Ok all you international adopting moms....
Is it just me or does the USCIS give you a HEART ATTACK when they send you "receipts" or confirmation letters that they've recieved your documents? To see that envelope, man! It mostly freaks me out because they come SO soon after I send in my docs.
Twice now, they've sent receipt letters. The first time I thought it was my fingerprint appointment (which, eventually we DID get that letter... and it was VERY exciting :)) Then I just got another receipt letter (saying they recieved my homestudy) which I thought was my i171H and ALMOST pee'd my pants.
Its just cruel.
:)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Adoption fundraiser movie night!
For those in the middle Tennessee area! :)
Along with our friends, the Bailey's, we are hosting an
Adoption Fundraiser
Family Movie Night!!
Movie: Meet the Robinsons (G)
When: Friday Night, February 27th
Where: Fellowship Hall at Grace Chapel
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: Donations accepted!
There will also be consessions available for purchase.
All proceeds will go toward the Bailey and Spencer Adoptions!!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at
Timeline
For those who have wondered, a timeline!
11/21/08 Received FSP Application, Matched with boys!!
11/29/08 Signed up for a fed-ex account
11/29/08 Mailed home study application (items 1-5)
12/30/08 Amy’s physical
12/30/08 Mailed INS Application overnight
1/3/09 Home study Visit
1/5/09 Jake’s physical
1/20/09 Received fingerprint appointment notice
1/24/09 Federal Fingerprints Taken
1/26/09 Found out that Oleg was taken into foster care and no longer available for adoption :(
2/18/09 Received first final copies of home study in the mail
2/19/09 Over-nighted home study to INS
3/20/09 Found out that our i171h had been mailed on 3/21, but we still don't have it.
3/27/09 Received I171H!!! Yeay! Still waiting one HS paperwork to come in so we can mail dossier
4/9/09 Received HS paperwork in the mail!
4/13/09 Had dossier certified, apostilled and mailed it to eastern Europe!
4/16/09 Dossier arrived, everything looks good!
4/20/09 One document is wrong, need to send another in its place
4/23/09 Document arrived there
4/27/09 DOSSIER SUBMITTED!!
4/29/09 Dossier approved! Waiting on travel date.
5/5/09 Got appointment with SDA- May 19th!!
5/16/09 Leaving for eastern Europe!!
6/1/09 He's legally OURS!!!!
6/2/09 Home from our first trip
6/10/09 Jake going back...
6/18/09 GOTCHA DAY!!
6/27/09 Daddy and Pavel Micah came HOME!!!!!
11/21/08 Received FSP Application, Matched with boys!!
11/29/08 Signed up for a fed-ex account
11/29/08 Mailed home study application (items 1-5)
12/30/08 Amy’s physical
12/30/08 Mailed INS Application overnight
1/3/09 Home study Visit
1/5/09 Jake’s physical
1/20/09 Received fingerprint appointment notice
1/24/09 Federal Fingerprints Taken
1/26/09 Found out that Oleg was taken into foster care and no longer available for adoption :(
2/18/09 Received first final copies of home study in the mail
2/19/09 Over-nighted home study to INS
3/20/09 Found out that our i171h had been mailed on 3/21, but we still don't have it.
3/27/09 Received I171H!!! Yeay! Still waiting one HS paperwork to come in so we can mail dossier
4/9/09 Received HS paperwork in the mail!
4/13/09 Had dossier certified, apostilled and mailed it to eastern Europe!
4/16/09 Dossier arrived, everything looks good!
4/20/09 One document is wrong, need to send another in its place
4/23/09 Document arrived there
4/27/09 DOSSIER SUBMITTED!!
4/29/09 Dossier approved! Waiting on travel date.
5/5/09 Got appointment with SDA- May 19th!!
5/16/09 Leaving for eastern Europe!!
6/1/09 He's legally OURS!!!!
6/2/09 Home from our first trip
6/10/09 Jake going back...
6/18/09 GOTCHA DAY!!
6/27/09 Daddy and Pavel Micah came HOME!!!!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Medicals
I just got my medicals and as far as I can tell... they are perfect!!!! Another check off the ol' dossier!! :)
Some of the signatures/dates on my homestudy weren't quite the way they were supposed to be, so we're having to get some new copies :( but they were good enough for the USCIS, so I went ahead and mailed a copy today! :) And they already have our application and fingerprints, so the wait is on!!
Please continue to pray that the paperwork runs smoothly so we can get this little man home quickly!!
