Wow. I haven't written on here in ages. I never was very good at sticking with new things for long. Christmas has come and gone, and the New Year is just around the corner. Both of my kids were pretty sick for a few days with stomach bugs and bad colds, but I think everyone is finally recuperating and enjoying our time together just hanging out! Other than all that, we had a wonderful holiday! We are so very blessed, and I have been reminded over Christmas how good God has been to us. Sometimes in the hectic rush of life we fail to notice all the little and even big things He does for us.
Now that all the Christmas decorations are coming down, and things are getting back to normal, I have the sudden urge to start getting ready for this baby! Maybe it's the fact that I no longer have Christmas to look forward to and so I'm focusing on the adoption now. I knew that once we started the waiting part, it could be a long while. It was weird because after waiting just a very short time, I got extremely discouraged and felt like it was never going to actually happen. I've been buying diapers here and there, but I haven't actually started looking for things like a crib or car seat. My sweet sisters gave me some baby things for Christmas, and I started really thinking about how unprepared we are. I think part of me was worried that if I set everything up and then have to wait a long time it would be harder, but my "nesting instinct" must be kicking in. I hope it's a good sign. Time to start crib shopping!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Home Study Final Draft
We finally received our final draft of our home study today. We reviewed it, made a couple corrections, and I'm mailing it back tomorrow. Once the changes are made an the board approves it, we are officially waiting!
I hope our family book comes in soon. Not that I'll get to see it really, but that's what the social workers show off.
Sunday afternoon we went to visit some friends who had their baby girl last week. Holding that sweet little newborn made me so impatient. As we were pulling up to the house, talking with the boys about how everyone is probably tired so we need to be quiet, etc. Ryland asks, "But when are we going to get OUR baby sister?" I wish I could give him an answer. Chase didn't seem as interested in the baby as he was his friend and toys, but Ryland just thought she was something else. He kept grinning and rubbing her head, and wanting to look at her itty bitty feet. He just can't wait.
I just remembered something funny that had happened. A little while back when the boys were having their checkups, we had to fill out the adoption physical forms, so we were talking with the pediatrician about the adoption. She has two bio sons had actually adopted a little girl from China the previous year. She was telling us all about her and how her brothers just loved her so much and just "eat her up!" I hear Ryland's breath just catch, and he turns and whispers in my ear, "Mommy, we can not eat our baby sister!" It was so funny. Kids really do take us so literally. My Aunt is always talking about how she remembers things people used to say to her when she was little and used to scare her to death. She said her dad's friend used to say he was going to buy her from her daddy. We do have some crazy expressions and there's no telling what sorts of things are going through their heads.
I hope our family book comes in soon. Not that I'll get to see it really, but that's what the social workers show off.
Sunday afternoon we went to visit some friends who had their baby girl last week. Holding that sweet little newborn made me so impatient. As we were pulling up to the house, talking with the boys about how everyone is probably tired so we need to be quiet, etc. Ryland asks, "But when are we going to get OUR baby sister?" I wish I could give him an answer. Chase didn't seem as interested in the baby as he was his friend and toys, but Ryland just thought she was something else. He kept grinning and rubbing her head, and wanting to look at her itty bitty feet. He just can't wait.
I just remembered something funny that had happened. A little while back when the boys were having their checkups, we had to fill out the adoption physical forms, so we were talking with the pediatrician about the adoption. She has two bio sons had actually adopted a little girl from China the previous year. She was telling us all about her and how her brothers just loved her so much and just "eat her up!" I hear Ryland's breath just catch, and he turns and whispers in my ear, "Mommy, we can not eat our baby sister!" It was so funny. Kids really do take us so literally. My Aunt is always talking about how she remembers things people used to say to her when she was little and used to scare her to death. She said her dad's friend used to say he was going to buy her from her daddy. We do have some crazy expressions and there's no telling what sorts of things are going through their heads.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Lazy Saturday
So we've had a small holdup on our home study paper work, but it's on it's way and should be here early next week. Once we get it, we review it, make any corrections, and mail it back in. A final copy is printed, goes to the board for approval, and then it's official. Then it's hurry up and wait.
I suppose I could start getting things I need. I did buy our first pack of diapers the other day. It was a very exciting moment because it felt very real and official. I got them early in the morning and when I got home, Cory was still in bed. I hopped on the bed and woke him up waving them in his face. I'm guessing he wasn't as excited as I was because he just grunted and rolled over. I never bought diapers early with my other two, and I have no idea why. But from now on, if I see them on sale, I'm going to start buying them.
