Four

Yep, I'm still number 4, no changes for 2 plus months. My agency says they hope things start moving again, but there's been a lull in referrals, so here I am patiently waiting and imagining a future not so far away with my little girl, waiting for Christmas morning with a little one laughing and squealng with delight. Yep, I'm waiting patiently ( or maybe not so patiently, LOL)

Four

Yep,

Still Waiting

I know that I have only 'officially' been waiting for 2 1/2 months, but this process is starting to get to me. I hate waiting, patience is not one of my virtues lol. I just can't wait. I look at the nursery, which I haven't actually worked on yet, and I get frustrated. I don't want to start on it until I have a referral, because I know it will make the waiting worse if I have to walk by an empty nursery every day. I just want to get through the next few months, I sure hope it goes by quickly.

Still

Talked to my agency today. I am still number 4. Hopefully as things move along now that court has re-opened more referrals will come in. Not much else to say at this time.

Stressed out/Due Date

Ok, so today the stress is taking it's toll. Everytime there is a possible change I freak out. I heard today the MOWA has merged with another. It means that the people in Ethiopia who review our paperwork has changed, and no one knows what that means. I may have to redo paperwork, but not sure. I've been trying to let things roll, but it's not working today.

I try to explain to people who ask about the experience is, it's like being pregnant without a due date. Trust me, I've already gained 15 pounds!, I guess somedays are harder, and the closer I get the more intense the stress is, but thankfully not as often as before. Anyway, I should find out this week if I moved up on the list.

For Now I'll stop ranting.

Still Waiting

Still Waiting. I will be calling on Friday to see if I have moved up on the list. Nervous excited at the same time. Everyone I see keeps asking me where I am on the list, I try not to worry about the number as much as everyone else. I am trying to keep myself busy, and when I start getting anxious about when I just try to remembery why. This journey actually started when I was 19 and thought about how I wanted a family, and always wanted to adopt. I always went back to it over the years, and then God Spoke to me and asked me why I hadn't done it yet. I didn't realize that I was missing something so intensely until I decided to adopt. Everyone asks my why I chose Ethiopia, but honestly it chose me, and I feel a peace I never knew. I guess that's a good thing, cause once the baby is home I think I will be no longer living peacefully- lol!

Anyway before the rambling gets any worse, I'll sign off until next week.

Wait List

So I officially moved up to number 4 on the list! Wow, pretty small number in the scheme of things. Starting to become a little overwhelmed, scared anxious and nervous all at once. So I know are moving along, referrals are coming in, children are going to their forever homes, and within the next few months(god willing) I should be getting my referral call. Still don't have the nursery ready, and keep changing my mind on the name. Starting to think I should get a crackalacking start on the nursery (as all my friends and family have been telling me). I just can't make up my mind on anything. Part of me just wants to wait to see her before I start, but I know that is going to be such a crazy time. Let's just see how the next few months go.

Mailed in Dossier

On Wednesday i mailed in my dossier to the assistant stork, which will be delivering my Dossier to the Ethiopian Embassy, and mailing back to my agency. They should have my paperwork back by Wed or Thursday. One more huge step, now just waiting for my referral. Yeay!

USCIS Approval

Finally, my approval is in, 4 months later. One more hurdle I've climbed, and one step closer to mommyhood! I am so relieved. I should be heading to Marquette Wednesday to have my paperwork authenticated and sent out to assistant stork!

Wait time

I have not received my immigration appoval yet, long story, but good news! I am officially waiting. Referrals are coming quickly, 8 last week alone, and I am pretty close to the top of the list, like number 5, so I could receive a within 2 months, Yay! I'm a little overwhelmed, will write more later.

USCIS

I am starting to become impatient and crabby. I had my fingerprinting appointment on June 4, and I have not heard anything yet. I read about other people who had their appointment on the 4th, and they already got their report, and mailed their stuff in. I know it's all in God's time, but the waiting is becoming so difficult. I just can't wait to see her and know her, this is sooo hard, and I suspect it will only get worse.

bunnies

It has been just a crazy and emotionally draining week. Last week My dog got into a baby bunny nest and killed 2 baby bunnies. Actually she nearly killed one of them, and unfortunately I had to kill one because it was severely wounded and crying. I have never killed an animal before and I was traumatized. In the mean time I fenced off the area where the nest was, hoping the mom would come back. I had to go back to Milwaukee on last Friday to have my fingerprints redone, and I think it went ok.

On Saturday it was noticed by my cousin that the baby bunnies were out of the next, nearly frozen and being eaten alive by red ants. She and I made the decision to bring them in and try to rehabilitate them. Neither of us had ever done anything like this before, and had to make a decision quickly. They were probably within an hour of death, as they were only a few days old and so sick. We warmed them up, fed them glucose water and hoped for the best. I did not expect them to make it through the night, but they did, so I went and got kitten formula and pedialite from Walmart on Sunday morning. I learned this is what I should feed them through the internet. She and I took turns feeding and caring for the bunnies, which seemed to be doing well, but suddenly they became more lethargic over the last two days, and all 6 have since passed. There has been little sleep and much crying this past week. I am such an animal lover but this was draining. And to make matters worse, I am allergic to rabbits, and have been ill for 3 days.

