The Sweet Smell of Victory - or at least Certification!

Ahhh, YES!  I raised my hand jubilant exultation as if I was coming across the finish line.

Here's the response from Jenn, our adoption specialist, to the inquiry of why/what she believed was the hangup in receiving our certification.

"I actually was about to email you!! You are certified!! You should be receiving a copy of your certification in the mail."

 I was at work when I read this e-mail, sitting at the lunch table and my cry of delight was questioned by my co-workers.  I danced up out of my chair to run & get my phone to call Josh "We're certified!!! Woohoo!"  Bless their hearts - they celebrated with me.

So far, I've shared with my immediate family, grandparents (although I had to leave a message for one set), some friends & 2 women at the grocery store! :)  And now...YOU!!!

When I checked the mail this afternoon (after coming home from the grocery store), sure enough - it was there!!!

Have you been waiting for this blog post? ;) I HAVE!!!!

Here is the beautiful notification: Nice & Big!

So, we were actually certified on the 9th.  A day before my "Are You Curious" blog post. :)  Oh, the good Lord is good.

Education

So, I know I haven't posted other author's works throughout this blog-adoption journey, but I came across this short article I thought was a good education.  We've had a number of people say "those kids are going to be so lucky to have you as parents."  I do appreciate the admiration of our friends and family, but honestly sometimes I wonder HOW in the world are WE going to raise kids!?!?  I know there's going to be a lot of knee time. :) 

Sharing this article is simply an education while we wait and reminds me of the Imaginary Journey we took in one of our classes (see One Third Certified).

Your Adopted Child Will Not be Grateful...at Least for Awhile

I will say in response - the adults I know who have been adopted (Erin, Deanna) ARE grateful for their parents!!

Are You Curious?

Have you been wondering where we are at in the adoption process?  I mean, the last time I posted was in November!  Surely, SOMETHING has happened since then.  Well, this post will help answer that question for you.

We are still waiting.  Patiently waiting.  Every once in awhile I'll have a brief thought, "what if there's something wrong with our Home Study," or something similar.  And then I dismiss it quickly because there's no sense in thinking negative.  We've come this far, been through a lot, why worry about something as small as the commissioner signing our Home Study?  Right now, I feel there's too much life to live to be worried about that.  And I'd like to keep it that way!  Recently, I requested prayer at church that I would continue to stay patient as it has been a long time since we've had any news.  The next day, Jenn, our adoption specialist e-mailed to say we were still waiting.  She hadn't forgotten about us.  And God certainly hadn't either.  I felt it was a confirmation of Him saying, "I've got this, keep patient."

So, we are waiting on the Commissioner to sign our Home Study.  According to Jenn, the west side (of Phoenix) has a much busier court system and so the processing is much slower. 

After that, then what?

Well...once our Home Study is approved, here are some simple steps of what will happen:

1. We are placed on the Central Adoption Registry.
2. When a child comes up for adoption the Registry will be searched for families who would be a good fit for the child.
3. The Adoption Specialists representing the families will meet with CPS to determine which family will be able to adopt the child.
4. A transition period occurs to place the child with the adoptive family.  This transition period is different for each case.

I know I sound somewhat clinical there, but really I am SUPER excited.  When I tell people about it I get all jittery inside and sometimes stumble over my words with excitement. :)  Prayers are appreciated that we would CONTINUE to stay patient, and that Child Olmsted/Baby Olmsted will be kept safe until the time they would be joined with us forever.