Homestudy has begun!!

I have now sent in my application to begin the home study, the most important piece of the adoption process! We are firmly on our way!! Next, I will get all my paperwork together including fingerprints, child abuse checks in the states in which I have lived, financial status, and a social worker will come to visit our home and basically ensure that I would make a good mom for Garrett and that our home is a good place for kids! Keep thinking all those positive thoughts- I think that is the main reason we have been able to come this far!!!!!!!

Estimated Adoption Expenses

Update on expenses:
Here are the estimates at this point provided by my adoption agency (less than I originally anticipated, which is good!!):
fees to adoption agency: $2000
home study:$2400
fees to waiting child program: $2800
fees to international adoption center: $710
approximately $6500 government fees
estimated family travel expenses to finalize adoption and bring Garrett home (must travel with adoption agency program)$10,000

what a ride life is!

Last year, when a nurse friend of mine asked if I wanted to join her on a cleft repair mission, I jumped at the chance to see a new place and use my nursing to help out a bunch of orphaned children. Although I dreaded leaving my daughter behind at home for the first time, I knew this was an opportunity I should not pass up. So, I put the expense on the credit card, hopped on the plane a few weeks later, and looked forward to being helpful. I really didn't know what to expect, as this was my first time taking part in such a trip. Once at the hospital, we quickly got into the swing of the routine and started getting to know the kids. What a bunch of cutie pies! Helping to entertain them as they waited before and after their surgeries was a joy. However, never in my wildest imagination, did I think I would be where I am today, hoping to adopt a little boy with a severe cleft. I had no intention of adopting during my trip, and knew that it was not legal for single parents to adopt there. I was content with my life as a nurse and mom. But, once I returned, I could not get those children out of my mind. I knew some would be adopted and others would not. My heart went out to those that would continue living in orphanages, never knowing the love and security of their own family. I began considering the possibility of adoption, and miraculously, the law changed last month, allowing singles to adopt! I promptly asked an adoption agency to match me with a child with severe cleft, and here we are, rooting for Garrett! You just never know what life has in store for you! What a thrill!