Braggin

So I decided to take a moment to brag about my latest coupon shopping trip. I was super excited about the stuff I got for a few dollars.

My list of items:

1 12.6 oz bottle of Pantene Condtioner
1 12.6 oz bottle of Pantene Shampoo
1 Thermacare  neckwrap
1 Schick Hydro razor - 5 blade
1 Schick Hydro shave gel
1 Box of BandAids
2 Icebreaker Mints (These are a weakness of mine)
1 Pkg of Huggies Diapers

My Subtotal for all these items was $41.00
I used $31.96 in Coupons
Received one of the Icebreaker Mints for FREE because it was B1G1... so  1.99 for that one
and I used $7.00 in ECB Bucks (CVS)

After all coupons and ECB's my subtotal was $0.05. With taxes, I paid $3.07 for all of those items. Oh and I might add that several of the items I bought had an ECB offer with it. I received $10.79 in ECB Bucks. Not bad if I say so myself!

File Approved!

Woohoo! Our file is approved and the wait begins! We are so excited and blessed to be able to go forward with this journey!

It will still be a bit before we  go "live" as we still have to order our letters and send them to the agency. We met our deadline though, and I'm super stoked about that!

This is one of the pics that we included on our letter. It's our daughter and our big baby of a dog, Sampson!

It's ALMOST "Wait" Time

I don't have a lot to report, but I felt that I should what little is new in our world! We had our home study visits on Nov. 12th and 13th. I told our social worker that the home study approval is all that we are waiting on to become "on the books." So she said she would try to work on our file and get it to us as soon as possible. She was serious! I received it yesterday, and we are now going over all of the information to make sure it's correct. As I was reading it, tears came to my eyes. I really wanted to meet these people! I felt sorry for them, all the troubles they have had, and I was proud of them for overcoming them! BUT WAIT! These people are us! It's kinda interesting to read something about yourself that someone has put their own spin on.

Our social worker used to work with the agency that we are with, so she is very familiar with the "time line." I did something I said I would never do, I asked. Yep, the question, how long is this going to take? Her reply? "You should be up and going by the end of the year." This was music to my ears! Being "live" by the end of the year has been our goal. Then the real wait begins!

Dress Up

After Halloween, I hit the discount isle at Wal-Mart and let K pick out a couple things. She got a couple little skirt things.. (I forgot what they are called!) She loves them! For $2.50, I think it's the cutest dress up "clothes" ever! She uses one as a shirt and the other as a skirt!

Clean much?

I told myself (and my husband and best friend) that I was NOT going to go all nuts cleaning for our home-study visits. Our 1st home visit is set up for Friday. Our vacuum decided to crap out on us yesterday, so I went to the store today to get one (I think 4 days is a bit too long to go without vacuuming with a dog, cat, and 2 year old!). After I got back from the store, cleaning mode clicked on. I was only going to spot clean our baseboards, I realize now that there is no such thing as "spot cleaning" baseboards. Not when you have a huge dog that likes to sleep right up against them! I wiped some icky off and it was pristine white, and the rest dingy... so I had to clean all the baseboards! That led to vacuuming up against the baseboards, vacuuming the whole house of course, and then washing little hand prints off the walls.

Our social worker seems like a really nice lady. I'm anxious to meet her! To help us out, she scheduled our 1st visit for Friday, and our 2nd one on Saturday! We are both excited (and nervous!).

I'm So Proud!

Of my hubby that is! He made 1st class and I'm so happy for him! I told him at the beginning of the year that this year was going to be "our year." Our year that life falls into place and great things happen for us! Last year was very difficult for us and I felt that we deserved something better! I don't write about our trying time, not because we are "over" it or because we are "all better," but because it is so personal and I still struggle every day with the loss of our 2nd child. It's something that a person can never "get over" but instead learn to deal with it. Someone recently told me that it was a blessing in disguise. I'm not happy or blessed about the loss of our child, but I do know that it's what was meant to be. Maybe it was to make us appreciate life more, each other, our daughter... who really knows? I'm sure I will never find out the answers to my many questions, but I do know that in this life, I will appreciate those around me a lot more and be thankful for all that I have. I am thankful for my husband, he always supports me even when he doesn't understand my reasoning! I'm thankful that I am able to stay home with our daughter and see all of her milestones. I'm thankful that we are in a position to adopt a little one and that we have tons of support in growing our family this way!

Big bite!

It's tradition that when someone advances they buy breakfast or lunch, or I guess whatever everybody wants! Nick decided to take doughnuts to work and I picked up some orange juice as well. K and I went in to see Daddy's pinning ceremony, and of course to have some doughnuts!

 

The pinning..

The Cutest Little Dragon!

K begged me to be a dragon this year for Halloween. I kept trying to talk her into being something a little more, well, girlish I guess. Not that there aren't female dragons, but I was thinking a ladybug, princess, or something along those lines! My little tomboy, wasn't going to have any of it though! So a dragon she was, and a super cute one at that! :) We went trick or treating with our neighbors and had a great time! They have a little boy right around K's age, and they get along great.

