Publicity

Just sending a shout out to the new readers thanks to the Republic Monitor! I'm excited that the article will help in raising awareness about adoption...adoption of any kind!! We support it all. We simply felt called to adopt internationally. Feel free to email me at connie07smith@gmail.com if you want more info on how to adopt locally or internationally. We'd love to send you in the right direction. Foster to adopt is a great avenue as well and there is a huge need for foster homes right now. If you're feeling called to help orphans in any way we support you!!! Thanks for your positive comments and support! -Side note...the new job is AMAZING!!! Chris & Connie

The Waiting Strip

At this time we are on the "waiting strip".  Not waiting for a baby, but waiting to wait on a baby.  Ya, you read that right.  There is an identified waiting to wait period.  I learned today that we need to complete the I600A form to petition the US government for approval to adopt internationally.  There is a new fee with that (which I don't recall knowing before) and the processing time of that application is 8 weeks.  Once we get the approval from the USCIS then we will be on the waiting for a baby list.  The official wait list!  Our USCIS application and payment will be express mailed tomorrow and our US processing fee was mailed out today.  I was really hoping to be on the waiting for a baby list by May 1, but it could be July 1 or so.  I suppose we will wait longer, there is a baby that needs a home so we are okay with that!  We still hope to have our baby home by Christmas, but more and more that seems unrealistic. 

I've been answering a lot of questions in person so I felt like I've shared this with everyone but I will post the following for those I don't talk to often or ever.

Korea requires their babies to be available for domestic adoption for 6 months, once they have been for 6 months then they are open for international adoption.  So for those people (us) who want to adopt a baby 2 years or younger have a bit of a longer wait because we have to wait for them to turn 6 months old.  We could adopt older and not wait as long, but we really believe that adopting age 2 and under is what we need to do right now.  Thus, the average wait is 6 months.

Once we have been given a referral we have a few days to pray about accepting the referral, take the records to a pediatrician (we don't yet have one, or even have one in mind!), and consider the implications of the health issues at hand.  During the application process prospective parents indicate what illnesses they are open to in a mild, moderate, or severe fashion.  By not answering you are indicating that you are not open to that particular illness.  Our social worker told us that perhaps our wait won't be as long as the usual (18 months total) because we are open to a lot of illnesses. 

Ummmm....we are?

We indicated that we were open to illnesses such as: cleft lip, minor heart defects (I think), food allergies, webbed hands/feet, abnormal sonograms/scans of certain kinds, etc, etc.  There is no guarantee that a naturally born baby will be free of medical issues.  I have a second cousin with significant food allergies, one of my dearest friends had a scare that the little girl she is carrying was going to have Down's Syndrome or another significant illness.  My sister was born with birthmarks that looked like strawberries and were about the same size, too!  I was born with a hole in my heart.  My husband brother was born ugly!  (Hahahahahaha!  Just kidding Luke!  :))  But seriously, we simply marked illnesses that natural born babies could be born with and could be corrected on its own or by minor surgery or medical intervention as well as concerns like food allergies.  Things that aren't life shattering, but may just require some life adjusting.  We decided not to accept babies with major illnesses like Down's, HIV, Hep C, etc because we simply aren't equipped to voluntarily take that one.  We wanted to be responsible in this opportunity and ensure that we could provide an appropriate environment for our baby-to-be.  My gynecologist told me of a person she knows who only adopts children that will die prematurely.  How tearfully amazing, she and her husband are burdened to provide happy and loving homes to deathly ill children!!! 

So, after waiting an average of 6 months for a referral, we then accept the referral and move forward into more paperwork, the EP process.   I'm not sure what that stands for, I have a lot more reading to do in the manual, but I'm getting there.  Nonetheless, once the referral is accepted and paperwork is completed we then wait for the Korean government to issue us our visas.  The average wait for this is 1 year.  Korea has been limiting and reducing the number of visas they give out to people for international adoption.  They have not revealed why or even how many they issue.  But if your paperwork isn't processed by their cut-off limit, then you wait for it to re-open.  It's not done by calendar year, either so there is really limited guessing.  I believe, however it was mid February 2012 when they reopened visa granting.  I'm hoping that is in our favor.  Once we are approved we then get a 2-4 week notice to travel and we get our baby!  We will stay in Seoul, Korea for about a week and make a 14 hour flight back home to begin our new life of bonding and learning...that's exciting and scary at the same time!

