Just a quick update today.
We just had the second half of our garage sale extravaganza on Saturday and our total money raised across both Saturdays is... (insert drum roll here)...$2,200!!!
We were amazed by the generosity of so many people. I wish that I could tell you all the stories, because we had so many people tell us how adoption has touched their lives in some way. We had so many people literally hand us money for the cause. I was overwhelmed by the generosity.
If you came by to see us either Saturday, I want you to know how much it really means to both of us. You are now officially part of our adoption story. Like it or not! Thank you for blessing us.
I couldn't help but allow the generosity and kindness to wash over me. I kept thinking of how unworthy we are of such blessing. God has richly blessed every step of the way along this journey. Although it is very easy for me to be impatient and long for control of the situation, I realize that the less control I have and the more patient I am, the more I get to simply sit back and allow God to wash more and more blessings over us. He has this whole process taken care of. He knows how it will end and I can trust that.
To date we now have raised and saved a total of $14,600! That means we have $7,000 - $9,000 to go. That may seem like a daunting task, but I have complete faith that God will provide for us in miraculous ways. I mean, He has already, so why not anticipate that He will continue to?
It seems so, I don't know, not enough to simply post a blog to say thanks to everyone who gave us items for the garage sale, came out to see us and gave us money for the items or gave us money just because. I suppose that's all I can do, but I hope that in between the lines of this text you can see that my gratitude comes from the most sincere heart.
I wish that I had more news to update you with on the process. All I can say is that we have been on the waiting list for 3 1/2 months. That is right in the average wait time of 3-6 months, so we can't complain. I will be sure and update you all just as soon as we have any more information. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Much love and gratitude,
AA
PS - Congrats to the raffle winner, Sarah Epp!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Adoption - Day 280
Greetings to you all and a very happy Cinco de Mayo!
Coming up this weekend, as many of you know, is our big garage sale, with another to follow on May 14th. We have a garage filled with amazing things that have been generously given by so many families. The photo at the bottom of the blog is of our garage. Nevermind that my parents' garage has a similar view.
We have been making signs, gathering tents and sticker pricing for the last two weeks and all I can say is that I am looking forward to having our home return to normal. I'm looking forward to no longer having to walk around the block just to get into my vehicle parked in the driveway.
One thing that we have heavily advertised is that this is a fundraising garage sale for our adoption. Yes, it's on every sign and in every ad we have placed. We will be posting our story of adoption at the checkout table and, since I have to write the story for the poster anyway, I thought I'd post it for all of you. This is just in case you've never heard the whole story, or this is your first time visiting the blog. So, grab a cup 'o Joe, a muffin and settle in:
Once upon a time...in a land far far away. Well, in Santa Cruz, California, so not really all that far. There were two young people, engaged to be married and move to Seattle. After moving to Seattle, there was a knock on the door and their hearts to move southward to the Portland area where Ashley's family resides.
Just prior to leaving Seattle, in the spring of 2008, Ashley happened to mention to Tim that she "pulled the goalie." This meant that she stopped taking the pill. Tim was alarmed and surprised, but after much discussion, they agreed that they would begin the process of trying to have a baby.
They tried and tried for months without success. So, Ashley went to the doctor in December of 2008 and was given an arm full of medicines and techniques and ideas to try at home. A full year of medicines, techniques and ideas left Ashley (and Tim) feeling disappointed and exhausted from the endless mood swings and bodily changes.
After 6 more months of non-medicinal attempts to have a baby, they decided that it was time to pursue adoption. You see, adoption was always in their minds and hearts because they both come from families with adopted mothers. Tim also has five Korean adopted aunts and uncles. So, needless to say, adoption was very near and dear to their hearts from the beginning. It took Ashley more time to warm to the idea of adoption because the last thing she would want was to feel like adoption was second best, or a replacement for biological children. She wanted to equally yearn for an adopted child as she would a biological one.
In August of 2010, Tim and Ashley felt God's call to move forward and leapt into the process of adoption by deciding on an adoption agency in Georgia. Because they have a beautiful mixed niece, they decided to adopt through the African American program to give their niece a cousin to confide in and share life with in a capacity that they wouldn't be able to understand.