Some of the signatures/dates on my homestudy weren't quite the way they were supposed to be, so we're having to get some new copies :( but they were good enough for the USCIS, so I went ahead and mailed a copy today! :) And they already have our application and fingerprints, so the wait is on!!
Please continue to pray that the paperwork runs smoothly so we can get this little man home quickly!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Its here!
I am looking over the final, notarized copies of my homestudy! I'm going to fedex them to the INS right now!! Yeay!
They already have my application and my fingerprints, so hopefully it won't take long for them to send me that approval letter! And with my homestudy came some other documents for my Dossier, which means... that letter should be the last piece! Pray pray pray! We want to go SOON!
They already have my application and my fingerprints, so hopefully it won't take long for them to send me that approval letter! And with my homestudy came some other documents for my Dossier, which means... that letter should be the last piece! Pray pray pray! We want to go SOON!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Little updates
Well, I feel like its been a little while since I've given a paperwork update... and there's really nothing new to report. Still waiting on the final copies of our homestudy to come in the mail (supposedly this week). And I'm going to pick up my medical forms today... let's hope they're right this time! What an ordeal the medical papers have been!!!
I met with my new friend Lyndi yesterday for lunch. :) She lives just a few miles from here and is adopting from the same country we are! (See her button for Patrick to the right.) It was so fun to meet her and her husband to just chat and talk about adoption stuff! I love that when God calls you down a new path that there are so many fun people you meet along the way. Lyndi is one of them! Its so nice to "compare notes" on paperwork stuff and I just can't wait until both of our boys are home and can play together!! :)
We're still working on fundraising... we have a LONG way to go, but I do want to thank each and every person who has contributed so far. Each donation that comes in through paypal gets emailed to me... and every time I see a new donation, I tear up! Seriously! I know how tight finances are for SO many people right now. Its very humbling that you would give to us to help bring our little boy home. Thank you. :)
Prayer requests:
~Please pray that our paperwork trail speeds up a bit. This homestudy has taken WAY longer than it was supposed to which is really frustrating.
~Pray for Pavel. That he would be healthy and safely waiting for us.
~Pray that God would provide the right people to help watch our girls while we are gone.
~Pray that we are able to raise all of the money we need (and that we wouldn't stress about it!).
We love you all!
I met with my new friend Lyndi yesterday for lunch. :) She lives just a few miles from here and is adopting from the same country we are! (See her button for Patrick to the right.) It was so fun to meet her and her husband to just chat and talk about adoption stuff! I love that when God calls you down a new path that there are so many fun people you meet along the way. Lyndi is one of them! Its so nice to "compare notes" on paperwork stuff and I just can't wait until both of our boys are home and can play together!! :)
We're still working on fundraising... we have a LONG way to go, but I do want to thank each and every person who has contributed so far. Each donation that comes in through paypal gets emailed to me... and every time I see a new donation, I tear up! Seriously! I know how tight finances are for SO many people right now. Its very humbling that you would give to us to help bring our little boy home. Thank you. :)
Prayer requests:
~Please pray that our paperwork trail speeds up a bit. This homestudy has taken WAY longer than it was supposed to which is really frustrating.
~Pray for Pavel. That he would be healthy and safely waiting for us.
~Pray that God would provide the right people to help watch our girls while we are gone.
~Pray that we are able to raise all of the money we need (and that we wouldn't stress about it!).
We love you all!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Two angels
Yesterday on the Reeces Rainbow group, we learned of two little girls, both with Down Syndrome, both living in a mental institution, just passed away from a flu epidemic in eastern Europe. My heart is broken and hurting for these two. I have no words right now.
While we were playing...
Margarita
Katarina
This was written by one of the RR moms and I thought it was too precious not to share.
While we were eating...
... they were hungry
While we were playing...
... they were restrained
While we were tucking our kids into bed...
... they were alone
While we turned up the heat...
... they laid in the icy cold
While we wrapped our children in blanket sleepers...
... they laid in their own excrement
While we sang songs and listened to music...
... they listened to the screams and cries of those around them
While we rocked our babies...
... they silently rocked themselves
While we hugged our kids...
... they scratched at their own faces and pulled their own hair for stimulation
While we cried over scraped knees...
... they moaned in their loneliness
While we brushed our daughters' beautiful hair...
... they had their heads shaven to stave off the lice
While we fought off the flu with love and nourishment...
... they got the flu and went Home.
No longer suffering... but so many more still are.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Homestudy update
Thanks to all who prayed, our TBI papers came in! Whoo hoo!! So the final copies of our homestudy are being printed and will be here thursday! Yeay!!
