Since I found my own blog...let's update!

Wow...I am NOT as internet savvy as I thought! I didn't LOSE my own blog, I simply "misplaced" it. Okay...let's get REALLY updated!! Since my last post, soo much has happened! J and I attended a 3-day training on infant adoption, and it was very insightful. We got a layout of the entire process, and there is so much that goes into it!! We learned some of the stumbling blocks along the way, and became even more excited for the journey to get underway!!

Next came the homestudy. J likens this to obtaining top secret security clearance in the military. Every issue in our lives that we had never known were issues were brought up and discussed. We were asked about everything from what we enjoyed doing when we were kids, to how we want to raise our teenagers (if we make it that far!). If you're part of the family, you no longer have any secrets. Sorry, we didn't want them to "red flag" us! =) As invasive as the entire process was, it was a relief that at no point were we told "Just stop! I don't need to hear anything more, you're out!" Yes, that was my biggest fear!

So in 3 short weeks we completed our homestudy visits that normally take up to 6 weeks. We were very grateful that our agency worked with our schedules and allowed us to finish this before J had to leave for his TDY. As of now, our homestudy is still being reviewed (this takes a LOT of time, I guess because of the massive amount of cases that the lone caseworker deals with). We should have an approved study very soon, though, and then we will be waiting to be matched!! Until then, we (and when I say 'we', I mean 'I') are putting together a portfolio to show potential matches, hoping to give them a realistic glimpse into our lives....minus the daily chaos that goes on.

So until something more exciting happens (that we're also able to share), thanks for catching up with us!!

*Kamrie-ism* When the caseworker showed up to our house for the first time, Kam stood at the window watching her walk through the yard. The entire time, she was bouncing up and down singing, "I'm gettin' a baby sister! I'm gettin' a baby sister!" =) I love that kid.

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!