We’re in that part of the adoption process where we’re just waiting. All the paperwork, interviews and classes are done. We’re approved now and just waiting for a kiddo or two.

When we were doing our paperwork and classes we tried to plow through it as quickly as we could. I had surgery in the middle of it all which slowed us down, but we tried to plug away at it consistently. From the time we sent in our application to the time we got approved was about 5 months.

Now I know that doesn’t sound very fast, but the amount of stuff we had to do was pretty monumental. (Later on I’ll blog more specifically about all the things we had to do.) We were also limited by class availability and our social worker’s schedule. It took her 6-weeks just to write up our home study report! After reading the report I realized what a huge task that was. When I think about it all, it’s no wonder it took us 5 months.

But now that the flurry of forms and classes are done, all we can do is wait. I’ve heard that this is the hardest part and I can see why. At least when we were going through the process of getting approved we felt some sense of control. We were actively pursuing our family, you know? Now it’s out of our hands and all we can do is wait.

Besides that, we have to deal with the not-knowing. Will they call us with a match tomorrow? Next week? 6-months from now? If we knew how long the wait would be it would be easier to deal with, but alas, only God knows when we’ll be matched and he’s not telling.

So we wait. We read adoption books. We read adoption blogs. We surf the photo listings. We watch the Supernanny every week and take notes (seriously!). We talk about the things we’re looking forward to and the things we’re worried about. We dream about what it will be like – the good and the bad. We talk to our friends with kids to get tips and advice. We go to an adoption support group. We try our best to prepare any way that we can. We field inquiries from friends and family who ask, “Have you heard anything yet?”, and so far the answer remains “not yet”.

For all our good efforts, all we can really do is wonder… and wait.

This entry also posted with the Seattle PI. Copyright © 2008 Susan Metters. All rights reserved.
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In addition to being a writer and aspiring mom, Susan Metters also carries the distinguished title of Cancer Survivor Extraordinaire. Some of her secret ambitions include meeting Dr. Phil, hosting Saturday Night Live, and rising to the top as a rock star. You can read more about Susan’s life adventures by visiting her blog with the Seattle P.I., Lemon Margaritas. If you have ideas, questions, rants, or ramblings feel free to email Susan at susan [at] seattlemomblogs [dot] com.