My little dragon and I

Dragon and Daddy-o!

Carving Pumpkins

I know, I'm a little behind, but I'm trying to get caught up in my postings! We carved pumpkins a little over a week ago. We had our good friends over to join in the fun! K decided she wanted to "paint" her pumpkin, and it turned out beautifull!

B and S working together!

Pumpkin hand!

The Easley's pumpkins!

The pumpkin Nick carved for me... and probably the last one he will do!

Heard Already!

Wow! I'm really feeling blessed! (I know I seem to say that a lot, but it's the truth!) I heard from our social worker yesterday to start scheduling times for our home visits. I emailed her back our UN available dates, because I thought that would be easier than telling our available dates. I checked my email this morning, and we are tentatively setting the dates for November 12th and 13th! I just can't believe it is happening so fast! Not that I don't have faith, but I really thought we would be waiting until next year for our visits to happen. I know at the end of the year things get crazy with the holidays, so I was completely shocked when she shot those dates out there! I'm NOT complaining at all, we are both so excited.

I feel that I must stress though, that although we are super excited we also realize that there is another side to this process. There will be a birth mother out there somewhere that is meant for us, and in NO way or form do I want to speed up the process for her. It's going to be a very difficult time for her, and for her sake I'm okay with waiting. I know she's going to feel a heartache like she's never had but I do hope that we can somehow help her through this difficult time.

Homestudy Assigned

I just received an email (okay not "just," I read it at midnight last night) that our home study has been assigned to a contract (social) worker and we should hear from her within 2 weeks. I'm not sure exactly what this means other than the fact I was super excited to get this news! I was so excited I almost woke up Nick to tell him.... but then I decided it could wait 6 more hours until we got up!

Really, what does it mean? It means that we will start with our home visits. Home visits = final approval = "on the books" = waiting for a baby! Not that we aren't already waiting, but it's a different kind of wait, as in yes, this IS going to happen. Right now, we are both confident that it is going to happen, but being a realistic person, I do realize that we may not be approved.

It's been a wonderful week for good news! We are so blessed!

He's a little spoiled!

The hubster has been bugging me for months to "let" him buy a new motorcycle. Time and time again he has heard the same answer, "Not until our new baby is home." To which he replied the first time I said this, "You mean, as soon as we walk in the door and y'all (yes he says y'all) are fine, I can go to the dealership and pick one out?" Really!? I said, "Well, if you feel it is that important."

Let me say this, Nick and I rarely argue, we both are people that choose our battles. This is not one that I choose to get upset over, instead we laugh and joke about it. Of course, one of his buddies has also been scheming with Nick to get a new bike. As I was talking to H one night, "Nick should sell his truck, and then he can buy a new motorcycle. Next year (boat season) he'll have to buy a new truck too. See it all works out....." Ummm, no! But I do love listening to all of H's plans... I'm sure they make sense to him! :)

I received a text from Nick yesterday letting me know that he was going to make 1st class. We have known for awhile that he was "close," but didn't know exactly when or if it would actually take place. I'm so proud of him! I later texted back and asked how much more money a month he would be making. (I am in charge of the money, and I keep a pretty tight reign, hence him asking me to buy a bike) The text I received back? "Enough to buy a motorcycle" I had the sneaking suspicion that Nick didn't write this text but rather H did.

And... I was right! So as we were talking about his advancement I gave him the go ahead on buying another motorcycle. He smiled like a little boy making his first home run! And that warmed my heart. So now what is he doing? Looking for a dealership to go get a new motorcycle!

What is a home study?

I realize (now that it's been brought to my attention) that not everyone knows what a home study is. I assumed everyone knew what it is and what all it entails because I've been living and breathing it the last several months. I'm very sorry! So this pretty much sums it up! I got this information from this site, which I'm finding I go to a lot to find things out!

The adoption home study is a detailed written report of your family compiled and prepared by a social worker. This can take three to six months to finish. The adoption home study requires the prospective adoptive family to gather different documents, answer several questions, and explore their reasons for adopting. Through a series of visits and interviews the social worker can get a complete picture of who you are and what life is like in your family. The adoption home study is a part of the decision making process for both the prospective family and the workers. Not only can the adoption home study help the worker place a child into your home who would best fit into your family, but help the family and the worker decide if now is a good time for your family to adopt.

The adoption home study can include the following pieces of information. Keep in mind that each state or country, in an international adoption, may require different information.

• Autobiography/Family Background - Some states or agencies have a social worker working very closely with the family to finish this part of the home study, while others have a detailed list of questions that the agency wants answered. These questions are typically about your family, past and present; how you feel about discipline, your fondest childhood memory, or your greatest fears. We enjoyed this process as we learned so much about ourselves and each other.
• Neighborhood/Community/Schools - Be prepared to describe your environment. What is your school system like? Which schools will your child/ren attend? Do you have a relationship with your neighbors? What resources does your community offer to help you parent a special needs child?

