FDL happens

Well, we got rained out this last weekend for our photography session. It was a real bummer, but that is the way it goes with this Oregon weather. We are trying for this upcoming weekend again if the rain stays away.

On a positive note we received our FDL (Favorable Determination Letter) which feels like a mini miracle. Those on the wait list are probably shocked that we just now are getting this. it turns out that we delayed sending off our I-600a (which is a petition to bring an orphan child to the US) because our family opened up our parameters. This included adding an addendum to our Homestudy and we wanted all of our information to match up correctly.

We sent off our I-600a, and received our fingerprinting biometrics appointment for the next week.

That is super fast.

We got our biometrics done, only to find out there was a mistake on our address (transcription error). This caused the biggest hassle ever. After talking to many, many people on the phone getting the run around, I was left frustrated and teary.

I need a shirt that says:

"Don't mess with a waiting adoptive mom. I have no control over my emotions. I am in the middle of the longest adoption ever. Step off."

Anyways, I finally was able to get it all straightened out, breathe a sigh of relief, and then found our Favorable Determination Letter (what we petitioned for with the I-600a) in my mailbox two days later.

That is a miracle people. The average wait time on USCIS website is 5 months. I expected a little faster processing because we are adopting, but man, 2 weeks bata-bing, bata-boom. Thank you USCIS and the FBI!

What does all this mean?

It means that our dossier (our packet of info) gets sent to ET, translated, and then our baby/babies will be matched with our family.

This week we started Oliver in preschool. He loves it! I can't believe he is 3 years old. He is going to make such a fantastic older brother. We are hopeful in the upcoming months to make that a reality.

I was inspired by this family this week. It's just another little reminder to me of how God doesn't always give us what we want or expect in life, but rather what we NEED.


I was happy to receive our new monthly numbers, especially since they are lower than I anticipated!

For the month of September we are number 48 for girls








Number 34 for boys




And number 17 for a sibling group





This weekend is our Adoption Photography Session. Pictures will be posted soon!

Photography Session Fundraiser

I wanted to share that we are planning another Adoption Fundraiser Photography Session! See
Last summer's Photography Session

Photo sessions will take place Saturday, September 17th in Gladstone. Expect thirty minutes of photography per session. You will receive a disc of edited images for you to develop as you choose. Total investment is $100.

All proceeds benefit our adoption.

I'm praying for good weather again this year. I'm excited to see all the autumn colors in the photos! We are so grateful for everyone's support, and are planning to have this as our final fundraising event!

Stop by here to view examples of pictures, many of which have been taken at the Gladstone location.

Please sign up and spread the word! Contact me with any questions :)