They officially landed on the waiting list in January and it has been 3 1/2 months of waiting patiently and, really, that's all they can do. So, they anxiously await the day when they get to bring itty bitty Ainley home. For now, they prepare their hearts and their home for that very special day.
The Process: All paperwork, known as the official "homestudy" is completed and turned into the adoption agency for approval. Approval is given to the adoptive family and they are placed on the waitlist. The waitlist is a waiting list for a pregnant mother to select a family from for her unborn child. The pregnant mother selects a family in her 7th month of pregnancy or later, so the adoptive family does not have much time to prepare once they are matched with a mother. The reason for this is to reduce the chances that the mother changes her mind, opting not to adopt out her child, which is a very painful decision for the adoptive parent. Once a pregnant mother selects the family, and the family accepts the selection, she is given up until 10 days after birth to change her mind.
The adoptive parents will not meet the new baby until day 11, so as to avoid any attachment to a child that is not officially, law-bindingly, their child.
The Cost: $22,000 - $24,000
- This includes all legal fees, birth mother's medical expenses, home study fees, and agency fees.
How much has been raised/saved to date: $13,000
------
All I can say is that it's far too hard to talk in third person. Especially when she's sleepy, I mean...I'm sleepy. I don't know anymore who is she or we or me.
Before I fall asleep with my head on the keyboard and end up typing something like asdbhguwegawlg iga;regh erga unintentionally, I must bid you all adieu. I will check back in after the garage sale and give an update on its success. If you are in the area, I hope that we get to see your smiling face!
Adios!
AA
Here is one of the songs from the Lullaby CD that I have been working on with my friend Aaron Ankrom. It's just a little somethin something for our baby.
Coming up this weekend, as many of you know, is our big garage sale, with another to follow on May 14th. We have a garage filled with amazing things that have been generously given by so many families. The photo at the bottom of the blog is of our garage. Nevermind that my parents' garage has a similar view.
We have been making signs, gathering tents and sticker pricing for the last two weeks and all I can say is that I am looking forward to having our home return to normal. I'm looking forward to no longer having to walk around the block just to get into my vehicle parked in the driveway.
One thing that we have heavily advertised is that this is a fundraising garage sale for our adoption. Yes, it's on every sign and in every ad we have placed. We will be posting our story of adoption at the checkout table and, since I have to write the story for the poster anyway, I thought I'd post it for all of you. This is just in case you've never heard the whole story, or this is your first time visiting the blog. So, grab a cup 'o Joe, a muffin and settle in:
Once upon a time...in a land far far away. Well, in Santa Cruz, California, so not really all that far. There were two young people, engaged to be married and move to Seattle. After moving to Seattle, there was a knock on the door and their hearts to move southward to the Portland area where Ashley's family resides.
Just prior to leaving Seattle, in the spring of 2008, Ashley happened to mention to Tim that she "pulled the goalie." This meant that she stopped taking the pill. Tim was alarmed and surprised, but after much discussion, they agreed that they would begin the process of trying to have a baby.
They tried and tried for months without success. So, Ashley went to the doctor in December of 2008 and was given an arm full of medicines and techniques and ideas to try at home. A full year of medicines, techniques and ideas left Ashley (and Tim) feeling disappointed and exhausted from the endless mood swings and bodily changes.
After 6 more months of non-medicinal attempts to have a baby, they decided that it was time to pursue adoption. You see, adoption was always in their minds and hearts because they both come from families with adopted mothers. Tim also has five Korean adopted aunts and uncles. So, needless to say, adoption was very near and dear to their hearts from the beginning. It took Ashley more time to warm to the idea of adoption because the last thing she would want was to feel like adoption was second best, or a replacement for biological children. She wanted to equally yearn for an adopted child as she would a biological one.
In August of 2010, Tim and Ashley felt God's call to move forward and leapt into the process of adoption by deciding on an adoption agency in Georgia. Because they have a beautiful mixed niece, they decided to adopt through the African American program to give their niece a cousin to confide in and share life with in a capacity that they wouldn't be able to understand.
