**Paper chasing & updates** May 23, 2009

Now that we are back on the adoption path, I thought we would get to move forward… Nope, not quite yet. It seems since we are just over a year since we applied – EVERYTHING we have done is expiring and needs updating. It just took us so long to figure out the right adoption choices for our family that now it feels like everything is starting over again…
Frustrating… But needed I know.

Between Jason’s job change and our expiring paperwork so far we need to update the following:
~ DHS Family fact sheet (just update changes since we applied – Jason’s new employment info)
~ Physical Examination Report – Back to the Doctor! (they are only good for 1 year)
~ MN Dept of Human Services application for child placement (just update changes since we applied – Jason’s new employment info)
~ Background History Affidavit - 1 pg yes or no form stating you do/do not have a history of various types of abuse/incarceration. That you are a US citizen, and if you have completed a previous adoption study.
(sounds like a lot but we do not have a history of abuse – so if you do not it’s easy)
~ Adam Walsh background check (Just got this in the mail with a long cover letter) Only good for one year – I’m hoping we don’t have to get fingerprinted again.. it’s not like they could have changed – last time it took forever to get this back since we have lived in so many states…  (I think I have a post about it back in MAY 2008 – I should reread it)

Jason also has to email our social worker with his new hours, position, and salary info – I don’t think he has done this yet.

So I’m guessing this will add a couple more months to our time line – mostly waiting for the background check to come back again…

My inner montaloge just keeps saying “It’s for the good of the children, it’s to protect children” I keep trying to remember that.

~Baby Blanket Bonanza~ May 13, 2009

I’m so crazy busy I didn’t get a chance to even write anything.  The baby blanket creation is going well. 

The blankets below are completed except for being pressed and a lil TLC around the edges.  I’m so happy with how they are turning out.  I hope I find a good client base that agrees with me.

The Carebear blanket is about 30×30.  Snuggly flannel and a fleece backing.  Completely machine wash and dryable.

The Dot Blanket is 100% cotton Snuggly flannel (front & back).  I have made 2 of these and they are about 38×38… Pretty big.  I should take exact measurements again. 

The other photo’s are of fabric I have that will turn in to blankets as the days go on.  I love the Monkey pattern and can’t wait to make that blanket! 

I bought some pirate fabric, bright poka dots, and traditional block baby fabric last night.    Yes, I am starting to run a little low on fabric!!! Can you believe it?  I can’t.    I made the first burp cloth last night and it turned out really well.  100% cotton – flannel front is small puppies and back is white.  It is about 13×17 if I am remembering correctly, which seems like a good size.

Learn about Bogota, Colombia May 12, 2009

Here is a documentary on Bogota Colombia.

Click below

Bogota Colombia Documentary

Our child(ren) will be coming from Bogota.

I would like to thank Nancy from Our Little Spiller for finding this video.

**Back on track!** May 11, 2009

I sent an email to our social worker today to get our adoption back up and running!  WOO HOO!  She is out of the office today.  I’m hoping to hear from her tomorrow.  I sent her new insurance paperwork since we changed our insurance.  So our new insurance still covers adopted children and adopted children with pre-existing conditions…

More details soon!

I’ve also got a lot of baby blankets started, but my sewing machine broke and I should have it back from the repair shop tomorrow.. WOO HOO!

*Almost back on track* May 4, 2009

I’m happy to announce that we are almost back on the Adoption track.

Jason has been placed in a long term temp position in mortgage, very similar to my job.  He has been there about four weeks and it is going well.  He is still looking for another permanent Project Analyst/Manager position but the job he has now will pay the bills and gives him mortgage experience that may help his resume to apply to Project Management positions in Mortgage in the months to come. I’ve very proud of him as it took exactly 6 weeks to find new employment, exactly the length of his severance package, so we never missed a check!  Way to Go JASON!  He is very modivated and employable even in this job market. I couldn’t be more proud of him.

 

By the end of the month I will be contacting our adoption agency to restart the adoption!!!  We will have to do a little backtracking as our financial pictures changed slightly and we now have new medical insurance.  I know at least I will need a letter from our medical insurance stating they will cover adopted children and adoption children with pre-existing conditions.  (I’m going to try to start researching this later this week).

Spring is finally here and I’m loving it.  After all those crazy craft shows last year that never really brought in a profit I’m about to start all over again.  This year I have a new project which is much better.

Baby Blankets and burp cloths!  I have been sewing on and off since I was eight years old and have a great sewing machine, why not put that too good use?

Here is a picture of the first baby blanket I made. It has 100% cotton flannel with Sesame Street Baby characters on the front and a soft yellow blizzard fleece on the inside.  Machine Wash and Dryable and pre-shrunk.   I have made two like this.  

(I think this one is 27″ x 31″ and the other is a slightly larger)

I am half way finished with a Care Bear one in pinks that I should be able to complete tonight and will try to remember to post a picture.

First Baby Blanket

 

The first blanket turned out really well and I know the more I do the better they will get.  I also need to make some coordinating burp clothes to go with them.  I found a great sale on kids flannel fabric with tons of fun patterns and colors.  I bought 40 yard!!! Can you believe it?

So I have a lot of sewing to do in the weeks ahead.  I started researching some craft fairs that I will look into signing up for several next week – once I get a few more blankets under my belt.

YEAH!