Fall is coming to central Texas and you can begin to see the changes. The grass is not growing like it was this summer, the trees are starting to change to yellow, the temperatures are starting to cool off to the high 70's, and before you know it daylight savings time will be here and we'll be falling back an hour. Change is inevitable. Sometimes we meet change with opposition and dread and sometimes we greet it with open arms and embrace it. This is one of those times when Randy and I are welcoming change and look forward to what change has in store for us.
A few weeks ago I was reading a fellow bloggers post about changing agencies and getting a referral almost immediately and it made me start to really question our decision to use CHI as our adoption agency. The agency was always very helpful to us, well organized with paperwork, and had a great reputation, but the recent turnover in their agency, lack of reaccredidation, and the increasing wait time for a referral started to send up some red flags. We were kind of naive about IA and thought that every agency had a year long wait time for a referral, but the more I started to look at other agencies the more I realized that we did not need to wait so long. I brought up the idea of switching agencies to Randy and he gave me some good points to ponder, but as I continued to research other agencies, the more it appeared to us that leaving CHI was what we needed to do.
After finding another agency, we made the decision to leave CHI and start fresh with our new agency. We felt it was the best timing for us before we got too far into the process and lost a lot of money. CHI was very understanding and worked with us on refunding all of our money that we had paid up to this point minus the application fee. What a blessing.
Our new agency is very small and has an outstanding reputation. They have their reaccredidation and currently have an extremely short, to no wait time for a referral in the age category that we are looking for. We truly feel like this is where we are supposed to be.
While we were switching agencies we managed to find an independent agency here in town to complete our home study. Our home study is finished and we are just waiting on the written report to come through. They are aware of our push to get it finished as fast as possible and are working to finish the home study as quick as they can. Our I600A will be mailed this week and we were told by an adoptive parent here in our town that used our new agency, that the San Antonio office that we will use got both of their 171H's (they did two separate adoptions) to them in four weeks. Our dossier paperwork should be here in the next couple days and is a very close match to CHI's so we won't have to change a lot of things. We were over half way finished with our dossier paperwork when we were with CHI.
At this point, we are going to get our dossier submitted as quickly as we can and then we should be getting our referral very soon after our dossier is submitted. Things are now happening so quickly that we are almost nervous that we will be ready for a baby by the time it all happens. Somehow I think we'll be able to work that detail out after 7 years of trying to have a child. :)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thought for the Week
I think this quote is applicable to our lives this week.
"Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go." -Sylvia Robinson
I hope everyone has a great last week of October and for those of us that are waiting for a child, I hope this is the last Halloween without a little ghost or goblin by our sides!!
"Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go." -Sylvia Robinson
I hope everyone has a great last week of October and for those of us that are waiting for a child, I hope this is the last Halloween without a little ghost or goblin by our sides!!
Friday, October 26, 2007
You're Just Going to Have to Tough it Out...
I think I've been pretty vocal about my dislike for my insurance company, Scott and White, and our local clinic that we are assigned to here in town. I've got four more reasons to be unsatisfied with that place.
1. Deep inner ear infection
2. Strep throat
3. Bronchitis
4. Pink eye
These were the findings yesterday when I FINALLY got in to see the doctor. I called last Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. for an appt that day. I told them I was really sick and took the day off of work and would like to come in. Nope. They were already booked by 8:30 a.m. but they could let me come into the lobby and do a rapid strep test on me. Fine, I'll take whatever I can get because I was hurting so much. I had my test and they told me they would call within 45 minutes and let me know the results. Three hours later I called them and they said it was negative. I asked them if they could see if the doctor would call in a r/x for some antibiotics, anything, to get me feeling better. I was running a 102 temperature and aching all over. They told me they could send an "electronic message" to the doctor and see if he could do it but it might not be until the next day that he would do anything.
I take the second day off of work and I get a call from the nurse around 4:00 explaining that the doctor thinks its probably viral and there is nothing they can do...."You're just going to have to tough it out and let it run it's course." She told me to give it a week and see how I am.
Yesterday was over a week and I got in to see a Phys Assistant and he quickly started writing prescriptions. I still had a fever and I have a "very deep" inner ear infection, a nasty case of pink eye, bronchitis, and oh what a surprise, my throat is "extremely red and irritated and covered in white bumps"...strep!