They officially landed on the waiting list in January and it has been 3 1/2 months of waiting patiently and, really, that's all they can do. So, they anxiously await the day when they get to bring itty bitty Ainley home. For now, they prepare their hearts and their home for that very special day.
The Process: All paperwork, known as the official "homestudy" is completed and turned into the adoption agency for approval. Approval is given to the adoptive family and they are placed on the waitlist. The waitlist is a waiting list for a pregnant mother to select a family from for her unborn child. The pregnant mother selects a family in her 7th month of pregnancy or later, so the adoptive family does not have much time to prepare once they are matched with a mother. The reason for this is to reduce the chances that the mother changes her mind, opting not to adopt out her child, which is a very painful decision for the adoptive parent. Once a pregnant mother selects the family, and the family accepts the selection, she is given up until 10 days after birth to change her mind.
The adoptive parents will not meet the new baby until day 11, so as to avoid any attachment to a child that is not officially, law-bindingly, their child.
The Cost: $22,000 - $24,000
- This includes all legal fees, birth mother's medical expenses, home study fees, and agency fees.
How much has been raised/saved to date: $13,000
------
All I can say is that it's far too hard to talk in third person. Especially when she's sleepy, I mean...I'm sleepy. I don't know anymore who is she or we or me.
Before I fall asleep with my head on the keyboard and end up typing something like asdbhguwegawlg iga;regh erga unintentionally, I must bid you all adieu. I will check back in after the garage sale and give an update on its success. If you are in the area, I hope that we get to see your smiling face!
Adios!
AA
Here is one of the songs from the Lullaby CD that I have been working on with my friend Aaron Ankrom. It's just a little somethin something for our baby.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Adoption - Day 263
Here's shorty for now.
For those of you who are new to my blog... we are adopting! If you need a recap on where we are at, please feel free to peruse my old posts. Yes, we have been in the process now for 263 days! In some ways time has flown by, in others it's really been crawling.
We have consistently been blown away by how God has immensely blessed us throughout this process. He has made it very clear that this is right where He wants us and He continues to pour out His financial blessing as we inch our way closer to raising the funds to make the adoption process possible. We just surpassed the half-way mark last month, thanks to some very generous family and friends.
In an effort to raise more funds, we have put together a seriously killer garage sale. We've been collecting stuff for over 6 months. If you have given us stuff, thank you thank you! It's really amazing.
Even if you have no desire to purchase anything at the sale, we'd still love to see your smiling face. We will be hanging out on May 7th 9am - 3pm and May 14th 9am - 3pm in the back alley of our house (sounds sketchy, but really it isn't). We are located in the Battle Ground Village. We are right near the entry, so you couldn't miss us, even if you tried. We'd find you.
We'll have raffle, baked goods, music, laughter and lots of fun. I really hope to see you there.
If you can't make it, but you want to help raise funds, have no fear! You can help us by donating directly to the Itty Bitty Ainley Fund. To the right ----> you will see a blurb about Paypal and such. If you are thinking about doing this, please, you MUST know... that we are ever so grateful!!! It means so so much to us.
Well, that's all I have for now. Thanks for tuning in. More exciting updates to come!
-A.A.
Find garage sales
in Battle Ground, WA.
For those of you who are new to my blog... we are adopting! If you need a recap on where we are at, please feel free to peruse my old posts. Yes, we have been in the process now for 263 days! In some ways time has flown by, in others it's really been crawling.
We have consistently been blown away by how God has immensely blessed us throughout this process. He has made it very clear that this is right where He wants us and He continues to pour out His financial blessing as we inch our way closer to raising the funds to make the adoption process possible. We just surpassed the half-way mark last month, thanks to some very generous family and friends.
In an effort to raise more funds, we have put together a seriously killer garage sale. We've been collecting stuff for over 6 months. If you have given us stuff, thank you thank you! It's really amazing.
Even if you have no desire to purchase anything at the sale, we'd still love to see your smiling face. We will be hanging out on May 7th 9am - 3pm and May 14th 9am - 3pm in the back alley of our house (sounds sketchy, but really it isn't). We are located in the Battle Ground Village. We are right near the entry, so you couldn't miss us, even if you tried. We'd find you.
