Ahhh, Hurricanes...Gotta Love the Chaos!

NOT!!!

Man, things are really a buzz here in Baton Rouge. I went to top off my tank and then get some last minute things from the store...it was CRAZY! No one is panicking, but it's a good sign to see so many people preparing. My motto is to prepare for the worst and pray for the best! There are so many things in our pantry loaded with carbs, but at a time like this I threw my IR diet out the window.

J has been working yesterday and today. He is part of the coordination group at Exx.on, and while management has been trying to make the decision to shut down the plant here in BR, or get it to minimal capacity, or keep it up and running at full capacity, Jon has had to come up with all the different scenarios to help them achieve whatever form of capacity they decide upon. He called about an hour ago to tell me that they are leaving the plant up. Apparently, we're only supposed to get 30-50 mph sustained winds with 70 mph gusts here in BR, and they think it will be safe to keep running at full capacity under those conditions. (umm, okay) But since then, he's gotten several frantic phone calls about possible problems, and he's having to deal with all that.

This will probably be my last post for a while. The news is reporting that we should be prepared in the BR area to be without power for up to a week. Fun times!!! With Katrina we had our power back at 7:00pm the day she hit, so I'm hoping we'll get the same great service from our energy provider this go around 'cuz this very hot natured person does NOT do well without AC.

I'm very impressed with our government officials. Our new governor started evacuating hospitals and nursing home days ago, shelters have been opened with provisions for pets (which was a HUGE reason many with transportation chose to stay during Katrina b/c they couldn't take their pets to the shelters), Jindal issued voluntary evacuation orders a few days ago, and all parishes on the coast are now under mandatory evacuation orders. There have been hundreds of busses ready for days to evacuate the people who are without transportation, and the national guard troops are down there helping with security. It's been amazing to see how all the branches (local, state and national) of government working together this time. With Katrina our then governor, Blanco, shrugged off help until it was too late. By the time she realized she was in over her head, there wasn't much anyone could do. And afterwards it was mass chaos b/c no one knew where to start b/c the damage was so bad. I'm go glad she's no longer our governor!!!

Please say a prayer for all who are on the gulf coast. This storm could cause massive devastation if it comes on as a Cat 4 or large Cat 3!! And some people are just now getting back into their houses after Katrina only to have to leave again.

Very Cool Video

Stupid Gustav Part Deaux

I decided to Fed.Ex the photobooks and letter to the MS agency. It's guaranteed to get there tomorrow before the chaos hits! WOO HOO!!! So everything is turned in to them, and we should be in their books very soon! (Until they come back and tell us we have something else to do. If there's one thing I've learned about adoption agencies...they tend to test your patience. Just when you think you've gotten it all done, they spring something else on ya!) So here's hoping we're FINALLY DONE and waiting on our baby!!!!

The social worker from the BR agency called to ask us what we thought about their new program to allow us to put our profiles on their new website. (I think it's a great idea, btw.) So while I had her on the phone I nailed down a date for us to have a pow-pow. (For those who don't remember...we've already completed our HS, but since this agency didn't do it, she likes to sit down and talk so she can get to know us a little better.) So that meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9. At that meeting I'll give her our letter and then we'll be in their books!! YIPPEE!!!

J found out that he doesn't have to be at the plant during the storm, but he will probably have to work from home if a situation arises. Hmmm, wonder if Ex.xon has figured out how to get him logged into their network without using electricity b/c barring a miracle, we're gonna lose power. Guess we'll find out on Tuesday when this thing makes landfall.

And lastly...I'm getting laid off in a couple weeks. Now before you go getting all worried...this is a part-time job (not even that, I work 14 hours a week max), and I only took it b/c the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) director at LSU was in dire need of some help while they were building their new facility. Now that we're in the new place, it turns out that they hadn't budgeted for a $2500 electric bill each month, so since I'm just "fluff" here, they are having to let me go b/c they can't afford to pay me. So, while it was nice to have my small paycheck to add to the "baby fund" in our savings account, J and I will be fine, and I will not be applying for unemployment! I am sad about leaving...I'll never find a job as flexible as it is here, and I've gotten to know several of the college students that I will miss (even if they do make me feel old sometimes, lol). I am, however, looking forward to getting back in the gym 5 days a week (until another part-time venture comes my way).

Tah-tah for now...or as Tigger would say...TTFN!!

Stupid Gustav!!!!

Well I was gonna get our letter and photobooks mailed out today, but I'm afraid to mail them with Gustav out there. I'm afraid it'll get lost in the mail should electricity be out for a long period of time. Geez...why must this be so hard?????