Today is day two on my antibiotics ($65 worth, and that is with insurance!) and I am starting to feel A LOT better. I swear, someday I'm going to live in a town that has good medical care and I don't have to go through all of this just to see a doctor and get some relief! I just hope when we get our child home that I'm not dealing with this kind of silliness to get them some help when they are sick because I have a feeling that mama bear won't be so nice about it when its my little cub feeling bad.
1. Deep inner ear infection
2. Strep throat
3. Bronchitis
4. Pink eye
These were the findings yesterday when I FINALLY got in to see the doctor. I called last Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. for an appt that day. I told them I was really sick and took the day off of work and would like to come in. Nope. They were already booked by 8:30 a.m. but they could let me come into the lobby and do a rapid strep test on me. Fine, I'll take whatever I can get because I was hurting so much. I had my test and they told me they would call within 45 minutes and let me know the results. Three hours later I called them and they said it was negative. I asked them if they could see if the doctor would call in a r/x for some antibiotics, anything, to get me feeling better. I was running a 102 temperature and aching all over. They told me they could send an "electronic message" to the doctor and see if he could do it but it might not be until the next day that he would do anything.
I take the second day off of work and I get a call from the nurse around 4:00 explaining that the doctor thinks its probably viral and there is nothing they can do...."You're just going to have to tough it out and let it run it's course." She told me to give it a week and see how I am.
Yesterday was over a week and I got in to see a Phys Assistant and he quickly started writing prescriptions. I still had a fever and I have a "very deep" inner ear infection, a nasty case of pink eye, bronchitis, and oh what a surprise, my throat is "extremely red and irritated and covered in white bumps"...strep!
Today is day two on my antibiotics ($65 worth, and that is with insurance!) and I am starting to feel A LOT better. I swear, someday I'm going to live in a town that has good medical care and I don't have to go through all of this just to see a doctor and get some relief! I just hope when we get our child home that I'm not dealing with this kind of silliness to get them some help when they are sick because I have a feeling that mama bear won't be so nice about it when its my little cub feeling bad.
Monday, October 22, 2007
You Say It's Your Birthday...
Yep, I'm turning 37 today. Eek!! How did 37 get here so fast? Is it just me or do the birthdays seem to be speeding up the older I get? My wonderful husband spoiled me with a Homedics Shiatsu chair massager. I L.O.V.E this thing and I can tell I will get hours of enjoyment from it. In honor of my birthday y'all get to read 37 things about me (I stole this from another blog) that you might not know.
37 Things About Me:
1. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ.
2. I have one sister that is six years younger than me.
3. My parents have been married for 42 years.
4. I was born the day before their anniversary, what a gift huh??
5. I’ve lived in Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.
6. Georgia is my least favorite state, Alabama is my favorite state.
7. The first album I ever owned was Def Leppard Pyromania.
8. When I was four I told my friend Debbie I had the sharpest teeth in the whole wide world and they could bite her finger off. She let me try it and I ended up getting a spanking and sent to bed. She still has the scar to this day.
9. I can name all my elementary and junior high teachers I’ve ever had.
10. I can sing all 50 states thanks to a song my music teacher taught us in the 5th grade. (50 Nifty United States)
11. My mother said she knew I would be a teacher from the time I was little because I was the bossiest kid on the street.
12. I cut my own tonsils out with a plastic PVC pipe when I was five.
13. I love riding on the Harley with Randy. The times we are out together on his motorcycle are my happiest moments.
14. My father made me a motorcycle mama from the time I was little (I think about 3 or 4 years old) when he would let me ride on the gas tank of his dirt bike and we’d ride through the desert by our house. (I'll have to scan that picture sometime to show you)
15. I have never seen “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” nor “Grease”.
16. I theater hopped one time in my life and was scared to death of being caught the entire second movie.
17. After seeing “Star Wars” when I was young, I was afraid to use the toilet for fear that Darth Vader would come up from inside and get me.
18. I used to make up skate dances to Xanadu in my driveway when I was young.
19. I made my own red and white yarn pom poms for my skates to wear in above mentioned Xanadu skate dances.
20. I hate cold weather and cold weather sports like skiing and sledding.
21. I love warm weather and being out at the lake in the sunshine.
22. I played competitive league soccer for six years.
23. I always wanted to be a cheerleader in high school but I couldn’t do a “Russian” (that jump where you spread your legs out to the side and touch your toes) so I never got the courage to try out.
