Well, it looks like I did the first post correctly, so with my new found sense of accomplishment, I will give a bit of background info.
Jim and I have 5 bio kids, the youngest of whom is Matt, age 20, with Down syndrome and autism. When Matt was about 13 years old, we decided we wanted to adopt, and began this crazy journey. In 2004, we adopted Catie and James, a bio sib pair, then ages 14 and almost 7, from Ukraine. Catie is now almost 21 and James is 13. Next, we adopted Joey, then age almost 7, from Ukraine. Joey has Down syndrome. Then, last year, we adopted Jacob, age 10, from Serbia, who also has Down syndrome. So, at home right now, we have Marie ("She is just "old") Emily, 21, Catie 20, Matt, 20 (DS) James, 13, Jacob 11,(DS) and Joey, 10 (DS).
And now we are adding 2 more boys, "little boys" to the mix. They are listed on ReecesRainbow as "Jacob" and "Matt", but obviously, we will be changing those names, since we already have a Jacob and a Matt. "Matt" is right now 6 years old, and probably will be close to 7, if not already 7 by the time we bring him home. "Jacob" is a year younger at 5, and will about 6 when he comes home. They are in different institutions in the same country.
As to where we are in the process: We have had our homestudy update interview, and it is written, waiting for child abuse clearances to come in from 3 states. Then we can send off to USCIS. This is the first time we have ever adopted from a Hague country, so that process is still very new to us. We are hoping to travel for the first time in the spring sometime, with the 2nd trip, hopefully before their birthdays in early September.
Tomorrow, our at home Jacob health updates:
Mary
Sooooooo happy to see this blog up! These two boys are so precious to us even though we couldn't bring them home. So happy to see them finding their family and you them! The blog looks fantastic. We will eagerly read your blog updates of home family and adoption. We just sent off our application to USCIS, so our timelines are very similar, although we don't have our referrals yet like you do. God bless you on your journey!
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet little boys you are bringing into your family! "Jacob" was the first Reece's Rainbow child our children picked to pray for and he is prayed over every night by them. Our kids were extatic when they found out he had a family, they have also been praying for you. We will be praying the adoption process goes smoothly and will be adding "Matt" to the prayer time as well! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteMany many blessings on your entire family! I followed your journey to adopt Milos/Jacob from Serbia. For a long time I have prayed for little "Jacob" now. I was thrilled when I found out he had a family coming for him! He needs your love!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all many times over! I am sending up prayers on your behalf as you again set out to add these darlings to your family. I'm also praying for everyone's health. I'm glad Milos has you as his advocate!