As some of you know, mom has passed on this past week on November 16, 2016. As I scrolled through facebook and this blog to find pictures for her service, I came across our timeline and goals. So, I just thought I would give a newer update so that you will know where we are at and what the next few months hold for us.
Here is our previous timeline:
Still left to do:
***Write a letter to the birth parent and a letter to the foster child DONE!
1. Buy stroller and car seats (infant and toddler)
2. Physicals and TB shots in January
3. Buy a home (Jan-Mar 2017) - Pending this week!!!! OMG we did not think it would be this soon!
4. Have a foster/adoption shower! -Planning in Process!
5. Fire Inspection (upon closing of the house) - Which means we need to child proof! This will be May but not sure the exact date/time frame for our house completion
6. 3 Home study visits
7. 1 month to get license processed
8. Get placed with a sweet baby! Create a LifeBook!
9. Work on room number 2! Continue parenting and child classes (must do 10 hrs each year to keep your license!)
Here is our new timeline:
1. Sign our house contract and put a deposit down this coming week!!!!! Our lot has been released!
2. Physicals - appts made - end of Dec. for Pat/Beg of Jan. for Crystal
3. Start online Business - LuLaRoe Crystal Catherwood - (see more below) in Jan.
4. Buy stroller and carseats
5. Foster/Adoption shower planning - Starting in January! Hoping for April/May time!
6. Fire inspection - May __???
7. 3 home study visits in 3 weeks! Get license processed!
8. Get Placed and create a lifebook!
9. Work on room 2, continue classes as needed
So, here's the scoop!
We got wrapped up caring for my mom, foster classes, and then the house, and then my mom again, so we didn't get an opportunity to order the carseats and stroller yet, but we will!
I've also been in contact with some specialists about breastfeeding and/or pumping to feed breastmilk in the bottle. We were able to get a lot of support from not only doctors, but lactation consultants, support groups online and in person, and friends. We are still pending to hear back from an NC lawyer about the laws regarding foster children and breastmilk. Stay tuned!!
If you struggle with understanding our choice, more information can be found by searching "Breastfeeding without Birthing". There are books, videos, websites, seminars/conferences, etc. to help you understand what this means, what it means to us, and what it means for us. The downside that still stings is that insurance will give you time off to be with a foster or adoptive child, as a natural mother would get, but insurance refuses to pay for a breast pump unless you have BIRTHED a child. Ummmm....can we do something about this???!!! Don't ALL babies need to eat? Haha
We also were able to purchase a 2nd convertible crib for baby number 2! We are still on the search for a changing table dresser combo for baby 2.
I have changed my insurance around in prep for our sweet child. I added in short and long term disability. Short term allows me to get some pay while taking off work for those initial weeks to bond with the child. Long term allows me to get some pay if I need to take off work to care for the child through surgery or medical needs etc. Patrick's insurance renews in the spring, so he will do his then.
Are you ready for goosebumps?
Our lot for our house was released the exact same time that my mom passed, like within the minute. Freaky huh? Must be a sign!!! We knew when we did walkthroughs that it was the right house for us and it felt right, and then knowing that the lot was released for us to buy at the same time as my mom leaving this world, was like a sign that she was giving us a gift for our family! We truly weren't expecting it so soon and really more towards the end of December. We were both SHOCKED!
We are also currently prepping to start our own small business that will open in January to sell designer clothes online with LuLaRoe. We are hoping this will be a small stepping stone into more financial freedom and more time to spend with our forever family. Our LuLaRoe page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/1804974496431455/ You will need to have facebook to join and see the clothes! Please let others know about the group page too!
Sooooo......we have got a lot going on! I did tell my fam that Christmas might be delayed until I get back in a groove and settled haha.....
Lastly, while thinking back on our journey to get to this point this year, I realized how many people have been involved in our ups and downs, our process, in US. This has not been an easy road, it has not been an always happy road, but here we are.....at the end of the road....FINALLY! It is a time of overwhelming emotions and happiness and excitement as each day gets closer to our placement date. We can't wait to hold that sweet loving child in our arms and share them with you.
We hope to have an adoption/foster shower sometime in April/May. When we realized just how many people have supported our journey, we knew our house would not hold all the love. So my best friends, sister Kate, and Patrick's mom Joyce are going to be on the search for a venue to rent. Not only do we need more space for all the people we love, but we have waited sooooooo long for this and it deserves to be celebrated!
We will have a more relaxed cookout a few weeks after being placed, after we are settled, to introduce you to our sweet child.
Thank you all for being so supportive along the way. For hoping and praying, for lending a shoulder or an ear. We could not have made it to this point without you, our friends and family. We are just so very very thankful. I wish we could put it into words how much we love each and everyone of you, but THANKFUL is what we are. <3
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