The response

Wednesday morning, we got a very exciting email. We're approved! It may be a small step, but it was a nice quick response back, so we'll take it!

The email gave us information about the social worker that we were matched with, along with a Welcome Packet of information they will need throughout the process. And after a week of researching online about all of the things that could be required, we were actually pleased to see the list is not too bad.

For those who may be interested, they need:

-Financials and tax information- Can we afford a baby? (and the adoption itself?... eek!)
-Medical Exams
-Criminal Check
-Child Abuse Clearance
-Birth certificates and marriage certificate
-Three letters of reference from non-family members, notarized

In addition to paperwork, we'll have to have our home ready for inspection (not sure what that will entail yet), and have 3 appointments with our social worker. The first two will be in her office, and last about an hour and a half each. Then we'll wrap up with the home-visit. No pressure!

Our social worker was very friendly over the phone. Our agency is pretty well-known in this area, so the first available chance for us to meet is Thursday, April 12th. Ahh, more waiting! But this will give us time to dive into some of the paperwork requirements, as well as talk further about some of the things she will ask us about, such as parenting philosophies.

And in a surprise to me, Matt suggested we go shopping this weekend, to start to look at baby stuff! I have wanted for years to have the chance to baby-shop, and I can't believe it is finally happening. I teared up a bit when he suggested it. Happy tears!