So, I believe for now that is it.  All-in-all, it will probably be 8 weeks before there is a major update to share, but I'll try to post updates on the baby's room, designs, and maybe baby names.  We talked again last night about baby names.  Chris is stuck on a boy name that I haven't fully fallen in love with and naturally he doesn't like my picks.  We have a significant list of girl names but he refuses to talk about girl names because 99% of the babies from Korea are boys, but maybe since we are open to more illnesses that makes more girls available to us.  We really want a girl, that was our original request but then found out Korea doesn't allow requests.  All of my siblings have girls and Chris' sister just had a GORGEOUS baby boy.  I think since the idea of having a girl is so far out of reach we are silently yearning for one more and more while eagerly awaiting a precious baby boy! 

Until then we will be waiting...on the strip of course. 

Thanks for the support and prayers!
Local readers, don't forget to look for me at the Mayfest on May 12.  I have a booth for the crafts I've been making and to take orders.  See you there!

Chris and Connie

T-Shirts, Thirty-One, and more!

As some of you saw on Facebook there are some products we will be selling in an effort to raise funds to bring our baby home!  I've had a lot of questions and requests for more info, so here it goes!

Through a company called Simply Love we are selling t-shirts and other items.  Here's a little sneak peak of the print (although the country will be Korea and not Africa!):
This is the front of the men's t-shirt:

 The back of the men's t-shirt:

 The back of the women's t-shirt:

 The front of the women's t-shirt:

We are selling the women's t-shirt in blue first.  If there is a high demand for the green then we will open up sales to that.  The green is really just to appease me, because it's my favorite color.  :)
Ladies shirts are what the company calls a "junior's cut" which is really just a "ladies' cut".  They suggest going a size bigger when you order.  The shirts are non-refundable, but we will be happy to help you switch a shirt with other customer's if it work's out.  Or if you ordered a Large and you need an X-Large, we will switch an order size in upcoming orders to accommodate, but, naturally, there are no refunds.
T-Shirts are only $18!


All of the items below will be available with the above t-shirt design or a Simply Love logo, we are still deciding which it will be, but don't worry, the cutest design will win!  :)


Here is my dilemma:  There are so many other items that can be ordered.  For example, there are 3 different kinds of water bottles...how do I chose?!?!  Well, I don't!  YOU DO!  I am asking you to leave a comment with the name of the water bottle you want to see available.  :)  Please leave the exact name of the item in the comment section.  The bottle with the most requests will be the bottle available.  If there is a close second then we will have both!  Don't pay attention to the colors, just the cup style.  :)

16 oz Spirit Tumbler $17 (below)

 140z Double Wall Laguna Chisel water cup $17 (below)

h2go SS Solus Water Cup $18 (below):

 Double Wall Porcelain Mug Silicone with lid (aka coffee mug!)  $20 (below):
**This item can also be ordered in plastic and is only $16-the highest demanded style will be the style ordered...WHICH ONE DO YOU WANT AVAILABLE TO YOU?  Porcelain or Plastic?***

Messenger Tote $25 (below):

Purse Tote $26 (below):

Distressed Baseball Hat $16:

Now, on to Thirty-One...
I have been a consultant for a little less than a year now.  I have decided to commit all of my profit from Thirty-One to help bring our baby home!  You can play a part by purchasing from me in person, via email connie07smith@gmail.com, or through my website www.mythirtyone.com/81712.  You can also host a home or catalog party to get free and half priced items while supporting the cause!  Let me know if you are interested!

Lastly...I am doing some light crafting in effort to raise money as well.  This is not only going to be relaxing for me but it is going to be great for you!  Most/all items will be for $20 or less!  :)  I don't know about you, but to me that's awesome...homemade products/gifts, bringing a baby a home, and all for under $20 an item!?  SWEET!

Items include:
Baby Closet Organizer (or any kind of closet organizer)

Coasters

Key Ring Holder (I LOVE mine!)

Tie Necklace (I can't wait to start making these!!!)

Yarn Letters (Still need to attempt these)

Also, my wonderful, amazing, selflessly generous Aunt Joan has been making and selling crafts of her own to raise money for our baby!  She has already raised over $50 in a few short days!  She has been a huge support to me and the best secret keeper I know...she was one of the first I told of the adoption too and she supported me behind the scenes all the way!  Find her on Facebook to order!  (Joan Flentge-Foust) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1740560909

Don't worry...I'm sifting through papers and enduring paper cuts for grants as well.  As they say in adoption world,  "So far, no morning sickness...but the paper cuts are terrible!"

