Well, since we're dealing with a goverment agency, albeit a state gov't agency, I'm not at all surprised to find that we've had two bureaucratic blunders (hereafter referred to as BB) right off the top.

Turned our paperwork in to the (adorable) adoption worker last week. Reference letters went out right away, thus my references tell me my name was misspelled rather spectacularly. So, phone call on Monday to make sure I'm in the system right. BB #1.

We have decided to go through our state's foster adoption agency rather than a private agency. I got a packet of application material last week and have been chipping away at it this week. We're almost done!

Forms to fill out when applying to the Oregon State DHS for foster adoption:

(OK, I couldn't resist)

1. You don't gain weight waiting for a foster or an adopted child.
2. You also don't get stretch marks.
3. If you foster or adopt an older child, they already have a mouthful of teeth and sleep through the night. Plus also, no diapers!
4. You can watch your kids develop talents that nobody else in your family has.
5. If you do foster care, you can tell the agency, "I don't take teenagers." Think about it.
6. You can be the only family on the block that has three kids the same age but with different birthdays.

I've joined a mailing group of foster adopt parents and have been enjoying reading about/corresponding with other families across the country who are also on this journey. Each and every family's story is different.

But as I always find, when I respond to questions other people ask I receive more than I give.

Impatience is a besetting sin of American culture. We like our food "fast" and even when we're at a sit-down restaurant, by golly, the service better be fast. Banks, restaurants, pharmacies, even photo and video stores have "drive-thru" because we cannot spare the time to get out of our cars and go in. And chances are, I'm one of those people in the long line at the drive thru.

The Help Adopt #1 "heart of gold" design is available right now on hats, shirts, mugs, and more at our CafePress store: http://www.cafepress.com/szotadopt

All proceeds from familynaturally.com, cafepress.com/szotadopt, and our apron and tote fundraiser will go to offset our foster adoption up-front costs, namely, agency fees, furniture, and other costs that we'll incur as we prepare our home for two more children.

Here are the first few designs I created for the apron and tote bag fundraiser:

Aprons:

Help Adopt #1 Help Adopt #2 Support Apron Angels Support Apron Green Support Apron Pink

In case you were wondering, the term "Special Needs" in the context of adopting children from foster care refers to:

• children over the age of 5 years
  
• children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities
  
• minority children
  
• children who are siblings

We completed the Pre-Adoption Training Classes last weekend and have the Certificates to show it! Here's what they say:

(our name) has completed 12 hours of Special Needs Pre-Adoption Training on:

• Separation & Loss
  
• Cultural Considerations & Natural Family Values
  
• Attachment and Child Development
  
• Parenting Abused & Neglected Children
  
• Impact of Child Abuse on Development
  
• Positive Behavior Management
  
• Impact of Adoption on Your Family

Enlarging Our Family...Naturally!

My husband and I have talked for years about adopting children and we've decided that this the year to do it. I have felt called to adopt for a long time, particularly a domestic adoption from foster care. I feel that adoption, an ancient, honorable tradition, is as intrinsicly natural a way to enlarge our family as bringing forth babies from my womb.