Well, I figured I should start filling you all in on our continued journey to parenthood. :)
A few weeks ago we had dinner with some old High School friends who have adopted their two children. They gave us great information about the process, but reminded us that everyone has their own journey to go through. I have also Facebook messaged with another couple we went to high school with who recently adopted their first child, and I email corresponded with a friend of a friend who is currently waiting to be matched. Everyone has great insight, but Rob and I just needed to jump in somewhere.
We had done some research online and took into account all the stories we've heard over the years (before IVF we contemplated adoption and gathered a lot of info then, but then ultimately decided to give IVF a try first). The day after we had dinner with our friends, we met with a social worker at a local agency. I have talked to 2 people who have had success with this agency over the span of many years, and one other individual who used their services to finalize an independent adoption who also sung their praises. Rob and I had a good meeting, asked tons of questions, and ultimately felt comfortable after our talk with the social worker.
We went home and then called another agency to sign up for one of their informational meetings. However, right after placing that phone call we talked and we realized that although we've heard great things about Texas and Louisiana adoptions, Rob and I, for whatever reason, are just feeling like we want to stick with Appleton for this. We had to travel to MN multiple times for IVF, and with Rob's business it is hard to get away to another state at the drop of a hat. We really aren't "jump on a plane" kind of people. Our decision, as a couple, was to keep it local and go with the agency we met with. We felt comfortable overall and just wanted to get our journey started. We've heard great things about other agencies, and bad things about other agencies. Since we've started with our agency we now have heard bad things about our agency, but I'm choosing to remain positive.
We know the risks of WI adoption - that the birthmother has 30 days to change her mind. However, we just are ready to take the risk. I don't know why, but I am positive this will work out for us. I was positive with IVF too, but mostly pretty skeptical. With adoption, I'm just really hopeful, and I'm determined to enjoy the process. We know lots of children who were adopted in WI and it all worked out. I know people are just trying to be helpful when they warn us of things, and perhaps we look like damned fools for continuing on our path regardless, but this is our journey, Rob and Jennine's story, and everyone's path is different. I like to look at it as, "If God wants us to have a baby, He will give us our match. If He doesn't, we will be OK." We haven't had a baby thus far and we've survived! I'm looking forward to our happy ending though and trying very hard not to let negative comments scare me. One step at a time, one day at a time.
I feel good with what we've accomplished so far. We've submitted our application and we are now on to step two...fingerprinting, physicals, autobiographies...it feels good to be starting the process and getting "signed up." Once all the work is behind us, we just wait for someone to choose us. It could take 2 weeks, it could take 2 years. What will be will be. We put in the work of finding an agency, and doing the paperwork, but then the rest is out of our control, which is going to be a very good thing for me.
Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers!