Thanks for all of the support, above anything we covet your prayers in this process!

Connie 

I had a dream...

Currently, I'm in Bloomington, IL for a business meeting and Chris is back home holding down the fort. It's good for him to be the one that stays home some times :). Anyways, as I slept in my huge king sized bed in my enormous hotel room (courtesy of my company!) I had a dream. This is the second dream about the adoption to date. In this dream I received a call from Joy, our social worker. She asked if we would be interested in adopting a sibling group. Originally, this is not what we were requesting. But, we decided maybe we could. A 12 year old boy and a 5 or 6 year old girl and both spoke enough English to start school immediately. We decided we would make due in our current home (Dad, stop laughing!) until we were ready to build. When we got to Korea we were welcomed by two pleasant kids that would call us mom and dad, and they were eager to do so! When we were leaving the orphanage for the last time they gave a long good-bye to a precious little baby, maybe 6 months old. When I asked about the baby and why they we're close the orphanage mom told me it was their little sibling (I don't know if it was a boy or girl). We had no idea they were a family of three. Apparently, the orphanage thought the baby could be adopted individually because of the age disparity. I looked at Chris and he nodded his head. A week later, we were in our little house with three kids, ages 12, 6, and 6 months!!! Then, we built a house. :) Now, this dream could be looked at any number of ways. Should we expand our baby group to include siblings? We will adopt more than one child in our life? Eh...I just say, when I get home, Chris is going to surprise me with the property he has picked out for us to build on before baby comes! Quick, someone text Chris and tell him you had a preminition and he is to build our house now! Hahahahahaha. Can't blame a girl for trying, can you? Truth is, we plan to stay in this house as baby makes his way into our world and then we will re-evaluate what will happen next. I also had a dream a few months ago. It was short, but not sweet. We were taking baby, who was an infant to the airport to go home and some one ripped him out of my hands! I woke up reaching for my baby trying to get him back...and then I realized it was just a dream. A terrible, rotten, no good, very bad dream. We continue to appreciate your prayers and support. Don't forget to leave comments for an upcoming question and answer blog! If you're comfortable asking, chances are we are comfortable answering! Chris & Connie

Are we showing yet? It's not in her belly, it's on our faces!

Many of the announcements are being opened in the homes of our families and a few friends today!  My Aunt Mary and Uncle Kim were the first to call with congratulations and questions!  It was surprisingly special to me that our first call was from them.  They are my God-parents and were instrumental in my life after my mom's accident (along with many other aunts and uncles!).  Then, my Uncle Jay called G's house while I was there and sent a congrats through the phone.  Then, my former student from Southeast sent me a text full of excitement.  I sent a text to a very dear friend who I seldom see or talk to telling her to check her mail today.  I have yet to hear back from her.  When Chris and I got engaged she predicted that we would be with child in the first two years.  She even marked it on her work calendar so when the day came she would know if she was right or not!  So, I know she'll be excited.

I am thrilled with our pictures that were done by Esprit Jolie Photography, but I am not pleased with Vista Print's inability to correctly complete our order.  Twice they sent the tiny cards you hold in your hand, both times they were to be 5x7s so the country and chalk board pictures would be intelligible.  So, do as my Aunt Mary did and you will (maybe) see that the card reads, "We are Seoul searching!"  and the back has a red heart around Seoul, Korea.  Hopefully that helps.

We are announcing to our church tomorrow, only a few people know as of now.  I'm anxious to see how it goes over.  Currently, there is not an active member of our church who has adopted internationally.  We'll see how it goes, I know it won't go badly...it's just a new thing.

Chris' family already knows.  His mom's siblings know because Luke has an inability to keep secrets apparently (we'll blame it on his excitement, he was actually the VERY first person who knew).  His Arkansas family knows because when we called to tell his dad he was soooooo excited we figured he could share his excitement with others, too!

So there it is, we are out of the closet with the adoption!  We are not yet announcing on Facebook.  That will come tomorrow after church, so if you could, please refrain from exciting posts until tomorrow afternoon!

Chris and Connie

It's kind of like the first trimester...

