Application sent...

We finally sent in our application to CHI last week. I love that we are back on the road to adoption. Now the infamous paper chase can continue...
The entire process seems rather abstract. I have read books, looked at endless websites, taken courses, etc., but it still doesn't seem real. I'm not sure that it will until we actually have our referral. I may be cynical, but I just don't trust that nothing will go wrong until we have our baby. I want so badly to nest and prepare, but I know that I need to wait. There is still plenty of time for all that fun stuff.
This week, I have been waiting not-so-patiently for our dossier packet to arrive. I know that it is coming any day/week. It's kind of funny actually, because I realized recently that Tommy and I are not too savvy on the form filling out thing. It's just not one of our strengths. I want to hurry and get it done, while Tommy's form-filling-out style is thoughtful and deliberate. Together? Not the best scenario...and yet there are so many forms left to fill! The excitement that awaits :)
Timeline so far...We decided that we wanted and were ready to adopt in November 2006. We researched countries and programs and had a few disappointments. We turned in our application to Bal Jagat in December and did our first three homestudy visits in January-February. Then, the country we had chosen went on an unofficial hold. We waited for a few months. During this time I researched our options. When we decided that Ethiopia was our calling, it just felt right. In April the decision was made and we researched placement agencies. Last week was a great milestone, mailing in our application. Now I just want to start filling in those lines and checking those boxes (in a haphazard fashion, of course, thank goodness for Tommy!).
A good friend of mine just told me that she is going to adopt domestically. I am so excited for her and her family. It is such an exciting time for us, it will be special to watch someone close to me go through a similar experience.
Tommy is not yet in tune with his "blogging" self...so, I must now blog for him. But, he did want me to share that he "can't wait to just hold our baby."
I will work on supporting him to reach a place deep within where he is comfortable expressing himself through blog, but until then, you are stuck with me. I apologize for any misrepresentations :)