An exciting evening in the Pillitteri house!!!

For the past few weeks we have been busy filling out forms, seeing doctors and having blood work done. Those of you that know me well know that blood work is my archenemy. I am proud to say that I actually went all by myself and had seven vials taken! There's even proof!

I guess when you really want something you overcome some stuff you really can't stand!
So as of last week we had completed:

• Application for the home study
• Medical forms and physicals
• Disclosures
• Discipline Policy
• Fingerprint-based Federal Criminal Record Checks
• Personal References
• And several other forms 

Essentially this part of the home study is hinging on the state completing our Criminal History Records and Child Abuse Clearance forms...until tonight! Well, sort of... both of mine arrived this evening in the mail, so I am excited. However, Michael's have yet to come- which is a little weird since we sent them all at the same time. I am hoping his will arrive tomorrow. Once they do, we will be able to send all of the above materials into our home study agency and start a series of four meetings with a social worker.

Another exciting piece of our adoption puzzle also arrived in the mail this evening. A small box full of craft supplies that I ordered! We have decided to craft Christmas ornaments to help subsidize the very big price tag that comes along with bringing a little one home from Ethiopia. I can't show you a finished product yet, but stay tuned. And in the meantime- start thinking of all the people you know that might want a handmade ornament on their tree that supports the beautiful gift of adoption!

 
I've been having a lot of fun immersing myself more in the adoption community. There are a lot of wonderful, popular sentiments, and this one made my heart smile the other day. I don't know our baby yet, but I am sure it's how we will both feel:

"We didn't give you the gift of life, rather life gave us the gift of you."

In any case...we're getting excited!