We'll have raffle, baked goods, music, laughter and lots of fun. I really hope to see you there.
If you can't make it, but you want to help raise funds, have no fear! You can help us by donating directly to the Itty Bitty Ainley Fund. To the right ----> you will see a blurb about Paypal and such. If you are thinking about doing this, please, you MUST know... that we are ever so grateful!!! It means so so much to us.
Well, that's all I have for now. Thanks for tuning in. More exciting updates to come!
-A.A.
Find garage sales
in Battle Ground, WA.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Adoption - Day 240
Greetings all.
Well, we heard back from our adoption agency today regarding the mother who is pregnant with a baby girl and is due on April 25th. She chose another family just this week.
It's reasonable to say I'm disappointed and it's easy to allow the "Why not me" flurry of questions to swarm my thoughts, but when I got in the shower this morning, I kid you not, God gave me a gift of a song to encourage me. I was hoping to be able to share the song with my playlist, but it doesn't seem to be up on playlist.com. Here are some of the words:
"Before you let your circumstance tell you how the story ends. Know that His word says you can stand. He'll cover you with His grace. Everything you need is in your hands, so lift up your hands and sing... All things are working for me. Even things I can't see. Your ways are so beyond me. But you said that you would, let it be for my good. So I'll rest and just believe. The truth is He cannot lie, I'm in His hands and I'm on his mind, promised me He'd always be there, so by faith He will answer my prayer"
I tell you what. I sure don't see how this is going to pan out. I have no idea how long we will have to be patient. What I do know is that in moments when I feel disappointed, my faith with remain and I will trust that all things, all things are working for my good. So, if that means I'm going to need to be patient for a year, two years, I'll do it. Doesn't mean it won't hurt like crazy. It just means I won't have to go it alone.
I also really like this Rich Mullins song (I know, old school) that has a lyric that says "People say maybe things will get better. People say maybe it won't be long. People say maybe you'll wake up tomorrow and it'll all be gone. I only know that maybe just ain't enough when you need something to hold on to. There's only one thing that is clear. I know there is bound to come some trouble to [my] life. But that ain't nothing to be afraid of. I know there's bound to come some tears in [my] eyes...just reach out to Jesus, hold on tight. He's been there before and He knows what it's like. [I'll] find He's there."
Yep. That's what I have to say today. Call me preachy, but in my pain and in this struggle and longing to become a mother, I cannot help but shout from the rooftops what keeps me optimistic, what keeps me going, what lifts me up.
On another note, there are some anti-abortion laws that are on the move. HALLELUJAH! (See news story here). I can't help but rejoice when the murder of innocent victims is re-evaluated by our government and progress is made to end thoughtless slaughter.
And...on another note. I got some fabric for the curtains in my bedroom. I am thrilled about them! I've posted photos below of what's to come. Now to sew them. :)
Sorry so heavy today, folks. Not my normal skippity doo dah self, I suppose.
I'm sure next time I will have a more upbeat post about SPRING! Because I love spring! More things to come.
AA
Well, we heard back from our adoption agency today regarding the mother who is pregnant with a baby girl and is due on April 25th. She chose another family just this week.
It's reasonable to say I'm disappointed and it's easy to allow the "Why not me" flurry of questions to swarm my thoughts, but when I got in the shower this morning, I kid you not, God gave me a gift of a song to encourage me. I was hoping to be able to share the song with my playlist, but it doesn't seem to be up on playlist.com. Here are some of the words:
"Before you let your circumstance tell you how the story ends. Know that His word says you can stand. He'll cover you with His grace. Everything you need is in your hands, so lift up your hands and sing... All things are working for me. Even things I can't see. Your ways are so beyond me. But you said that you would, let it be for my good. So I'll rest and just believe. The truth is He cannot lie, I'm in His hands and I'm on his mind, promised me He'd always be there, so by faith He will answer my prayer"
I tell you what. I sure don't see how this is going to pan out. I have no idea how long we will have to be patient. What I do know is that in moments when I feel disappointed, my faith with remain and I will trust that all things, all things are working for my good. So, if that means I'm going to need to be patient for a year, two years, I'll do it. Doesn't mean it won't hurt like crazy. It just means I won't have to go it alone.