Now I actually have to mail them more papers to fill out for our state clearance for the dossier. Lets hope these don't take nearly as long as they did for the homestudy.
Now I actually have to mail them more papers to fill out for our state clearance for the dossier. Lets hope these don't take nearly as long as they did for the homestudy.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Happy Birthday Oleg
Today is our darling little Oleg's birthday. It has been a difficult day for us... but (hopefully) a joyful one for Oleg.
He is turning four today. Which, for most children with Down syndrome in his country, means that he would be very soon headed to a mental institution. A place that breaks my heart to even speak of. But for Oleg, today he celebrated his birthday in the home of a Priest. A "Father" who is reaching out to the orphans of his community, even some with Down syndrome. Oleg is with lots of other children that have been taken in by this charity/ministry to live a better life than in the orphanages.
For our family today, it has been a heartbreaking day. We so longed to hold our little son in our arms... soon. We so hoped that something would change and we could go for both of our little boys. But we cannot and so we trust in OUR Father. We know that His plans are best. We know that we prayed for Oleg fervently. We know that he will forever hold a place in our hearts. We know that he is happy, healthy and taken caren care of at his new home. And we are thankful that he has been saved from the fate of so many others.
And though its hard for us, our hearts take joy in this... Jake and I believe that God has mercy on special kids. That because of their forever innocence, that He holds them in His hands and their salvation is secure. And so we know that one glorious day we will see Oleg and hold him. Until then... :)
"We do not mourn like those who have no hope." 1 Thes. 4:13
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord." Job 1:21
He is turning four today. Which, for most children with Down syndrome in his country, means that he would be very soon headed to a mental institution. A place that breaks my heart to even speak of. But for Oleg, today he celebrated his birthday in the home of a Priest. A "Father" who is reaching out to the orphans of his community, even some with Down syndrome. Oleg is with lots of other children that have been taken in by this charity/ministry to live a better life than in the orphanages.
For our family today, it has been a heartbreaking day. We so longed to hold our little son in our arms... soon. We so hoped that something would change and we could go for both of our little boys. But we cannot and so we trust in OUR Father. We know that His plans are best. We know that we prayed for Oleg fervently. We know that he will forever hold a place in our hearts. We know that he is happy, healthy and taken caren care of at his new home. And we are thankful that he has been saved from the fate of so many others.
And though its hard for us, our hearts take joy in this... Jake and I believe that God has mercy on special kids. That because of their forever innocence, that He holds them in His hands and their salvation is secure. And so we know that one glorious day we will see Oleg and hold him. Until then... :)
"We do not mourn like those who have no hope." 1 Thes. 4:13
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord." Job 1:21
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Pray for our homestudy
Ok all you prayer warriors.
Our homestudy is taking way longer than we expected. Its been "done" for a few weeks now, but revisions are taking forever and apparently its a pain it the booty to get TBI fingerprints finished and notarized. I was under the understanding that this had already been done, but... it has not. :(
I was hoping to mail out our homestudy last week, and now, I'm not sure when it'll be done. Please pray that it TBI would move QUICKLY and that we can mail this thing in.
We are steadily working on our Dossier and that is all going pretty smoothly, but once we are done, we will just be waiting on that last piece- the i171H. And we can't even get that paper until we submit our homestudy. So please, pray pray pray that it goes quickly.
Our homestudy is taking way longer than we expected. Its been "done" for a few weeks now, but revisions are taking forever and apparently its a pain it the booty to get TBI fingerprints finished and notarized. I was under the understanding that this had already been done, but... it has not. :(
I was hoping to mail out our homestudy last week, and now, I'm not sure when it'll be done. Please pray that it TBI would move QUICKLY and that we can mail this thing in.
We are steadily working on our Dossier and that is all going pretty smoothly, but once we are done, we will just be waiting on that last piece- the i171H. And we can't even get that paper until we submit our homestudy. So please, pray pray pray that it goes quickly.
Poll Closed- Thanks for your input!
So my clothing size poll is officially closed... and I want to thank everyone who voted! What a fun way to try to figure out sizes. :)
Here are my basic conclusions:
~Most little boys with DS wear a size (or two) bigger in shirts than in pants
~And either 3T shirts/ 2T bottoms or 4T shirts/ 3T bottoms for next winter
I did hit some great sales at Target (via my sweet friend D'Arcy!) and got 4T because not many votes had come in yet and like a few of you said- bigger things can always be grown into, but if you get it too small... it's done!
So now I'm ready to hit those consignment sales!