Even worse news...I get to ride out the hurricane (if it hits here, and it's pretty likely it will) b/c Jon will have to be at work. I'm toying with heading to Houston to stay with my folks, but I haven't decided yet. My parents are on vacation all next week, but they will be hanging around the house getting some projects finished up. I tried to get them to come here and bring their generator so we could have a hurricane party, but for some reason they just don't want to do that. What's up with that??? Where's the love??? lol

Feeling Icky

TMI here...skip if you please!

Saturday while we were in Hattie.sburg visiting J's brother and sil, I started getting this "gotta go" feeling. And after I went, I still felt like I had to go. Sunday it got worse, so I called my doctor this morning. I went in for a urinalysis this afternoon, and another doctor's nurse called back (my doctor is off on Mondays) about an hour later to say that they wanted to do a culture on it b/c I had blood in it. I told her I had just had an IUD put in on Tuesday and I was still spotting from that. They called in an antibiotic, and once the culture comes back they'll let me know what else they want me to do. In the meantime I'm drinking LOTS of cranberry juice, despite all the carbs it's loaded with. I don't think it's helping, but everyone has told me to drink it. I'll do anything at this point! I'm tired of "going" and I'm tired of being in pain! This sucks!!!

What's Next?

Jill commented on my last post and wanted to know what the next step was.

I will turn our letters in to both of the agencies that we're working with along with our photobook. Then we'll officially be waiting to be selected by an expectant mother (EM). One of our agencies will allow us to post our letters and picture on their website,and if the EM finds the site, likes us and wants to meet us, she will have to go through that agency for the adoption. There are websites out there with databases full of profiles that EM's from all over the country can browse through. Many of those adoptive parents are going the private route and working with a lawyer. There are pros and cons to doing a private adoption and going with an agency. Wedecided we wanted to go with an agency b/c of the services that they provide the EM's.

So basically all the hard stuff (meetings with the social worker, home study, background checks, finanial records, autobiographies, applications, etc...) has all been turned in, and once I get the letter and our photobooks in the mail we'll be officially in our agencies books and waiting on a baby! YEA!!!

Seminar and Letter Updates

We enjoyed the "infant care" seminar Thursday night. Most of it was common sense, but one thing that the doctor suggested was that we "interview" several pediatricians before we make our selection. He gave us several questions to ask, some I never would have ever thought of.

1. What are the after hours procedures for their practice?
2. Do you have a pediatric nurse practitioner that works for you?
3. Do you return the phone calls or will the nurse or nurse practitioner relay your message?
4. If you share a practice, will I always see you?
5. What are your views on vaccinations, co-sleeping, circumcision, etc...?
6. What is your usual recommendation for how long to let a baby cry when they are put to bed?
7. What is your philosophy about antibiotics or other medication for children who have colds or other ailments?
8. Do you have a "sick baby" waiting area?
9. How soon after the baby is born will the pediatrician come to see it at the hospital?
10. How does the pediatrician feel about mothers calling in after hours over "little things"? (Basically, are they going to get annoyed and disregard the questions?)
11. Does the doctor answer any general questions by email?


And now for the letter...

Jon and Janna

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter! Knowing that love is at the heart of adoption, we realize that your decision to allow another to raise your child takes great courage and trust. The letter that follows will give you a peek into our life. We hope you will feel that we are the right family to raise and love your child and want you to have a lifetime of comfort and peace with your decision.

About Us…

Married 5½ years, our relationship is built on love, respect and trust. We feel completely safe communicating our fears and feelings because we know that we would never do each other harm. Hard times in life have become opportunities to lean on each other for support, encouragement and comfort.

We share many common interests, which helps us build fond memories together. We love to travel, sing, play sports, go to sporting events, do puzzles, volunteer on mission trips, and spend time with friends and family.

We’ve always wanted a family and believe that raising a child is one of life’s greatest blessings. When we found out that we couldn’t have a biological child, we knew that we wanted to adopt. We can’t wait to become parents and share our love with a child.

About Jon (by Janna)…

What I love most about Jon is his giving spirit. He’s often the one doing the behind the scenes work and would rather not be publicly recognized for his help. He’s always thinking of others whether he’s giving money to someone in need, spending a weekend gutting a house in New Orleans, or taking vacation days to go on a mission trip. Jon’s heart is so full of love for others, even if he’s never met them.

Jon is intelligent (he graduated from college with a 4.0 GPA), he's a self-taught guitarist (I love to hear him playing in the other room when he gets home from work) and a very talented athlete (he played football, baseball and basketball in high school). Despite his many accomplishments, Jon continues to push himself to learn more and practice harder, always striving to grow in every area he can.

Although he can be shy and takes some time to get to know new people, everyone who knows Jon adores him because of his genuine spirit. No matter what the situation he remains honest and trustworthy. Whether on the job, on the softball field or basketball court, or helping others in need, Jon is a very dedicated worker and gives 100% of himself.

