11/10/2011
Today I stopped in at the LDS Family Services... It was surreal to actually take this big of a step. Yesterday it was all talk, tonight we are going over mountains of paperwork, check lists and articles. Through this agency we are required to do a lot of things... One of which is I need a doctors note implying that I am infertile, which I don't know yet whether I am or not. The case worker/manager didn't think I would have to go through an OBGYN because my regular doctor has already been helping me try and get pregnant (charting, advice, tips and what not), so we'll see if he would be willing to fill out an infertility paper and write a note for now until I am able to go and actually get all the tests done. I really liked this agency and it is a possibility this is the agency we will be going through. The application and home study is pricey, but the good part is that money we will spend on them will eventually go towards our actual adoption when we get placed with a child, where with other agencies they charge separately for the application/home study AND the actual adoption. Also, with this agency they have an option where you can help the birth mother out if you feel like you can where you donate $3000 dollars towards things for her (ie: Dr's visits, the birth, rent, food, phone bills and so on), if she doesn't use it all (it's all monitored through the agency so she doesn't spend it on things not needed) then you get the amount unused reimbursed back. Where as, in some other agencies you could be charged for (if it's what the birth mother wants/needs and you are willing to do it... you always have a choice) all of her birth medical bills and/or other things that can easily add up to more than $3000, so there isn't a set amount like LDSFS has. Does that make sense? Anyways, I had a really good feeling towards this agency but, we are still going to look into a couple others first. We want to make sure we make the right decision before we spend (a lot of) money on applying.
I got to talk to my sister-in-law who with her husband also went through the whole adoption process and she gave me some really good advice, shared some of her story and also offered to help set up some fund raisers as soon as we are on a list and our adoption process has begun. I am so glad I got to talk with her, I also informed her that she will most likely be getting tons and tons of phone calls, visits, cry sessions and so on during this whole journey and she was all for it. Joey and I feel so blessed right now. We can't thank those enough who have already helped and shared their support, advice and love to us! Everyday I have little things here and there that just solidify our decision to adopt is the right decision :)
Just read some of the things that have been shared with us so far!..
"I am praying for you and sending all kinds of good vibes for a fantastic family or situation to come your way with a child that you can provide a fantastic life for."
"I think thats wonderful, there are so many kids in need of loving parents."
"YES set up an adoption fee, every little bit helps."
"I truly admire you for moving forward in a positive way and looking at this with a beautiful attitude. You're inspiring to me while I try to come to terms with why this is happening to me. Thinking of you, and so excited that you are starting on the wonderful path to becoming a mother! How fantastic!!"
"Keep with it, the process is long, emotional, and stressful but its SOOO worth it. Stay close to the Lord!"
"Adoption is expensive. But, worth it."
"So excited for you guys and all your adventures coming up...adoption...good for you!"
"...maybe this is exactly why you haven't had your own yet, GOD has one already picked for ya."
"Love you guys you will make amazing parents no matter how it happens."
Those are just some of the wonderful things people have said to us so far, and not even counting the phone calls and face to face conversations we've had with others. Thank you all so much! We know we couldn't get far in this process/journey with out you and your love and support!
Love,
Joey & Jency
This picture was hanging up in the case workers office and I kept looking at it. It's beautiful. I want to be a mom!!!
11/08/2011
Well, here's the deal. Joey & I are hoping to adopt. We've been discussing making this decision for a while now and we strongly feel like it is the right thing to do. We have wanted to start a family for almost 2 years now and so far have not been able to on our own. We are not 100% sure why that is, I haven't been able yet to seek professional/medical help on determining exactly why. We are hoping to be able to here soon, but in the meantime we still feel very strongly that adoption is the right answer for us now. We have prayed, discussed, and studied adoption and have even considered Foster Care with the hopes of adopting that way, and we know now that we want to start our adoption process ASAP. We are wanting to go through LDS Family Services but are also looking into other adoption agencies too (any suggestions?). We are struggling with the idea of the future expenses of this choice, but we know that we will be able to work through it because we know we are doing the right thing. We are both SO excited to hopefully soon add another loved one into our lives! We have been wanting this for so long, I have always known I wanted to adopt, ever since I started thinking about children and having a family someday (so, oh, probably since Jr. High haha). I think adoption is so beautiful, from the birth mother's selfless choice of wanting the best thing for her baby which in some cases is adoption, to the amazing case workers that place that baby into the best matched family possible, to the adoptive parents who want to give that baby a loving, supportive, special home. I can't wait to get the ball rolling and hopefully hold a precious little person in my arms who was always meant to be there!We would love anyones help with things like:
- Your advice
- Your adoption story
- Spreading the word
- Letting anyone who might be looking to place a future little one into a loving family that we are wanting to adopt
- Your prayers
Thank you so much. I pray everyday that if this is the right choice for us (which we believe it is) that everything will go smoothly and work out great and hopefully {fingers crossed} soon :)
Love,
Jency & Joe
You can get a hold of Joey & I either through this blog or please e-mail us at: Jenc.West@hotmail.com!