And here is my shameless plug for my friend Mindy's consignment sale coming up (if any of you are in the middle Tennessee area):
Here are my basic conclusions:
~Most little boys with DS wear a size (or two) bigger in shirts than in pants
~I will take a combo of 2T/3T with me... with different layers because I have no idea what the weather might be like there that time of year
~I will likely collect 3T shirts/ 2T bottoms for this summer~And either 3T shirts/ 2T bottoms or 4T shirts/ 3T bottoms for next winter
I did hit some great sales at Target (via my sweet friend D'Arcy!) and got 4T because not many votes had come in yet and like a few of you said- bigger things can always be grown into, but if you get it too small... it's done!
So now I'm ready to hit those consignment sales!
And here is my shameless plug for my friend Mindy's consignment sale coming up (if any of you are in the middle Tennessee area):
The Little Sprouts Sale is February 13-15th
It is a one of a kind boutique and upscale children's sale
10% of her profits are going to some of the adopting families of Grace Chapel
(including us!) Go check it out!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thank you
I can't go any further in this process with out taking time to thank each and every one of you.
We have the most wonderful families. And totally encouraging friends. And such a loving church family. And the understanding and support from other adoptive families who have been nothing less than cheerleaders for us and our adoption.
Jake and I are so thankful for the prayers of the saints who surround us. You have been Christ to us and we are so grateful. Thank you.
I am doing much better today. We still have not come to any major conclusions about our adoption except that we are still pursuing our sweet Pavel and we are seeking the Lord for further guidance.
On the paperwork side of things, we are waiting for our homestudy to be reviewed and hope to mail it to the INS by this weekend. And then the clock starts ticking as we wait for our approval form. Which by then should be the last piece for our dossier!
We humbly ask that you continue to pray for us in these next few weeks. We love each of you, our dear friends.
We have the most wonderful families. And totally encouraging friends. And such a loving church family. And the understanding and support from other adoptive families who have been nothing less than cheerleaders for us and our adoption.
Jake and I are so thankful for the prayers of the saints who surround us. You have been Christ to us and we are so grateful. Thank you.
I am doing much better today. We still have not come to any major conclusions about our adoption except that we are still pursuing our sweet Pavel and we are seeking the Lord for further guidance.
On the paperwork side of things, we are waiting for our homestudy to be reviewed and hope to mail it to the INS by this weekend. And then the clock starts ticking as we wait for our approval form. Which by then should be the last piece for our dossier!
We humbly ask that you continue to pray for us in these next few weeks. We love each of you, our dear friends.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bittersweet news
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post.
I was notified this morning that our beloved Oleg has been taken into foster care and is no longer available for adoption.
It is actually a pastor and his family taking Oleg... the orphanage director and our facilitator tried to convince them to take another, but the family has been considering him since before we committed. Ultimately its best for him to be integrated back into his own community, culture, and language. But right now it is an almost unbearable loss for our family.
Please please please pray for us as we try to process this news. Please pray for Oleg and this new family that the transition would be smooth for them all. And pray for Pavel... he doesn't have his little buddy with him anymore... and he's still waiting for us.
I know some of you have experienced losses like this and know just how painful it is. Nothing is guaranteed and we knew that from the start. But that doesn't make it any easier. I know in my knower that God saw this from the beginning. This is no surprise to Him. But in this moment, my spirit is strong but my flesh is weak.
I will post more soon, but I need this day to grieve this loss. Oleg will forever be in my heart. And right now my heart is so heavy... there are no words...
I was notified this morning that our beloved Oleg has been taken into foster care and is no longer available for adoption.
It is actually a pastor and his family taking Oleg... the orphanage director and our facilitator tried to convince them to take another, but the family has been considering him since before we committed. Ultimately its best for him to be integrated back into his own community, culture, and language. But right now it is an almost unbearable loss for our family.
Please please please pray for us as we try to process this news. Please pray for Oleg and this new family that the transition would be smooth for them all. And pray for Pavel... he doesn't have his little buddy with him anymore... and he's still waiting for us.
I know some of you have experienced losses like this and know just how painful it is. Nothing is guaranteed and we knew that from the start. But that doesn't make it any easier. I know in my knower that God saw this from the beginning. This is no surprise to Him. But in this moment, my spirit is strong but my flesh is weak.
I will post more soon, but I need this day to grieve this loss. Oleg will forever be in my heart. And right now my heart is so heavy... there are no words...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Moving along!
Today has been a very satisfying day on the adoption home front. Jake and I successfully had our federal fingerprints taken this morning, and I am about to sit down and look over the first draft of my home study!! Yeay!!
