I know it's been a while since I've written a post...but I've been waiting for a reason.
Chris and I have been married 7 1/2 years...and they've been the best 7 1/2 years of my life.
We've had ups and downs, and all the in betweens.
And we've weathered each of those storms together.
Last October we began looking into expanding our family through adoption.
We attended an information meeting at a local agency...and to say we were completely overwhelmed after leaving would be an understatement.
The next day I had an appointment with my Pulmonologist. I was telling him about our meeting the day before. He dropped the bombshell I had never expected. He asked if we'd thought of having kids biologically.
This was never on my/our radar. My entire life I thought this wasn't something that would be recommended for me.
We talked about it, we had some tests done, we met with Dr. Eigen again...
He told me I'm not sick enough to say no, and I'm not well enough to say yes. He will support us no matter what we decide.
There was a grief process I had to go through after that meeting.
You see I had always thought it wasn't an option...then it was put on the table...then it was half way taken away again.
All the dreams I have for being a Mom...I don't want those to be lost because I'm too sick to do them, or not even here to share them with Chris and our child.
So we decided that adoption was the right route for us.
Chris and I signed with an adoption agency a few weeks ago.
We are very excited, nervous, scared, etc...to start this process.
Currently we're sorting through the mounds of paperwork we have to fill out. In July we'll have our first interview and Home Study class.
August will most likely be our in home study, and as long as that comes back fabulous then we'll be active.
There are a lot of steps to the process and as nervous as we are right now, we hope the process goes as smoothly as possible.
I'm sure you'll have questions...feel free to ask.
Right now, if you want to help us, here's how:
1. Above all else, please pray for us as we're going through this process. We still have a lot of things to learn. Pray for us to not be overwhelmed by all the information thrown at us. That we can get everything (paperwork, changes to the house, etc) done when it all needs to be done.
2. Pray for the Birth Mom...obviously we don't know her...it's possible she's not even pregnant yet. But pray for her and her baby...that she would know how strong she is for carrying this baby and the baby would be the perfect baby for us.
3. Chris and I are going to be looking at our finances and finding places we can save money for this adoption. The truth is that adoption is not cheap. Please realize that there may be times we have to say no to things because we're working toward expanding our family. I'm looking for ideas of things to make and sell to help with the baby fund. Right now, if you know of anyone who is wanting a personalized scrapbook done, I'm offering up my talents ;0) I'm a pretty crafty person so if you've seen something on Pinterest or in a magazine that you like but aren't sure if you want to try and make it, or you don't have the time to do so, I'm willing to give it a go ;0)
Thank you for your support ahead of time. Chris and I know how awesome our friends and families are...and we know that you'll be behind us 100%.
Yay! I have actually thought about your baby situation on occasion and wondered where things stood. I'm sorry you went through the grief not having a biological child, but am glad you will give a loving home a baby through adoption! You will be awesome parents--I'm so excited for you both!!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, of course I will bathe you guys in prayer. Mike and I do not have to deal with the health issues, however, we have been unable to conceive so far. 2.5 years and counting. It is very frustrating to want a child so badly and not be able to recieve the gift. Secondly, there is a couple in our church that have gone through two successful adoptions...and quite quickly. I was talking to the mother's parents at lunch one day. I can't remember the name of the law firm they used, but I will find out. They have like an 85% placement rate. This couple was active like 2 weeks when they got a phone call on the first child...and active again 2-3 weeks before a second child was placed. The people we talked to said it was VERY EXPENSIVE...like $25,000. That's where Mike and I bailed ship. LOL...but they said that they did get like $12,000 back in taxes the years of the adoptions...some kind of adoption credit. Anyways. I will find out the name of the law firm. They are in Indy, I know that much. Best wishes to you! Praying! Love, Jenn Miracle
ReplyDeleteI am so exited for you! I will support you any way possible. You will be giving a child the opportunity for an amazing life through adoption, and that's a comletely awesome thing! I know a friend of a friend who had big rummage sales at her church to raise money for her adoption, and people donated items to sell, so just off the top of my head, there's one idea! 80's ladies rummage! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more news. Congrats friend.