And then there was paperwork...

Thought I would update where we're at in our adoption process.

Upon receiving our application, we were asked to fill out a couple different forms about our financial status. So we did that, fought with our scanner, and got that e-mailed off. It was a little bit frustrating because all we wanted to know was whether or not we were accepted and able to move forward! But they came back a couple times, "Thank you, and now please fill out this form." or "Answer this question."

But we got it. We got the e-mail saying that we were a go! We got the last spots in the Oregon/Washington Infant Program and the African American Infant Program.

Now we're going to sign program agreements for each program, and that has to be in front of a notary. I called our local bank branch, and right now, they don't have any notaries because of varying circumstances. It's kind of a perfect storm, as Kyle the bank teller put it. But that's okay. We'll head down to another branch, and get those signed.

When we send those agreements in is when the first significant chunk of money is due. I'm thankful that we have it, but nervous as it's the first time we're forking out real money. And that depletes what we've built up. This is where faith in God's provision is going to come in. We're praying that he will provide as we need it and as we proceed to follow what he's put in our hearts to do.

We also got all the documents and info to have our criminal history checks done. So we'll be going down to the police station and having fingerprints taken. There's also a form to fill out that I haven't looked at too closely. I'm learning that I get overwhelmed if I look at too many tasks. My head starts spinning, and I just have to stop and focus on one at a time.

So the present focus is to get down to the bank and sit in front of a notary and sign a couple pieces of paper. Then we will send off those papers with payment as we're ushered in to the homestudy phase of this adoption (which is what the criminal background check is part of).

That's where we are right now.

The kids are starting to talk about how they can help with the adoption. Norah wants to paint pictures and sell them! (That was a very cute suggestion!) Haddon might copy his cousin Zachary and collect pop cans. If anyone has ideas of how to help our children feel a part of the process, we would welcome ideas!

Stay tuned for info on how you can help us bring home our son or daughter.