• Physical Health - You may need a physical or health exam and/or a Tuberculosis(TB) test or chest x-ray. The social worker will also be interested in hearing how you have any health issues under control. Be prepared to explain how these health issues will or will not effect your ability to care for a child. There shouldn't be an issues with you adopting unless you have a serious health problem that effects your life expectancy.

• Financial Statements - You must be able to show that you can care for an additional person(s) with your current income. Be prepared to verify your income with paycheck stubs, W-4, or income tax forms 1040 or 1040 EZ. You may also need to show information on your savings, insurance coverage, investments and debts. There may be a worksheet to fill out that covers your bills, such as mortgage or rent payments, car payments, and charge accounts.

• Criminal Clearances - Most states require by law criminal record and child abuse record checks. Misdemeanors from long ago along with a good explanation of your behavior are usually not held against you. Felony convictions of any charge involving children or illegal substances will most likely not be allowed.

• References - You will need the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three or four references. Some agencies will contact by phone, others will require that your references write a letter of recommendation. Choose people who have known you for several years and know your family. They should be familiar with you and have seen you in a variety of situations, with children, your spouse, etc. References will not keep you from adopting unless workers receive several negative comments, or a reference has brought up a questionable criminal record.

• Interviews - Interviews are a time for the workers to go over your paperwork, learn more about you, clarify anything in your autobiography and see that your home is a safe and healthy place for a child. You do NOT have to be a clean freak! The worker will tour your home and will want to see the room that you have planned for the child. If you haven't already discussed it, you may want to have a safety plan in place in case of fires or other natural disasters. Be honest and show your personality, a sense of humor is always a good thing to have, especially when parenting.

• If You Already Have Children - Some agencies will have the children write a statement about their feelings toward adoption. If they are too young, they may be asked to draw a picture. Workers will want to know about your children's interests, hobbies, and grades. Your children will be involved in interviews, and may meet with the social worker individually.

• Cost of the Home Study - The cost depends on the agency or the worker completing your study. Public agencies, Department of Social Services, does not usually charge, or if they do, you will be reimbursed after the adoption is final. This charge is usually minimal. With private adoptions the adoption home study can run anywhere from $500 to $3000. This could be less if you are adopting a special needs child.

An adoption home study can be a nerve wracking thing, but if you go in prepared and knowing what to expect you will get through it just fine! As always, good luck on your adoption journey.

A Tad Bit

Yes, it's true we have a tad bit of good news. When we started on our adoption journey, it was our goal to be "on the books" by the end of this year. I'm still uncertain on whether or not this is going to take place, because a lot of the process is out of our hands. BUT we received an email today that our website has been approved! It won't go live until our file is approved and we have letters in the Pleasant Hill office, but I'm still pretty stoked! When we started working on our paperwork, we decided to get all of the documents together and then send it in. As in an earlier post, I mailed to the wrong address, but IAC did receive our packet. I overlooked a few items, and I sent (to the correct address this time!) those off today. They have also received our FBI fingerprint clearances. Our text and photographs have been approved for our letter as well as the "prettied" version. I got the go ahead on ordering the proof of the letter to send to the agency. I ordered it Fri (I think) so it should be here this week. I'm actually pretty excited about seeing it in person!

Nick doesn't show emotion that often, he's easy going and doesn't get stressed out about much. I on the other hand, always show emotion, I'm pretty easy going as well, but I stress out about everything! Tonight, though, when we were talking about our website and well, just the whole process, I could tell that he was getting excited. I think maybe it's becoming a little more real to him. He had all these questions for me about when we would have our home study visits, what they would be about, and what not. I really didn't know what to tell him! So... I did what I usually do when I don't know the answers about something, I turn to by adoption blogger friends! I still didn't find the exact answers, mainly because I got distracted, but I was able to read some awesome blogs! I love how I read on one blog and then another one catches my eye, and so on and so on. So here's a blog that I love reading. I love the sense of humor, and what I love most is that it's obvious how much this family loves each other! I've read back on this blog from the beginning of their adoption journey and it so inspires me!

Here I Go!

On my 29th birthday I vowed that by my 30th birthday that I was going to be in the best shape of my life. What was I thinking?!I've always loved being in shape, and I'm one of those weirdos that actually enjoys working out. I have struggled a lot over the last several years with my self image, and especially in the last year or so. After I had Khila, I was down to my pre-baby weight within 6 weeks and after 9 months I was smaller than I had been in years! With my 2nd pregnancy I gained weight FAST! I was, at 4 months the same size I had been with Khila at 7 months! It has been difficult to get back down to my pre-baby weight this time around. And here it is 17 months later! I'm determined to lose this "baby" weight. After all, I have no baby to even show for it! That's probably what irritates me most about it. So back to that first sentence!I have decided to start running again, which is something that I kinda missed, but it was just too bloomin' hot to run during the summer! In addition I've been doing ZUMBA, which is pretty fun even though this white girl has no rhythm whatsoever! Nick keeps asking me to video tape myself so he can have a good chuckle over it. I also just got my new bike trailer, so no more excuses on riding! (Which by the way I LOVE, it's a double seater, also can be used as a double jogging stroller- one of the main reason's I chose it, and it came with all the extras to make into a stroller) Okay, so here I go! I'm gonna do it!

