[theresa0604]

Hi girls - how is everyone doing? I'm back home for a little bit in MD but head back down to FL next week to continue to take care of my mom. My sister and I alternate and I'm able to still work while I'm there so it's working well for now. Mom will have to make some longer term decisions after her chemo is over in September but for now we're all hanging in there.

Island girl - thanks for the well wishes for my mom ... we are optimistic. As it relates to the wait, we decided to work with a referral company and they recommended several different agencies who state that the wait could be 6 - 18 months. What I will say is that we have already had quite a bit of activity - one birth mother was even on her way to the hospital in labor but although we haven't been matched yet, we are hopeful that it will be no more than a year from when we were green lighted which was June.

Sarah - sorry to hear about the confusion renewing your homestudy. Our social worker did mention a renewal fee but didn't say anything about getting updated documents - I guess it makes sense but still that would be yet another cost

Caribbean Queen - congrats on getting things started - did you get to meet with your social worker yet?

Gangof4 - I know how excited we got towards the end of our homestudy. Once all the interviews were complete and the paperwork it took about 30 days to get approved and finalized but it was so exciting that day we got approved b/c we really felt like we made some great progress. How long before you hear that you have been approved?

momtocats4now - thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. It is so re-affirming to hear your perspective on things ... this journey is very emotional and at times my emotions can run rappant but hearing your story and reflecting on it helps keep me grounded.

Jen78 - how is it going with the homestudy? My DH and I took a "Pre parenting" class that was required as part of our HS and it was GREAT. The class focused on the adoption process that included: helping us understand the different perspectives of the adoption triangle, the considerations when adopting and decisions about situations we were prepared to accept, how to talk to your child about adoption and the adoption plan that their birth mother made and we were also able to learn from others in the class. If your class is anything like ours you will definitely benefit from it. I hope it is.

Arucker - have you progressed in finding an agency in your state? When we were making decisions about agencies we were directed to agencies that are in states where their is minimal time before the birth mother can relinquish her rights. We live in MD and in this state that is 30 days so it's highly unlikely that we will adopt in this state but I do understand how challenging it can be to wait for 10-14 days in another state, away from work, while ICPC is being processed. I hope things are starting to fall in line for you.

Kristy41982 - how is the homestudy paperwork coming along? I know at first how overwhelming it was but it all finally fell into place. Have you started working with the state yet for foster/adopt or do you have to wait until your HS is approved.

I hope I was able to respond to how things are progressing for each of you. I've checked in frequently but didn't have a chance to respond - will do a better job going forward.

Things have been active for us and in fact we're presently waiting to hear if we are matched with a birth mother who we sent our profile to this week. We had a close call a couple of weeks ago when one of our agencies called on a Friday at 3pm as a birth mother was on her way to the hospital in labor but she chose a couple closer to FL where she lives. While it was overwhelming for a few hours we know that when the time is right, our baby will find us.

Have a great week everyone - I hope you're enjoying the summer!