On Friday Roman turned 20 months old. I look at this sweet boy and see all the blessings he has brought to our family. He is such a sweet boy. He is smart. He is funny. He blesses our family every single day.
I can't believe he is almost 2 years old. He is turning more and more into a boy than a baby every day. There are sometimes that I have to do a triple take to realize that boy is my baby.
I love this crazy boy so much. He is the reason I get up in the morning, and the reason I am so exhausted when I go to sleep at night. Has it really only been 2 years that I have been a mom? And has it already been almost 2 years? All at the same time.
My friend's amazing husband did this picture for us to give to Katie for Christmas. It is one of my favorite pictures of Roman with his Mommy Katie. I have a second copy of it to put up on Roman's room. I absolutely LOVE it. It reminds me what an amazing gift Katie gave us.
February 22, 2009
where did the last 20 months go?
February 2, 2009
A trip to LDS Family Services
It's been forever since I last posted. Life got in the way for a while.
Where I left off, I was finally getting used to the idea that I was really pregnant. And my reaction was to withdraw from the world to a large extent. I decided to try and use the time to my advantage. I figured it was about time I worked on some self-improvement. That was a slow process but I had a lot of time on my hands.
It was a while before I went into LDS Family Services. I had been on the website and looked around at profiles. I wasn't super-inspired by anything though. I sent a request for help/information on the website and soon I got a response from the local office in my email. And then I ignored it. They sent me another one, and for a while I ignored that one too. Finally I felt ready and called the office to set up an appointment. I went in and met the counselor who would be working with me. For the most part I was probably pretty calm considering the circumstances. That first appointment was mostly getting acquainted, learning what LDS Family Services had to offer me, and what the process would be like. I had already made my decision to place long before going into the agency, so I didn't have to go through the decision-making process. For me it was about planning how I would go through it and getting the support I would need. I learned from my counselor that it's typically a good idea to wait and choose the adoptive family later in the pregnancy. I was a little disappointed even though I was free to reject that advice if I wanted to. I was just really looking forward to choosing the family. It was the one bright spot in my otherwise now dark and lonely world.
There is a huge feeling of exhilaration involved with choosing the adoptive family. It almost feels self-indulgent because you know the choice is about your child, not about you or even about the family you choose. But you cannot deny how personally exciting it is to give such a gift to someone. There is really no other time when you get to do something that will change someone's life in such an enormously positive way. So I was anxious to find them. When looking for a family for my baby I had a few criteria in mind. Probably for the reason I just described, I was looking specifically for a couple who didn't have any children yet. I was also looking for a couple that was around my age or a little bit older, but not too much older. Education was important to me and then the content of the birthparent letters were important to me too. For some reason I was turned off by too much humor on the profiles. I was feeling very serious about my situation and I didn't like making a joke out of it in any way. I wanted to feel spiritually connected and like they really cared about me and my role in the adoption.
I had mixed feelings about going to see my counselor at LDS Family Services. I think it was my second appointment when he showed me a video the agency had made. For the most part it was inspiring. It featured a few girls, some who had chosen to marry, some who chose to single-parent, and some who placed. The annoying part to me was at the end when one of the girls was shown about a year after she placed and she was about to get married in the temple. I was annoyed because there she was, at her happy ending (which seemed a little too syrupy sweet to me) when I was just at the beginning of my 'adventure'. I felt sadness and disappointment looking at my own life, knowing that I was at the age that I should have already been married and creating my own family at that point. That's what I had always wanted but despite my intentions I had made a total mess of my life. So call it sour grapes but I didn't really want to see her so perfectly happy. I wasn't even convinced that I would come out of this feeling so perfectly happy, not because I would ever regret the adoption but because nothing had ever been that easy for me.
So I resolved to wait a while to choose the perfect family for my little guy, and in the meantime I started spending quite a bit of my free time on a certain online message board...
January 30, 2009
Everyday Miracles
Look at these miracles. These babies are all miracles! About 5 years ago I joined a group on Babycenter that was part of the LDS Families Board for women struggling with infertility. We started out as the "Infertile Mertyles" Then somewhere along the line we were shortened to "The Infert's group." I had a hard time accepting and talking about my infertility at first and these girls were great. They knew what I was going through and they were so supportive.