I know adoption is known for being such a "hurry up and wait" process, but the "hurry up" times are so much fun to me. :) Gonna go read my home study now!!
I know adoption is known for being such a "hurry up and wait" process, but the "hurry up" times are so much fun to me. :) Gonna go read my home study now!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Fingerprints!
God is so good...
This morning I emailed Meredith because I was a little concerned that I haven't yet received notice about our federal fingerprint appointments. She said I could contact them to see what's up, so I emailed them. They responded pretty quickly, which surprised me, but then told me that it could be another 2-3 weeks before we could do them! :( I was SO bummed out and prayed about it all afternoon. I even thought about posting on this blog for people to pray that it would be rushed along.
So when we got home from our Bible study tonight, lo and behold... notices in the mail from the USCIS!!! Our fingerprint appointments!!! We're going this weekend!!! Yeay!
"Praise You Father for your faithfulness to me. I love that You know every step before I do. You see the beginning and the end. Thank You, Lord for this next step in our journey. We give You alone the glory! Amen."
This morning I emailed Meredith because I was a little concerned that I haven't yet received notice about our federal fingerprint appointments. She said I could contact them to see what's up, so I emailed them. They responded pretty quickly, which surprised me, but then told me that it could be another 2-3 weeks before we could do them! :( I was SO bummed out and prayed about it all afternoon. I even thought about posting on this blog for people to pray that it would be rushed along.
So when we got home from our Bible study tonight, lo and behold... notices in the mail from the USCIS!!! Our fingerprint appointments!!! We're going this weekend!!! Yeay!
"Praise You Father for your faithfulness to me. I love that You know every step before I do. You see the beginning and the end. Thank You, Lord for this next step in our journey. We give You alone the glory! Amen."
Friday, January 16, 2009
Baby boy needs home
How I even became involved with this situation is only the Lord. But now that I know, I have to get the word out for this sweet little one.
There is a baby boy in Nashville who is 2 1/2 months old. He has Down Syndrome and he needs a family. He is currently with his birth mother but is being put up for adoption and needs to be placed as soon as possible.
He is a very healthy baby and they said he has very good tone. He is bi-racial and his birth mother wants to do a semi-open adoption. They were looking for a family in the Nashville area but found none, and so now they are open to a family from anywhere.
They'd like to find a family that is "home study ready" for quick placement, but if you would be interested in taking this one in, please contact Leann at Miriams Promise 615-292-3500. Please feel free to tell anyone whom you think might be interested.
Last but not least, if you are reading this please pray that he can find a home quickly. I'm confident that God has great plans for him. :)
There is a baby boy in Nashville who is 2 1/2 months old. He has Down Syndrome and he needs a family. He is currently with his birth mother but is being put up for adoption and needs to be placed as soon as possible.
He is a very healthy baby and they said he has very good tone. He is bi-racial and his birth mother wants to do a semi-open adoption. They were looking for a family in the Nashville area but found none, and so now they are open to a family from anywhere.
They'd like to find a family that is "home study ready" for quick placement, but if you would be interested in taking this one in, please contact Leann at Miriams Promise 615-292-3500. Please feel free to tell anyone whom you think might be interested.
Last but not least, if you are reading this please pray that he can find a home quickly. I'm confident that God has great plans for him. :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Yeay!
Thank you everyone for the size input, and keep it coming!!! This is very helpful.
I apologize I did fail to mention that they are 3. Oleg turns four in February and Pavel turns 4 in June. And I still haven't the slightest clue when we will go get them (spring/early summer maybe?) but they will be 4 and close to 4.
Oleg does look a little more meaty than Pavel. :) (You have no idea how I long to squeeze that little man. Sometimes I wonder if the hand in the picture is holding him still or just stealing a squeeze!!) And I'm glad that some of you mentioned that your boys with DS tend to be a size bigger in shirts than pants. My daughter with DS is a little over 2 and I can definitely see her starting that kind of a trend too.
Keep the votes coming, this helps a lot!
I apologize I did fail to mention that they are 3. Oleg turns four in February and Pavel turns 4 in June. And I still haven't the slightest clue when we will go get them (spring/early summer maybe?) but they will be 4 and close to 4.
Oleg does look a little more meaty than Pavel. :) (You have no idea how I long to squeeze that little man. Sometimes I wonder if the hand in the picture is holding him still or just stealing a squeeze!!) And I'm glad that some of you mentioned that your boys with DS tend to be a size bigger in shirts than pants. My daughter with DS is a little over 2 and I can definitely see her starting that kind of a trend too.
