I am still here...

As I finally got into my blog again after losing my password (LOL), I read my last post from 2012 and laughed. I laughed not at what I'd written, but at the fact that God answered my heart's desire in so many ways, even in the most silly and simple yearnings.
[Child mentioned.]
We have a son who came to us through the foster-to-adopt process at just a little over a month old and we were able to adopt him before his second birthday. (That is the short version of the story.)
The comments we received when people from my past (who did not know we were fostering or adopting) would see us in public were, "He looks just like your side of the family!" For several months, he looked like he could have been a brother to my nephew at that age.
I know that ultimately, it doesn't matter whether he or any of our other future children look like us, but I just find it amazing to see the ways in which God answered my plea that show His fingerprints on our family. Here are a few:
My son's middle name when he came to use was my husband's name.
The meaning of my son's first name was a significant too response to our prayers too.
Partway through the foster-adopt process, I was given a keepsake box from his birth mother that contained his hospital crib card, ID bracelet, etc. I took one look at it and cried, knowing without a doubt that it was my mother's handwriting!!! My mother is a nurse at the hospital he was born at and would have seen him the day he was born (although none of us had any idea he existed and would eventually become our son). How many adopted children can tell that story?

I hope that if you are still in the process of dealing with infertility or the foster or adoption process that this gives you hope. God has plans for our lives that are far bigger than we can see, but He still cares about our heart's cries.

Finally, an announcement that didn't throw me for a loop!

I found out yesterday that an extended family member was having a c-section today. I didn't even know she was pregnant. Somehow people forgot to tell me. I think it was an honest mistake. It was the first pregnancy announcement in a while I didn't cry about. Anyhow, I am happy for her as these last few years have been extremely challenging for several reasons.
Today, I'm feeling pretty good. I started working out almost two weeks ago. I'm trying to make a real routine of it and it feels good. You have to know that this isn't me, so it's a pretty big step. Last week I went all 5 week days!
I am very eager to have a child placed with us. We painted the room for the baby (I hope!) last week. My Dad came and helped. He's wonderful! I also got some great baby garage sale finds. I want to enjoy the anticipation stage, which is hard because it depends on the day, but having a room and starting to get things makes it seem like the time is finally here and keeps me hopeful. Maybe this will come back to haunt me if we have to wait a really long time for a placement, but we'll see. Any advice from those who have walked the fostering/adoption route?
I went online and found a bunch of great "adoption" storybooks for children. I have ordered them and can't wait to get them. (I love children's books.)
I was even excited to use the crock-pot for supper tonight! Wow, I must be feeling well! :) Man, this post is really random.
I would love to connect with some more bloggers walking a similar path....infertility....fostering or adoption! Please leave me a message so I can check out your blog too. Thanks!     

Waiting in too many ways...

Well, we left our jobs in late November and we sold our house and moved then too. We tried to de-stress and relax over the Christmas season with family. Later we then went on a cruise to really relax. (Which was wonderful!) Now we are continuing the job hunt. Not usually do both spouses quit and leave their job at once unless they already have something else planned (seems crazy!)...but due to the unique nature of the job we were in together, that's what we did. It feels like we've taken a hundred steps backward instead of forward. Our adoption process is basically complete and we're ready and waiting pretty much, except for the fact that all that is on hold due to not knowing where we will live and what jobs we will take. My husband has been offered a temporary job for about 6 months. We may take that for now just to put us in the area we want to live in. We're still deciding. While it has been nice to be off, it isn't under ideal circumstances. I want to be off with children. It feels like the time is somewhat wasted because I feel like I should be doing fertility treatments or adoption stuff or something useful...but everything is at a stand still until we decide where to live and find jobs! I am trying not to take the time forgranted and do things I want to do, like creative things (quilt, make necklaces, photography), but it is hard not to focus on what I don't have (a child, a job, a house, our close friends living locally, a sense of being settled somewhere, etc.) I need to quit trying to understand WHY God has us where he does right now and not be sorry for myself and just trust. It's hard. We've been trying for 5 years now.