Today marks the beginning... The beginning of this blog and the beginning of our journey. I have decided to keep this blog as a record for all those who are interested. I was told by friends that I might start to become irritated by the constant questions... Those who know me well will probably be surprised since generally speaking my life is an open book and I love talking about it!... But I figured just in case it is true I will start this as a reference.

Two and a smidge years ago my husband, Brian, and I began to prepare for our family. Like most people we attempted for biological children. We tried for 13 months before turning to my Ob/Gyn for help. She conducted some prelim tests and sent us on to a specialist. The specialist was able to diagnose me with blocked Fallopian tubes (well, one is completely blocked... The other, mostly blocked). At the point of diagnosis we took a break to think about our choices. I knew there were treatment options. But, while liking my specialist, I wasn't interested. The process had been sterile and scary and even a little painful. When thinking about the creation of my family, it isn't what I had in mind. I wanted joy and peace!

We had briefly spoken about adoption before we were married, but it seemed complicated and we were ready for children. We, like most, decided to try for biological children first. Adoption maybe later. Now that we were back to square one, I was ready for complicated over scary. We have spent the last year - year, I know! - researching, preparing our house for the homestudy, preparing ourselves mentally and financially for the adoption process. And here we are! Ready to go!

We recently finished an adoption information class through Capital University and Columbus Children's Hospital and received an adoption loan through Bank of America (if you are thinking about adoption and worried about finances check them out! Very easy process and good rates. Apply over the phone instead of online. The interest rate tends to be better. Ask about the Gold Loan program... That isn't the exact name but they should know what you are talking about). We have picked an agency out of Medina, Ohio and decided to adopt internationally through Guatemala.

I know we have a long way to go - - but now that the big decisions are made it all seems so easy! Bring on the paperwork! I can handle it...

Today we went and turned in our applications for passports. Something we should have done a long time ago, but at least it is done now! I was dismayed when I learned they keep your birth certificate through the entire process! I probably should have known that but I didn't! And, of course, since we should have plenty of time for our passports to arrive we didn't want to pay the additional fees to speed up the process. I know they are going to need our birth certificates for other steps. Here's to hoping our passports come through quickly - - with our birth certificates returned safely. So much for all my research!

Next steps: We are able to access the funds from our loan, but have decided to wait until we get our "welcome packet." This should be mailed to us in 7 to 10 days. At that point we will turn in our application and initial fees to the agency to begin the homestudy. The homestudy should take 1 to 3 months to be completed. I am hoping to get all the necessary paperwork completed before we begin... Hoping.