On a different note, this morning was so much fun with the kids. I woke up to Chase climbing in bed. He was laying behind me playing with my hair, which is very relaxing. As he's doing that, he's playing and talking to himself, and starts saying, "Hey, what's in here?" and starts digging around in my hair like he's searching for something. It was pretty funny. I love lazy Saturday mornings. We started building one of Chase's lego sets, and turns out some of the pieces were missing. That turned into a crazy search, that only turned up half the missing pieces. But it's still fun to just build things. I can't believe I was deprived as a child of these things. I guess it's because there were four girls in the house and no boys. Having boys has been such a learning experience. So far I have survived. I'm really just hoping that in the near future I won't be as outnumbered.
I suppose I could start getting things I need. I did buy our first pack of diapers the other day. It was a very exciting moment because it felt very real and official. I got them early in the morning and when I got home, Cory was still in bed. I hopped on the bed and woke him up waving them in his face. I'm guessing he wasn't as excited as I was because he just grunted and rolled over. I never bought diapers early with my other two, and I have no idea why. But from now on, if I see them on sale, I'm going to start buying them.
On a different note, this morning was so much fun with the kids. I woke up to Chase climbing in bed. He was laying behind me playing with my hair, which is very relaxing. As he's doing that, he's playing and talking to himself, and starts saying, "Hey, what's in here?" and starts digging around in my hair like he's searching for something. It was pretty funny. I love lazy Saturday mornings. We started building one of Chase's lego sets, and turns out some of the pieces were missing. That turned into a crazy search, that only turned up half the missing pieces. But it's still fun to just build things. I can't believe I was deprived as a child of these things. I guess it's because there were four girls in the house and no boys. Having boys has been such a learning experience. So far I have survived. I'm really just hoping that in the near future I won't be as outnumbered.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Thanks!
Our last home study visit went really well. Now we just have to wait a few more days for the paper work to be finalized and then we will officially be approved to adopt and waiting to be matched! This went by so much quicker than I had anticipated. Its very exciting!
I worked really hard on our family book and finished that up last night. As soon as she mails in our home study, she can order it and then she'll have to to show off. I'm really happy with the way it turned out and I most definitely have to give a shout out to my friend Tony who donated his time and photography skills to take the beautiful pictures of us. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Speaking of generosity, thanks to those who have participated in our fundraising. We got our first check in the mail yesterday. It is really very touching that there are so many of you out there that support us, and so graciously gave to help make this happen. We appreciate it more than you know! God has truly blessed us with some awesome friends!
I worked really hard on our family book and finished that up last night. As soon as she mails in our home study, she can order it and then she'll have to to show off. I'm really happy with the way it turned out and I most definitely have to give a shout out to my friend Tony who donated his time and photography skills to take the beautiful pictures of us. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Speaking of generosity, thanks to those who have participated in our fundraising. We got our first check in the mail yesterday. It is really very touching that there are so many of you out there that support us, and so graciously gave to help make this happen. We appreciate it more than you know! God has truly blessed us with some awesome friends!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Yard Sale
Last Monday night we had our second home study visit and our final one is tomorrow afternoon. I am so excited to finish up this phase, and begin the waiting phase. Although, I don't know if I'll feel the same after waiting a while. I am so thankful that everything this far has gone so smoothly, and I know that God has been in control from the start. I need to start thinking about what I need to get for this baby. I have very little baby stuff. Maybe I'll get a bassinet so if nothing else is ready, at least she'll have somewhere to sleep.
I am trying to explain to the boys that although we are finishing up our part, we still could be waiting a long time. I think Ryland is so excited to get baby sister home, he asked if he could bring home his baby cousin and make her his baby sister. It was cute! I love that they love to tell other people about what we are doing. When people ask about it they just get the biggest smiles. I can not wait to get that call!
So I've been thinking about having a yard sale to make some money. The only other yard sale I've participated in was a community one, so I didn't have to worry about signs or advertising or any thing like that. It was all taken care of and it was nice. Anyways, if anyone is planning on de-cluttering, please let me know. I will gladly take your treasures. =)
I am trying to explain to the boys that although we are finishing up our part, we still could be waiting a long time. I think Ryland is so excited to get baby sister home, he asked if he could bring home his baby cousin and make her his baby sister. It was cute! I love that they love to tell other people about what we are doing. When people ask about it they just get the biggest smiles. I can not wait to get that call!