Over the years people have come and gone from the group but one thing has remained, the feeling of support and friendship.
On Wednesday I was able to go to lunch with 4 other "Infert" girls. We all have different stories but they are really not that different. We all have wanted to have babies and for one reason or another we have not been able to. Now through one resource or another, we have all been blessed with at least one sweet miracle.
I am so thankful for the love and support all the "infert" girls have given me and the others. It has made the road a little easier to travel and it's nice to know there is someone there who knows what you are going through and you know they genuinely care about you.
Things I have done . . .
I have been tagged to do this a few times, and have had it come as an e-mail as well. I decided tonight was a good time to do it! The things in BOLD are things I have done. The things that are NOT in bold I have not done. I am not going to tag anyone because well, I have been horrible at tags lately, but if you want to do it, feel free.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (I have not actually bungee jumped, but I did ride the skycoaster at Lagoon.)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (We try every year, some years are more sucessful than others)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
t31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (Spencer has, I think 8 times, I might be wrong on the number but he was almost certified, I am too chicken)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (Spencer broke my foot for me once too)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (Does blog to book or picture books count?)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (Sigh, I loved that car!)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day
Going through that list there are things that I would love to do in my life, but I am happy to say that I have not done many of the things listed.
January 26, 2009
Mommy
I am sorry it has been so long since I have posted on this blog. Our lives have been very up in the air and I have been putting so many things on the back burner. This blog too unfortunately.
Last night I had a realization that I had to share here.
Every once in a while something clicks for me. Last night I realized how much I LOVE the word Mommy. For so many years I wanted to hear that simple word, wondered if I ever would. Even whined, cried, screamed it is music to my ears. Okay, maybe not music, but I love hearing him say that sweet word. Last night we had a rough night. Roman wanted to sleep right up against my back, if I moved I heard a sweet "mommy." How can I be mad when he says that?
I never want to take that word for granted. I waited 6 1/2 years to be called Mommy, a nd thankfully I have been given the opportunity to have this sweet angel boy in my life.
November 18, 2008
The early weeks.
In continuing my story, I thought I would tell some of the details that I usually don't share. I think other birth moms in particular will relate and appreciate these details.
I remember the day of my first doctor’s appointment. It was strange being there because I was still in partial denial. Right up until the ultrasound I still had the tiniest hope in the back of my mind that I wasn’t really pregnant. When I filled out the paperwork about my medical history, I put a big line through all the questions about the father of the baby. I wasn’t interested in making him part of this in any way, even on paper. Later I realized it probably looked like I crossed the questions out because I didn’t know that information….but I didn’t really care. That was my way of being in control of the situation. I met my doctor for the first time and she did the first ultrasound. It was there in that tiny dark room that it finally sunk in that the little bean on the tv screen was, in fact, a baby. This was really happening. No more denial. The worst part about that day was the bag the nurse gave me before I left. The diaper bag filled with samples of formula and vitamins, a pacifier and a baby bottle…. Just looking at those things was painful. I remember looking at the bottle and wishing so badly that this was happening in the right way, that I was happily having my first baby as I had always dreamed about, but not like this. When I got home I shoved the diaper bag into the back of my closet where it remained for the next seven months.
What was most difficult during those early weeks was trying to carry on every day as if all was normal when emotionally and physically my world was turned upside down. If God had a punishment for me in all of this, it was morning sickness. Considering that my mom and my sister (each a mother of 4) never got sick during their pregnancies, I have to wonder. I was sick all day, every day, for at least eight weeks. But the worst part of my day was the morning. I am an attorney and I have to be in court almost every morning. First it would take me a long time to get ready for work because I kept having to lay back down every few minutes from the nausea. Then I would suffer through my drive to work, usually throw up in the parking garage and then try to get to court on time without getting sick again in the middle of a hearing. The first time the news started to get out was when I almost passed out in court. The deputy asked if I wanted them to call an ambulance, and I said no thank you I know what’s wrong with me, I’m pregnant. It was so nice getting all the excitement and well-wishes, but at the same time it always stung because it wasn’t a happy event for me. It was an emotional marathon that I was only beginning.
