Let the paper trail begin....

I'm spending tonight on paperwork. I have two applications in front of me. One is for the social service agency in Illinois that will be completing my home study. The other is for the adoption agency in California that will be facilitating the adoption. I'm determined to complete every form and piece of paper soon as I get it. I don't want anything to delay this process. I know there will be enough things that I can't control. This, I can.

I'm very overwhelmed by the response of all the great people in my life. I've had offers of a "Toddler Shower," financial support, prayer support, gifts, visits while I'm in the other country, free babysitting, help decorating her room--so many things from so many people. I love that everyone around me is as excited about my daughter as I am. I knew that people would love her once she got here but I'm honored that people are so excited about someone they haven't even seen a picture of. I've gotten a little more information about my daughter. I can't wait until some of this paperwork is done so I can "officially commit" to her and start sharing information and a picture with all of you.

Please continue to keep my daughter and I in your prayers. Pray that the paperwork will fly through the system quickly and smoothly. Pray for her health and safety as she is so far away.

RR on the News

Here's a recent news story on Reece's Rainbow.

It's all getting very real...

Things have definitely moved into high gear. I have been working with Reece's Rainbow and the adoption agency for the last week or so. I honestly believe I've found my daughter. Because nothing is completely official yet, I am not really at liberty to post too much information about her. I will definitely post a picture and some info as soon as I can. I know that you will all fall in love with her as quickly as I have.

The next step for me is to begin my home study as soon as possible. I will be researching options and agencies tonight and calling lots of places tomorrow. Once that is started, I can officially commit to my daughter and start working on details and paperwork.

I'm very excited about this next step in my life. I originally decided I wouldn't talk to too many people about it until things were more definite but I just can't wait. So many things are coming together really quickly. I want to keep everyone who is interested updated on my progress. I also want a place where I can look back some day and see it all come together.

I've had lots of offers to help and babysit. The biggest thing I need right now is prayer. Pray that things will work out smoothly and quickly, as they have so far.

Check back often for more information as I can post it.

Pause....

So, I've decided I need to update all of you on my current progress and decisions. I've been in touch with Reece's Rainbow and I'm currently reading a book that they require about adjustment for adopted children. The next real step for me would be a home study. I've decided to hold off on that step until February 1st. I just feel like I need some time to think about all the kinks, problems, and blessings that I will incur if I decide to do this. I've been doing a lot of research regarding schools, finances, insurance, etc, etc. Most of the time, I'm starting to see this as a "when" and not an "if." The rest of the time, I'm completely overwhelmed.

So, please continue to pray with me as I make this decision. And, as always, I'd love to hear more opinions, concerns, etc. The last thing I want to do is walk into something this huge without seeing all the possible angles.

Oh, the possibilities....

Here is a message that I sent out to some good friends on facebook last week. Based on the (mostly) encouraging but realistic responses, I'm still pretty excited about the possibility. I have decided not to take any official steps until February 1st. I want to spend the next few weeks praying and seeking wise counsel. I'll keep you all updated on the progress. Who knows, maybe someday this will be my adoption blog. I realize that facebook probably isn’t the most appropriate place for this conversation but I don’t have email addresses for all of you so here it goes…. I am writing to you because I need some advice and opinions. For years now, I have said that I wouldn’t be upset if God decided to “bless” me with a child with Down Syndrome. Since I returned from Mexico, I have been toying with the idea of adopting a child with Down Syndrome. Up until this week, I hadn’t really looked into it seriously or tried to figure out if it was really feasible. It had always just kind of been a dream. After some research, I honestly think it’s something I want to do. I have taken some preliminary steps to get connected with a group called Reese’s Rainbow that helps place children with Down Syndrome with adoptive families and even raises funds to help with their adoptions. I know that a child would rock my world but I’m in a place in my life where I think it would be okay to be rocked. I have a stable job, a support system, a home, lots of experience with children and with disablities---everything a child with Down Syndrome would need to be successful. Sometimes, it seems like the most natural thing in the world; other times the idea overwhelms me and scares me to death. Before I go any further in this process, I want to get advice and opinions from the closest people in my life and from those with experience with adoption and single parenting. I really do want your honest opinions. If you think I’m crazy, please tell me. If you think I can’t handle it, please let me know. I really do want honesty. I appreciate anything you have to say and would covet your prayers as I seek the next step in my life.

Intrigued....

I'm not ready to go completely public with this idea yet but I know that no one reads this blog so.....

I am currently addicted to this website and more so, the concept of it.

Taking some baby steps now to see how feasible it really is.