A Note for our Baby: A Lesson About Family

Dear Baby Girl or Baby Boy--

 

Your dad and grandpa to be




We aren't sure if you have entered this world yet or not, but we pray each and everyday that God will watch over you until we are brought together.  I read recently about the legend of the invisible red thread--the one that is thought to connect those who are destined to be together.  We are holding to our red thread, waiting on the day that you will join us. 

 

(uncle) JD helping with the deck







(aunt) Oliva and her Jake



(uncle) Chase doing his "Chase" pose

We had a very busy weekend getting things ready for your pending arrival (even though we realize it's a long way away).  Part of the process to prepare for you is getting our home ready.  In less than a week, we have important people coming to visit our house to make sure it will be a safe place for you to live and grow up in.  Since we want things to be extra special for you, we did a lot of home projects this weekend to prepare.  Your extended family was here to help us, in almost 100 degree heat, working hard to make everything wonderful.  I wanted to take a moment and try and tell you about the wonderful family that waits for you here.  They are the kind of family that puts aside their own needs to help others.  They include two (almost) uncles that pressure washed our house and painted the deck.  An (almost) aunt that painted, cleaned and sneezed (she is allergic to your kitties that live in the house).  A grandmom (Tutu) who scrubbed floors and reassembled rooms.  Another grandmom (Nay Nay) that painted, planted flowers, and cleaned.  A grandpa that painted, painted and painted some more.  What is so great about this family?  I could list a million different reasons how they bless our lives.  They love unconditionally.  They are supportive.  They demonstrate kindness.  And the best news for you little one?  They couldn't be more excited for you to join our family. 

We love you! 



Your (almost) Mama & Daddy





Home Study Scheduled!



The former office....and nursery to be.

 
The next two weeks are going to be big milestones for us.  First up, we are set to turn in our home study application this week.  This will be our first major accomplishment in the adoption process.  A completed home study opens up a lot--it allows us to move forward with our placing agency application, gives us the green light to complete our immigration application and also gives us the chance to start applying for grants.  I spoke with our local agency on Friday and our individual interviews are scheduled this week.  And the biggest news is our home visit is scheduled for the week after!  This is happening sooner than we expected, however, we are very excited!  During the visit, Austin and I will be interviewed as a couple plus our case worker will tour our home.  In anticipation of this, we sold our home office furniture and began the process of emptying the room.  It feels so good to actually claim space in our house that will serve as the nursery. Today, Austin and I found ourselves in the baby section of Wal-Mart, shopping for outlet covers and cabinet locks.  On a side note, we seem to have bought the most complicated outlet covers possible.  The Krug's came over for dinner tonight (one day home from their amazing Mediterranean cruise!) and even Austin and Nick struggled with them....so surely they will keep our baby safe.  One of the things Austin and I talked about today is how amazing it is that we get to share all parts of this experience together.  When expanding a family naturally, the mom-to-be gets to experience things that the dad doesn't.  Yet again, I stand amazed at how a situation that once made us feel broken, now causes us to feel grateful and special almost daily.  God is good!