I’m normally a very private person. Even writing for this blog is a huge step for me, as it is every time I share my adoption story because in my daily life I usually keep my cards so close. So during those early days, and throughout the pregnancy, having the news get out and having so many comments all the time, so many questions…it was overwhelming. I didn’t want to share my most personal and sacred decision with the whole world so I mostly started avoiding all people. I chose to become very isolated and I stayed home as much and as often as I could.
8 years
(BTW It was a LOT colder on this day 8 years ago! Think SIXTEEN degrees! Yikes! It was freezing. . .what was I doing wearing a short sleeve dress?)
Today I am so glad that I married my best friend. The man that I am happy to spend forever and ever with. The first person I want to tell everything to. If there is something happy, exciting, sad, scary, I call him. I love talking to him. I love cuddling up next to him at night. I love everything about this sweet man (even the little things that drive me insane, without them he just wouldn't be him!)
Happy Anniversary Hunny, I love you more today than I did 8 years ago, and I can't imagine how much more I will love you in 8 more years! Thanks for being the best husband, thank you for being the best daddy, and thank you for loving us so much!
November 11, 2008
Little help for my friends
I have mentioned that LDS Family Services encourages families to find their birth mother. What I didn't mention is how hard that can be. I remember every time our caseworker would ask us what we were doing to try and find our birth mother I felt so overwhelmed. What more could I do? I decided that since it's national adoption month I would take the time to post about a few of our friends that are trying to adopt too.
Today I wanted to tell you about Robert and Emily and their adorable daughter Rachel! (isn't she a doll? She is smart and funny too)
I met Emily through an online support group. She is one of the most amazing women I know. She is so sweet.
We met in the spring and she was as cute in person as online. One of those genuinely good people that this world needs more of.
They have been on a long journey to expand their family and I just know they are going to be blessed for their efforts!
Good luck guys! I can't wait to hear that your family of 3 is now a family of 4!
November 5, 2008
Good Things Utah
Today I went to the live taping of Good Things Utah to support Families Supporting Adoption but mostly to hear Mrs R and Miss Myra. I have been fortunate enough to present with Myra at a high school representing the Utah Adoption Council. These ladies are my role models. I want to grow up to be just like them. Myra has the strength and the testimony and the passion. Mrs R is the greatest adoption advocate. She will talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere. She makes sure that people know how great adoption is and it is because of people like these 2 that adoption is where it is today. I hope this month helps me to be one step closer to the person I would like to become.
(Point and shoot camera's just don't cut it, I am sure there will be better pictures on other blogs, maybe I'll steal one ;) )
I think back to when we started our first adoption. We didn't want anyone to know. We weren't ready to open our sores up to the world. I wish I had known how much healing can come from helping others. I wish that someone had told me that without opening up I would never see how many people there are out there that feel exactly like I do.
I may never give birth to a baby, but I am a mother. I look at that sweet boy sleeping and there is no doubt in my mind that he is my son. I recently realized just because I am his mother that doesn't make Katie any less his mother. He has the love of two mommies that want the very best for him. They have both spent many sleepless nights worrying about him, and they both love on him as often as possible. Thank heavens for adoptions! These beautiful babies get twice the love!!!
November 3, 2008
My story- the beginning.
I’m Katie, Roman’s birth mother. This is my story.
Because one of my purposes in sharing my story is to reach out, inspire, and comfort other birthmoms and potential birthmoms, I want to start with a message to you: The road to adoption is one that begins with fear, heartache, maybe even despair. It seems an impossible road when you’re at the very beginning. But if you could only see the end from the beginning- you would not walk down that road, you would run as fast as you can. But the nature of the experience is that you must take one small step at a time. Along the way you will have angels by your side- some seen, some unseen. But you will not walk that road alone. I can promise you that.
I felt very alone in the beginning. It was hard for me to accept and grasp that I was really pregnant. It was definitely not part of my plans. I thought I had been pretty clever in hiding my many spiritual struggles and failures from my family. Now there would be no hiding it. I resolved to keep it to myself as long as I could and along the way I would figure out how to break such unhappy news to them. Until then I would deal with everything else.