I also really like this Rich Mullins song (I know, old school) that has a lyric that says "People say maybe things will get better. People say maybe it won't be long. People say maybe you'll wake up tomorrow and it'll all be gone. I only know that maybe just ain't enough when you need something to hold on to. There's only one thing that is clear. I know there is bound to come some trouble to [my] life. But that ain't nothing to be afraid of. I know there's bound to come some tears in [my] eyes...just reach out to Jesus, hold on tight. He's been there before and He knows what it's like. [I'll] find He's there."
Yep. That's what I have to say today. Call me preachy, but in my pain and in this struggle and longing to become a mother, I cannot help but shout from the rooftops what keeps me optimistic, what keeps me going, what lifts me up.
On another note, there are some anti-abortion laws that are on the move. HALLELUJAH! (See news story here). I can't help but rejoice when the murder of innocent victims is re-evaluated by our government and progress is made to end thoughtless slaughter.
And...on another note. I got some fabric for the curtains in my bedroom. I am thrilled about them! I've posted photos below of what's to come. Now to sew them. :)
Sorry so heavy today, folks. Not my normal skippity doo dah self, I suppose.
I'm sure next time I will have a more upbeat post about SPRING! Because I love spring! More things to come.
AA
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Adoption - Day 217
Whether you enjoy March Madness or the luck of the Irish, a very happy March to you!
An update is long overdue, but part of my hesitation is just that there isn't much to say. It would be dull to post weekly: "We're still waiting." So, today I bring some FUN and EXCITING news!
Since I knew a blog update was overdue, I fired off a, as my mom would say, "kick the can down the road" kind of email. I danced around the issue indecisively in my email, but what I really wanted to know was if our family book had been viewed by any mothers. The last time I checked in with her was in January and she had said 8-9 mothers were about ready to make their decision on a family. Of those 8-9 mothers, several of them have transitioned out of the program and have decided to parent their child, which is great news! I always have to celebrate when a mother decides to keep and love their child, even if that pushes out our "due date" further.
But beyond that, here was her response (get ready, because I was seriously so excited I nearly fell out of my chair with glee...yes, if you are wondering, my hopes are already up...so sue me)
From our rep at An Open Door (adoption agency):
"I just told a caseworker to show your book to birth mother expecting a baby girl on April 25th."
Wow. WOW! So, this blog has two-fold purpose. One purpose is to spread that tid-bit of fun news, keeping in mind that she could very well not choose us and that's completely fine, but if she does...oh man oh man. And two, I figure, why not call in the "troops" and start praying for this mother like ugly on an ape! Regardless if this mother chooses us, she has a big decision ahead of her in the coming week or two. So, I urge you, throw up a prayer for her right now! I mean... put down the sandwich, burger, celery, pie or twinkie and say a quick prayer!! Okay, don't do it if you are driving. And STOP READING THIS BLOG if you are driving. I know, I know...it's SO amazing you just can't wait to read it, but if you must read it at least safely pull over. (haha, oh what a funny image that brings to mind. I highly doubt people flock to their computers to read my little blurbs)
So, now that I've given the commission to prayer for this mother, I must tell you a little about how it feels. I think, at least for me, it gives just a little glimpse of the joy and excitement that will come when we get that actual phone call to say we have a mother who has selected us. Just a small little taste of the joy that comes when I envision holding a pregnancy stick with a "+" on it. I've had a few people tell me not to get my hopes up. Well, the truth is, why not? I'll be disappointed if we don't get select, for sure, but that I get to ride this wave of emotion is spectacular! It's the first time that the emotional connection has really been made to this process. All along I have felt passion, but never deep-belly, tingle-toes joy like I did when I thought about the possibility of April 25th. So, this has been special for me. I know it may be fleeting and may just be a little blessing I get to experience for just a few days, but boy am I thankful.
