One Step at a Time

It's the end of another week and I'm checking in with a little progress!  This week we finished our home study.  It's not "official" yet,  but we've been able to check off everything on our list, it's just a matter of waiting for some papers to come back.  The Fire Marshall came over, we had our in-home inspection with our social worker, medical exams (for all 5 of us), our fingerprints came back, and we completed the education classes.  Even though we've been able to complete the checklist, it looks like we'll have to wait several more weeks because of a delay for one item.  We learned that the state of Ohio has one of the longest returns for the child abuse clearances.  Where most states have a pretty immediate turnaround, it takes Ohio two months for some reason!   Ugh.   I sent our form in on May 14 though, so hopefully it will be back in early July.

Still, I am happy that we are on schedule with everything on our end.   With three boys, getting up at 2:30am for my job, the kids' baseball and soccer, I feel excited and proud that we've been able to team up and "Git R' Done" (as my Southern husband says).  Lol. 

We also received our dossier guidelines and have been reading, and re-reading it to understand all the steps. I heard it would be a daunting process and I know I realize that first-hand. Thankfully my husband is good with that kind of thing, but I am definitely struggling trying to figure it all out.


Yesterday, we also had an unexpected gift from a friend in the mail. She sent a "congratulations" card for expecting parents.   I melted into a puddle of tears, it was such a surprise and blessing.    It made me think that I should start a Baby Book for our child (or children).   We already have some incredible stories to share about how God has guided us on this path, I think it would be nice to journal it and everything else along the way.   I did find this adoption memory book at Amazon for only $11.53.  I can't wait until we are able to fill up the blank pages with photos and memories!:)