How did I make the initial decision? I knew what all the options were. I never considered marriage. It wasn’t right for me at all. I didn’t even want Alex to go through this with me. I wanted to do it all myself. The big ‘A’ word….I have to be completely honest. It was a temptation. It was never even a remotely serious consideration, but a temptation whispered in my ear many times. An unwelcome pregnancy is the ultimate test of who you fear more, man or God. I prayed that I would just lose the pregnancy and that it would all be over. It’s hard to even take yourself seriously praying something like that- ‘I know I got myself into this, but please do I really have to go all the way through it? Can the scare just be enough?’ I knew how disingenuous I was being even as I was saying the words. What I didn’t know then was that a very wise and loving Heavenly Father, who can see the end from the beginning, knew how very badly I needed to go through this experience. Not just for Roman, or for Wendy, or anyone else- but for me. So it wasn’t out of anger or retribution that my feeble prayer wasn’t granted, it was out of a deeply profound love. In His wisdom he did not take away the trial.
All other options were unimaginable for me. I had always thought that adoption was the best solution to an unwed pregnancy. I’d argued that many times before in a general sense, never really thinking I would have to make that decision in my own personal life. So before I even needed to make the decision, in a way I had already made it. Since I had already studied it out in my mind, I knew what the right choice would be for me.
It helped that my feelings for Alex had completely turned even before I knew I was pregnant. I consider this to be a blessing, because it kept me from even being tempted to single-parent. That choice might be right for some people but it wasn’t for me in my particular circumstances. And when I even imagined “sharing” my child with a person I had very little respect for, someone I did not trust to raise my child with the same environment and values as I would, I was only thankful that I had another option. I knew that the only chance of giving my child everything he deserved was to find a family who could provide the most important things in life. I wanted him to grow up in a family, with two parents who love each other and are fully committed to each other. I wanted him to have a worthy priesthood holder in his home, to guide and protect him. I wanted him to grow up in the covenant, sealed in an eternal family. Adoption was the only way. And when I thought about adoption, I felt a peaceful excitement.
I might not have been very good at making the right decisions for myself, but I found that the love and concern I had for this tiny spirit I had never even met was empowering me to make the best possible decisions on his behalf. And that was not only to his benefit, but the beginning of my own personal spiritual transformation.
November 2, 2008
National Adoption Month - Types of adoption
November is National Adoption Month! I have to admit I am very excited about it. I know I am not the best blogger when it comes to this blog, but I am going to try to keep this blog going on a more regular basis this month.
I thought I would start by talking about different types of adoption. Adoptions have changed so much even in the past 10 years. There are three basic types of domestic adoptions. International adoptions vary by country.
I found the information that I am posting on www.adoptions.com and thought it was a good summary of types of adoptions and providing additional information.
Closed Adoptions: This is the most traditional type of adoption that is still used today, but is rapidly declining in popularity as the focus in the relationships between adoptive parents and birth parents is shifting from the lack of information and total confidentiality, to shared information and privacy. In these adoptions, the birth family and the adoptive family do not share any identifying information about themselves, and do not communicate with each other, either before or after the placement of the child. The adoptive family will, however, receive non-identifying health and other background information about the child and the birth family before the placement takes place. The birth parents may also receive non-identifying information about the adoptive parents. The adoption files will be sealed after the adoption, and typically are never made available to the adopted child.
Find more information on Closed Adoptions
Find more information on Semi-Open Adoptions
Open Adoption: Every adoption of this type will be different, based on the type of relationship that the birth parents and the adoptive parents have agreed to. Both identifying and non-identifying information about the adoptive parents and the birth parents is shared with each other, which can include last names, addresses, and telephone numbers. In some open adoptions, the birth parent and the adoptive family know each other and have ongoing communication about the child. If the parents on both sides agree, the adoptive parents may even be allowed to be present for the delivery of the child, thus allowing them to vicariously share in the birthing process. Neither the birth parents nor the adoptive parents are forced to participate in an open adoption if that is not what they are comfortable with. Although there is some disagreement on the subject, it is suggested that the child, and thus the adoptive parents that will be raising the child, are the primary beneficiaries of some of the most significant benefits that can result from an open adoption.
