have been through it too. I pray for each and everyone of them as they begin this crazy process.

I will post much more information as we go along, but feel free to ask questions. We will be adopting a baby, we don't care what sex the child is, and have not narrowed down our decision on race, but we are praying about bi-racial, special needs, and Caucasian. This will be a learning experience for us all. We are very excited and want to share our story with everyone. I will ask 2 things, 1,please be positive at all cost, as we need all the support we can get, and 2, please pray for us, as this will be the hardest thing Justin and I have ever dealt with. Our love for each other is stronger than ever and we can't wait to share that love with a child. We thank God for the opportunity to experience this miracle. It truly is a blessing.