I know that I have done the best I can, but am still feeling quite sad and tired. The only good thing about this past week, is that it took my mind off of waiting for the baby, which of course is now over, and that is all I can think of. Anyway, I hope this next week is much less tiring, and I hope I receive my report from immigration soon.

USCIS fingerprinting appointment

So I received work today that I need to have my fingerprints retaken, how depressing. On June 4th I go back to Milwaukee, and hopefully things work out. They did not say why I needed to redo it, they couldn't process the prints. Hopefully it works out.

On a brighter note, my agency said that they are now working with three other orphanages, which is wonderful news, as the wait for referrals should definitely be lessened. What a rollercoaster of emotions this process has been. I continue to be scared and excited all at once. I continue to research Ethiopia, and it is all so surreal. I can not believe that shortly I will be there, and be bringing home my own child. Wow!

USCIS fingerprinting appointment

They let me in for my appointment. I was in and out in a half an hour. I am soooo glad they let me in. One more last step that I have any control over. If all goes well, my paperwork should be in Ethiopia in a month. I am so happy and exhausted over the driving I did in three days. I am having my mother over for dinner today. Hopefully this will be my last mother's day without my child here.

Milwaukee appt.

I am going to Milwaukee on Friday for my prints. I really hope I can get in, one step closer!

Finger printing appt.

I believe that I can go to Milwaukee next week, which would be great. I'm gonna try for Friday. The sooner I get these done, the sooner my paperwork gets to Ethiopia. One more small step!

The closer I get

The closer I get, the more frightend I become. I looked at my USCIS form today, it was so real. I was staring at it, looking all official, and I feel like a fraud. I feel like it's crazy, someone is going to bless me with a child, and I will be completely and undeniably someone else mother. I know I am doing what is right, in my heart I am more excited than I ever felt. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to share my life with a child, and what a blessing. With all of this I am terrified. Am I making the right decision. Will I be good enough for her, and the right mother for this wonderous child waiting to call me mommy. I pray for enlightenment and strength to be the best I can be. The wisdom to threat her as the precious gift she is, and the hope that all continues to go in God's path. I know that today, I am closer to becoming a mom, but also closer to being completely a different person. I will no longer be Sarah, but someone's mom. I hope I can live up to that wondrous name and can cherish the gift God is giving me.

USCIS fingerprinting appointment

I received my appointment for my fingerprinting in the mail today. My appointment is for May 18 at 2pm in Milwaukee. I'm hoping I can go sooner, but it may be the 18th. I am so excited, and nervous. Still wondering where I am going to get the money, but I know that God will provide.

Update

I did hear back from my agency, and there won't be any problems with my immigration request. I will just need to send in my amended homestudy. What a releif. I am glad that my first bump in the road will be easily fixed. More bumps are going to happen. I hope I don't panic every time!

Homestudy

I just heard from My adoption agency that there were things missing in My homestudy report. It's kind of disheartening. I really hope this does not screw up me getting my appointment for USCIS. It's my first road block, and I'm a little frightened. Hopefully things will work themselves out. I am a little sad, but trying to be hopeful. Can not do much about it now anyway, except to pray. I've left messages for my agency and homestudy Social Worker. Even waiting for the return calls is hard. So I can only imagine the next several months, and how impossible it will seem. I am so grateful for all my friends and family who have been supporting me through this, and know that I will be ok (for now, lol).

USCIS

I mailed out my USCIS today! WOW, things are going to so quickly. It's starting to seem more and more real today. I am unbelievably excited and happy. I can not believe I am this much closer to becoming a mom! I think that God is really supporting me. He lifts me up and makes me more comfortable with my dream. God's Grace is so Wonderful.

Another Happy day in the Adoption Process!

Home Study Report

Whoo Hoo!

I got my homestudy report today, 3 weeks early. I'm so excited. Now I can apply to immigration next week. Things are moving a long nicely right now. I am getting excited, Yeah! I've been trying not to worry about too much stuff, and go with the flow, so that is good, I was so happily surprised. I guess not stressing out about the wait is working (for now), although I know it will only get worse once my dossier is in Ethiopia.

Education

I just finished all of my pre-adoption education, Yeah!

Mommy Moments

Today I feel like I'm going to have a long wait, and it will be hard. I am so joyous about my opportunity to adopt. I already feel like a mother, who has not met her child, and there is my child out there, waiting to meet me. I know that life is not easy, and that this will be a wild and hard journey and adventure. I am so blessed that my family and friends are taking this journey with me. How great God is. I never really knew his love like I do now. I feel he wants this adoption to happen more than anything else I have ever done.