Our homestudy was yesterday.  What a milestone!  You could compare it to the first trimester of a pregnancy, maybe.  For three months we've been secretly knowing of our situation, afraid to tell others because if something went wrong with the application or homestudy...for example, our income wasn't what they wanted, our home didn't meet their standards, they thought we and our families were too crazy!  Our first meeting was pushed back from March 5th to the 7th because our social worker was sick (ya, that's right...the social worker has a social worker...it's a first for me! :)).  Then our in-home homestudy was changed from the 12th to the 14th because Chris was sooooo sick.  Fever, earache, sore throat, cough, the works.  He thought he was dying, I just thought if he was he should do it more quietly.  This was probably a blessing in disguise though.  As many of you know, there is always a project in our house...and there are always 5 unfinished projects.  Now, I'm not blaming Chris for all of this, oh no!  It's also Luke's fault too because he moved to Columbia for an internship in Jeff City with our State Rep...so selfish!  We had an unfinished bathroom, no smoke detectors, no bedframe, our upstairs/attic was in complete disarray, the hallway needed touch up paint (finding the paint was a disaster!!!), on and on and on.  With the help of the two most handsome and handy guys I know it was all completed by 9:30am and our SW showed up at 9:40am!  If Luke hadn't come home and Chris wouldn't have been sick (he worked a little during the near-death illness) our SW may have walked into mayhem.  The homestudy went great and she only gave our home a quick once over glance(what?!?!)  and it was in it's best shape to date!  Oh well, the milestone is achieved and now we will wait roughly three weeks for the homestudy to be approved in the states and by the team in Korea.  After that, we wait for a referral of a child.  He will be 6 months old when we get the referral, so chances are, we have a living, breathing, beautiful baby just recently born in Korea!  So you could say, we're parents!  But, we'll wait to have that celebration.

A few other things: 

Chris landed in China this morning (they are 13 hours ahead of us in the central US)...the first thing he said in his text to me was "We just landed, when we go to Korea, we are flying first class."  I'm so glad he went on this trip...aside from the intent of the trip, it's great that he knows what we need before it happens! 

I ordered our announcement cards today.  I nearly had a breakdown beacuse I couldn't find a website to print double-sided flat announcements.  Then my awesome cousin saved me!  She's kind of like wonder woman.  :)

I told my sister today :)  It was great.  I told her I was going to print some pictures and wanted to know what she thought of them.  I handed her my phone with the announcement on it...it took her a moment but then she nearly flipped out with joy.  I thought it was good timing because she's had a rough week and I love her too much to let her have a totally bad week.  Tomorrow, I tell my grandparents (who I secretly refer to as G and have since the 9th grade, but I don't think they know it! <snicker, snicker>). 

Thanks for the support!
Chris and Connie

An accidental secret slip-up...

For a few days Chris went to Louiville, KY for a youth leader's conference:: Can I just say, these are much needed for all pastors!  He came back refreshed and inspired, which is HUGE!!!  Anyways, while at the conference I was running through Wal-Mart for the third time, trying to get the right size window shade for our bedroom, A: I took down the handmade one because I wanted a blind back and B: I wanted our house to look normal for the home visit.  While at Wal-mart our equally rushed neighbor stopped to say hi.  Well, he just recently had a baby and has been MIA for a few weeks...his poor Bella (dog) has been lonely so I go over and talk to and pet her from time to time.  He goes on to say rennovating and finishing his home so baby and mamma can move in is stressful.  Insert my statement, "I know what you mean."  The intended meaning of this statement is, "I know what you mean rennos and remodels suck...no matter the reason."  He heard, "We're having a baby!"  Automatically, his huge eyes jumped to my stomach, my face, my stomach, followed by a "REALLY?!!"  I was in a pickle.  I scanned for nearby ears and he leaned in towards me, "We're adopting," I said.  With a huge smile, arms in the air, then stretched to me, then in the air, wide eyes and so much excitement, he said what I've been dying to hear and have heard from no one..."That's amazing, congratulations.  Tell me all about it!  ...but quickly, we're out of diapers!" :)

Innocent mistake, but divine timing.  I was really needing an outside positive reaction.  Our friends we asked to write our referrals knew it wasn't known information so they never asked anything for the longest time and our parents were happy but not overtly excited like my neighbor...maybe they expected such a thing from us?  I guess we do keep them on their toes with our crazy trips, crazy ideas, and fun adventures.  Just wait until we tell them we're moving to AFRICA!!!


GOTCHA!  :)