BIG Brother!

We are excited to share that Andrew is going to be a big brother...we just don't know when! We have been working with Bethany Christian again and are still in the middle of the paperwork process. I am just as excited this time around, but not near as fast on the paperwork as I was the first time. The process is pretty much the same as last time, meaning most everything has to be repeated. The only steps we don't have to do is the FBI fingerprints, only SD background checks (not MN or IA) and two homestudy visits instead of three. However, it is much more relaxing this time around! We are working with the same social worker and feel like we know what to expect this time. 

As far as a time-frame goes, we really can't say right now. The nice thing about the office that we work with is that you make payments as you go through the steps. However, that also means we won't start the next step until we have the money. Which is also why you'll be hearing about a fundraiser in the near future:) We have some paperwork to finish up right now and will hopefully have that turned in soon. The next step is our homestudy, which will consist of two visits with our social worker. Then we just have to get our profile book together and we can be considered a waiting family!

A lot of people have asked about the necessity of repeating all the same steps when we've already adopted with the same agency. We also hear lots of comments about the intense scrutiny adoptive families go through. I choose to look at it from a birthmother's perspective. If I was the one placing my baby with strangers, I would want to know with 100% certainty that they were a safe and loving family. So yes, lots of the steps seem unnecessary to us but they are very meaningful to a young mom choosing a family for her baby.  

We know Andrew is going to be a wonderful big brother. I watch a couple of infants throughout the week and Andrew loves them. He brings them pacifiers and blankets when they cry, touches their toes to make them smile and says "shhh" when they are sleeping. We're excited for the upcoming changes and will keep you posted when we know more! 
Heather