Our Home Study is Scheduled! // Adoption

Well, I promised that I would update you on any and all adoption news, and our next step is here! We sent in the countless mounds of home study paperwork in October. Four months ago...and it seems like forever! We have been waiting for a call back to schedule the actual home study, as that is our next step before being officially put on the waiting list. I did a double take yesterday when my phone buzzed and the number said Bethany Christian Services. My heart jumped a little, because I knew what was coming.

The actual home study is split into three different parts. The first is when the social worker visits our home initially. She'll answer our questions, as well as go through our house and tell us anything that needs 'fixing.' This is pretty standard stuff - enough room for a child, a fire extinguisher, medicine & cleaning supplies locked away, etc. This doesn't all have to be done by the time she first visits, but if there's anything we missed we have to take care of it by the next time she comes to our house. The first visit is scheduled for Thursday, February 19.

Then, the next Tuesday (February 24), Nathan and I will drive to Virginia Beach to the Bethany office (about an hour away). We will be interviewed together, then each of us will be interviewed separately. I'm not sure what all they will ask about, but I know they are making sure our marriage is on track, and that we are stable and ready to welcome a child into our home.

After that is our training on March 13-14, which we've had on the calendar for a little while. We'll learn about all the legal implications of adoption, and hopefully they'll tell me what in the world I'm supposed to do when we finally welcome home our little Spady!

Following the training will be our final interview with the social worker. This is another one at our house, where she'll make sure we have fixed any problems from before and wrap things up. About 3-4 weeks later, if everything goes smoothly, we'll officially be waiting for a call!

It's hard to believe this is happening, and now that it's here it seems so fast. We don't have any idea how long it will take after we go through the home study and training. I'll write a little bit more about that process later.

But for now, our next step is a little over a week away, and we couldn't be more thrilled! Thank you all for your prayers and support - they mean everything to us. I'll keep updates coming, I promise!

Our Big Announcement
Adoption Update - All the Paperwork
Letters to Our (Future) Child #1
Letters to Our (Future) Child #2

Letters to Our (Future) Child #2 // Personal

Dear Little One,
I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've written anything to you. I wonder what life will be like when you're a part of my every day. Will I bundle you up on cold days like this and take you to the park? Or will we make a mess inside because we're playing all day in the warmth? I hope it's some crazy mix of both.

I wonder if you'll come to our family in 2015. For Christmas, my family gave us what will be your first children's books, and I can't wait to read them to you. I hope you learn to love reading as much as I do. I pray, too, that I'll always have the patience to stop and read with you whenever you want. Just like I was my dad's reading (and tea) buddy, I want you to be mine.

I had to write a letter to your birth mom this week. That was tough. How can I thank her enough for giving you life, and for  giving our family new life? How can I express gratitude for someone willing to entrust us with you, so little and so loved?

I know I'll say the wrong things to you a lot. I know I'll mess up so much. I know I'll make you angry at times for all the wrong reasons. I know that I'll be a parent, faults and all, through and through.

I want you to know that even when I don't write, I still think about you. I can't wait until I can go beyond my imagination and see your face for the first time. What a day that will be!

Until then I'll wait, as patiently as I can. I love you.

Your (Future) Mommy

Adoption Update: We are still just waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more. Our home study paperwork was finished in October, and the study was supposed to be at the end of January. We found out this week that the home study won't happen until the end of February at the earliest. Before we can be on the waiting list, we have to have the home study and attend a training, which happens in early March. I will continue to keep everyone updated as we go! (to see more about our journey, follow the links below)

Our Big Announcement
Adoption Update - All the Paperwork
Letters to Our (Future) Child #1

Adoption Mini Sessions, Part 2 // Sandy Bottom Park, Hampton Photographer

I woke up the morning of my second mini sessions, a little worried about what the day would bring. It had already started sprinkling, and there was the chance of rain the whole day. While I don't mind braving a little wet and cold to take pictures, I truly wanted the experience to be wonderful for each of my families and couples that were coming that day.

Despite the freezing wind and threatening clouds, the rain held off until after the very last mini session! The overcast skies made the fall colors pop, and the temperature didn't stop us all from having so much fun. There are a few sessions that are surprises, so I can't share them yet, but I wanted to share the ones that I could - they were so much fun, and made standing outside for a few hours more than worth it!

To all the families and couples who came out for mini sessions, especially on such a cold, almost-rainy day, thank you isn't enough. I'm truly grateful for your support and your spirit. You make my job an easy one, and I'm so thankful for each one of you. I hope these pictures carry across the miles in your Christmas cards, and bring joy to all your friends and family!

James and Kayla, and their feisty huskies Cosmo and Paisley

Daniel and Elizabeth, with their precious kids Hunter and Aiden, found me through a mutual friend - and I'm so glad they did!

Ross and Emily came all the way from Pennsylvania to visit family, and wanted their portraits taken while they were here with their 3 kids!

Toby and Christi, singers who tour all up and down the East Coast and beyond, came with their amazingly talented kids, Jerrod and Jewel.

...and a few more to come as I'm allowed to share them!