Keep the votes coming, this helps a lot!
Poll
Ok, so I've added a poll to the sidebar on the right of this blog. There are some killer consignment sales coming up in our area next month and I would love to get some really cute clothes for really cheap prices. But I have NO CLUE what size these little guys are going to wear.
The way these pictures are taken its a little hard to tell even how tall they are. (You can scroll down to the bottom of the blog to see all of the pictures I have.) If I need to wait to buy clothes I can, but HATE to pass up these sales. So I want all you other moms' opinions. Feel free to leave a comment on this post explaining your vote as well. Because I'm pretty stumped over this right now. As much as I love that little teddy bear wife beater that Oleg is wearing, I can't wait to see this little guy in some clothes that fit!!
Also, if you think they will wear two different sizes, feel free to leave a comment instead of voting... or vote twice. I don't know, your call.
Next I might have to have poll on shoe size... hmm.... :)
The way these pictures are taken its a little hard to tell even how tall they are. (You can scroll down to the bottom of the blog to see all of the pictures I have.) If I need to wait to buy clothes I can, but HATE to pass up these sales. So I want all you other moms' opinions. Feel free to leave a comment on this post explaining your vote as well. Because I'm pretty stumped over this right now. As much as I love that little teddy bear wife beater that Oleg is wearing, I can't wait to see this little guy in some clothes that fit!!
Also, if you think they will wear two different sizes, feel free to leave a comment instead of voting... or vote twice. I don't know, your call.
Next I might have to have poll on shoe size... hmm.... :)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
An empty room
There is a little empty room in the middle of my house. There is one closet and one window.
In 2003, when we first moved in, it was used as kind of a storage room. It was in the original "painter's white" and full of boxes. The kind of boxes that a young couple has when they are still fairly newly married and have one little baby girl on the way. Once that baby girl came and we were a little more settled, it was organized into an office space with a few little toys here and there.
In 2005, when we found out that another little girl was on her way, it was painted... two green walls and two pink and green striped walls. Just like the pottery barn magazine. It would be a playroom.
And so it stayed that way, even after the birth of yet another baby girl. And then it went through many changes... playroom/Emily's room, playroom/Ashley's room, Ashely and Emily's room, Abby and Ashley's room, just Emily's room, just Abby's room... (and at some point in time, the walls needed a fresh coat, so it was painted solid peach).
But as all the girls started to grow, they all insisted to be together. And this little room was much too small for bunkbeds AND a crib, and so, once again, it became just a playroom. And a little used one at that.
Last week, the entire room was emptied. With the exception of a little white table with two chairs, and shelves with lots of new little boy toys. :) A representative from a homestudy agency came, inspected it, and now it sits... still occasionally played in... waiting for its new tenants. It will be painted blue around the top, and chalkboard paint around the bottom. Scriptures in English and Russian will encircle it. And it will hold two little beds. For two little boys. Who will play, nap, grow, laugh, and dream...
I can't wait to hear the sounds that come from that room. To hear trucks and trains and dinosaur roars. That little Down Syndrome lisp that I've grown to adore. I can't wait to see the sleepy faces that will come out of it in the mornings. To see the blue light bounce off of the wall across the hall. I can't wait to walk in that room, and hold the boys tight. Each of them. To let them know that they are safe, they are home, and they are loved.
So for now this little room is waiting. Just like I am. For my boys to come home.
In 2003, when we first moved in, it was used as kind of a storage room. It was in the original "painter's white" and full of boxes. The kind of boxes that a young couple has when they are still fairly newly married and have one little baby girl on the way. Once that baby girl came and we were a little more settled, it was organized into an office space with a few little toys here and there.
In 2005, when we found out that another little girl was on her way, it was painted... two green walls and two pink and green striped walls. Just like the pottery barn magazine. It would be a playroom.
And so it stayed that way, even after the birth of yet another baby girl. And then it went through many changes... playroom/Emily's room, playroom/Ashley's room, Ashely and Emily's room, Abby and Ashley's room, just Emily's room, just Abby's room... (and at some point in time, the walls needed a fresh coat, so it was painted solid peach).
But as all the girls started to grow, they all insisted to be together. And this little room was much too small for bunkbeds AND a crib, and so, once again, it became just a playroom. And a little used one at that.
