A BLOG BY LINDSY READ

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Big Announcement

Dan and I are so happy to announce that we are going to be parents!!!  
Please note that this photo is from 3 years ago.  Dan has more tattoos now and we are no longer this skinny.

We are so overwhelmed and happy.... and a little scared.  There are so many questions I can't answer right now.  Some of the unknowns scare me but I am confident that we are ready and that this is what we should do.  We've heard a lot of the same questions from friends and family so we'll answer them before you ask...

Boy or Girl?
We dont know.

Where is the child from?
The child will be American, from the state of Washington.

What age will the child be?
We are registering for 0 - 5 years old but from what I understand, the child will likely be under three to allow for an adoption to finalize before the child turns five.  That way we wouldn't have to re-register for another age group.

What's the process like?
Kinda long or kinda fast, depending on how you look at it.  We starting filling out the paperwork at the end of July.  (We're still not done...)  They are currently running an extensive background check and need four references (Thanks to Dan's dad, my best friend: Sara, Jeremy, and Andy).  Our home-study will probably happen in September.  This is when a case worker comes over and asks a million questions and looks around to make sure our home is safe and happy.  Then, we have 30 hours of classes in October.  After that, I'm told it's 3 - 6 months before a child is placed in our home.  We will be foster parents until the opportunity for an adoption happens.  What that means is that we have to give the child's birth-parent(s) a chance to "get their act together" - the main goal is for a child to be with their family, unless the family is deemed unfit.

How long will it take?
We're not really sure.  Including the application process, it will be about 9 months until a child is in our home.  There's no way of knowing how long an adoption will take either.

Where will you live?  
We are staying in our loft in downtown.  Yes, it's on the fourth floor.  Yes, it's inconvenient in just about every way imaginable.  BUT!  We love it.  We are not only registering ourselves as foster parents but also our home so we wouldn't legally be allowed to move after we register.

Can you re-name the child?
I would imagine that the child would legally take our last name if an adoption takes place and at that time we could change his/her first or middle name.  I'm sure they will address this during the classes.  I don't know if it's allowed or if it's taboo.  I will keep you updated!

Can you afford it?
None of your beeswax.  (Just kidding!)  Private adoption and adopting from over-seas is very expensive.  With foster care and public adoption most of the costs are covered by the state.

What about your jobs?  Is Dan quitting the band?
Dan will still be touring.  Dan's career is going well;  the band is getting paid more for their shows which means they don't have to tour as often.  We realize that this will be difficult but it's our reality.  We feel ready to start a family.  When Dan's home, he's literally at home all day which means lots of time with the kiddo!  I will probably be hiring some help for when Dan is out of town.

What do you need?
Right now we just need the basics and what is required by the state:  a crib/toddler bed, a changing table, a potty-seat, fire-extinguisher, first aid kit.  Good news:  We have all that!  As for all the other stuff (clothes, car seat, bottles/formula, diapers, food, bedding, stroller, toys, etc etc etc...mild anxiety attack....) we would love your hand-me-downs once we find out what gender and age of the child being placed in our home.

Do you like Thai food?  
Yes, we love Thai food.  We make it at home sometimes but mostly we just go out and get it at a restaurant.

So.... that just about sums up the "FAQs".  Any more?  Shoot 'em at me!  We are so excited an appreciative of your love and support.  XOXO!  - Lindsy + Dan

7 comments:

  1. We are beyond excited and thrilled for you guys!!! I definiely have some hand me downs!

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  2. This is so stinking amazing.......What a great journey.....so thrilled for you guys.

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  3. i realized i never commented on here - but i am SO overjoyed and happy for you guys. When we are at the hospital and we have foster babies all around us, i want to snatch every one of them up and take them home with me. I am SO so so happy to know that you are finding a way to make a happy home for at least one of these children. You're gonna rock as parents. And you know we're good for some hand me down stuffs too. Hope its a girl. Or a boy who likes princess stuff.

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Thank you so much for commenting! I love feedback and I read every comment and would love to respond to you! If you want to be notified of a response, click that little "notify me" box! xo, Lindsy

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