Here we go....AGAIN.....

Ok, so I know I'm super behind on posting, but wanted to write my thoughts down before I forget them. I will go back and catch up so check below for updates in the near future. Where to start......

So, it's pretty common knowledge that Jeremy wanted to quit after 2 kids....and it's pretty common knowledge that I get whatever I want so we have/had 4 kids. But, I told God after Isabelle came home that if we were to have any more kids then he had to plant the idea in Jeremy's heart...it had to be his idea. Fast forward 3 years....

A couple of weeks ago on a normal Wednesday evening Jeremy came home from work. We were all at the table eating dinner and in conversation Jeremy busts out "I think we need another one." I'm pretty sure my face was priceless. My mouth hit the floor. I could not believe those words just came out of his mouth. Of course, he had no idea of my prayer 3 years ago....

In all honesty, I was excited, shocked and nervous. What were we thinking? We have 4 beautiful, perfect kiddos that keep us hopping. How in the world were we going to come up with the money needed? We instantly agreed that another boy was what we wanted. We started looking at domestic adoption. I'm going to be completely honest here, so please...no judging....

My first thought was.....I don't want a newborn. Now, I love babies as much as the next guy...can't wait to get my hands on my friends' babies and cuddle them...and yes, I am that baby hog.....but I just feel like God has not called us to adopt a newborn. There is a long list of childless couples waiting for a healthy baby here in the US....and our home is full of pattering feet...it's just not for us. I researched special needs babies in the US, all the different countries open to adoption and I kept coming back to Russia. Jeremy and I talked about it and there was NO WAY we could afford Russia.

At the end of June we went on a much needed weekend getaway to Puerto Rico. While we were there, we decided that we were supposed to definitely adopt again....but where? How? I read through my 2 books I brought along in record speed;0) and needed a book to read for the plane ride home. I had Jeremy look up a book on the Ipad that I wanted to read about a girl adopted from Guatemala. Interestingly enough, that book was not available for the Kindle so he looked at the suggested titles that came up with that search....."The Boy from Baby House 10".....a book about a special needs boy's journey through the Russian orphanage system to a home in America. Go figure! So Jeremy downloaded the book for me. I read it all the way home and couldn't put it down. The orphanage system in Russia is disturbing. It's sad, sickening, heartbreaking....no words. I decided then and there on that plane home to my 4 precious angels, that no amount of chaos in our home could be worse than growing up in an orphanage. There is a little boy in Russia...somewhere....that needs a momma and daddy....and we feel God has picked us for that job(again).

We still have no idea how we're going to pay for it. No more eating out...and I'm looking for a part-time job, but we do know this is what we are supposed to do. So, the application has been sent to FTIA and we're gathering the information for our homestudy update....excited to see where God takes us.

Many things are the same, many things have changed since we walked this path....8 years ago. We will start with our dossier. Once it is submitted we will wait 6-12 months to find out about our little guy. Our first trip should follow immediately. We'll come home and wait for a court date(about 2-4 months) and then go back. I'll leave Jeremy in Russia after our court date to finalize everything and I'll come home to be with the other kids. It will likely be a slow process. Prayers are appreciated. Please pray for a smooth process, for me to find a job or God to send the money;0) and most importantly, pray for Little Dude....what we've been calling our little guy since we have NO IDEA what we are naming him. I'm pretty certain that he has already been born and placed in an orphanage. Please pray for his health and that someone is showing him love. That is the hardest part for me.....

The kids are super excited....all on board...and enjoying thinking up names;0) Abby and I are looking forward to our first shopping trip once we know all about him. I will update our progress along the way and covet your prayers and support. Here we go.....AGAIN......