Progress Report.....
I love progress. Getting things done is very satisfying for me. Sometimes I think I'm an oxymoron, though. I'm naturally a procrastinator, but I crave checking things off on a do-do list. Sometimes I make lists just to have the satisfaction of marking things off. Is that strange? Maybe so. This week we marked a huge item off of our adoption to-do list.
We have finally completed our home study. After months of back-and-forth paperwork and forms, we are DONE! We are now free and clear to move on to the next step in our adoption journey.
We've come a long way. We started this journey in July of 2015. 8 months ago. Honestly, I thought it was going to take a lot longer than it actually has. We've hit some road blocks along the way, but the process has been relatively smooth. I'm very thankful for that. After all, its all in HIS timing.
I've been working really hard on myself lately. I have been determined to lose a few pounds before we have the embryo transfer so that I can be as healthy as possible. That date is still TBD, so I'm just hoping to meet my goal before it happens. I started running/walking daily, cutting calories and sugar from my diet, and just trying to be healthier in general. Whatever I'm doing is working. I don't think I've ever had this much success at losing weight. As of last Friday, I'm down 20 pounds. I'm at the weight I was before I found out we were pregnant with Leah. I'm pulling clothes from the back of the closet, and piling up clothes that are too loose. It's a great feeling. I'm hoping to lose another 10 pounds before the end of April.
The next step of our process will be to have a mock transfer. We will have to travel to Tennessee to have this done. I've had a lot of questions about what this process actually is. Basically, they have to induce a menstrual cycle, wait until an ovulation cycle would naturally occur, and see if my uterine conditions are capable of carrying a child. They also find out the best "route" and best "placement" for the embryo. You can find out more information about mock transfers by clicking here.
We actually have the mock transfer scheduled, but we decided to only let our immediate family know the date. We still want there to be an element of surprise for our friends and family when and if we actually get pregnant. And, because there are many risks involved, we want to remain hopeful if it doesn't work the first time.
So, with all of that said, pray for us. We are anxious, excited, and slightly overwhelmed at the thought of it all being within our grasp. We have been SO blessed with your prayers during this whole thing. Your donations, love, support and prayers mean more than you could ever know. God has definitely blessed us beyond what we could ever deserve.
But still, during the hustle and bustle of things, the anxiety creeps in, and sometimes its hard to deal with everything at once. Lately, I've been comforted by these words, "Don't lose the wonder of it all during the work of it all." God really is working a miracle, a wonderful miracle. I am blessed.
Bryan decided to officially start his side business. He's always done electrical work on the side, here and there, but now its official. He has business cards and everything! ;) In the near future, Bryan will be getting his Journeyman license to be even more official. The Lord has blessed us in the past few months regarding his business, too. He has had constant side jobs that have allowed us to save money for the adoption.
In an effort to finish out the remaining balance of our adoption fees, we are selling Bryan's motorcycle. So, if you know anyone that is interested, please contact us for the details!
$2500
2004 Suzuki Marauder VZ800.
-Whitney