Adoption Saga Recap {Week 29}

Happy Saturday!

Only 4 weeks left until we take our classes. So ready to get those behind us so that we can move on to the home study and then be on THE list.

Thankfully, things at work are heating up again as we get ready for our big project to go live. It will go live next Sunday and we'll be in critical mode for a few weeks so there's no time to twiddle my thumbs while I wait on these classes.

In other news, Artie has a girlfriend. She's staying with us this weekend and it's true love I tell ya. They go from wrestling to 'kissing' which is really smelling each others mouths. It's kinda weird, but love is weird sometimes…

This is the scene right now. All 3 are passed out. Bosley has taken over Molly's bed and refuses to give it up. Artie has to touch me - even if its just one paw. Molly is all cozied up at the end of the couch.

They make me want to nap. Which might happen. Don't judge.

~ Breaking News ~

I have an idea: Let's get some interaction going on over here on the ole blog. We all know by now that I'm a planner. I like to look at things from all angles before making a move. Before we become parents, it would be nice to have some real life experience to pull from when making decisions about parenting. 

I've been told multiple times that people will give you their opinion about the job you're doing as a parent even if you don't ask. I'm sure this won't stop any of that, but  why not head that off by gaining as much knowledge as we can now? AND I consider all of you to be very smart, sweet people so I know that this won't turn into a 'my style vs. your style' kind of thing. Save the drama for your mamas…

So -  I'm going to start posting parenting/life questions and I want you guys to comment on the post and answer as if you were talking to the pre-mommy you. Sometimes we'll talk serious issues like discipline  and sometimes we'll talk most embarrassing kid moments. I want us all to benefit from what we read here, so help a girl out!

The first question will come on Monday! Get ready to put your thinking caps on!!!

Thanks for cheering us on as we walk out this journey. You are all very important to us!

Steps in Adoption Saga

1. Complete over-the-phone intake and provide email or mailing address to receive application {Completed 11/30/11 and again on 12/2/11}
2. Application completed {Completed 12/2/11}
3. Orientation at regional office & turn in application {Completed 12/12/11}
4. Complete SLED/ Fingerprints and Child Abuse Central register releases on all members of household 18 years and older {Completed 12/19/11}
5. Attend 14 hours of preparatory training to help with self evaluation of the types of children which would fit into our family {Scheduled 7/14/12 & 7/28/12 hallelujer}
6. Fire and sanitation inspections completed on home by the Fire Marshal and DHEC.
7. Home Visits: adoption specialist visits the home and completes interviews for pre- placement investigation
8. Three/ Four References received and interviewed by adoption specialist {2/3/12}
9. Medicals on all family members
10. Provide copies of birth certificates, Marriage license and divorce petitions and decrees if applicable
11. During assessment we along with the agency assess qualifications and readiness to adopt
12. Approval received and we are considered for children along with other approved and waiting families
13. Placement committee selects us and notifies us of a child
14. We are presented full background on child/children for whom we are selected
15. We meet child/children and begin visitation with child/children
16. Placement occurs when child and we are ready for move
17. Post placement period begins and can continue up to 12 months
18. Finalization of the adoption in Family Court (Hallelujah!)