Last week, the entire room was emptied. With the exception of a little white table with two chairs, and shelves with lots of new little boy toys. :) A representative from a homestudy agency came, inspected it, and now it sits... still occasionally played in... waiting for its new tenants. It will be painted blue around the top, and chalkboard paint around the bottom. Scriptures in English and Russian will encircle it. And it will hold two little beds. For two little boys. Who will play, nap, grow, laugh, and dream...
I can't wait to hear the sounds that come from that room. To hear trucks and trains and dinosaur roars. That little Down Syndrome lisp that I've grown to adore. I can't wait to see the sleepy faces that will come out of it in the mornings. To see the blue light bounce off of the wall across the hall. I can't wait to walk in that room, and hold the boys tight. Each of them. To let them know that they are safe, they are home, and they are loved.
So for now this little room is waiting. Just like I am. For my boys to come home.
Christmas in eastern Europe
My baby boys celebrated Christmas today... my RR friend had a really cool post about it, click here to go check it out! Thanks McKenna for the info! I think it would be so fun to save a little gift for our kids on January 7th every year!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Success!
Well, our home study worker just left about an hour ago... it was a success! She was really sweet. She stayed for exactly four hours and we talked about everything under the sun. The girls did really good with her, and I felt so comfortable with her really quickly... in my head the last few days, she's been this woman whom we needed to impress and prove that we are a good family to adopt. But as soon as we began talking, I felt so relieved... I could tell she was on our side, ya know? She was super helpful to be sure that she is writing up the report exactly the way it should be for this particular country. And she was equally as interested in answering any questions or concerns that we might have as she was having us answer her questions.
I tried to stress to her the best I could what a rush this particular adoption is because of the nature of the situation the boys are in. Time at the baby home is quickly running out for them.
But it was definitely a great visit and a big "WHEW" for us! And thanks to the support from our amazing friends and family, we were able to write her a check for the full amount of the homestudy!!! Praise the Lord!!!
Thanks to each of you for praying and donating. I got so many sweet text messages from friends this morning letting me know that we were covered in prayer. My friends know how the enemy attacks me and those sweet little affirmations helped me so much. :)
Please continue to pray as we push forward to finish up the homestudy, do more fingerprints, and rush to mail it all in. We still have a long way to go!
I tried to stress to her the best I could what a rush this particular adoption is because of the nature of the situation the boys are in. Time at the baby home is quickly running out for them.
But it was definitely a great visit and a big "WHEW" for us! And thanks to the support from our amazing friends and family, we were able to write her a check for the full amount of the homestudy!!! Praise the Lord!!!
Thanks to each of you for praying and donating. I got so many sweet text messages from friends this morning letting me know that we were covered in prayer. My friends know how the enemy attacks me and those sweet little affirmations helped me so much. :)
Please continue to pray as we push forward to finish up the homestudy, do more fingerprints, and rush to mail it all in. We still have a long way to go!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Homestudy (and pregnancy's)
As I mentioned on a previous post- three of my closest friends are pregnant right now. All due just a little before we should be leaving to get the boys (or "the brothers" as the girls now call them). And strangely enough, each of them is kind of considered a high risk pregnancy. One because she's having twins, one because she's contracting like crazy at 25 weeks, and one because of some blood clotting issues.
So, to the rest of you out there adopting right now... can't you sympathize with my pregnant friends? Don't you feel a little like a high risk pregnancy? I do! Praying our guts out that our "pregnancy's" would be "healthy" and that our babies would come home safe and sound.
Our big home study is on Saturday. Tennessee apparently only requires one visit and this is it. And for me, this home study appointment feels a little like the eight week ultrasound, to be sure that the babies are in the right place and are going to grow properly. :) I'm weird, I know, but (I know you can all identify with me on this) I'm falling in love with my new babies more and more everyday. And we need the prayers of our friends and family to help this step go smoothly.
So for all of our faithful prayer warriors out there, our appointment is Saturday the 3rd at 10am. Pray that all would go smoothly and quickly. I'll update when its over. :)
So, to the rest of you out there adopting right now... can't you sympathize with my pregnant friends? Don't you feel a little like a high risk pregnancy? I do! Praying our guts out that our "pregnancy's" would be "healthy" and that our babies would come home safe and sound.
Our big home study is on Saturday. Tennessee apparently only requires one visit and this is it. And for me, this home study appointment feels a little like the eight week ultrasound, to be sure that the babies are in the right place and are going to grow properly. :) I'm weird, I know, but (I know you can all identify with me on this) I'm falling in love with my new babies more and more everyday. And we need the prayers of our friends and family to help this step go smoothly.