A gal in my small group at church said last night that her son was asking about a friend of hers who they had prayed would have a baby and now she was going to have one and her son said, "Mommy, did you and daddy pray for a baby, too?" And she responded, "Yes, honey, of course we did." And her son says,"Did you get one?" And she says, "Yes, honey we did." And he says..."What's the baby's name?" Of course she laughed but as soon as she told him that the baby's name was his name he lit up like a Christmas tree. That idea of being wanted, desired and anticipated just can't be beat. So, all I want to say in closing is that little baby Ainley, wherever you are, you are wanted, desired and highly anticipated. We just cannot wait until the day we get to hold you for the first time. It's breathtaking thinking about it.
Thanks for tuning into my blather about all things adoption and other random oddities. Having so many of you talk with me in person about things I have written in my blog really fills my heart with joy. It makes me realize that I'm not alone and that there are people out there who care about this journey. I so appreciate all the love and support we have received. It is certainly not lost on me.
As a quick aside, speaking of people "out there", I was looking at my blog's information and I noticed that I have a few views from China and Australia. If that's you, thanks for tuning in!
Gooday Mates & 再见,
Ashley
PS - I cut my hair (thanks to inspiration from my friend Kymmi!)
An update is long overdue, but part of my hesitation is just that there isn't much to say. It would be dull to post weekly: "We're still waiting." So, today I bring some FUN and EXCITING news!
Since I knew a blog update was overdue, I fired off a, as my mom would say, "kick the can down the road" kind of email. I danced around the issue indecisively in my email, but what I really wanted to know was if our family book had been viewed by any mothers. The last time I checked in with her was in January and she had said 8-9 mothers were about ready to make their decision on a family. Of those 8-9 mothers, several of them have transitioned out of the program and have decided to parent their child, which is great news! I always have to celebrate when a mother decides to keep and love their child, even if that pushes out our "due date" further.
But beyond that, here was her response (get ready, because I was seriously so excited I nearly fell out of my chair with glee...yes, if you are wondering, my hopes are already up...so sue me)
From our rep at An Open Door (adoption agency):
"I just told a caseworker to show your book to birth mother expecting a baby girl on April 25th."
Wow. WOW! So, this blog has two-fold purpose. One purpose is to spread that tid-bit of fun news, keeping in mind that she could very well not choose us and that's completely fine, but if she does...oh man oh man. And two, I figure, why not call in the "troops" and start praying for this mother like ugly on an ape! Regardless if this mother chooses us, she has a big decision ahead of her in the coming week or two. So, I urge you, throw up a prayer for her right now! I mean... put down the sandwich, burger, celery, pie or twinkie and say a quick prayer!! Okay, don't do it if you are driving. And STOP READING THIS BLOG if you are driving. I know, I know...it's SO amazing you just can't wait to read it, but if you must read it at least safely pull over. (haha, oh what a funny image that brings to mind. I highly doubt people flock to their computers to read my little blurbs)
So, now that I've given the commission to prayer for this mother, I must tell you a little about how it feels. I think, at least for me, it gives just a little glimpse of the joy and excitement that will come when we get that actual phone call to say we have a mother who has selected us. Just a small little taste of the joy that comes when I envision holding a pregnancy stick with a "+" on it. I've had a few people tell me not to get my hopes up. Well, the truth is, why not? I'll be disappointed if we don't get select, for sure, but that I get to ride this wave of emotion is spectacular! It's the first time that the emotional connection has really been made to this process. All along I have felt passion, but never deep-belly, tingle-toes joy like I did when I thought about the possibility of April 25th. So, this has been special for me. I know it may be fleeting and may just be a little blessing I get to experience for just a few days, but boy am I thankful.
A gal in my small group at church said last night that her son was asking about a friend of hers who they had prayed would have a baby and now she was going to have one and her son said, "Mommy, did you and daddy pray for a baby, too?" And she responded, "Yes, honey, of course we did." And her son says,"Did you get one?" And she says, "Yes, honey we did." And he says..."What's the baby's name?" Of course she laughed but as soon as she told him that the baby's name was his name he lit up like a Christmas tree. That idea of being wanted, desired and anticipated just can't be beat. So, all I want to say in closing is that little baby Ainley, wherever you are, you are wanted, desired and highly anticipated. We just cannot wait until the day we get to hold you for the first time. It's breathtaking thinking about it.