Taken Away

Many family/friends have shown concern over the issue of OPEN adoption. The question I get asked the MOST is, "Aren't you afraid the birth mom is going to come take her baby back? She'll know where you live...." The answer to this question is NO! I'm not worried about that aspect. The decision is going to be hers, and with it being an open adoption I like to think that she will have no questions whether or not she did the "right" thing. She will see her child being cared for and loved and I would hope that would help ease some feelings of grief.


Another question I've been asked is "Are you scared of not bonding with a new baby?" This question bothers me some, because I don't think someone would ask a biological parent that. You would only assume if a woman carries her child she will bond. I think every mother, deep down, has a fear of not bonding, but I can say that I'm not concerned about it. Yes, an amazing, strong woman will have carried this child and brought this child into the world, but I believe that the child will be meant for us.


What am I worried about? Many things as a new parent! Like are my children going to get along. Is K going to be jealous, and how are we going to handle the situation? Especially with it being an adoption, I do worry about questions coming up and how to answer. All I do know, is that we are planning to be very open about it, and talk about it. It will NOT be something to be ashamed of, but rather to feel blessed about. I think too, that with questions it's going to be helpful having birth mom available to answer some. I think what I'm worried about most is the grief that birth family is going to go through. Honestly, it breaks my heart when I think of it. I know it's going to be difficult for her and her family, even if she doesn't realize exactly how much yet.

A Mail Mishap

Well, I finally got all of our information to the agency. Yes, I know I'm terrible I said it an earlier post that I already sent it, and I really was going to except that, my husband still needed to get some of his paperwork together, and I was still waiting on some information from my doctor. Anyhow, so I sent it out last Monday, and this week I realized I haven't been notified that they received it (as I have with everything else). So I sent an email asking... and their address has changed and I sent it to the wrong blamin' one! For a split second, I panicked. Then I took a deep breath and said "It'll be okay, and it'll eventually get there." Hopefully...

On a better note, the context of our DBL has been approved and I just submitted the actual letter (all prettied up) for approval. I'm working on our website, and have it the way I want it, but although it's the exact same information as the letter, I'm having a hard time sending it for approval. It's becoming all too real! In a good way of couse.

Oh and I also bought a swing! A lady down the street from me was having a yard sale and she said it was rarely used, and it totally looks it. The fabric is in excellent shape as well as the "feet" where it would be sitting and scooting on the floor. I love that it's a take along swing, and it's super easy to fold up!

I just may be in love....

with a cloth diaper that is! I've been researching for the last 6 months or so about cloth diapers. I had actually decided when I was pregnant the 2nd time that I wanted to use cloth diapers. I, having never used them, didn't know a thing about them! I never realized all the different kinds! They sure have come a long way from the white ones with cutesy safety pins that I had always pictured a cloth diaper looking like. I really want to start making them, and I found many free patterns online that I printed out. But I'm not the best sewer around, so they weren't near as detailed as I needed. Anyhow, after all this looking on the internet, reading blogs and forums, and talking with a girl I know that uses them, I think I finally found the one! I was so excited in fact that I called my mom about material, elastic, and snaps. (She owns a quilting shop and thought she might be able to find supplies for me and she would totally understand why I was so thrilled to be making diapers!). I ordered my snap pliers and snaps and they should be here by the end of the week! I also ordered fabric to get me started.

I did try making a little AIO sample diaper and it's super easy! I've decided though, for now, I'm going to make some trainers for K. She's potty trained, but she has a difficult time making it all the way through the night. I think, for now, we need the trainers more than diapers. Either way, I'm pretty stoked about my new project!

And a tumbling we will go!

Miss K started tumbling classes this year and she LOVES it! Her attention span is a bit short, but she tries hard and she sure looks cute doing it! She gets so excited when we are getting ready to go and when she tells Nick about it she says "Guess what me did today Dad?" She explains it the best way she knows how.... acting it out! "Me did a bear walk, and me did somersaults!" All the while she is walking like a bear (well, kinda) and doing somersaults. She loves doing those. In class this week she went the length and back of the room 2 or 3 times! Her instructor is wonderful, and I can honestly say I don't know HOW she does it! All those little munchkins running around! Its a fun time, for me as well. I love watching all the little ones, to the nervousness of trying something new, to the shear joy of doing it! And of course the best part of class? The sucker afterwards!

Round Two

Yet another anonymous post.

Once again, I'm not changing the wording only posting to reflect on the writers words.

I'm begging you as well to reconsider. I'm an adoptee and I wish someone had spoken on my behalf when I was unable to. My purchase price was around $30,000 not counting miscellaneous expenses like out-of-state pick up. If someone had given my natural mother even half of that, I wouldn't have had to be ripped away from her.

By the time I found her later in life it was too late. She's a lovely lady and a good mom (to my brothers), and we both wanted a relationship. We have tried so hard. But we are broken. She's not my mom anymore. And my search/reunion broke apart my adoptive family and my relationship. They weren't bad people. They were mis/uninformed. Now I have no family.

