Waiting,Feeling 8 1/2 Months Pregnant & other Updates

I can so vividly remember being 8 1/2 month pregnant with Andrew....in the heat of the summer  of 2008,  I was SO ready for June 24 (my scheduled C-section date) to arrive...mentally, emotionally and physically.

Well, fortunately today I do not have to struggle with simple tasks like bending over or tying my shoes...but I feel like emotionally and mentally I'm as ready as I can be at this point.  I am aware that this part of the journey is only the beginning of  along road of frustrations and waiting....but I also know that I have such a strong desire in my heart to love on another precious child in our family.

I was speaking to a woman who God placed in my life (He's so amazing like that), who just became a foster parent over the summer.  It was encouraging to hear her story, yet also threatening to be reminded of the struggles that inevitably go along with caring for a foster child--namely dealing with the issues of the birth mother.  The uncertainty of knowing that this child (or children) that we have been waiting so long for may not be a part of our forever family is a difficult pill to swallow.

Knowing that we have to go into this with the hope that the mother will get her life together (hopefully through relying on the help of Jesus) and be able to raise her own child...but also being realistic in knowing that it most definitely will be a long, tough journey regardless of the outcome.

I"m not exactly sure why we are not approved yet.  We were supposed to have our profile completed 30-60 days from our home study and we are going on like 75 days.  Of all the timing...there are or have been 6 women out on maternity leave recently who usually help with approving families.  I'm chalking it up to that and our caseworker has assured me that we are close to being approved.  It's hard to stay connected, yet not be pushy.  I want to just say, "What the heck is going on!!! We are constantly being told of all of the kids who need homes and here we are willing and able and it is taking two years!?!?!?!?" Had I known this was going to be such a long process, we would have started earlier.

BUT, all of that frustration being said....I truly do know that I will look back on this all and rest in God's perfect timing.  There was confirmation in that in speaking with that woman today.  I know she would have waited 2 more years for the baby who is now in her arms. And I have a peace in the hope of  knowing that we will some day be at that place....

In the meanwhile!!!
  Julia started first grade! Going to a full day was an adjustment, but she is in the swing of things now and is doing really well. She is also in Daisies again and started gymnastics (joonastics as she says:).

 Andrew is having fun going to Shepherd of the Hills Preschool three days a week.  I am able to watch a little guy named Max three afternoons a week and Andrew loves playing with him.  They are great buddies!

I  continue to be on my pilgrimage to become tidy and organized...one of these days, am working lots for Allebach, and am involved with church activities   I've been enjoying running and completed my first half marathon with  a good friend in August.

Jeff is super busy spinning lots of different plates.  He is now the department head so along with that comes lots more responsibility, along with the usual basketball and teaching responsibilities.  He's such a talented guy and great daddy.

I do love this time of year and try to never take the beauty of autumn for granted (no, I didn't take this photo:)....