We Have a Dream to be Parents!

It has been a couple weeks now since we have last heard from our doctors.  April 17th is still set for a consultation with a doctor specializing in male infertility.  We found ourselves with lots of time to talk on our recent driving trip to Mississippi to visit family for Easter.

Scott and I would like to still explore what is causing the male infertility...that involves him undergoing a few different tests/procedures.  We will find out more about that next week.  However, we have also decided to start the adoption journey.  Scott and I have one goal in our hearts...become parents.  Loving, God-fearing, fun, active, involved, (and of course totally cool) PARENTS!  If that route happens through our own DNA, great.  If not, that is OK, too.  We feel God is calling us towards adoption.  We are not giving up on having biological children...we just feel we can love our "gotcha children" just as much as "our DNA children".

The adoption placement process can be long.  1-2+ years.  Then it is about 6+ months after placement that we would be able to finalize the adoption.  MANY factors go into the cost of adoption. Application fees, homestudy fees, placement fees, attorney fees, court fees, travel fees, birth mother's care and living expenses...list goes on.

Unfortunately, we are at a standstill until the first part of the money can be saved up to cover the first homestudy and the first part of the agency fees.  We plan to use a private agency here in Ohio.  In-state adoptions are slightly more affordable as they have caps on the money the birth mother cant receive for living expenses.  Other states can get quite high.  With that being said, though...if a friend or family member knows of a birth mother planning to give her baby up for adoption, we can actually work with an attorney for that process...and would be VERY HAPPY to become parents that way as well.  

If you're interested in knowing the basics to adoption, here is a great link to the process.   Steps to Adoption

Grants and some tax return benefits are available for us if we have a successful adoption.  However, we have to come up with the money up front via fundraisers, loans, side jobs, donations, savings, etc.  The expenses can really add up ($20,000-$50,000) for adoption.  We hate that it comes down to money, though we understand why it is the way it is.

When we moved from Mississippi last year, we also left behind Scott's old truck that we were certain wouldn't make the trip...so at the same time as trying for our family, we are on the hunt for a family-friendly vehicle for Scott (he's been borrowing my dad's truck) paying down my students loans, and related medical expenses.  I sell Pampered Chef on the side, and will put ALL the commission I make from that on the medical/adoption fees...and I have an interview coming up for a second job...  I know the Lord will provided and that His plan will continue to become more visible for us. 

In the meantime, if you find it in your heart that you want to support our adoption financially, a secure account has been set up for us at this link.   Watson Family Donation Page  The entire amount raised will go towards our dream of being parents.

I also have set up a Pampered Chef fundraiser which closes April 30th if you would like to order Pampered Chef and help us at the same time!  Pampered Chef Fundraiser

Thank you all for your continued to support.  Our goal...be pregnant and/or adopt by Christmas 2015!!

                                         Collecting sap for maple syrup at mom and dad's house!