If you truly love this baby, think of him or her. Stop thinking of yourselves and your crazy desire to obtain another child at any cost. Adoption wasn't created to get babies for needy couples. It was to find homes for needy children.

Why not look into an older child adoption from foster care? Or at least an open adoption where the child can develop a relationship with his/her biological family too? That is "doing what's best for the child" and not just what's easiest for you.

This post actually really hurts my heart. I can't even imagine the hurt that the poster feels/has felt. I don't feel that financial reasons are the only reasons that women place their babies. I don't know this particular situation, but I know (or I like to think) that all women want what is BEST for their child! They want their child to have the best possible life and she knows she is going to be unable to provide that. Money is a temporary thing and I really can't say that I believe if giving the birth mom $15,000 that the child would have had the best life. Yes she ( I assume poster is a she) would've been able to stay with birth mom, but that money would've run out quickly. There is all kinds of financial help out there, a person just has to be willing to look for it. And who knows? Maybe child would've been able to stay with birth mom until that money ran out and then what would have happened?

I would've had a lot more respect if poster would've stopped there, and not written those last two paragraphs. I do not think it in any way or form that it is crazy to have the desire to "obtain" a child at any cost. Having biological children costs money as well. As in prenatal care, doctor visits during pregnancy, hospital stay, as well as the baby's stay in the hospital, mom's follow up appointment. Having something unexpected happen can only makes those costs rise. So my point here is. Say You've dreamed all of your life to have a baby. You become pregnant, and have no insurance. You are thoroughly excited and love your baby more than anything in the world. You know you want to parent your child. Your bills keep adding up, but you gratefully pay them. You begin labor and go to the hospital. Something unexpected comes up and it's going to cost you even MORE money than what you where expecting. Do you say, "Oh nope sorry, don't want to parent this baby anymore, because it didn't cost exactly what you told me it was going to." You wouldn't parent this child at any cost? "Obtaining" a child, whether it's biologically or through adoption is (IMO) about love and if it's a desire for you to have a child/more children, you would do whatever possible to make that happen. There is nothing wrong with trying to make dreams come true. Adoption for needy children is a two way street. I would think you would want "needy couples" to parent a baby that was placed for adoption rather than Joe Schmoe down the street that doesn't care one way or another.

Last paragraph, do research before you comment on something you know nothing about! My husband and I did look into foster care. We decided not to pursue it AT THIS TIME. But it is always in the back of my mind. We will have an open adoption because once again, I don't believe in closed adoption. And the last sentence... wow, I think that was only written to get under my skin. Which is okay. She posted her opinion and now here's the truth. Adoption is not "easy" for anyone involved. Not for birth mom, not for adoptee, and not for adoptive parents. But I do totally agree that OPEN adoption is what is best for everyone involved.

Audrey

My sister sent an email to me today and this is an excerpt from it:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

This poem was written by Audrey Hepburn when she was asked to share her "beauty tips."

I had to share for two reasons:

1. I think at times we all forget at least one of these things. We seem to get caught up in what we think and want and forget to take a step back and look at the situation from the other point of view. I'm guilty as charged!

2. I love Audrey Hepburn. She, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful ladies of all time!

Camping Trip

Labor Day weekend we went camping with some great friends. It was K's first time camping, so we weren't sure how she was going to act. Well, she is much like her mom and dad... she LOVES it! She was so excited to take her tinkerbell sleeping bag, although it was a bit hot to actually sleep in it!

She went fishing for the first time with Daddy and caught her first fish!

She learned how to skip rocks with Mommy...

She got to swing/hang on a vine.


















Nick made a new friend....




















C and I decided to cook a couple meals by method of dutch oven. We had to switch up a couple things because the guys weren't all that willing to dig a hole to put it in, so we put it on the campfire and put coals around it, and on top as well. We were so excited about the beef stew. Unfortunately we didn't know that by cooking it this way it cooks about 10x faster, so it didn't turn out so well....

Sooo.... We had this instead!

By the last night, we had it all down and had a wonderful meal. Although I'm a pretty big fan of hotdogs, so I didn't mind eating them. Next time, we know if it says cook for an hour, it's more like 20 minutes! I'm glad we had the chance to go, we all had a wonderful time!

Rightful Mother

So I recently got a few nasty posts from bitter and angry people from the closed adoption world. I truly feel sorry for them, and anyone else that has been in an unpleasant adoption. Not all adoptions are unpleasant, In fact, I personally know of several that have been successful. I am going to repost a few of the comments, just to reflect on them. I am not changing any of the wording...

This was the first comment left by an anonymous person

Yes, I would be happy to donate, via paypal, whatever it costs to keep this baby with it's rightful mother. Those babies sure are sweet when they are babies, and they can't tell you how it hurts to be snatched from the woman they have lived and only known for 9 months. It's primal, it's natural, it's spiritual. Sad to say, those babies, do in fact, grow up. When they can voice their opinion, and they will, I promise you, they will tell you how wrong they think it is to be snatched away from their God-given right. Please think of the babies. Please read Primal Wound. Please don't delete this because it's not your view. Please be brave, and not a coward, and listen to the people who have been those babies snatched from their mommies. Please, I beg you. Reconsider. Your God will provide your womb as a safe place for your baby, IF HE deems you to be a mother one day.

