Down That Forever Road

The last week of September we officially became a waiting family with our agency. This is such an exciting time for us! And an anxious one as well! The first few weeks of being active, every time my phone would ring or vibrate my heart would stop. That got old quickly, ha! It seriously had me that on edge. Now that we have had time to get used to the waiting, it has been less about waiting to get the call and more about preparing for a baby. A few weeks ago we had the realization that if we were to get one of those calls that says travel within 24 hours to  get your baby, we would be scrambling! We have a few things from when I was pregnant with the girls that we pulled out of the attic - swing, bouncy seat, etc. But, we have none of the true necessities. So what does that mean? It means I went in to full research mode! Who knew there were SO many things to start considering?! Glass bottles vs plastic, cloth vs disposable diapers, wipes, formula, car seats, strollers, and the list go

We are just one step away from being activated with the agency, and then we will start the waiting game!! The last step is making a video four profile. The agency shipped us the video equipment, and we should have it by Tuesday. We have to return it with footage within 14 days, and then they will put it together for us. After that our profile will begin being shown to birth parents! Wow! I am at the point where I am really allowing myself to get excited on this journey, while still guarding my heart. There are times I can't believe this is really happening! My co-workers have been taking guesses on us receiving a boy or girl - most say girl. I have been looking at cribs and gender neutral nurseries. There are so many options I don't know how I will ever decide! It is surreal to allow myself to be so hopeful again. I know we still have a long road ahead, but I am trying not to think of what could go wrong. I feel like it is time for some good news for us, so hopefully we will

We took a break from all of our adoption paperwork, and that's A LOT of paperwork, to take some photos to announce we are adopting and also for our profile - to help make us look like fun parents to be. I LOVE how they turned out, so thought I would share a few here. We also went facebook public with the adoption. We received a ton of support and love. Plus, we were able to raise $510 within 24 hours on our site. It was amazing to see. We are blessed!  youcaring.com/babysully We kind of like each other . . .. and are excited to be on this adventure! He makes my heart happy! This was our facebook announcement photo. 

Our first home study meeting took place a little over a week ago and went really well! I love our social worker, she is so easy to talk to and made me feel at ease immediately. I feel really good heading in to the second meeting in a little less than 3 weeks. I am feeling very optimistic heading in to this adoption. I know it will be another test of our faith and patience, but I am trying not to get too stressed out (yet!). Just a few things left before our home studies will be done! So exciting. I have to say I work with some really good people who are already planning an adoption fundraiser for us. As you probably know, adoption is not cheap, so any help we can get is greatly appreciated. I really love that my employees and co-workers have sprung in to action for us. Love them! We have also set us a fundraising site, so that anyone who wishes to donate can do so. It is still a work in progress, but here is what we have so far: Baby Sully  . Exciting things to come!

So much excitement going on over here.  First thing, Marty got a new job! He was taking a break from applying when a recruiter for a large company called him. Within a few days he was hired. He starts next week, and we couldn't be more excited. It is an amazing opportunity for him/us - I am so proud!!  Secondly, we have applied for our home study. We are in the middle of all of the paperwork for our case worker, but we are actually doing this thing. We are beyond excited about this! We are meeting with our case worker the first weekend of May . . . it will be here before we know it. Hopefully we will be able to get the medical assessments, background checks, & fingerprints done by then. The sooner we get all of those back and complete the paperwork the sooner we are to a baby. Once the home study is done we will apply with the agency and begin building our profile with them.  Please keep us in your prayers for Marty's new job and the beginning of our adoption journey. 

I  mentioned in the previous post being crazy busy, and that is no lie! Since my November post, I have traveled to St. Louis, Winnipeg, Las Vegas, & Longview for work, served 2 weeks of jury duty, turned 30, took on several new stores for work in Saint Louis, Louisville, & Indianapolis, traveled to Nashville for our 5th anniversary, gone to some concerts - Eric Church, Drake White, Craig Campbell, Zac Brown Band, & Travis Tritt, and been to a bunch of Grizzlies and Tigers basketball games. It has been crazy!!  In between all of that, Marty and I decided to proceed with adoption to grow our family! We decided to wait to get our tax return done to put that money in savings. Last week Marty wrecked his car, so now we are waiting to see what is going on with that. Hopefully we find out soon, so we can start our home study. So excited and so nervous at the same time!!!  And the highlight aside from making that decision was meeting Giuliana & Bill Rancic. Marty and I have alw

I tried posting this on 2/26, let's try again! Life has been crazy busy lately, & I will update later. Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of losing Gentry, today the 2 year for Savannah. I can't believe time has gone by so quickly. To think that if they were here I would have 2 year old twins blows my mind! To celebrate the girls' birthdays we went to the cemetery with my parents  & released two purple balloons for Gentry and 2 pink balloons for Savannah. It was a beautiful warm, sunny February day. There is something about releasing those balloons and watching them float to the sky. I don't think words can describe it - it is freeing, beautiful, & sad all in one. I pray my girls always know how much I love them! Happy Birthday Mommy's Sweet Angels!