So I've been thinking about having a yard sale to make some money. The only other yard sale I've participated in was a community one, so I didn't have to worry about signs or advertising or any thing like that. It was all taken care of and it was nice. Anyways, if anyone is planning on de-cluttering, please let me know. I will gladly take your treasures. =)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
First Home Study Visit
So we finally had our first home study visit last night. It went really well. I was thinking, "What in the world are we going to talk about for 2 hours?" But it went by really fast. I love our social worker. She is so caring and really made me feel at ease. Basically she pulled out our paper work stack, which was several inches thick, and just asked for more details and explanations on things. Then we showed her around the house and that was pretty much it.
There was one thing that blew me away and I'm still in disbelief! Most agencies will tell you it takes about 3 months to complete a home study. Sometimes they will say for an extra fee, they can expedite it and have it completed in 6 weeks. We were told that her last home study took her a week and a half to do. She said that she likes to do it while its fresh in her mind, and doesn't want to be the one holding up the process. So potentially, in a couple weeks, we could be on the waiting list for a child! And because the way this agency does it (the birth mother chooses the family, there's no first come, first serve waiting list) we could potentially have a child very, very soon. Now, I'm not saying I'm getting my hopes up and that we're going to be matched the first week, but it has happened before, and we need to be ready for what ever happens.
I guess with that being said, we need to start looking for a crib and car seat and diapers, and whatever else we need. It seems so unreal, and I feel kinda silly saying that. I really wasn't expecting the home study to be complete until end of December! Pack up the office, honey, you're moving out!
There was one thing that blew me away and I'm still in disbelief! Most agencies will tell you it takes about 3 months to complete a home study. Sometimes they will say for an extra fee, they can expedite it and have it completed in 6 weeks. We were told that her last home study took her a week and a half to do. She said that she likes to do it while its fresh in her mind, and doesn't want to be the one holding up the process. So potentially, in a couple weeks, we could be on the waiting list for a child! And because the way this agency does it (the birth mother chooses the family, there's no first come, first serve waiting list) we could potentially have a child very, very soon. Now, I'm not saying I'm getting my hopes up and that we're going to be matched the first week, but it has happened before, and we need to be ready for what ever happens.
I guess with that being said, we need to start looking for a crib and car seat and diapers, and whatever else we need. It seems so unreal, and I feel kinda silly saying that. I really wasn't expecting the home study to be complete until end of December! Pack up the office, honey, you're moving out!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
T-Shirts
Also, I finally got my t-shirt fundraiser up and running! I am really excited about it because the shirts are gorgeous! They are scripture based, and I wanted to get a couple of them so bad, but wanted to wait until it was set up. I entered a contest with Wild Olive and have the chance to win 3 t-shirts! If you would like to check them out go to the link below and enter our family code SEXTON927 at checkout. This code will not give you a discount, but we will not get credit for the purchase without it.
http://store.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Family Pictures
I am so excited! We have our first home study visit this Wednesday. I'm not really too nervous about it, just wondering what types of things will be asked. From the research I've done, it can get really personal. Ok, so maybe I'm a little nervous, but who wouldn't be?
We had some family pictures done today, thanks to a good friend of mine! I can't wait to see what they look like! We went down to the American Tobacco Campus where Cory works. It's a really neat area, and I really didn't want posey studio pictures. Hopefully we'll have some interesting ones. I knew we would need some good pictures for our profile book once we start getting that together. I'm trying to stay ahead of the game. I will post some of those once we get them.
We had some family pictures done today, thanks to a good friend of mine! I can't wait to see what they look like! We went down to the American Tobacco Campus where Cory works. It's a really neat area, and I really didn't want posey studio pictures. Hopefully we'll have some interesting ones. I knew we would need some good pictures for our profile book once we start getting that together. I'm trying to stay ahead of the game. I will post some of those once we get them.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Paintings
I was hoping to get a call to schedule our first meeting today, but so far I haven't heard anything. It is so hard to be patient sometimes! In the meantime, I'm just trying to stay busy and put it in the back of my mind. The whole thing seems a bit surreal to me, and it's like I know that we're adopting but I almost feel like it's never going to happen. Then I start to think about it and realize one day we are going to get that call about a child, and I just get so excited! I guess it just seems so far off.
