Like Getting a Positive

The tension was too much. Still hadn't heard from AGCI with a million crazy thoughts hatching as to why. Finally called to ask for an update. Long story short, because of some miscommunication between us, our home study agency, and AGCI, they didn't realize we were ready to go on the waiting list. Oh my gosh! How could this be? I almost lost my lunch. Kiersten called back right away when she realized what happened and gave us our numbers.

So.....

We are #12 on the boys list and #13 on the siblings list!

I had a permanent smile on my face at work. Could NOT stop smiling. It's hard to explain to people who aren't familiar with the process why going on a waiting list is an elation filled moment.

Lots of people have asked, "what does this mean?" My attempt to explain. When a child is ready to be placed with a family, AGCI will review the child's profile, then evaluate the parameters of the family at #1 on the list. The parameters center around age, gender, and special needs. If there is a match, a referral is made. If there is not a match, they move to the family at #2. As children are placed with their families, we will move up the list. Our parameters approve us to adopt a boy or girl 0-12 months, or siblings 0-12 months, whichever comes first. It's much more likely a boy will be ready for placement before siblings, but we will go on the sib list just in case a miracle set of twins need a home at just the moment that we are at the top of the list. We love girls too but that list is much longer. We would rather give our spot on the girl list to a family specifically called to adopt a girl and hang with the guys this time around.

So I have to say, the list has changed my mind.

I've been unsure about how best to share the news of our adoption with friends, family and colleagues. I think because I am unsure, when I've told the news, they are also unsure of how to respond. When you say, "we're pregnant" everyone knows what to do. There aren't social norms yet for this. At least not in our current circles.

Until today, I had decided to announce our "pregnancy" with the referral. But holy smokes, this wait list milestone really feels big. I think I feel pregnant. There are still "9 months" ahead but this feels pretty official. I decided that this is the positive we've been waiting for. The referral will be more like that incredible first image of our child when he becomes that much more real to us.

Wow, it's been fun and encouraging to follow along with the families we've met through blog world. BIG congratulations to those who have joined the list within the past week! And we are so excited for you guys who are so close!

Now I can stop checking my email and voicemail incessantly. And maybe we can enjoy the beginning of the first trimester. :)