Now that we're approved, we've hit a new phase in our wait for Baby Miller. Many in the adoption world refer to it as being "Paper Pregnant." It really is just a matter of time before an expectant mother picks us, and we bring a baby home. :) Many of you have asked about how long this will take, and we really don't know. It depends on the potential birthmoms that are currently working with the agency, and what their criteria is for an adoptive couple. We were told that the couple that has been waiting the longest at our agency, has been waiting for a year. However, it could be up to two years, or it could happen next week! We just don't know.
I originally thought that this ambiguous waiting period would be incredibly difficult, but I don't think it will be that bad after all (although I reserve my right to change my mind and have a melt down at any given moment!). I still have a lot to do, learn, and prepare for. But these are things that I WANT to do, and that I find much more enjoyable than the paperwork and homestudy requirements. Below are the items on my new to-do list so you have an idea of what I'm working on now. :)
- Find a pediatrician
- Figure out benefits and steps needed to get baby on our insurance
- Figure out how social security is handled for an adopted child
- Read a few books regarding getting the baby on a sleeping/eating schedule, what to expect the first year, and parenting
- Make crib bedding
- Work on other nursery projects like making over an old glider chair, making a valance for the closet, and hanging up decorations
- Take an infant care class with Ryan
- Learn about all of the hootie falootie baby gadgets that are out there nowadays
- Get more detailed information on my options for breastfeeding. This may be a shocker to some of you, but yes, breastfeeding is possible even though I am not pregnant. :) More to come on this topic soon!