It’s common for Jon to be the human jungle gym when we are with family and friends. The kids immediately flock to him, and in those moments I know that he is going to make an amazing father.

About Janna (by Jon)…

I still remember the first time I met Janna. I noticed her gorgeous naturally curly hair and beaming smile first. But it was her fun-loving spirit and witty personality that lit up the room even though she was a newcomer among strangers. I soon learned that she is a talented athlete (she played on a state championship softball team) and singer (she was #1 in the state in high school). Cute, fun, energetic, talented in sports and music (two of my favorite hobbies)—I was hooked!

Of course, Janna is much more than a cute, talented person. She is an amazing elementary school teacher. She can cut up with her class and have them giggling one minute, yet have them quiet and attentive the next. She skillfully balances the fun and structure that kids need to develop and thrive. She’s a natural with children if I’ve ever seen one, and I can’t wait to see her as a mommy.

But Janna’s giving heart is what I love most, and it shines through in many ways. She leads a volunteer reading program at a local school and babysits for friends. She makes cute gift baskets for new mothers in our church and gives thoughtful gifts to friends and family on Christmas and birthdays (not to mention any other time she finds something they would like). She’s been on several mission trips and volunteered full time in a shelter for mothers with infants after Hurricane Katrina. Janna has a lot of love and compassion to give…another reason she will be a great mother.

Janna has always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and I completely support her. I can’t imagine a more important (or challenging) job than raising a child. Of course, Saturdays will be “Daddy Time” so Mom can get a break and Dad can get some quality bonding time with the children, too.

Our Values…

We were both raised in Christian homes and attend church regularly. We believe that attending church as a family strengthens us as individuals AND as a family. Our faith is important to us, and we want our child to find comfort in their faith as well. Our child will get to see godly lives through watching us interact with one other and the people we meet. We are far from perfect, but we hope to show our child that mistakes can be important learning experiences as much as successes.

Both of us have earned college degrees—Jon in chemical engineering and Janna in elementary education. Our children will be encouraged to pursue higher education goals as well. They will also be encouraged to participate in sports and artistic outlets like music so they can develop physically, creatively, and socially as well as intellectually.

We want to raise our children to be open-minded and non-judgmental, loving and respectful toward themselves and others, to value friendships and family, and to get involved in making the world a better place.

Where we live…

We live in a roomy four bedroom home in a culturally diverse neighborhood. In fact, the house was purchased with kids in mind because there is a large, fenced-in back yard that is perfect for outdoor fun and games. Our home is filled with plenty of toys and countless books to entertain a child’s imagination.

Our Family…

JANNA’S FAMILY: I have one older brother and a large, close-knit extended family who gathers every holiday to celebrate. It’s not uncommon for there to be 25-30 people gathered in one of my family member’s homes during the holidays. Though we’re scattered throughout Texas and Louisiana now, we still find time to get together at least once a year (though it’s typically more often than that.) We have one niece who we absolutely love and adore, and we can’t wait for her to have a cousin to play with!

JON’S FAMILY: I have a younger brother and adopted sister who live in Mississippi. Every year, we look forward to spending New Year’s Eve with my brother and sister-in-law. We play board games and video games, watch college bowl games, and enjoy the New Year’s parades. My sister was born in South Korea, but she is as “Southern belle” as they come. She is living proof that you don’t have to be blood (or even look the same) to be a family.

With our families living in other states, we have been blessed to find a large circle of close friends that we consider our “chosen” family here in Baton Rouge. We get together often for dinner, games or just to hang out.

And we couldn’t talk about family without mentioning our dog, Maddie. She is a 6-year-old miniature dachshund who absolutely rules our home. If you’ve got a lap she’s going to find it. And she’ll even sneak in a kiss or two as well. Taking her on walks in the evening is something that we enjoy doing as a family, and we can’t wait to bring a little one along on our family walks through the neighborhood.

We have shared our plans to adopt with all of our friends and family, and they are so excited for us. Between our niece, our cousins’ children, and our friends’ children, our baby will have lots of playmates!

In Closing…

The most important thing we want you to know is that we have a strong relationship based on love, respect and commitment. We are surrounded by wonderful family and friends who support us completely in our adoption journey. We are emotionally, spiritually, and financially stable, and we can’t wait to share all of this and more with a child.

We are interested in having contact with you before and after your baby is born through visits, letters, and phone calls, if you wish. We want to do whatever makes you feel most at peace with your decision.

We realize that you have a difficult decision and respect the time that you are taking to make it. Your child will always know the depth of your love as well as the care you took in finding the very best home to grow up in. We know that we can provide that type of home, and we hope you feel the same.

Thank you for reading our letter. Even though we haven’t met, you are already in our prayers. We wish you the very best!

