Getting Prepared: A Journal Entry by Jenna

In preparation for the application and home study it feels like a million things must be done. I am a planner. I had our adoption binder made the next day after we decided we would be moving forward with adopting. I suppose that's the teacher in me or my OCD!

I feel like there is so much to plan for and then on the flip side wait for. It is quite possible that I am over thinking preparation for the home study just a bit... I am sure it won't matter if our stairs are re-carpeted or not.... but the thought of a social worker coming through our home to make sure it is fit to raise a child is a bit daunting. 

We definitely have some necessary projects that need done around the house before we apply and schedule the home study. I feel like we need to save all the money we can to put into the adoption but we also will need to spend money to get our house ready. When I try to think what to do, I feel like I am being pulled in so many directions.... SAVINGS ACCOUNT! HOME IMPROVEMENTS! PAY OFF DEBT!  AHH! 

That's what makes this process hard- many things could be taken care of but it all depends on when we apply and what our money situation will be like at that time. You can try to plan and budget to a T but we all know that those unexpected things come up and you have to start over. Then I think about what if we have to take out a loan? We already have a nice stack of student loans. Will we be approved? Will we qualify for grants? So much is consuming my mind when it comes to money!

One thing I know for sure we cannot WAIT to get started on the nursery. It's an odd feeling of excitement and nervousness. Most parents are putting together their baby's room knowing when their sweet little one will arrive. Adoption doesn't work that way so we have to prepare our home in hopes of someone choosing us to be parents. This includes baby proofing the house- outlet covers, cabinet locks, baby gates- everything! 

There is also a huge amount of paperwork and documents needed for the home study, more than I every realized that would be needed. I am totally overwhelmed but so motivated to check things off that list! 

I think about all of this stuff everyday so it is becoming our new normal! I also think about how happy we will be when this process is all behind us and we can begin the next chapter of our lives as parents. It makes me an emotional basket case now when I see pictures of adoptive parents for the first time with their son/daughter.... because I know that with love, support, and a lot of prayer, that will be us one day soon!

Do you have an experience with adoption that you would like to share? Feel free to comment below or message me directly. Any information is helpful as we begin to dive into all the details! 

-Jenna