I spoke with the home study lady last night that our lawyer recommended and we have it scheduled. We will be having our home study done on Monday the 23rd of March. She will be coming to our house for 2 hours that evening to visit with us and see our house. Her job is to put onto paper who we are: where we were born, parents, education, history, what our house is like, what kind of adoption we are open to, etc... (no pressure)
THEN: she needs just a few things from us:
1) Copy of our marriage licence
2) 1040 from our taxes
3) recent paycheck stubs
4) a budget
5) 3 letters of reference from (non-family members)
6) KBI - manual criminal clearance
7) get finger printed at the county jail
8) get child abuse clearance paperwork
9) get a doctors note stating you are healthy enough to adopt a baby
That's it. I know trust me it is a long list, but we are going to do our best to get it all done, by the 23rd so we can get it to her then and get our home study complete. We can not move into the "active pool" of prospective parents until we have this completed, along with our portfolio and letter to the birth mother. (which we are working on) I am thanking god that Mark is such a beautiful writer.
family pic
WOW ` my prayers will be for perseverance to hang in there to the end and have the time and energy to get it all done! love you guys ~Beth
ReplyDeleteWOW! What you guys are doing is just wonderful. I've been following your blog from the beginning. Soaking in every word. I too, know that you'll make the best parents. Regarding the 'home study', it is surprising what all has to be presented. No doubt, this is just the beginning. But you guys are strong and resielent, you'll sail through every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteHey Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying that you can accomplish what you need to in the time allowed, and that they home study goes well. It's neat to see the process starting to roll!
brandi
Doug Keeling is an wonderful man! Does a good job with everything. You will do great and I wouldn't sweat it about the home study, you two are both awesome caring people, there'll be nothing to it!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Hey Jenny-
ReplyDeleteI am Brandi's friend from Texas! So happy to hear ya'll will be adopting! Email me if you want a link to our Shutterfly book we did for our adoption agency as our profile. lauriecuchens@yahoo.com
Also, our agency's website has the birthmother letters for the waiting families online, so you could get some ideas from reading there's. I also have lots of great books you could be reading as you prepare and wait! I can give you all that info. in an email! Best wishes as you both move forward!
One more step getting done. I wouldn't worry about the lady coming, the hardest part is going to be making to get fingerprinted and getting all the stuff for her. You guys have nothing to worry about in the way of passing as EXCEPTIONAL parents! Every step you get done, gets me one step closer to being an aunt again (well, and you parents!!) Our prayers are out to you, Blake has been sending extra special ones! WE LOVE YOU!
ReplyDelete~ Amy, Nick, and Cheeks
Good luck with it all!! You and Jay and Brandi get a rosary every day from me so that you can both come to the same wonderful end!!! Love, Sarah
ReplyDeleteThe two of you are perfect for the job! Just be yourself, stay focused and keep the Lord in your heart.
ReplyDelete