Still a long way to go!

     Things are moving along, but at a snail's pace. Next week, J and I will attend a training seminar that is required for Domestic Infant Adoption through the agency we're using. There will be much covered, including more general information (I don't know that I can keep everything straight as it is), training on grief and loss: that we may encounter if things don't go exactly as planned, as well as that which will inevitably be encountered by the birth mother that chooses us to love her baby. We are beyond excited to get this journey started, and I can't wait to see what God has ahead in the plans that He has made for us!

    We quickly learned that this adventure with Kamrie is sure to be anything but dull. The morning after the informative meeting we attended at our church, (before we had mentioned ANYTHING to her) she came to me and said "Mommy, I want a baby sister". I told her that I was sorry, but she would have to wait a while. She then replied, "Well, my Grandma said when I'm 4 I can have a baby sister". Since "Grandma" is my mom who passed away last summer, I asked her when she talked to her. "Last night when I was sleeping, and she said when I'm 4 I get a baby sister". Well....you can't argue with a 3 yr old that apparently wants a baby sister so badly that she's dreaming about it, so here we go! =) Since this encounter, I have asked her what she would name a baby sister. Her first answer: Sadie, but Kenlea (my sister's daughter) already has a baby Sadie for a cousin, so I told her no. She then replied "Hello Kitty!" Yeah, she's not naming the baby. When I asked her what she would name a baby brother, she said James...which is Kenlea's baby brother and Kam's middle name (Jaymes), so the answer was no. To that she replied, "Well, I just want a baby sister then". She keeps us on our toes, and I hope she keeps us all laughing throughout this process.

So stay tuned, or tune in now, as things are about to get MUCH more interesting!!!

Just Getting Started

      For anyone that is actually reading this, thank you! =) The idea of blogging about our journey through adoption was suggested by my aunt, and I think I'll embrace the challenge! Before the question arises, no, we have not been told that we cannot have more children naturally. We are exploring adoption for several reasons: 1) I'm in school and the entire process of pregnancy is not something I desire at this point, 2) The picture of adoption and caring for the orphans of the world has been in our faces constantly, we cannot and WILL NOT ignore what we feel we're being called to, 3) There are sooooo many children without families, as well as pregnant women choosing to place their babies for adoption (instead of choosing abortion, thank God), if we decide to get pregnant, they will STILL be waiting!

For the past few months, J and I have gone back and forth about adding another child to our family. As many of you know, he will be deploying soon, and will spend an extended period of time "over there". While we initially thought we would adopt through the Foster Care system, we realized the chaos and stress of deployment would not be good on an already traumatized child. These children are put in home after home, and to bring one into our house only to turn around and have J leave is just not ideal for anyone. So stay tuned, and join us in this journey that God is leading us on!