I remember the first evening we were home with Max and settling in, Andy encouraged me to take a quick nap because the baby was sleeping on my brother-in-law, who was busy falling in love with him. Everything was under control.
I settled into my bed and immediately…
BURST INTO TEARS!
It was literally the first time I was physically alone in 9+ months. I was obviously thrilled he had made his way to the outside, but sad that my time of carrying him had come to a close. I loved pregnancy because even during the rough stuff, each baby was always with me; their life attached to mine. It was an experience I only shared with the tiny little person growing inside of me and it was the very beginning of our relationship!
I’ve followed blogs, where each week the pregnant mommy completed a questionnaire of how far along she was, how she’s feeling, how she’s sleeping, weight gain, food aversions, movement and so on. We are expecting another baby in our home for whom we are to love, provide, and care for the rest of our lives, but I don’t know any of these things about my baby’s IN tummy time. So, I got to thinking…I thought it would be fun to share a:
WAITING Questionnaire…for the Adoptive Mother!
This will be my attempt to track what is going on in my home & heart (and emotional state :), during this period of time we’re expectantly waiting!
How long have you been waiting? With our portfolio officially at agencies, about one month!
How do you feel this week? Actually, surprisingly awesome; we had a new, interesting and completely “out-of-left-field-and-we-have-no-clue-what-we’re-doing” situation arise on the adoption front this past weekend. There might be a baby waiting, we are doing our due diligence to look into the circumstances but ultimately we are no closer to having our baby home than our current waiting status in other states, but we have really rallied in prayer to discern what the Lord has for us and that is powerful.
What’s been on your mind? Whether or not the baby is already born
What are your prayers for this baby? That those who are caring for (or carrying) this child would be unbelievably loving and attentive; and he would be in the absolute best situation until he is here at home.
What are you doing to prepare? Nothing tangible at the moment (although writing this question made me realize we should probably start planning, because when we receive the call, we need to be ready at any moment) & Praying!
How are you taking care of yourself this week? I was very excited to start my weekly bible study again this past Wednesday, that mid-week time in fellowship with God and other women is life-giving!
What have you done with your kids this week? Lots and Lots! School, swimming class, walks, playing outside, play dough, reading, etc. Because they were still recovering, yesterday was the first time we left the house since last Tuesday (I’ve been away, just not with them).
Nervous about anything? The possibility of entering the foster care system
Dreaming about/Looking forward to this week: actually holding my next baby! I told Andy, I’m definitely getting the baby itch!
New Baby Items: None.
No belly shots :( But, I was drinking a glass of wine the night I wrote this ;)
There you go! I am planning to answer these questions every week or two to document this time & keep everyone up to date!
Your Turn (I’d love to hear your thoughts):
Are you a pregnant or waiting mama? Are you documenting the weeks as they pass?
Did you keep certain records when you were expecting?
Sharing this post with: The Better Mom, Cornerstone Confessions, Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, Raising Arrows, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Women Living Well, Walking Redeemed, Serving Joyfully, Raising Mighty Arrows, & Christian Mommy Blogger
Becca V
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Just so lovely, Becca! I will also pray that somewhere, a mother is doing the most loving and hardest thing possible, making plans to give up her child, so her wee one will be loved and well cared for. I pray for all of you. I have dear friends who were childless, and they started out fostering a preemie baby, which then became their own child. They continued to add 2 more adoptive children to their family. Those kids are grown now, and my friends are now grandparents! I think of those brave birth mothers who make such a loving decision, and I am thankful for people like you, who are waiting with excitement, ready to welcome and love their newest family member.
Oh, Mary, I cannot fathom carrying a child knowing that the most loving choice I can make is letting him/her go; I couldn’t agree more, it is loving, selfless, courageous and these mothers have a strength that is overlooked. Thank you so much for your prayers.
I am in your new Bible study group and am so excited to be along side of you even a tiny bit and praying for you and your future baby!
Wow! Thank you for stopping by, Robin. I am so looking forward to getting to know you this year and really appreciate your prayers :)
I like this… I think we need more resources for adoptive moms. So many people have misconceptions or misinformation about adoption
Absolutely! I agree and desire to work on that ;)
I love this! My husband and I want to adopt some precious little kiddos in the future. I loved your blog when I found it earlier today, and now I love it even more! =) I get so excited when I find other couples who want to/have adopted children.
Thanks, Erin! We are praying for all the treasures out there without the comfort, safety, security of a family! THEIR family! And always thrilled for the encouragement and to hear of others who have been given the same desires.
Have you seen the video that was popular awhile back about a family who adopted multiple children with special needs from different countries? That video always makes me cry, but it’s one of the most beautiful families I’ve ever seen.
YES! Amazing!
[…] (I’ll try to be timely). There, you can read about our Home Studies, some of our FAQs, our Waiting Questionnaires, […]
[…] you’re new here, you can find my original Waiting Questionnaire and explanation to read all the questions & know a little more about why I’m tracking this […]
[…] to adopt a third. Towards the beginning of her journey she thought it would be fun to share a: WAITING Questionnaire…for the Adoptive Mother! Often expectant mothers will share events along the way. This may be the first time they felt […]
Thank you so much for sharing this post and I am so unbelievably glad that it has offered you some form of sharing and processing – that you are not alone in the journey you’ve gone through and there is freedom in sharing!! Thank you!