24. I’m fiercely patriotic and hearing the “National Anthem” sung at ball games or events bring tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
25. I love aircraft of all types and LOVE going to air shows with Randy. I guess it’s a good thing I married a pilot!
26. My first try at a university ended with a .96 GPA (that’s not a typo). My second attempt at a university resulted in a 3.9 GPA and graduation with highest honors. Go Sun Devils!
27. I eat chocolate chip cookie dough straight from the tube.
28. I have a passport and it actually has stamps in it!
29. My travel goal is to see the Seven Wonders of the World. So far I’ve only seen one; the Grand Canyon.
30. Before I die, I WILL be on The Price is Right. (I just wish it was with Bob and not Drew, I miss you Bob!)
31. I can change my own oil, change a flat, and jump-start a car. Thanks dad!
32. My mother taught me how to sew and I’ve made all our curtains in this house. Thanks mom!
33. A few close friends means more to me than being someone that name-drops a bunch of people they are friends with but haven’t spoken to in months.
34. I am a closet tree hugger that is worried about the environment.
35. I named my parakeet Sam after the cutest guy in the 7th grade. (I know, cheesy)
36. I am madly in love with Randy and I think he’s the cutest, funniest, most loyal man I’ve ever known.
37. I want to be a mommy before I am 38.
37 Things About Me:
1. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ.
2. I have one sister that is six years younger than me.
3. My parents have been married for 42 years.
4. I was born the day before their anniversary, what a gift huh??
5. I’ve lived in Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.
6. Georgia is my least favorite state, Alabama is my favorite state.
7. The first album I ever owned was Def Leppard Pyromania.
8. When I was four I told my friend Debbie I had the sharpest teeth in the whole wide world and they could bite her finger off. She let me try it and I ended up getting a spanking and sent to bed. She still has the scar to this day.
9. I can name all my elementary and junior high teachers I’ve ever had.
10. I can sing all 50 states thanks to a song my music teacher taught us in the 5th grade. (50 Nifty United States)
11. My mother said she knew I would be a teacher from the time I was little because I was the bossiest kid on the street.
12. I cut my own tonsils out with a plastic PVC pipe when I was five.
13. I love riding on the Harley with Randy. The times we are out together on his motorcycle are my happiest moments.
14. My father made me a motorcycle mama from the time I was little (I think about 3 or 4 years old) when he would let me ride on the gas tank of his dirt bike and we’d ride through the desert by our house. (I'll have to scan that picture sometime to show you)
15. I have never seen “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” nor “Grease”.
16. I theater hopped one time in my life and was scared to death of being caught the entire second movie.
17. After seeing “Star Wars” when I was young, I was afraid to use the toilet for fear that Darth Vader would come up from inside and get me.
18. I used to make up skate dances to Xanadu in my driveway when I was young.
19. I made my own red and white yarn pom poms for my skates to wear in above mentioned Xanadu skate dances.
20. I hate cold weather and cold weather sports like skiing and sledding.
21. I love warm weather and being out at the lake in the sunshine.
22. I played competitive league soccer for six years.
23. I always wanted to be a cheerleader in high school but I couldn’t do a “Russian” (that jump where you spread your legs out to the side and touch your toes) so I never got the courage to try out.
24. I’m fiercely patriotic and hearing the “National Anthem” sung at ball games or events bring tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
25. I love aircraft of all types and LOVE going to air shows with Randy. I guess it’s a good thing I married a pilot!
26. My first try at a university ended with a .96 GPA (that’s not a typo). My second attempt at a university resulted in a 3.9 GPA and graduation with highest honors. Go Sun Devils!
27. I eat chocolate chip cookie dough straight from the tube.
28. I have a passport and it actually has stamps in it!
29. My travel goal is to see the Seven Wonders of the World. So far I’ve only seen one; the Grand Canyon.
30. Before I die, I WILL be on The Price is Right. (I just wish it was with Bob and not Drew, I miss you Bob!)
31. I can change my own oil, change a flat, and jump-start a car. Thanks dad!
32. My mother taught me how to sew and I’ve made all our curtains in this house. Thanks mom!
33. A few close friends means more to me than being someone that name-drops a bunch of people they are friends with but haven’t spoken to in months.
