A New Chapter Begins!

One year ago this week, S & I embarked upon our last attempt at in vitro fertilization to begin our family. For those of you who followed our blog back then, you'll recall that it was a roller-coaster of a process with high hopes that were followed closely by disappointment. While we were sad to put this final attempt at a biological family behind us, we still had the hope of becoming parents through adoption.


Today, we're happy to announce that we have been officially activated as an "Expecting Family" with our adoption agency.  By activating, we've completed a number of hurdles in our journey through the adoption process.  Over the last year along this journey we have:


1. Interviewed dozens of adoption agencies in the United States over the phone;

2. Traveled to meet in-person with our two favorite agencies - one in California and one in Kansas;

3. Selected American Adoptions in Overland Park, Kansas (licensed in Arizona) as our adoption agency;

4. Completed state and federal criminal and child abuse background checks;

5. Had our home visited twice by our Arizona social worker;

6. Had our Home Study filed by our Arizona social worker;

7. Received word of the Court's acceptance of our Home Study;

8. Completed a print and online couple profile to market us to potential birth parents;

9. Completed a video profile to assist in marketing us to potential birth parents;

10. Paid our Activation Fee (gulp!);

11. Begun out-of-the-box projects and ways to adopt without debt

11. Received word this morning that our profile has begun widespread distribution to prospective birth parents nationwide.


To get here, many of you have had a role to play; and for that we are so eternally grateful! From lending your  testimony as a recommendation to our social worker for the home study this Spring to providing us with words and letters of encouragement along the way; to presents and tips on nursery ideas and most importantly, prayers this adoption process has been made all the more special because of your support and love for us.

THANK YOU!

Over the next several months, we'll blog daily - yes, DAILY - about our progress toward becoming parents. We'll keep you informed of the good, the bad and everything in-between and ask that you share our blog with family and friends who you think might be interested in our journey.  Also, share your comments, questions and feedback on the blog. It's a great way for our extended family and friends to participate in the discussion and our journey to becoming parents. With so many of us located all around the world, this is a great way for us to stay in touch with one another!
It's been a long, winding and sometimes bumpy ride - but we wouldn't change a thing and hope that our story can be of value to others who may be considering a similar path.


Tune in tomorrow for another update!