We had a great chat with our social worker last night. We talked a little bit more about how the whole process works once we are matched and baby is born. We found out that the placement fee isn't due until after relinquishment is completed and the adoption is for sure a go. That is helpful timing wise. We were trying to figure out whether to get a loan or credit card now or wait until we were further along in the process, but then we didn't want to wait until the baby was born and have just 48 hours! So it was good to know that we will have a couple of weeks or so. We also talked about what happens if the birth father is unable to be found and that whole process. We are so thankful to have found Bethany Christian Services and to be working with such an awesome social worker!!!
By the way... We are so happy to be a waiting family! (But we can't wait until the wait is over! lol)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Books
I bought some fun books today...thanks to a Barnes and Noble birthday gift card from soon to be Auntie Crystal!
Today when Taylor (My 10 month old niece) came to play we were reading books and I realized I didn't have any baby books that appealed to the sense of touch!
So I bought...
and
Since Black, White, and Red patterns and shapes are so great for a baby's development.
One last thing....
We want to introduce some basic signs to our baby, this looked like a low key book/flashcard kit!
All this for like $7 after using my gift card and a 10% off coupon! WooHoo!
Today we are also working on adoption funding...$10,000 to go! Prayers in that area are appreciated!
Today when Taylor (My 10 month old niece) came to play we were reading books and I realized I didn't have any baby books that appealed to the sense of touch!
So I bought...
andBoth have different materials for babies to feel on each page. :)
I also bought...
Since Black, White, and Red patterns and shapes are so great for a baby's development.
One last thing....
We want to introduce some basic signs to our baby, this looked like a low key book/flashcard kit!
All this for like $7 after using my gift card and a 10% off coupon! WooHoo!
Today we are also working on adoption funding...$10,000 to go! Prayers in that area are appreciated!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
God = Peace
It's funny, because as I posted that long selfish rant I knew that as soon as I got my whining out of the way and gave it to God I would feel much better! So I talked to God, and my husband. Guess what!?!? I am at peace! He (God) is so good to hear his childrens unfaithful whining over and over, yet forgives and gives peace every time.
Can't wait to be able to share exciting news! Hope it will be soon!
<3
Can't wait to be able to share exciting news! Hope it will be soon!
<3
Friday, March 18, 2011
Emotions
This post might get long and rambling...so beware! But that is what a blog is for, right?!? LOL
I have been very emotional the last couple of days and realized that a lot of my emotion was surrounding our adoption. I realized that although I tried not to, I listened to everyone who said they didn't think we would have a long wait and set myself up for disappointment. Granted, 4 months is not a ridiculous amount of time at all! haha But for some reason I had March in my head and here we are half way through March with no exciting news. This post is all about me being transparent...not correct!
In November when we submitted our profile we were told that everyone loves our profile and have been told that several times since. It is so hard to think that this profile that we created, this 12 page book about us, is how a woman will choose us to raise the child she is carrying and loves so much. We had 12 pages to show who we are, what we believe, the kind of life we will give our child, what is important to us, etc. Realistically our past, present, and future (as well as the future of our children) are being evaluated in 12 pages. I sit and think sometimes, what must the birth families think as they look through so many profiles? Were we able to convey who we are? Does it make sense? Can they hear our heart?
We received our second denial letter from grants we had applied for today. That is tough too. Not the money aspect really...but that they base whether or not they will give us funding based on the story that we tell. Now that might not seem like it has much to do with the profile, but it does in my brain! I start to wonder...was our story not moving enough, special enough? No, we don't have a long drawn out dramatic story. We are just two people who want very much to raise a little family in a little house, in a little town. Does that make us ununique (Which I'm sure isn't a word!)? Now, my head knows that funding is tight...I work at a non profit for heaven sake! lol So I know that it isn't anything personal. But my heart does hurt sometimes.
Most days I am just excited about our adoption...but there are hard days too. Today is a hard day. I know that someday we will look back on this time of waiting and it will seem so short in the grand scheme of things, but today it feels long.
I know that God's timing is so perfect. I know that He already knows who our child will be. I know that even if we wait for a year, or more (!) that it will be right because that is the child God intended for us. But me, from my tiny perspective, says I want Him to hurry up! lol I want to get to the next part of this journey!
My heart has been set on being a mom for the last 4 years. The last 4 months so much more so! I have heard so many comments like, oh you'll see, just wait until you are a mom, or you can't even imagine...just wait. (For many different scenarios) Well I already know! In my heart I am already there! I hate getting angry over silly and totally innocent comments, and I don't say anything, but I want to freak out sometimes! I am yelling on the inside! haha (And the just wait comments...well I am queen of just waiting, so you don't need to tell me that! ;) ) BTW...I am not directing this AT anyone...so please don't take it personally!
I feel that in order for this blog to be a true reflection of our adoption process, it is important to allow you to see the not so rosy side.
I feel so blessed, and I know Jake does too, that God chose us to be adoptive parents. While there are some of "Those Days" I am so thankful to be able to give it back to God and know that He has a plan. Not sure how people can go through life without a relationship with God!