34. I am a closet tree hugger that is worried about the environment.
35. I named my parakeet Sam after the cutest guy in the 7th grade. (I know, cheesy)
36. I am madly in love with Randy and I think he’s the cutest, funniest, most loyal man I’ve ever known.
37. I want to be a mommy before I am 38.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
We're Still Here
I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still here and we are not:
a) pregnant
b) moving
c) sick
I had no idea my post about cancelling our home study would worry so many people. I'm sorry to have given some of you a scare. I had no idea how many of you read this blog and don't leave comments (cough cough Sarah and Kim cough cough) until I get a phone call asking me "what on earth is going on with you" or "you better not be moving". We are still not able to post on our blog what is going on right now with our adoption but I can tell you that Randy and I are so excited about everything and have so much hope on the adoption front for the very near future. I promise I will update everyone as soon as we can talk about it because I'm literally ready to explode with excitement!
a) pregnant
b) moving
c) sick
I had no idea my post about cancelling our home study would worry so many people. I'm sorry to have given some of you a scare. I had no idea how many of you read this blog and don't leave comments (cough cough Sarah and Kim cough cough) until I get a phone call asking me "what on earth is going on with you" or "you better not be moving". We are still not able to post on our blog what is going on right now with our adoption but I can tell you that Randy and I are so excited about everything and have so much hope on the adoption front for the very near future. I promise I will update everyone as soon as we can talk about it because I'm literally ready to explode with excitement!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Cancelled Our Home Study
We decided to cancel our home study. There are some changes ahead for us and we decided to cancel now before our adoption went any further. There are still a few things that need to be done and then we'll be able to update everyone on what is going on with us.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Weekend Fun
We had a great weekend in Fredericksburg for the Oktoberfest. We always love getting out in the RV and seeing new places. We've driven through Fredericksburg several times but never stopped and spent more than one night there. It was so much fun and we were able to visit with our friends, shop, listen to live polka music (you don't get to do that everyday) and we did some hiking.
I've included a few pictures of our weekend fun:
Enchanted Rock outside of Fredericksburg, TX. Second largest granite mountain, no clue what the first largest is. We climbed to the top of this.
The three of us as we started the loonnnggg climb to the top of Enchanted Rock.
Randy and Bella took a break halfway up and enjoyed the view.
We made it to the top!
You can't go to an Oktoberfest and not take a picture in front of the six foot tall beer mug.
I got to do some shopping and the stores of Fredericksburg did not disappoint. I actually let myself buy something for the baby. We don't shop for baby stuff b/c we've never wanted to "jinx" ourselves but I couldn't help buying this little plaque when I saw it. I'm going to hang it on the door of the nursery. 
I came across a quote this weekend that made me immediately stop and take it in. Lately, I've started having dreams about our baby. The dreams happen right before the alarm clock goes off in the morning and when I wake up I try to keep the dream going in my mind because it feels so good. This quote is how I feel about our child when I have these dreams:
"You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you, that's where I'll be waiting" ~Tinkerbell
Have a great week everyone!!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Houston We Have A Home Study
We received a call today from our home study social worker. She will be here next week for her visits! October 13th and 14th are the magical days. I really don't know what to expect, except that she told me that she will meet with us together first and then the next day will meet separately at our house with her while the other person is in another room. She said she will not do the white glove test but she will go through the house and check smoke detectors, outlet covers, and fire extinguishers. We don't have outlet covers and I told her that up front. Do you think we should get them now or wait until our child is ready to come home? I need to have Randy check both of our extinguishers and make sure they aren't expired.
We are leaving for Fredericksburg, TX tomorrow for Oktoberfest. We are taking our RV there and meeting up with some friends that we like to RV with. So that leaves only the week for us to get things ready. Really all we have to do is vacuum, mop, and dust and we'll be fine. But heaven help us if she wants to see the garage. I hope she travels with a hard hat!
Feel free to let me know what to expect so we aren't surprised by anything.
We are leaving for Fredericksburg, TX tomorrow for Oktoberfest. We are taking our RV there and meeting up with some friends that we like to RV with. So that leaves only the week for us to get things ready. Really all we have to do is vacuum, mop, and dust and we'll be fine. But heaven help us if she wants to see the garage. I hope she travels with a hard hat!
Feel free to let me know what to expect so we aren't surprised by anything.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
