Adoption: What we know for now

We are in it!  Emotions and all.  I went to a Trans-racial Workshop put on by another adoption agency, Deaconess, this weekend.  It was a really great and informative meeting with a panel of people who were incredibly insightful on what our lives could (or could not) look like in the future.  I was blessed to have my mom with me (Jeff was out of town). I think mostly for me it was a comfort and a blessing to have her there and hear with me the different stories of the lives of these people who were gracious enough to share them with us: the good, the bad, the ugly.  I walked away feeling confident in our decisions, as well as, supported with friends (new and old), family (thanks Mom), and a community of people who have been there, are already doing this life, and people who are waiting to do it, like us.

That same day I finally heard back from CPO with them announcing our application acceptance! I was so excited!  We have things set in place to go to some meetings this month and next and then in Novemeber there is a workshop we will attend!  I am just anxious (in a good way) to hear and learn and grow!

Labor Day we had our homestudy completed by a sweet lady named Melissa.  She is precious.  They have adopted 2 kids from CPO and our now (surprised) pregnant with their 3rd!  The homestudy went without a bump it felt like...at least from our end.  My house was INCREDIBLY cleaned too, but it seemed she was more interested in US and our family...which was good. 

All of the paperwork is completed, for now, on our end.  And I finished our Life Book (the book the birthmothers will review to choose the family that they feel they'd like to raise their baby).  It is on it's way.  If you'd like to see it, it is online at http://www.bergcourtney.shutterfly.com/  (password: jeffandcourtney) under the Photo Book section.  I can't wait to see it in person and then get it to CPO because Cheryl said they'd begin immediately showing it to birthmothers! YIPPEEE....

Jeff and I are on mission to get a journal for our new little one.  We have one for each of our kids and with Jackson and Creighton we began writing in them long before they were in our arms. Jeff is so much better at it than I am, but that is precisely why I blog :)  But we always like to pick out the perfect book for them.  It will be filled with letters from us (and other family as well) and given to them when they are 18. (we think...we haven't nailed down the exact time yet).  Either way, we cherish these books, and hope each of our children will as well. 

Thankfully our sweet friends the Deckers have let us borrow all of their baby things for when baby arrives....and so, that is where I leave this today...we are waiting.  Waiting for our baby.  Waiting to build a relationship with the brave woman who chooses life! God is good.  So good.

Sweet cherished baby,
You are so loved, so prayed for, so desired.  We cannot wait to hold you in our arms.  Your sister and brother cannot wait to know you, hold you, touch you, kiss you...just like us!  We have a huge support group within our community who is also excited to welcome you home.  I know this: The Lord is forming you, as I type, in your mother's womb.  He is holding you, as a Rock, steady.  He will care for you, and He will bring you home.  We want you to know how precious you and your life are to us, your birthmother, and to your Creator.  You are loved precious child, so loved. 
Love,
Your Mommy