So for all of our faithful prayer warriors out there, our appointment is Saturday the 3rd at 10am. Pray that all would go smoothly and quickly. I'll update when its over. :)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Confirmation
I love how God works and moves... He's never late and rarely early. And just when the enemy really starts getting to me, He gives me that little nudge I need. When I can feel my foot start to slip ever so slightly, I can feel His hand replanting it firmly.
The enemy is really not liking any of this adoption stuff. I could really use some prayer. If there were ever a time for Satan to try to steel, kill, and destroy (James 10:10), this it. And His lies?: "You won't get the money", "People think you're crazy", and the MOST annoying one, "You won't be able to handle five kids".
So sure enough, God comes along and smiles on me.
Yesterday was "family sunday" at our church. Where once a month all the youth kids sit in service with their parents. Which for our family means- Jake and I actually get to sit together in church. :) So he gave this awesome message titled "Mary Christmas"... and you really should listen to it here, but in a nutshell, it was about stepping up and DOING the thing that God has called you to do. Right now. Hear, submit, and believe. He gave examples of Mary, Abraham and Rahab all hearing God's voice, submitting to His command, and believing that He would bring it to pass. Each in very specific circumstances.
Anyway, it was just what I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it. God is so good. And He loves me so much. And He wants me to cling to the fact that I heard Him, submitted to Him, and now believe that what He said will come to pass.
So I am speaking to those lies and saying "GOD will bring the money", "people thought Jesus was crazy too", and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" because HE called me to do it! The scripture says that when God told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, he didn't even consider his own body. (Romans 4:19-21) It was irrelevant to him that he was old and probably infertile, because God was the one telling Him it would happen. There are a hundred reasons we could think of not to adopt these little boys, but it doesn't matter. God is the one who has called us to adopt!
This message was just further confirmation. :)
The enemy is really not liking any of this adoption stuff. I could really use some prayer. If there were ever a time for Satan to try to steel, kill, and destroy (James 10:10), this it. And His lies?: "You won't get the money", "People think you're crazy", and the MOST annoying one, "You won't be able to handle five kids".
So sure enough, God comes along and smiles on me.
Yesterday was "family sunday" at our church. Where once a month all the youth kids sit in service with their parents. Which for our family means- Jake and I actually get to sit together in church. :) So he gave this awesome message titled "Mary Christmas"... and you really should listen to it here, but in a nutshell, it was about stepping up and DOING the thing that God has called you to do. Right now. Hear, submit, and believe. He gave examples of Mary, Abraham and Rahab all hearing God's voice, submitting to His command, and believing that He would bring it to pass. Each in very specific circumstances.
Anyway, it was just what I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it. God is so good. And He loves me so much. And He wants me to cling to the fact that I heard Him, submitted to Him, and now believe that what He said will come to pass.
So I am speaking to those lies and saying "GOD will bring the money", "people thought Jesus was crazy too", and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" because HE called me to do it! The scripture says that when God told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, he didn't even consider his own body. (Romans 4:19-21) It was irrelevant to him that he was old and probably infertile, because God was the one telling Him it would happen. There are a hundred reasons we could think of not to adopt these little boys, but it doesn't matter. God is the one who has called us to adopt!
This message was just further confirmation. :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Learning as I go
Oops.
Its really hard to not get REALLY overly excited about... ANYTHING... for me. :) I'm just that kinda person. (Some of you reading this right now are saying, "Who AMY? NOOO...") :)
I didn't quite realize that there is certain information that needs to be a little more *cough* "guarded". So, as you read through previous posts, you will see that some of them have been revised. I'd like to keep this a public post so that it can serve as an inspiration and motivator to future adoptive families (as SO many others were for me) among other reasons, but to do that I need to be a little more careful about the boys' details. (And this might mean moderating some comments as well, so I apologize. Also I apologize to anyone who's blogs I may have commented on too much as well.)
So there it is... learning as I go. You'd think I'd never done this before... :)
Its really hard to not get REALLY overly excited about... ANYTHING... for me. :) I'm just that kinda person. (Some of you reading this right now are saying, "Who AMY? NOOO...") :)
I didn't quite realize that there is certain information that needs to be a little more *cough* "guarded". So, as you read through previous posts, you will see that some of them have been revised. I'd like to keep this a public post so that it can serve as an inspiration and motivator to future adoptive families (as SO many others were for me) among other reasons, but to do that I need to be a little more careful about the boys' details. (And this might mean moderating some comments as well, so I apologize. Also I apologize to anyone who's blogs I may have commented on too much as well.)
So there it is... learning as I go. You'd think I'd never done this before... :)
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