May God bless you in your decision,

Adoption Seminar

I was told by a fellow blogger that I need to be blogging about our adoption experience more.

"Honestly, you really need to blog more... we've always planned on adoption at some point (even way back before all of this) but the whole process is so overwhelming (as I'm sure you're aware!) and reading about it step by step is really so encouraging. I'm sure that a lot of people feel the same way. I know that there isn't a whole lot going on right now, but hopefully once everything is done, things will really start happening fast so that I have something to read ;o)."

I've often complained that there wasn't much to write about these days as things were stalled, but she brought to mind that there are lots of people out there (her included) that have no idea what the adoption process is like, and learning about even the mundane experiences can help them better understand the journey. So, here's what's going on right now...

Tonight from 7-9 we have a seminar with our Baton Rouge agency. They hold these monthly, and we missed the one in June b/c of my foot surgery, and they didn't have one in July, so I told J that the next time they hold one we're gonna have to go. The topic tonight is infant care, and it's being led by a cradle care couple, a pediatritian and a nurse. Cradle care couples pick the babies up from the hospital and take them home with them until the surrender papers have been signed by the birth parents.

I started baby sitting when I was 12, but quite honestly I'm pretty intrigued by tonight's topic b/c as much as I've been around babies I don't think I have a clue what to do when they are in my care 24/7. I'll report on how it goes tomorrow.

One Word...

OUCH!!!! Can I just say that having an IUD put in is no walk in the park? I'm fine now other than a few cramps here and there, but I had it in my head that it would be about as uncomfortable as my IUI's were. Boy was I wrong! And he even used Lido.caine!! Dr. K said that sometimes it's a walk in the park and other times it's difficult and painful. Leave it to me to be a difficult patient. I'm so glad it's over!! Now, let's see how long it takes me to stop bleeding. My friend, MW had the IUD put in about 5 weeks ago, and she's still bleeding. But I hear that if you can get through the first 6 months of irregular bleeding that you'll absolutely LOVE the IUD for the next 4.5 years. Let's hope so!!

It is Written!!!

We finally sat down and competed our Dear EM letter!! It's rough at this point, and for the next few days we're going to let it sit. Then later this week we'll revisit it, do a few revisions, and HOPEFULLY have it ready to mail next Monday!!! But what a relief to FINALLY have it on the computer with something in every section!!! YEA!!!

Tomorrow I'm going in to have the Mir.ena IU.D put in. I'm so tired of crying month after month when I have to put the Ring in. It's not the AF that gets me all upset. It's using BCP that has me all emotional each month. The last thing I want to do is prevent a pregnancy, but I know it's what I have to do b/c of the Meth.otre.xate I'm taking. But even with knowing I HAVE to do it, my heart still WANTS to be pregnant. It will be nice knowing that for the next 5 years I won't have to worry about birth control, and I can just live my life.

Y'all have a good week!!

So Tiring

I called our doctor's office last week before I left for Houston to ask if they had mailed J's medical form back to the BR agency. They hadn't. The lady said she would put it on the doctor's desk for her to look at the following day. I left town and didn't call back until yesterday. I asked about the form, and the lady said that they had copies of the completed form in J's chart so that meant they had been sent off. I'll be calling the agency to confirm tomorrow. You know, this may not mean much to them, but it's HUGE to us, so why can't that be incentive enough for them to keep their patients happy by keeping the ball rolling???

I got back in town Monday, and J left last night for Houston. We're two ships passing in the night. I'm ready to see him for more than a couple nights at a time. I miss him!!!

I still haven't heard anything from the MS agency. Guess I'll have to call again. FRUSTRATING!!!

I need to sit down tonight and finish up our dear EM letter. But the olympics have been on, and I'm just not a multitasker when it comes to doing something with the TV on. Must be my ADD, I don't know. A part of me is bitter b/c I've had to write the whole thing since J has been working or on a trip, and I think that's a big reason for my procrastination. But I'm GOING to have it ready for editing by the agencies by Monday morning!!! I think I'll pin J down this weekend so we can knock it out. I just don't think I need to be the only one writing this thing. Am I right here? Do I have reason to be a little bitter about it? Be honest. I can take it!!

Sneaky Project A Success!!!

Here's the before pics (This is not our furniture. These are pics I took the day we made an offer on the house 3 years ago. I don't have any "before" pics of our den with all our stuff in it. But you get the idea...Take a look at the horrible paneling!!)

And After...

And the best part...I did it all for under $500!!!

ETA: Sorry, forgot to write about J's reaction. He loves it! He keeps saying that he can't believe it's the same room. His favorite things in the room are the curtains and the rug. I thought he would ahve a hreat attack about painting the fireplace, but surprisingly, he likes that too. He teased me and said I had been watching to much HGTV...probably right since I was flat on my back for 3 weeks after surgery.