Find more information on Open Adoption
Open or Closed Adoption: Pros of Each
| Confidential Adoptions (Closed) | Mediated (Semi-Open) | Open Adoptions | |
|---|---|---|---|
No contact between birth and adoptive families. No identifying information is provided. Only nonidentifying information (e.g., height, hair color, medical history, etc.) is provided through a third party (e.g., agency or attorney). | Nonidentifying contact is made (via cards, letters, pictures) through a third party (e.g., agency or attorney). | Direct interaction between birth and adoptive families. Identities are known. | |
| Birth Parents | Provides real choice for birth parents when compared to open adoption. Privacy. Some feel this provides a sense of closure and ability to move on with life. | Allows for some information transfer between birth and adoptive parents (and perhaps the child). Some privacy. | Increased ability to deal with grief and loss. Comfort in knowing child's well-being. Sense of control over decision-making in placement. Potential for more fully defined role in child's life. Potential to develop a healthy relationship with the child as he or she grows. Less pain and guilt about the decision. May make the decision to place for adoption easier (compared to a contested termination of parental rights trial). |
| Adoptive Parents | No need to physically share the child with birth parents. No danger of birth parent interference or co-parenting. | Greater sense of control over process. Roles may be more clearly defined than in either confidential or open options. Increased sense of entitlement compared to confidential adoptions. Enhanced ability to answer child's questions about his or her history. | Increased sense of having the "right" to parent and increased ability for confident parenting. Potential for authentic relationship with the birth family. More understanding of children's history. Increased empathy for birth parents. Less fear of birth parents reclaiming child because they know the parent and their wishes. Delight of being "chosen" as a parent. |
| Adopted Persons | Protection from unstable or emotionally disturbed birth parents. | Only true when relationship is "shared" with the adopted child | |
Genetic and birth history known. Birthparents are "real" not "fantasy." Positive adjustment is promoted in adoptee. | Direct access to birth parents and history. Need to search is eliminated. Identity questions are answered (Who do I look like? Why was I placed?). Eases feelings of abandonment. Lessening of fantasies: birth parents are "real." Increased circle of supportive adults. Increased attachment to adoptive family (especially if the birth parents support the placement). Preservation of connections (e.g., with siblings, relatives). Lessens loyalty conflicts (according to recent research). Exposure to racial and ethnic heritage. Ability for evolving, dynamic, and developmentally appropriate account of the adoption. | ||
We have an open adoption and it has been a huge blessing to us, our son, and his birthmother. We have been able to keep in touch with her through e-mail and we have a blog that I update with pictures and fun stories about him. We have seen her so many times I've lost count, probably 7 or 8 times in 16 months. We have loved the open relationship that we have. A few months ago I did a Q&A on our open adoption post where I answered questions on how open adoption has been for us. I could (and probably should) write another with more questions and concerns people have voiced. The bottom line is that you have to do what is best for you, your family, and what is in the child's best interest (That's what adoption is all about anyway). For us Open adoption has been GREAT!
October 28, 2008
Ever have one of those nights?
Do you ever have one of those nights where you sit up wondering about EVERYTHING? Literally everything. Tonight is one of those nights for me.
I wonder how I am doing as a parent.
I wonder if I am doing everything I should, should he know his alphabet yet?
Do I teach him enough?
I wonder if I am letting him be independent enough.
I wonder if I am dependable enough.
I wonder how his Mommy Katie is. (worry about her is more like it, we love her so much and just want everything to be perfect for her!)
I wonder about our future birthmother(s).
I wonder if they are okay.
I wonder if they are already struggling with hard decisions in their life.
I wonder why some of us need to be tested to the point that we feel like we are going to break.
I wonder why one person's trial is a blessing for another.
I wonder how many lives that blessing truly blesses (I can't even begin to count how many lives Roman has blessed!).
Obviously I am not the only person who has had a night like this. I think of the song "Just a few Questions" by Clay Walker
How in this world can we put a man on the moon,
And still have a need for a place like St Jude's?