So anyone that knows me at all, can probably point out why this one got under my skin a little. But for those of you who don't know me (as the poster obviously doesn't) I will make some points.

First and foremost we will not "snatch" a baby away from his/her mother. Mother will place her baby with us.

Babies grow up, duh, I'm not quite that unintelligent! It is difficult to raise any child, biological or adopted. I realize that an adopted child will have many questions, for this reason (among many others) we will have an open adoption. I do not believe in closed adoptions, and posts like this one reaffirms my feelings on closed adoptions.

I love to read, so I'm grateful for the recommendation on a new read! Thanks for that!

Now on to the God part. One, you don't know "who" my God is. I certainly do NOT believe that a woman can't be a mother because medically she isn't able to bear children. And since God was brought up, how about let us use the bible as a reference to adoption?

The book of Exodus tells the story of a Hebrew woman named Jochebed who bore a son during a time when Pharaoh had ordered all Hebrew male infants to be put to death (Exodus 1:15-22). Jochebed took a basket, waterproofed it, and sent the baby down the river in the basket. One of Pharaoh's daughters spotted the basket and retrieved the child. She eventually adopted him into the royal family and gave him the name Moses. He went on to become a faithful and blessed servant of God (Exodus 2:1-10)

Bringing a person into a family by means of adoption is done by choice and out of love. "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure" (Ephesians 1:5). As God adopts those who receive Christ as Savior into His spiritual family, so should we all prayerfully consider adopting children into our own physical families.

CLEARLY, adoption - both in the physical and spiritual sense - is shown in a favorable light in Scripture.

Another point I'd like to make, according to the poster a "rightful mother" is a birth mother. I don't agree with this. What about the babies that are being abused (emotionally or physically) by their birth mother? Is birth mom still the rightful mother? Child should always stay with the woman who who gave birth to her? If you ask me, when BIRTH MOM is making the choice, she will choose what is right for her baby. If she chooses to parent, then that is a wonderful thing! But there is nothing wrong with a woman choosing to place her baby for adoption with loving parents.

Dear Birthmother Letter

First off, let me just say, I really don't like the phrase "Birthmother Letter."

Okay, now, I can continue on.... I just sent in my 1st draft of the DBL. Literallly, I just hit send, and I seriously just got heartburn. Haha, nervous much? Yeah, I am. I know it's going to be butchered and I'm going to have to write and rewrite again, but it's almost like the end is near. It's kind of a scary feeling, good, but scary.

Oh and I also called about our FBI fingerprinting and they are being processed, but not completed yet. Blah! I'm hopeful that they will be finished by the end of this month!

I love to see those figures!

So, I've been trying my hand at "couponing" the last several months. As in my last blog about it, we are putting all the money we are saving by my "couponing" into our adoption fund. I do know that we are saving money by doing this. Lately, though sales really haven't been that great, so I haven't been doing it as often. I just clipped all my coupons this week, I was pretty excited about the P&G coupons in this weeks paper :) I decided to jump onto the website that I use most often to see what sales are going on. To visit this site click here. I happened to notice the new commissary sales are posted, I clicked there and I found that you can sign up for P&G coupons to use at the commissary! The greatest part about using these coupons is they donate to the USO. To sign up for those coupons visit this site. Awesomeness! I'm super stoked. I definitely see a commissary trip in my very near future!

And so I decided since I talked about my savings I would add it up real quick and go ahead and post it here.

May through August I have saved $492.84.
I'm sure that we have saved much more, because my little one did get into my receipts a couple times, and I think a few were "misplaced." Even without those few receipts, I think it's some great savings! I might add too that the figure that I came up with is the amount of coupons added with the amount saved that prints out on receipts. As in the sale item. This number does not reflect shopping at the commissary which is usually less expensive than the grocery stores.

Breastfeeding Your Baby

I'm very curious about this. I think it is a wonderful thing and I know it's possible to breastfeed adopted babies. Are any of my "adoption" readers planning on doing this? Do you have a website about it that has been useful? How would I go about getting started?

My husband is not sure about it, only because when I tried to breastfeed our daughter, it didn't turn out well. She didn't latch well and we would both end up crying at each feeding. After 5 weeks I decided to start bottle feeding her. Needless to say, Nick had a very difficult time seeing his two girls so upset. Even though it was more difficult that I expected it to be, I'm still willing to try again. I just have no idea where to begin or what to do!

I'm not too worried about it after getting started, I have some amazing friends that I think would be willing to help me and I'm pretty sure there are classes in my area.

Any thoughts or advice is welcome!

Mail call

So... tomorrow I'm sending off a bunch of paperwork to the agency. I had my physical today and I go back in Thursday for my bloodwork. I just received a statement from the agency and I can ALMOST sigh... Give me a couple more months and I will take that sigh, and replace it with waiting. I often wonder, am I gonna be the one who contacts the agency constantly to see how things are "coming along" or am I just going to sit back and worry at home? I guess only time will tell. I'm excited, still! Every day is one day closer to our baby!