There you have it, my first rant. haha
:)
I have been very emotional the last couple of days and realized that a lot of my emotion was surrounding our adoption. I realized that although I tried not to, I listened to everyone who said they didn't think we would have a long wait and set myself up for disappointment. Granted, 4 months is not a ridiculous amount of time at all! haha But for some reason I had March in my head and here we are half way through March with no exciting news. This post is all about me being transparent...not correct!
In November when we submitted our profile we were told that everyone loves our profile and have been told that several times since. It is so hard to think that this profile that we created, this 12 page book about us, is how a woman will choose us to raise the child she is carrying and loves so much. We had 12 pages to show who we are, what we believe, the kind of life we will give our child, what is important to us, etc. Realistically our past, present, and future (as well as the future of our children) are being evaluated in 12 pages. I sit and think sometimes, what must the birth families think as they look through so many profiles? Were we able to convey who we are? Does it make sense? Can they hear our heart?
We received our second denial letter from grants we had applied for today. That is tough too. Not the money aspect really...but that they base whether or not they will give us funding based on the story that we tell. Now that might not seem like it has much to do with the profile, but it does in my brain! I start to wonder...was our story not moving enough, special enough? No, we don't have a long drawn out dramatic story. We are just two people who want very much to raise a little family in a little house, in a little town. Does that make us ununique (Which I'm sure isn't a word!)? Now, my head knows that funding is tight...I work at a non profit for heaven sake! lol So I know that it isn't anything personal. But my heart does hurt sometimes.
Most days I am just excited about our adoption...but there are hard days too. Today is a hard day. I know that someday we will look back on this time of waiting and it will seem so short in the grand scheme of things, but today it feels long.
I know that God's timing is so perfect. I know that He already knows who our child will be. I know that even if we wait for a year, or more (!) that it will be right because that is the child God intended for us. But me, from my tiny perspective, says I want Him to hurry up! lol I want to get to the next part of this journey!
My heart has been set on being a mom for the last 4 years. The last 4 months so much more so! I have heard so many comments like, oh you'll see, just wait until you are a mom, or you can't even imagine...just wait. (For many different scenarios) Well I already know! In my heart I am already there! I hate getting angry over silly and totally innocent comments, and I don't say anything, but I want to freak out sometimes! I am yelling on the inside! haha (And the just wait comments...well I am queen of just waiting, so you don't need to tell me that! ;) ) BTW...I am not directing this AT anyone...so please don't take it personally!
I feel that in order for this blog to be a true reflection of our adoption process, it is important to allow you to see the not so rosy side.
I feel so blessed, and I know Jake does too, that God chose us to be adoptive parents. While there are some of "Those Days" I am so thankful to be able to give it back to God and know that He has a plan. Not sure how people can go through life without a relationship with God!
There you have it, my first rant. haha
:)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Updating...
I know I haven't posted in a while...we are asked all the time, " Have you heard anything yet?" Well, the answer is no, but that is to be expected! We told our social worker we didn't want to hear anything until we had a match. We can ask how often our profile has been shown, were we ever "runner up," etc. But we have chosen not to know. We know that once our profile is in the hands of our child's birth mother it will speak to her heart because it is meant for her. Whether that means she is the first one to look at our profile or the 200th, it is meant for her and we know she will find us when the time is right.
In the meantime we have continued to read our adoption books.
We have made sure our home is surprise social worker visit ready (though that wouldn't happen until after baby is here).
 |
| Plug Covers |
 |
| Getting used to pushing down on the cabinet latches |
 |
| Excuse the mess, but cleaning supplies moved to a high shelf. |
 |
| I think Buck is excited too! |
We have been basking in the sense of anticipation!!!
 |
| Our families have been too! Baby McCormack was spoiled this Christmas! Notice the lion pillow pet, rocking horse, teddy bear, picture... lol All from friends and family who are anticipating with us! |
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| I have a baby shoe problem! Shhhh! ;) |
I am not going to lie and say we never get anxious or wish baby was already here. There are times we see people with their new bio babies and think, iyiyi, why can't it be that easy for us! (I'm being honest here!) But during those times we just have to remind ourselves and each other that God's timing is perfect!
So...next time you want to ask if we have heard anything yet the answer will still probably be no. I'm telling you, if there is news to share I promise, you will hear!!! lol Someone told me the other day they think all of Oakdale will hear us scream when we get "The Call"! I may be dramatic at times, but screaming really isn't me. ;)
Thank you all for your love and encouragement and support!!!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Waiting...
We are still waiting...and are very happy to be in this place! We know that God's timing is perfect!
We mailed off 2 grant applications on Monday and one matching grant/no interest loan application. Staying busy!
Just wanted to give a quick update!
We mailed off 2 grant applications on Monday and one matching grant/no interest loan application. Staying busy!
Just wanted to give a quick update!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Applications
I applied for one grant today from God's Grace Adoption Ministry (http://www.ggam.org/). The grants are made available from GGAM partially through Athletes for Adoption (www.athletesforadoption.org/). Super cool local ministry, check it out!
I did most of the writing and data collecting for two other funding sources. One is a grant and the other could potentially be a loan or a matching grant.
We know God has a plan and will provide as needed! :)
I did most of the writing and data collecting for two other funding sources. One is a grant and the other could potentially be a loan or a matching grant.
We know God has a plan and will provide as needed! :)
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