Thanks for tuning into my blather about all things adoption and other random oddities. Having so many of you talk with me in person about things I have written in my blog really fills my heart with joy. It makes me realize that I'm not alone and that there are people out there who care about this journey. I so appreciate all the love and support we have received. It is certainly not lost on me.
As a quick aside, speaking of people "out there", I was looking at my blog's information and I noticed that I have a few views from China and Australia. If that's you, thanks for tuning in!
Gooday Mates & 再见,
Ashley
PS - I cut my hair (thanks to inspiration from my friend Kymmi!)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentines Day!
A little song I threw together to celebrate the day. Click to listen.
My Funny Valentine - Ashley Ainley
My Funny Valentine - Ashley Ainley
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Adoption - Day 182
Happy Winter! There's not much in lieu of holidays right now, so a generic "winter" will suffice.
Well, I'm happy to say we are officially on the Adoption Waiting List! Hooray for unnecessary capitalization and for being on the list! It is finally, completely, 100% out of our hands. It's up to that right mother to choose us. Well, we know that all along it's never been in our hands. We know that this whole thing was scripted long ago by God to play out exactly as it has been.
So, now's the hard part, I suppose. All we do is wait. But, I have been talking with our program supervisor and she has told me that there are 8-9 mothers (the number is a moving target, since more mothers join the program and some mothers decide not to adopt all the time) that are about ready to make their decision about a family. Now, we do have to keep in mind that we are 1 of about 30 waiting families, so we could very easily not be selected, too. But the crazy part is that if one of these mothers does select us, we could be parents as early as late March. Um, excuse me did you say March? As in 2011 March? Yes, yes I did. Holy toledo it's time to get a move on! I've got to get a crib, diapers, clothes, curtains, bottles, nursery stuff, baby shampoo, lotion, car seat, stroller, a name we like, a middle name we like, formula, insurance plan, a will, a work plan, a......a........a.........(me.... running for hills)
...20 minutes later.
Wow, okay those pretty hills I can see out my window sure are a lot farther away than I thought. And I realized a jacket might have been a good idea. So, I came back. Back to reality. Back to my senses. So, I guess having a baby means you have to be prepared. I get that. I was just telling a girlfriend the other day that truly, honestly, I have this supernatural peace that I cling to. I mean seriously cling to, like it's going out of style. (Aside: Peace going out of style, let's hope that never happens. Except those peace signs. They can go. I thought they did, but they creep up and sneak into "fashion" every now and again just to remind us that yes, yes, peace can be contorted into something terrible and ridiculous). This peace I have soothes me during those times where I feel so incapable, so unprepared, so inadequate. I have this peace that God showers over me and says that this whole thing was scripted long before I even knew we would be adopting. He's never going to give me more than I can handle and He will always walk beside us through this. Of course everything is going to be okay. If that means our baby wears grocery bags for diapers for the first week, so be it. Disclaimer: Don't worry you CPS folks, I have no intention of putting our infant in a grocery bag. I realize the hazard they are. Sheesh, oversensitive hooligans.
So, we are once again finding ourselves excited. We realize there is much to accomplish before baby comes, not the least of which is finances to pay for this ordeal, but we are trusting that God's going to provide. I've mentioned this before, but I had a friend ask me about it last week. Yes, if you would like to give (and this is my: There is no obligation whatsoever clause) to our adoption fund, you can do so by clicking on the link to the top right of my blog. It will take you to a Paypal account that deposits directly into the fund. No, not our personal vacation fund, it deposits into a bank account called "Itty Bitty Ainley" and the account will only be used for adoption expenses. If this is something you are considering, please know that we are very grateful!!! For those of you who prefer to simply read the blog and journey with us, please know that your presence (even in a distant cyberspacey way) is deeply felt and so appreciated. Your support has been felt by the two of us with every step.