Adoption Cards

So today I went shopping for our soon to be niece. I actually had fun picking out little tiny baby clothes. I say that like I didn't think I would, because in all honesty, I didn't know how I would handle it. I've avoided the "baby" section for over a year now. It was too painful to see all those little tiny outfits, and even more painful to see the happy pregnant women going through all those cute little clothes. I admit, at times I still have difficulty being around pregnant women. Here lately it's been harder, because this is the month our little one would've been due....

Now back to the post... after picking out a few outfits, I decided to stop by Hallmark to pick out a card as well. Looking through all the "you're expecting" cards, and  "congratulations on your new baby" cards, I happened to glance down and notice adoption cards. I saw three, ONLY THREE, adoption cards. One was congratulations that you are adopting, and the other two were congratulating on adopting. I was a tad shocked and I guess a little disappointed. Shouldn't there be just as many adoption cards, I mean isn't that just as important as "having" your own baby? In my book it certainly is!

Like the Ocean

The day before my birthday we had a nice little get together at our house. We had some great friends and neighbors that came over to celebrate with us. Our good friend Brandon made my cake. (and now that I think of it, he's made a cake for the last few years) After they brought the cake over, K spots it sitting on the counter and asks "Mommy, what's that?"
I said "Well, what do you think it is?"
She exclaimed, "It's your birthday cake!"
I replied, "Yep, it is."
She asked, "Mommy, you getting older?"
I answered, "Yes, Mommy is getting older."
She said "Mommy, you older like the ocean."

Umm... thanks... .I think!

My favorite... cookies 'n cream!

Autobiography

So today I sat down to write on my autobiography... and I sat there and I sat there. (I already have it written up, but it just seems so BORING!) So, I called my mom and asked her what I was like when I was little. She told me tons of stories... maybe a couple I didnt want to know, like peeing the bed. LOL.. I don't think that's the kind of thing they want to know! Basically she confirmed alot of what I already remembered, but some things I did forget to mention in my auto. So here I am, writing on here versus on the auto... Putting it off? Maybe.... I'm not so sure, but I just can't seem to be able to sit down and write about myself in a way that it sounds interesting. Hopefully, just hopefully I will go to bed tonight thinking of this and in the morning when I wake, I will have brainstormed all through my sleep and know exactly what to type!

My sweet little girl!

Miss K has never been the hug on, kiss on kinda girl. She's rough and tough and very much a tomboy, but this morning she did show me a little softer side!

****Just to explain a little... I burned my leg about a week ago, so I've been hobbling around. Nick keeps saying I look so silly trying to walk, and I say if he would just buy me a walker it wouldnt be so bad! One day, a few days ago, while trying to *walk* downstairs, I fell about halfway down. All I could think is don't hit my leg, don't hit my leg. Well, I did hit my leg, but not on the burn! K came running downstairs, "Mom, U ok?" She asked over and over. "Yes, sweetie, Mommy's okay." I said. She then said, "You need be careful of stairs Mom." I could do nothing but laugh.****

It's K and I's routine to get up, eat breakfast, and go upstairs and watch cartoons. After breakfast, she looks at me and says, "Mom, you need hold mine hand." I said, "I do? Why do I need to hold your hand?" She replies, "Cause, you fall down stairs if you don't."

Oh, how I love this girl and how she makes me laugh!

Tim McGraw

Nick and I before the concert.

Okay, so I'm not a huge fan of Tim McGraw, but I love some of his songs! We got free tickets to see him last night. Opening for him was Love & Theft, and Dierks Bentley... now I like me some Dierks! We went with friends and had an awesome time! I think Nick may have had a little too much fun! The last concert he went to was Holly Dunn, if that gives you any idea how long ago it was! We, unfortunately, werent able to take cameras to the concert, so we didnt get quality pictures... but we did get a few decent ones with our cell phones.

Dierks Bentley

Tim McGraw

Water Skis!

So my sweet hubby bought me some water skis a couple days ago! I was so excited and I can't wait to use them. It's been about 10 years since the last I skied, so it may take me awhile to get the hang of it again. I burned my leg pretty bad (2nd degree) so once that heals up, I'm gonna be a skiing fool! Haha! I love my life and my little family, and I'm so excited to one day share it with another little one!

Comments

So facebook has completely spoiled me... Sorry to all of you that have left comments on here and I havent commented back. I didnt realize that I had comments because it doesnt tell me like facebook does. So I'm pretty new to this blogging stuff okay? Cut me some slack! LOL

Same ol', same ol'

We just went in to the bank last week to get some adoption paperwork notarized, the banker told us that she had another customer adopt and it has taken him five years. Five years!? So maybe my hopes are set a little high, and I have to say walking out of there I was a little deflated. I sure hope that it doesnt take us five years! I try very hard to keep my head up and to know that everything will happen in it's own time. I guess at times I just get so caught up in wanting a baby of my own that I think it should happen right now! Anyhow, nothing else is going on. We are still working on the paperwork... I'm mostly done, Nick is still wading through his though. Hopefully by the end of the month it's all kosher!