I know 'officially', I am not a mommy yet, but I feel like I am already having my moments. I feel protective and scared, happy and excited. I'm imagining a future with my daughter. I am trying hard to stay calm in all moments ( not very easy with two sassy dogs who don't listen )! My goal is not to yell at my child (much! lol). I am preparing the house, cleaning and buying things. My God daughter is coming to my house tomorrow to spend the night, and then I am taking her to church.

I have so many emotions and thoughts running through me. I have never felt more. I really pray that this time next year my daughter is home, and I'm still sane.

Passport

I got my passport in the mail today. One more step closer. I continue to be so excited. I think I'm obsessed tho! I have been on every website and blog on Ethiopian adoption, trying to figure out how long everyone has had to wait for a referral. I think this is going to be a long long year or so. My poor dogs, I've been babytalking them. I think I may be going nuts,

Oh well, I'm happily crazy!

Home Study

I completed my part of the homestudy to day, Yeah! She said everything went well, and I passed, so I am just waiting to get my report. Also spoke with my agency and they said all of my paperwork for the Dossier looks great, so I feel things are moving along well, at this time anyway.

Today I did something I wasn't going to do. I wasn't going to buy anything until I had a referral, but I couldn't help it. I bought an old-fashioned looking rocking horse for her. It was so cute, and I really wanted one. Will have to wait for her first Christmas with me tho. It's starting to feel more real. I'm getting really excited.

Lilypie - Waiting to Adopt ticker code selection

Lilypie - Waiting to Adopt ticker code selection: ""

Today I mailed in all my paperwork for the dossier for Adoption Associates to review before I can send them into immigration, which I have to wait for the homestudy report first. I finish my homestudy this week.

I still have to finish my pre-adoption training this week.

Good news today tho, my agency says the wait for a toddler is now 4-6 months instead of 4-8 months, Yeah!

More Paperwork

Today I had the last of my paperwork notorized and ready to send out. I just have to wait for the homestudy (about another month for the report), and then application to immigration and fingerprints after that (another 6 weeks or so after that). Hopefully my paperwork will be in Ethiopia by the end of May or June, then wait for referral.

Well, I had most of my paperwork notorized today, yippee. I also know that most of my reference letters are almost done. I also just bought a book on transracial adoption, and started to read it.
On another note, I was expecting a check for $4000 this week, but only got $2400. I am starting to worry about money lately, I just pray that I sell my house soon!

Paper Work

Today I finished about 95% of my paperwork. I only have to have most of the papers notorized, and wait for my homestudy to apply to immigration.

I think it's so funny. My mom doesn't want me to 'spoil' my kid, yet she has plans to make so many things, including a huge hippo. Who's the spoiler now? She isn't even here yet, and it's taking all I have to stop people from buying stuff. I have to keep telling people wait for the eferral. Oh well, People have waited 36+ years for me to have a kid (and I want to buy stuff too, but I won't jinx it).

Not too much

Not too much to say today. I just can't wait for all the paper work to be done, so I can wait for a referral. I am just so excited. I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait. I'm so happy, Yeah!

Well my first homestudy visit went well. She loved my home and loves the dogs. Only problem, which really isn't a problem, is that we had to push back the next meeting until the 12th, but it's not really a problem. I felt really good afterwards, she was really nice and she seemed to think everything was ok, so good. Things are coming along right now, well, so I am glad. Just more paperwork, and then the waiting. I just hope I sell the other house soon, so I can have that stress off my back.

I also got my employer reference, and local criminal back ground check done today. Not much more I can do until the homestudy is done.

Why?

I know that tomorrow I will be asked why adopt and why Ethiopia? I would love to answer, why not Ethiopia? I think that they want an honest ( non smart ass ) answer, so here it is:

There are so many children in the world who need a home, and I never felt the need to give birth to be a mother, and that there is already a child out there who needs me as much as I need her. I'm a mother who just hasn't met her child yet.

Why Ethiopia? Well there are 6 million children who are orphaned in Ethiopia. I looked into adoption from the US, and although I know that there are many children here who need good families, I feel that God has led me toward Ethiopia, and this is where my heart is leading me.

I hope this answere the two basic questions, because there is no reason why that I can put into words, that my heart is shouting. I wish I could explain more eloquently than this.

Home Visit

Tomorrow is my Homevisit, Homestudy. I'm nervous and excited. I finished some of my dossier paperwork today as well. My house is clean, Yeah! Only problem is my snow guy didn't come today, so I have to shovel tomorrow before she comes. Let's hope the dogs are on their best behavior tomorrow.

This is my story as I begin my journey to adopt. In January, I decided that Adoption was the right path for me. I looked into many agencies, and chose Adoption Associates, and knew that Ethiopia was right for me. On February 4th, I submitted my formal application. I am now working on my dossierFebruary 19. My home study begins on February 25 with Catholic Social Services (at my home).

I had my physical yesterday, and my Doctor was so supportive. My friends and family are unbelievably excited. My mother can not wait to be a Grandma. I am so excited and overwhelmed. This is such a great time in my Life!