And why is one man born,
In a place where all they know is war?
And a guy like me,
Has always been free.
And how can two people who built a loving home,
Try for years and never have a child of their own?
When somewhere out there tonight,
There's a baby no-one's holding tight:
In need of love.
To me, that don't add up.
But I wasn't there the day you filled up the oceans.
I didn't get to see you hang the stars in the sky.
So I don't mean to second guess you,
Or criticise what I don't understand.
These are just a few questions I have.
And why did my cousin have to die in that crash?
A good kid, only seventeen, I still wonder about that.
It seems unfair to me,
Some get the chance to chase their dreams,
And some don't.
But what do I know?
I wasn't there the day you filled up the oceans.
I didn't get to see you hang the stars in the sky.
So I don't mean to second guess you,
Or criticise what I don't understand.
These are just a few questions I have.
Why do I feel like you hear these prayers of mine.
When so many oughta be ahead of me in line?
When you look down on me,
Can you see the good through all the bad?
These just a few questions I have.
October 23, 2008
I told him. . .and he took it well
Today I had to have my car serviced. It was going to take a few hours so Roman and I rode Trax downtown and had lunch with Spencer then went to the Gateway and spent a few hours shopping. As we were finished shopping I called the dealership and it was going to be a few more hours before the car was done. I was getting pretty tired from walking everywhere pushing a stroller. I decided we would go over to Temple Square for a while, look at the flowers, the fountains, just waste a little more time.
As we got to Temple Square we went over to the fountain and of course Roman wanted to play in the water. As we sat down there I started thinking about the temple, and everything that has happened in our life over the past year and a half. I sat down next to Roman and started talking to him about our adoption, his mommy Katie, how special he is and how special it was when we were sealed to him. Thankfully he isn't old enough to be embarrassed by his mother crying in public (because I totally was). After we were done talking I told him how much I love him and that I was so happy he was part of our family and he said "okay" and let me cuddle him for a few minutes. I hope we can have more conversations like this, lots more!
September 22, 2008
I get by with a little help from my friends!
I have some amazing friends, who have helped us so much in getting things ready to adopt again. My friend Liz told me of a website that we could do digital scrapbook pages for our photo pages for our adoption profile. She sat on the phone with me for over an hour walking me through how to use the program, and we finished my first page. It turned out great. I sent it to be printed and it was grainy. I talked to my friend Sarah and unfortunately the program that we had used doesn't have an option to increase the size so we had to redo it. I don't have a program to digital scrapbook so Sarah took the pages and recreated them (perfectly I might add).
The only thing we are waiting on now is Spencer's doctors appointment on Friday and we are ready to go
(We had the family pictures on the first page taken a few weeks ago by our friend Kim. If you want to see full size of the pictures she has them on her website. She is amazing!)
September 9, 2008
We have taken the leap, just waiting for the offical approval!
Last Wednesday we had our homestudy so now we are just waiting for the word from the agency that we are officially waiting (Finding).
It has been so much easier for me to go through to motions of getting everything ready this time because I knew what to expect. It was not stepping out into the unknown. We knew that we had interviews, questionnaires, physicals, background checks, and homestudy. It was so much easier, and I was so much more at ease.
I have been amazed the peace that has come over me the past few months that this is all in the Lord's hands. I know that if it were up to me, I wouldn't be able to do this, but with God I have learned that anything is possible.
I know that as I was talking about our last adoption I mentioned that LDS Family Services encourages families to find their birthmother. Right now there are so many more adoptive couples than birthmothers in Utah. Last time I heard it was something like 7 adoptive couples to each birthmother. This means that every couple needs to be proactive.
How can we be proactive you ask? That's where you (anyone, everyone) can help! If you know of a birthmother who may be interested in placing her child for adoption or just wants more information about her options before making a decision, please have her call LDS Family Services and ask for an appointment with one of the social workers. If she is interested, she can learn more about us by viewing our adoption blog at http://www.spencerandwendy.blogspot.com/.
We are excited to welcome a new member to our family! Thanks for all the support that you have all given us! We are anxious to embark on this new adventure!