[tulip23]

Julie,

I'm so sorry for all the mess . I'm completely unaware of the entire adoption process but still, I guess that since this is not a mistake on your part, you would be (or should) be given a second chance for a 're-do'. Since 2 of your references are being so 'forgetful', why don't you try reminding them again. As it is , remiding them is not going to make things worse. If only, they might just wake those two references up. Wishing you all the best and hope everything works out just fine

[Gemmabean]

Ok, I called #5, she hasn't written her reference yet, I told her how important it is for her to be sure to answer ALL questions and let her know one of our references was rejected for not answering everything, and that it makes her reference even more important.

For those of you who have yet to go through your home study, this is something for you to remember, be sure to let your references know how important their part in this is, and to be sure that they answer all questions in full.

Who knew writing a reference could be so complicated. My first reference said I should have asked my references "are you willing to write a GOOD reference for me." That just never occurred to me, since they are all my friends, I assumed they would write good references, but you live and you learn. Hopefully someone can learn from my experience.

Love to you Tulip! I'm SO SO glad you are home from India and safe!!!!! I was so worried about you!

[jenedens6102]

Julie, what an ordeal. Sorry to hear about one being rejected. Hopefully #5 gets theirs in soon. One more home study meeting this week!

[sarah16]

Julie thinking of you. That's weird that you had a reference be "rejected" I could see why they thought they couldn't answer all the questions, some are about how you parent. If you haven't been a parent how are they supposed to answer that. A side note, we used picaboo online for our scrapbook/portfolio and it turned out nice. They sent us a book. If you PM me your e-mail address I can send you an invitation to look at it online if you would like to get ideas. Good luck!!

[Gemmabean]

We had our third and final meeting this morning. We have been approved to adopt! wooo hoooo

She spoke to us together, then separately. She asked me how infertility had affected my marriage. She also asked me about my bout with severe depression over the summer. She asked DH what drew him to me.

Our social worker said it will take her about 2 weeks to finish the report. We get to look at it and some of her co-workers have to check it out to be sure everything has been covered. Then we get 3 originals.

In the mean time, I have to finish our profile and start filling out grant applications.

It took us 6 weeks to complete our home study. This is due in part because I had a friend who told me what to expect, and when we got the packet from our social worker, we had all but one form completed BEFORE OUR FIRST MEETING.

We were originally told the average home study takes 3 months, so we are pretty pleased with ourselves.

If you are going to go through a home study, please feel free to ask me any questions, I'm happy to help and give you any tips to help make your home study go smoother.

Thanks to everyone for your support (especially you Sarah).

On to the next step!

Love and hugs,
Julie

[sarah16]

Yahoo!!! You are all done with your paperwork for now. You just have to wait for that baby to find you.

[Gemmabean]

I wish! now we have to start filling out grant applications. such is life

[Rob&Irina]

Congratulations!!!!

[tulip23]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is such a wonderful news!!! A wonderful reason to make your christmas brighter now!! I'm so happy for you. This is the result of your relentless effort and the never say die attitude. You are a fighter and a winner. Praying that everything is a cakewalk from here on too. I'm sooo happy for you

[AllyBourbeau]

Congratulations! I am so happy you are approved to adopt! This is the first time I saw this thread and I just read the WHOLE thing so it was like I was right there with you through the journey! I'm glad things are going so well! 2009 looks like a GREAT year for you!!

[sarah16]

Originally Posted by Gemmabean

I wish! now we have to start filling out grant applications. such is life

Yeah but you are probably like me and would rather do something than just wait.

[rebecca0130]

Congrats, Julie! That is wonderful.

[lovingwife]

Oh Julie! I'm so happy for you and DH, I have tears in my eyes. Yippee!!!

[FurBaby]

Congrats Gemmabean!!!

[jenedens6102]

Julie, congratulations on getting through your homestudy so quickly and having it approved. Now work on those grants and wait for your miracle baby!