Homestudy Approved!

We finally received a copy of our homestudy yesterday. It was so wonderful to read the words homestudy approved!! We still have a long road ahead of us, but it's always good to feel like we're making progress.

There are a few changes that need to be made to the report before it can be finalized. Overall I have felt confident in our agency and social worker, but I was really surprised at some of the mistakes we found in the report. She wrote that I had two miscarriages. Really? Where did that come from? She also got our references confused (who was interviewed, how long we've known them, etc.) It's not that big of a deal and everything can be easily corrected, but it makes me wonder. Next up we will put together our profile and scrapbook. I'm pretty sure that we work with a different social worker for this - someone from their domestic team. Then we are officially listed for potential birthmothers to choose us. Wow.

I have to admit that something in my heart has changed watching all of these adoptions in my life recently - GIMH, AYWH and LH. Most importantly it has confirmed that we are making the right decision! I know there is a lot still to sort out emotionally, financially, etc. But I feel even more confirmed that God can use the beauty of adoption to heal our hearts and grow our family.

For the first time I feel ready to make some practical preparations. I won't be setting up a complete nursery or anything! But I do finally feel ready to do a few things. It wasn't that long ago that I blogged about how painful it would be to research pediatricians, cribs, formula, strollers, etc. Having watched two friends experience VERY quick adoptions, I can see the value in being a little prepared.

We talked about our adoption plans in our Christmas letter this year, so I am hoping to spread the word as much as possible. Whether it's through a private adoption or our agency, I know that God will bring us the child we are meant to have. I'm just trying to open as many doors as possible. :)

In cycle news, today is peak +7 and I had my blood drawn this morning. I took Tamoxifen earlier in my cycle and I'm currently taking Endometrin. At this point, I'm mostly thinking about my appointment with Dr. S in March. But I will go ahead and get my blood drawn two more times to see what the levels are like.

A friend of mine suggested that I get my thyroid checked. I'm pretty sure that this has never come up in my medical history. Does anyone know what symptoms I would be having if I had a thyroid problem? My friend brought it up because I was complaining about my freezing cold hands and feet. Obviously this could be just a symptom of winter! But at this point, I've got nothing to lose. Any advice is appreciated.