I've been trying to think of some ways to make a little extra money, and everyone keeps asking me if I sell my paintings. The answer is no, well not yet, anyways. To tell the truth, I guess I never knew where to even start. So I guess I'll start here. If you would like me to paint something for you, I would be glad to. Just send me a picture of something similar, or a good description of what you are looking for, and what size you would like. Several of the paintings I've done were for friends at baby showers, and they were always a big hit. I will try to figure out how to post some of the paintings I've done so you can see them. I might have to wait for Cory for that one =)
Oh and by the way, we received our coffee in the mail today, and I brewed a small pot. I also got some hot chocolate for the boys. The mix smells like chocolate cheesecake or something. I can't pinpoint the flavor exactly. It's kinda nutmeggy or hazelnutty or something. Both were really delicious!
I've been trying to think of some ways to make a little extra money, and everyone keeps asking me if I sell my paintings. The answer is no, well not yet, anyways. To tell the truth, I guess I never knew where to even start. So I guess I'll start here. If you would like me to paint something for you, I would be glad to. Just send me a picture of something similar, or a good description of what you are looking for, and what size you would like. Several of the paintings I've done were for friends at baby showers, and they were always a big hit. I will try to figure out how to post some of the paintings I've done so you can see them. I might have to wait for Cory for that one =)
Oh and by the way, we received our coffee in the mail today, and I brewed a small pot. I also got some hot chocolate for the boys. The mix smells like chocolate cheesecake or something. I can't pinpoint the flavor exactly. It's kinda nutmeggy or hazelnutty or something. Both were really delicious!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Sharing the news
This week we've started to tell everyone about the adoption! Chase shared it with his class for show and tell. I'm so glad he finally got to do that because he couldn't hardly stand it. We received our background checks back, and will be mailing those off, and then once they receive that, we should be scheduling our first visit. I've also started looking into a fundraiser, and I'm really excited about it, so hopefully I'll post some details on that soon.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Paper Cuts!
The first part of our application has been approved, and we are waiting on hearing back about the second part. We have started our home study paper work already! I just can't believe how much there is! I can't even imagine what an international adoption would be like. We had one questionnaire that was 45 pages long. It took me 6 hours to fill out my section, and I'm still waiting on Cory to finish his. Every time we finish something up and mail it in, I just get so excited thinking about how we're one step closer! Last night we finished taking all of our classes and we finally got fingerprinted today and sent those in. YAY!
The boys are so excited about adopting and whenever they ask what I'm doing when I'm doing some sort of paper work, they say, "and THEN we get to get her?" The other day I was cleaning up the front of the fridge and as I put up a picture from Chase's 1st birthday, Ryland says,"That's baby Chase! Are we getting a baby to come live with us?" To which I replied yes, and he continued, "Yes! And we can love her and teach her to eat carrots and applesauce, and kiss her and hug her." It was so cute! Chase is itching to tell his class, but we wanted to make sure the entire application was officially approved before we announced it. Every time he has show and tell he asks if he can tell them yet. I really hope we hear something by next Wednesday.
The boys are so excited about adopting and whenever they ask what I'm doing when I'm doing some sort of paper work, they say, "and THEN we get to get her?" The other day I was cleaning up the front of the fridge and as I put up a picture from Chase's 1st birthday, Ryland says,"That's baby Chase! Are we getting a baby to come live with us?" To which I replied yes, and he continued, "Yes! And we can love her and teach her to eat carrots and applesauce, and kiss her and hug her." It was so cute! Chase is itching to tell his class, but we wanted to make sure the entire application was officially approved before we announced it. Every time he has show and tell he asks if he can tell them yet. I really hope we hear something by next Wednesday.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Pre-application Approved!
Yesterday I found out that our pre- application has been approved, and we received the next part of our paper work. And of course I spent the whole evening working on it, and mailed it off this morning. Cory says I have a one track mind, and I guess I do, but it's hard when I'm so excited about it! There's no reason to procrastinate!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Decisions!
So we finally decided on a domestic adoption and an agency. Today we mailed in the pre-application. I am so excited and I'm just happy to finally get the process started after talking about it for so long. We talked to Chase and Ryland and they are so excited about it! I think Chase really understands what we are doing, and seems to grasp the whole concept. Ryland just chatters about bringing home a baby. Both of them agree they want a baby sister. I think having an adorable little girl cousin helps because I think I heard them comparing the two. That's so sweet! I just love to listen to their conversations!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
We're Adopting!
After several months of discussions, research and prayers, Cory and I have decided to adopt! It is something that I've wanted to do for years, and God has made a clear path for us. We are so excited about it and are so glad you are following our journey!
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