Paper Pregnant!!!!!!!

Wow...I really honestly didn't think that we would be making this announcement this soon in the year, however, I am surprised daily by some of the things I do. Joel and I, after getting a great talkin' to from an amazing person, realized that we are ready for the challenge and are going to start the adoption process. We have literally been battling with this idea for the past year, and finally had our prayers answered in a humbling way. I almost feel stupid for waiting so long after so many failed attempts, but I was still trying to hold on to hope and a miracle to allow me to conceive....thanks to our dear friend who, I believe, was spiritually guided to say what she did - when she did, we came to realize that it is possible that the miracle to have a baby join our family is available, through adoption.

Now we are not exactly sure the complete process, but have tons of people who will be coaching us...but what we think we know is that it can take sometime to process the paperwork, get the home study, and prepare everything that is necessary to be eligible for adoption...we are thinking maybe 6 months to get the ball rolling...we send our papers in tomorrow and will hear back from them on our next steps.

For years I have felt so depressed and upset and empty feeling inside...I have felt like I wasn't doing something right with myself...but ever since Joel and I sat down and made the decision that we are ready to adopt and have a family, I have felt overwhelming joy in my life. I find things to smile about, I look at children and babies, and know that sometime soon I will be able to be a mom. The thought of going to the temple and having our little child sealed to us, is remarkable. I know that the Lord has been waiting for us to make the next step, and I feel that we are doing the right thing. I have concerns and fears, but they are just minimal things, that will not stop me from doing what I know was meant for us at this time in our lives. I have told so many people lately, that if I look back in my life, I have been guided for adoption. I have a very dear friend whom I admire and love, who was adopted and I have other personal things that have prepared me for this type of life. I can't wait to get the ball rolling and to start shopping for baby items....our first big step towards being prepared was that we bought a new car. We had to have something family friendly, and knowing that the actual process of adoption could take some time, we decided to buy a car now, when we could still afford an extra payment on our plate. Things will begin to change for us as we adapt to a different budget and lifestyle in preparation for having a child, we just hope that we can count on all of you, our friends and family, for your support and prayers.

We look forward to updating you on this new step in our life as time goes one. If you know of any birth mothers who are looking to place their newborns up for adoption, think of us...