I love surprises!

The smallest things can make me excited! I got a certified letter in the mail today from Huggies. I signed up on the Enjoy the Ride Rewards program (because Huggies just happens to be our favorite diaper/ pullup) What do ya know? I won a years worth of free diapers!!! Woohooo! I was so excited. Too bad K isn't wearing them anymore, but I'm going to stockpiling for our future baby that is growing in our hearts!

"Ask My Mom How She Is"

I came across this poem and fell in love with it. It's so very true in my case, and I'm quite certain in many others'.


"Ask My Mom How She Is"

(author unknown)

My Mom, she tells a lot of lies,
She never did before
But from now until she dies,
She'll tell a whole lot more.

Ask my Mom how she is
And because she can't explain,
She will tell a little lie,
because she can't describe the pain.

Ask my Mom how she is,
She'll say"I'm alright."
If that's the truth, then tell me,
why does she cry each night ?

Ask my Mom how she is
She seems to cope so well,
She didn't have a choice you see,
Nor the strength to yell.

Ask my Mom how she is,
"I'm fine, I'm well, I'm coping."
For God's sake Mom, just tell the truth,
Just say your heart is broken

She'll love me all her life
I loved her all of mine.
But if you ask her how she is,
She'll lie and say she's fine.

I am here in Heaven
I cannot hug from here.
If she lies to you don't listen
Hug her and hold her near.

On the day we meet again,
We'll smile and I'll be bold.
I'll say, "You're lucky to get in here, Mom,
With all the lies you told!"

Water fun!

This year we bought a boat since we actually live in an area that we can enjoy ourselves on the water. We have been out pretty much every weekend since it has warmed up. I have to say I LOVE going! I'm so happy that my girl loves to go as well. I've always been a "water" person and I've missed it over the years.

Me kneeboarding.

Brandon and Nick tubing

Nick kneeboarding

Weekend Intensive

They call it the Weekend Intensive for a reason! Ha, it's jam packed full of all kinds of information! We had a good time though. I was exhausted the 2nd day because I wasn't able to sleep being away from K. We are slowly but surely making our way through all the paperwork. This weekend we are planning on sitting down and knocking it all out! We still have to get all our records from OR and send off our fingerprints. Then??? I'm not sure what happens then! We start working on our profile! I know nothing ever goes as planned, but our timeline is to have everything done and be put "on the books" by the end of the year. Once again, we are grateful for all the support we have received.

A Small Garden Mishap

This being our first year gardening, we are allowed mistakes right? LOL... we didn't even think to keep track of our planting times! Unfortunately we lost all of our radishes. They don't have a long growing/harvest cycle and we completely missed it! I was so looking forward to some radishes to go along with fresh lettuce from the garden... might I add, the lettuce is very tasty! We also planted our peas a little too late, so we didnt get many because it's now to hot for them. This fall, we are planning on planting some "cool weather" vegetables.
As of now, we have corn, carrots, onions, turnips, garlic, beets, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, jalepenos, and tomatoes.

I got an awesome zucchini bread recipe from my mom, so I'm looking forward to that! Actually, I'm looking forward to it all!

Our Massive Garden!

Good news!

While at "home" in Missouri, we received the wonderful news that we are approved for IAC! We were so excited and I have to say, was just as exciting, if not more, than finding out I was pregnant! We are starting on our homestudy. A process I hear is long and very detailed. I can actually take a deep breath, though, because we have struggled this last year to get our finances in a place that we were comfortable with to proceed with adoption. Being approved is a blessing, it made every penny we have saved, and every "toy" we have gone without, worth it! We are going to try (and I do say TRY) to pay with cash. We prefer (as with anything) not to have credit card bills. So here we go! We will be attending the Weekend Intensive May 21st and 22nd. I'm sure I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I'm so excited!

With that, I've had several people ask about names. We have not picked out names yet... I have a few that I've been thinking about, but I havent run them by N yet. Feel free to throw some at us!

Also, we have mentioned to K a few times about possibly having a baby brother or sister. She says she wants to help feed and rock the baby. She will be such a great big sister!

 I have to admit, I just bought our first "baby" item! Now what to do with it? LOL, I have a whole room to fill up with precious baby things! Fun, fun!

Our Trip Home

We had a wonderful time going home... well not the actually "going" part, but the being there! K actually did really well with the long drive. Perfect even! Unfortunately we didnt get to see everyone we wanted to, and didn't spend as much time as we would've liked to with the ones we did see. I realized how much I miss my family and friends.We are so lucky to have such a great family... (and I do mean my N's family as well)  K, of course, was spoiled rotten by her grandparents. After being back home, she now thinks she has to have orange juice every morning. She asks when we are going to see the cows and chickens at Nana's and Papa's. She had a wonderful time playing with all her cousins. They got along so well!

We also received some awesome news while visiting family... we are approved through the IAC!!! Our adoption journey begins!