Big Steps: Noticeable Progress

 We have been making some considerable steps forward in our endeavor to adopt. After our information session we had a phone call with a program coordinator and since then hit the ground running. In a matter of weeks we accomplished numerous tasks including: 

1. Multiple hours of training on normalcy and parenting, diversity, car seats, sudden infant death syndrome, and the dangerous of shaking a baby -- these all included work sheets and discussion questions. 
2. Fingerprinting - the first place we tried was 110 degrees inside and the machine wasn't working so we had to reschedule to another location further from our house. 
3. Extensive paper work; some of the agreements are to not use corporal punishment and to allow the youth to maintain contact with safe family members as desired. 
4. Writing individual autobiographies -- each investing well over ten hours in writing. 
5. Home safety study - this included getting a cellphone that sits on our counter at all times, an emergency radio with flashlight and crank power. 

I'm sure I'm missing a few things that we've had to do but it was a busy few weeks as we tried to keep the process moving smoothly. We worked so hard that the agency actually created an award just for us: 

Going through our autobiographies the social worker had made various notes. One note in mine made me tear up as it was so genuine and meaningful. She stated that with how intentional and thoughtful I am and the comments I am making it is clear that I am doing the work of a good parent and should feel good about that. 

After our home safety study there were a few minor items to obtain and then the social worker will return for a final check off, including checking the temperature of our water to make sure it isn't going to scald a child. We were told that we could start reviewing profiles or waiting children in Minnesota. There are a few that we felt like there were some commonalities and easy connections with and have passed their names along to our social worker. It's all a little early to get too excited or invested in any one opportunity but the agency we're working with has validated our hard work and diligence and they note that they work as hard as we do so we are hopeful. I still feel so conflicted and struggle with the idea that we are happy about the possibility of growing our family while a child has lost theirs; the SW assures us that this is a good sign that we're thinking about this. 

There's so many moving pieces and everything is always fluid, and some things I won't share just out of privacy/respect for the youth, but I plan to keep everyone updated on major steps since a lot of people have expressed interest in the process due to limited exposure/understanding. 

Let us know if you have any questions -- always happy to explain what we're doing.