Well, it's been lovely checking in, but there's a heckovalot of things to be done so I'd better scoot. Oh, by the way, I did finish up the painting portion of the nursery, thanks to both my wonderful hubby and my dad who helped with putting up a beautiful chair rail.
Adios!
Ashley
PS - Yes, I realize these aren't stellar. I'll try and take one during the daytime to give you a better idea. It's supposed to be a sky blue and latte tan color with off-white trim. It looks very boyish, but with a cute pastel pink it easily swings girl. Oh, and the closet doors are going away and that will become a built-in closet with cute curtains. I hate closet doors.
Well, I'm happy to say we are officially on the Adoption Waiting List! Hooray for unnecessary capitalization and for being on the list! It is finally, completely, 100% out of our hands. It's up to that right mother to choose us. Well, we know that all along it's never been in our hands. We know that this whole thing was scripted long ago by God to play out exactly as it has been.
So, now's the hard part, I suppose. All we do is wait. But, I have been talking with our program supervisor and she has told me that there are 8-9 mothers (the number is a moving target, since more mothers join the program and some mothers decide not to adopt all the time) that are about ready to make their decision about a family. Now, we do have to keep in mind that we are 1 of about 30 waiting families, so we could very easily not be selected, too. But the crazy part is that if one of these mothers does select us, we could be parents as early as late March. Um, excuse me did you say March? As in 2011 March? Yes, yes I did. Holy toledo it's time to get a move on! I've got to get a crib, diapers, clothes, curtains, bottles, nursery stuff, baby shampoo, lotion, car seat, stroller, a name we like, a middle name we like, formula, insurance plan, a will, a work plan, a......a........a.........(me.... running for hills)
...20 minutes later.
Wow, okay those pretty hills I can see out my window sure are a lot farther away than I thought. And I realized a jacket might have been a good idea. So, I came back. Back to reality. Back to my senses. So, I guess having a baby means you have to be prepared. I get that. I was just telling a girlfriend the other day that truly, honestly, I have this supernatural peace that I cling to. I mean seriously cling to, like it's going out of style. (Aside: Peace going out of style, let's hope that never happens. Except those peace signs. They can go. I thought they did, but they creep up and sneak into "fashion" every now and again just to remind us that yes, yes, peace can be contorted into something terrible and ridiculous). This peace I have soothes me during those times where I feel so incapable, so unprepared, so inadequate. I have this peace that God showers over me and says that this whole thing was scripted long before I even knew we would be adopting. He's never going to give me more than I can handle and He will always walk beside us through this. Of course everything is going to be okay. If that means our baby wears grocery bags for diapers for the first week, so be it. Disclaimer: Don't worry you CPS folks, I have no intention of putting our infant in a grocery bag. I realize the hazard they are. Sheesh, oversensitive hooligans.
So, we are once again finding ourselves excited. We realize there is much to accomplish before baby comes, not the least of which is finances to pay for this ordeal, but we are trusting that God's going to provide. I've mentioned this before, but I had a friend ask me about it last week. Yes, if you would like to give (and this is my: There is no obligation whatsoever clause) to our adoption fund, you can do so by clicking on the link to the top right of my blog. It will take you to a Paypal account that deposits directly into the fund. No, not our personal vacation fund, it deposits into a bank account called "Itty Bitty Ainley" and the account will only be used for adoption expenses. If this is something you are considering, please know that we are very grateful!!! For those of you who prefer to simply read the blog and journey with us, please know that your presence (even in a distant cyberspacey way) is deeply felt and so appreciated. Your support has been felt by the two of us with every step.
Well, it's been lovely checking in, but there's a heckovalot of things to be done so I'd better scoot. Oh, by the way, I did finish up the painting portion of the nursery, thanks to both my wonderful hubby and my dad who helped with putting up a beautiful chair rail.
Adios!
Ashley
PS - Yes, I realize these aren't stellar. I'll try and take one during the daytime to give you a better idea. It's supposed to be a sky blue and latte tan color with off-white trim. It looks very boyish, but with a cute pastel pink it easily swings girl. Oh, and the closet doors are going away and that will become a built-in closet with cute curtains. I hate closet doors.
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