baby steps: We're expecting!

Due date unknown.

Yes, we're at it again! As appealing as was the thought of a paperwork-and-hustle-free year, we climbed right back on the adoption treadmill. Knowing how long the process can take, we decided we'd better get working on the next member of the family as soon as we could.

Back in early January we interviewed with Lutheran Social Services for a spot in their 2012 domestic adoption program . At the time, we were a couple of weeks away from finalizing Audrey's adoption. During our interview, the social worker informed us that we could not start on seconds until we had finished our first, so we spent a couple of weeks on pins and needles awaiting our court date, hoping we could still get in to the LSS program this year. As soon as we got home from our visit with the judge, I was on the phone to LSS, and well . . . we got into the 2012 group by the grace of God and by the skin of our teeth.

So, here we are! having jumped through all of our hoops already, the initial paperwork pile behind us. Spring and early summer were loaded with trainings and writings and scrapbook making. We breathed a colossal and combined sigh at the end of June when all of our papers and portfolios were submitted. We were approved and placed into the book of waiting families. (Many thank yous to all who helped us out with references, scrapbooking, and prayers!). And now, once again, we wait to be discovered by the birth mother of our future child. They say to be ready at any time, but that we should be prepared to bide our time for 2 years. We're hoping that it won't be quite such a long wait, but at the same time, we're tickled to already be on the waiting list.

And now that we are officially a waiting family . . . it is time for another

SALSA PARTY! (adoption fund raiser)

Saturday, September 8th

Blacksmithing workshop, salsa-making, Mexican posole supper, bonfire, music, kids' activities

Details and schedule will be posted here shortly

For a look at the 2010 Salsa party you can check out the first entry of 2010 in this blog.
The 2010 flyer is at ironwoodsalsaparty.blogspot.com

For those who are wondering how Audrey's doing, here's a look at a few of her recent firsts: